The aim of this open access book is to provide a unique, timely, critical and comprehensive compilation of more than 30 years of robust international experimental and clinical research related to the basic science and therapeutic application of water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) and hyperthermia in oncology, psychiatry (depression), musculoskeletal disorders, dermatology, infectiology, and surgery. This is an internationally absolutely unique attempt which publication is timely and of great interest in medical as well as in natural sciences. 

The aim is to enhance communication and advance the use of heat therapy for patient benefit, and to generate an environment in which anyone with an interest in hyperthermia can discuss, collaborate, network, and share events and resources. Productive dialogue and discussion among scientists and practitioners on issues relating to hyperthermia therapy is essential, especially relating to thermal transmission by water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA). The specificity and advantage of this technology is its tolerance by tissue, and its penetration of up to 3 cm allows the delivery of high heat dosages that are relevant across multiple clinical indications. 

Currently, wIRA is being applied in Austria, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UK and the USA. The authors' hope is that its use will increase in these countries, and also expand into others. 

This book will be an invaluable tool for oncologists, surgeons, dermatologists as well as physiotherapists.

A. PRINCIPLES.- 1. Glossary used in wIRA-Hyperthermia

2. From sun to therapeutic wIRA
3. Physical and Photobiological Basics of wIRA-Hyperthermia
4. Thermography and thermometry in wIRA-hyperthermia
5. Temperature profiles and oxygenation status in human skin and subcutis upon thermography-controlled wIRA-hyperthermia
6. Effects of water-filtered infrared A (wIRA) on cells in tissue culture: The example of human fibroblasts.- B. CLINICAL PRACTICE.- ONCOLOGY.- 7. Thermography-controlled, contact-free wIRA-hyperthermia (wIRA-HT) combined with hypofractionated radiotherapy for large-sized lesions of unresectable locally recurrent breast cancer
8. Combined use of wIRA and microwave or radiofrequency hyperthermia.- 9. Whole body hyperthermia in Oncology: Renaissance in the immunotherapy era
10. Gold Nanoparticles and Infrared Heating: Use of the Hydrosun wIRA Irradiator
11. Water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) irradiation: A potent strategy to improve anti-tumor immune responses in superficial malignancies.- PSYCHIATRY.- 12. Whole-Body Hyperthermia: Historical aspects, current use, and future perspectives.- 13. Whole body hyperthermia in psychiatry.- NEONATOLOGY.- 14. Mode of action, efficacy, and safety of radiant heaters in neonatology.- DERMATOLOGY.- 15. Water-filtered Infrared-A irradiation in wound treatment
16.   The clinical application of wIRA-irradiation in burn wounds
17. Influence of wIRA-irradiation on wound healing: Focus on the dermis
18. Water-filtered infrared A (wIRA): from observations in clinical studies to complex in vitro models
19. Therapeutic use of water-filtered infrared-A irradiation in dermatology.- RHEUMATOLOGY.- 20. Evaluation of the effectiveness of a water-filtered infrared-A therapy (wIRA) applied to the hands in patients with osteoarthritis and non-inflammatory arthralgia - preliminary data
21. Water-filtered Infrared-A radiation in axial spondyloarthritis - heat for lower back pain?.- INFECTIOLOGY.- 22. Water-filtered Infrared-A radiation (wIRA): Novel treatment options for chlamydial infections
23. Safety assessment of water-filtered Infrared A (wIRA) on the eye as a novel treatment option for chlamydial infections.- OTHER.- 24.   Recommended Reading.