We have reported for many years that low voltage EM fields will cause
cancer cells to self-destruct through apoptosis. There is now a
clinical trial on brain cancer patients using continuously applied
external electromagetic fields of low voltage and relatively low
frequencies (150-200khz). Preliminary results are quite good. NovoCure
- Pivotal (Phase III) Clincal TrialCancer CellsCancer cells divide and
multiply rapidly in the brain. These cancer cells carry special types
of electrically charged elements that play a role during the cell
division process. Other healthy cells in the brain multiply at a much
slower rate, if at all, and thus rarely include the same electric
properties as the dividing cancer cells.Tumor Treating Fields
(TTFields)The NovoTTF-100A device used in this trial delivers very low
intensity, alternating electric fields to the tumor site through the
scalp. These fields are known as Tumor Treating Fields or TTFields. Due
to the unique shape of cancer cells when they are multiplying, TTFields
cause the building blocks of these cells to pile up in such a way that
the cells physically break apart. In addition, cancer cells also
contain miniature building blocks that move essential parts of the
cells from place to place during division. TTFields cause these
building blocks to fall apart since they have a special type of
electric charge. As a result of these two effects, preliminary study
data indicate that cancer tumor growth is slowed and may even reverse
after continuous exposure to TTFields. Preliminary data also indicate
that the TTFields affect the healthy brain cells much less than cancer
cells since healthy brain cells multiply at a much slower rate, if at
all. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCESPublished online on
June 5, 2007, 10.1073/pnas.0702916104Medical SciencesAlternating
electric fields arrest cell proliferation in animal tumor models and
human brain tumors( cancer | glioblastoma | tumor treating
fields )Eilon D. Kirson et. al.Communicated by Joseph Schlessinger,
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, April 5, 2007
(received for review January 15, 2007)70 months of cumulative treatment
in all of the patients. The only device-related side effect seen was a
mild to moderate contact dermatitis beneath the field delivering
electrodes. We conclude that TTFields are a safe and effective new
treatment modality which effectively slows down tumor growth in vitro,
in vivo and, as demonstrated here, in human cancer patients.

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Posted By Jeff Sutherland to Dr. Jeff Sutherland's Electronic Medicine
at 4/14/2008 07:28:00 PM