CANCER

      POLICY FOR USE IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER

      ISSUE

      1. Use in terminal cancer
      2. Use in active, curable cancer
      3. Use in patients with a history of cancer

       

      BACKGROUND

      A recent survey published by the Fatigue Coalition concluded that :

       

      • Fatigue in patients with cancer is pervasive and profound (prevalence > 75%)
      • Fatigue lasts longer and impacts Quality of Life more than any other cancer-related side effect
      • Treatment of fatigue is difficult and often non-specific

       

      M.E.T. TECHNOLOGY


      KFH Energy is the 1st medical device specifically indicated to treat fatigue and increase stamina

      It works by increasing the production of ATP, the energy molecule used in all cellular activities

       

      MEDICAL LITERATURE


      Electroterapy has been tried in oncology, with and without chemotherapy, with mixed results. However, there are no clinical reports of treatment with such low currents as M.E.T.

      • Laboratory evidence
        • Lyte - J. Nat Cancer Inst
        • Mouse E4 lymphoma cells
        • Suppression characteristics over narrow window centred at17uA
        • Enhancement characteristics over broad range direct currents approx 0,1 – 10uA
      • Sersa, Vodovnik – anticancer drugs
        • DC current of 0.6, 1.0, 1.4 and 1.8 mA used to treat murine fibrosarcoma and melanoma directly through tumour. Resulted in significant tumour growth delay.
      • Habal J - Biomed Mater Research
        • ’Small anodal DC’ major retardation in tumour growth when the treatment was started early. There was enhancement of tumour growth when the treatment was started early and then discontinued. No statistical difference in growth control of the experimental tumour when the electrotherapy was given after the half life of the tumour was achieved.
      • Humphrey CE – Science (1959)
      • Ren RL -  Bioelectromagnetics 2001
        • Rat models of breast cancer. Tumour reduction at >80C dose.
      • Vodovnik, Med Biol Eng Comput
        • Review article – Electric currents modify transmembrane potentials to normalise cell proliferation.

       

      CONCLUSION

       

      No definitive evidence showing either safety or otherwise of microcurrent in tumour cell populations in vitro or in vivo. Studies vary in way current has been delivered and make comparison difficult. – Current /current density/ total charge etc. Some evidence supporting modification of tumour growth but details to be further explored. Therefore looking at risk benefit analysis

       

      Risk of potentiating tumour growth is low but serious and poorly understood.

      Potential for improving symptoms of pain and fatigue is high and improves quality of life.

       

      RECOMMENDATION

      1. When considering use of M.E.T. in cancer, always consult your physician first.
      2. Use in terminal cancer – YES, any tumour potentiation is irrelevant. QOL can be greatly improved.
      3. Use in active, curable cancer – NO, risk of tumour potentiation in a curable patient.
      4. Use in patients with a history of cancer – not for at least 5 years after completion of treatment. Caution with breast cancer, etc for which 5 years does not represent cure.