electro-Cancer Therapy

The Electro Cancer Therapy uses direct current to destroy tumor tissue. This is possible, because tumor cells relative to healthy cells have a markedly Lowered membrane potential, thereby changing electrical characteristics. The generated direct current flows mainly through the tumor tissue, where it induces various electrochemical processes. This leads to the necrotic death, apoptosis of tumor cells with only a small influence on normal tissue.
By applying electrodes to the tumor tissue, be it skin metastasis, lymph node metastasis or isolated organ metastases flows in the electrochemical treatment (ECT), or DC current through the Galvanic- tumor tissue.
The aim of the application of direct current is the wanted rapid aseptic flow heat (thermo)-induced necrosis (death of sterile tumor tissue) of a tumor or tumor field by a controlled stepwise switchable DC source by means of electrodes and probes into the tumor tissue.
The therapy can be used in many types of tumors and is well tolerated by most patients and accepted. The ECT treatment can be performed as an outpatient and is compared to conventional cancer treatments side effects.

Physikalisch-Chemische Wirkung der ECT
Once a DC voltage is applied to electrodes, the ion of water reacts. At the cathode, electrons to hydrogen ions (H) to be transmitted, there is created hydrogen gas (H). At the anode the hydroxide ions (OH) withdrawn electrons are formed of water (H20) and molecular oxygen (0). This chemical system occurs at the negative pole (cathode) reducing operations, at the positive pole (anode) oxidizing processes on. At the junction of the electrodes for electrolytic conductor occurs electrolysis. Some reduction products are very aggressive. At the cathode, inter alia Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is formed with a very high pH (above 9). At the anode creates a very acidic environment, because there salt (HCL) is formed. But happened in the tissue adjacent to the electrolysis and the pH shift are other significant changes, which cause a selective necrosis of tumor tissue, such as:
1. an influence of the membrane potential, e.g. by changing the electrolyte milieu and inactivation of the NA + / K + pump.
2. A total polarization of macro-and micro-molecular tissue components.
3.  A separation of malignant tissue from healthy. Devitalization of malignant tissue by interrupting important life processes. Elimination destroyed malignant tissue from the body by the body's own mining operations. Forced use by scar tissue.
It is believed that the tissue be held in electrochemical processes based on the electrolytic dissociation of different molecules, and the electrophoresis migration of the ions formed. These effects should lead to drastic changes in pH and the formation of cytotoxic substances. In addition, an enrichment or depletion of water in the treated tissue favor the death degenerate Zeller. In this way, the tumor tissue is brought to death. The dead tissue is broken down (deeper tumors) or repelled (superficial tumors). The effect of electric current to biological tissue is obviously complex. It was reported recently that the magnetic force of the web with direct current for the synthesis of carbohydrates and their presentation on the cell surface has an influence. In this way, the detection of abnormal cells may be facilitated by the immune system. A direct activation of the immune system and the formation of micro-thrombosis in the tumor area are the possible effects of the electric field.

Indications
The treatment is particularly suitable for superficial or deeper, with a needle electrode to reach, solid tumors that are inoperable for aesthetic and functional reasons.
These include:
Mammary carcinomas, especially recurrence after radiation and chemotherapy
Selected tumors of the ear, nose and throat area, skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous, melanoma, etc.
skin metastases
Soft tissue tumors
Isolated organ metastases
Tumors of the liver, the gall bladder and pancreas,
Colon and rectum cancers,
bladder carcinoma
Almost all mucosal tumors
Bone metastases,
Lung and bronchial
Tumors are often more or less superficial, as in:
The aim of the application of direct current is the wanted rapid aseptic flow heat (thermo)-induced necrosis (death of sterile tumor tissue) of a tumor or tumor field by a controlled stepwise switchable DC source by means of electrodes and probes into the tumor tissue.
The combination of ECT with conventional treatments, such as Chemotherapy and radiation therapy is possible.
Here it should be mentioned that the efficiency of the above methods is amplified by a factor of 10.
It remains to consider whether the particular situation of oncological patients permits ECT.
Kontraindikation
Metal implants in the area of power! (Also, for example shrapnel, "spiral", implants, etc.)
Pacemaker current in the field
Thrombosis (risk of embolism)
varices
AVK stage IIb - IV according to Fontaine
Acute inflammation (local, systemic)
general infections
Suppurative processes in the abdominal
Fever
during pregnancy !
Brain tumors
ECTPLUS  -  medical device for cancer treatments
All necessary apparatus for the treatment therapy is integrated in a mobile terminal. The therapy-terminal consists of a free-standing, mounted on smooth-rolling plastic housing with the ECTPLUS control module, PC, monitor, keyboard, and a printer. The switchbox has 5 pairs of electrodes which are arranged in an electrode groups.
Tumor Treatment by ECT
Electrode material
Plate electrodes can be very different. Mostly they are from
Carbon or metal (zinc plate). There are also disposable electrodes
be discarded after each treatment.
Upholstery
The electrode material cannot be placed directly on the skin, since the
Cauterization is so great. Here are specially made of sponge padding
or rayon used. When galvanization is used, electrode shape has to be
0, 5 to 1, 5 cm thick
there are point-button shell and plate electrodes. These electrodes
offered by different manufacturers in different sizes.
The usual dimensions are 4 x 6 cm, 6 cm and 8 x 8 x 12 cm.
ELECTRO THERAPY UPDATE: 04.02.98
Description of the treatment process, such as:
Before treatment is chosen depending on the specific findings and the location of the tumor, the optimal electrode shape and mode of administration. The treated body area of the patient is examined carefully for wounds and minor injuries before applying the electrodes. (((Injuries have an impact on the flow of current))) between body surface and a flat electrode is applied a padding to avoid possible undesirable reactions that may occur during direct contact between skin and electrode material. ...
Also important is the placement of the electrodes.
It must be ensured that the electrode surface is chosen so large that the tumor - (metastatic) tissue is completely covered (see pictures).