Amplitude-modulated electromagnetic fields for the treatment of cancer: discovery of tumor-specific frequencies and assessment of a novel therapeutic approach

Abstract

Purpose: Because in vitro studies suggest that low levels of electromagnetic fields may modify cancer cell growth, we hypothesized that systemic delivery of a combination of tumor-specific frequencies may have a therapeutic effect. We undertook this study to identify tumor-specific frequencies and test the feasibility of administering such frequencies to patients with advanced cancer.

Patients and methods: We examined patients with various types of cancer using a noninvasive biofeedback method to identify tumor-specific frequencies. We offered compassionate treatment to some patients with advanced cancer and limited therapeutic options.

Results: We examined a total of 163 patients with a diagnosis of cancer and identified a total of 1524 frequencies ranging from 0.1 Hz to 114 kHz. Most frequencies (57-92%) were specific for a single tumor type. Compassionate treatment with tumor-specific frequencies was offered to 28 patients. Three patients experienced grade 1 fatigue during or immediately after treatment. There were no NCI grade 2, 3 or 4 toxicities. Thirteen patients were evaluable for response. One patient with hormone-refractory breast cancer metastatic to the adrenal gland and bones had a complete response lasting 11 months. One patient with hormone-refractory breast cancer metastatic to liver and bones had a partial response lasting 13.5 months. Four patients had stable disease lasting for +34.1 months (thyroid cancer metastatic to lung), 5.1 months (non-small cell lung cancer), 4.1 months (pancreatic cancer metastatic to liver) and 4.0 months (leiomyosarcoma metastatic to liver).

Conclusion: Cancer-related frequencies appear to be tumor-specific and treatment with tumor-specific frequencies is feasible, well tolerated and may have biological efficacy in patients with advanced cancer.

Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00805337.

Figures

Figure 1

Block diagram of the novel emitting device making use of the Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) technology . This applicator was used for both the detection and administration of amplitude-modulated electromagnetic frequencies. RF: radiofrequency.

Figure 2

Compassionate treatment of a 51 year old patient with ovarian cancer FIGO IIIC with extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis since October 1997. The patient received paclitaxel and cisplatin from March 97, then docetaxel and carboplatin, doxorubicin, and gemcitabine. Because of progression of disease the patient was offered compassionate treatment with amplitude-modulated electromagnetic fields as of May 05. As seen below, the initial treatment consisting of 15 frequencies (May 05) did not yield any response. Upon re examination, 11 additional frequencies (26) were added to the treatment program in August 05. Because of disease progression, treatment with single agent bevacizumab was initiated in November 05. Interestingly, the CA 125 level had decreased by 200 units prior to the initiation of bevacizumab. Combined treatment with amplitude-modulated electromagnetic fields and bevacizumab resulted in a decrease in CA 125 level from 2140 to 540 in May 06. Treatment was supplemented with cyclophosphamide from March to September 07. The patient was hospitalized with pneumonia and elected to only receive amplitude-modulated electromagnetic fields since September 07. As of April 09, i.e. 50.5 months after treatment initiation the patient has stable disease and is asymptomatic. The numbers above the arrows represent the total number of cancer-specific frequencies included in the treatment program.

Figure 3

59 yo postmenopausal female with ER/PR positive, ERBB2 negative breast cancer with biopsy confirmed metastasis to the left ischium and right adrenal gland. A) Baseline PET MIP image demonstrates metastatic disease of the right adrenal gland (small arrow) and the left ischium (large arrow). B) PET MIP image four months after baseline shows the FDG activity in the right adrenal and left ischium has resolved indicating response to therapy. However, a primary uterine tumor, which was barely detectable in the baseline study, grew during the same time frame (arrow). C) Baseline PET/CT (left panel): The non-contrast CT shows an enlarged right adrenal gland. D) Baseline PET/CT (right panel): The fused PET/CT demonstrates increased FDG activity in the enlarged right adrenal gland. E) Follow-up PET/CT: The fused PET/CT four months after baseline shows a decrease in FDG activity of the right adrenal gland. Note the corresponding decrease in size also.