Galvanotherapy
Galvanotherapy, also called as electrochemical therapy is
recently evolved treatment of cancer which practices the fundamental principle
of rehabilitation by inducing electrical impulses in the body to reinforce the
weakened muscle mass after a surgery or fracture etc.
Many cancer treatment centers have now included
bioelectrical therapy, BET or ECT as an integral module which is superior to
many harmful therapies and is accepted worldwide for its non invasive and safe
properties.
What is the standard
theory of Galvanotherapy?
Theoretically, the BET or ECT works on the basic principle
of destroying the cancer producing cells by subjecting them to direct currents
via two electrodes. This eliminates the need for a surgery or simple excision.
The advantageous effects of these currents are due to less
confrontation by the tumor cells in terms of resistance because to which, the
current starts flowing in the tumor cells quickly. The cathode attracts
positive ions of sodium and hydrogen while the anode attracts negative chlorine
ions. This results in spontaneous depolarization within the tumor cells and
thus there is sufficient production of hydrochloric acid which obliterates the
cell membrane by disrupting its metabolism and structures within. The intensity
of such direct currents is extremely high and enough to create a pH in tumor
cells which is beyond physiological capacity.
What are the
conditions for which ECT can be used?
Much faster results are achieved if the tumor is
superficial, less severe and has not been operated. The various conditions are:
- Skin cancer
- Breast cancer
- Multi organ cancer
- Tumor in the respiratory system
- Multiplication of tumor cells to the adjacent tissues.
- Vaginal cancer
- Mycosis fungoides
An overview of
electrochemical treatments
The oncology expert at cancer treatment center begins with
applying two electrodes on the affected area. A high conductivity is noticed as
soon as the current channelizes through tumor cells. The already existing pH
level of the tumor cell is disturbed by the current flow and the tumor cells
are destroyed in subsequent manner. The cells are ingested by lymphocytes and
are simply shed in due course of time in cases of skin carcinomas. This is a
promising treatment and does not cause much trouble to the patient except
gentle prickling sensation. The patient is continuously monitored and the
procedure is assisted by computer.
What are the benefits
of electrochemical therapy?
- Only the cancer cells are wiped away and rest tissues are intact.
- Healthy organs are not affected.
- The antigens liberated by the release of biochemical currents instantly boost the immune system.
- There is constant reduction of cancer cells while antigens draw more immune cells.
- Patient friendly therapy.
- No hospitalization
- Economical
Are there any
contraindications for ECT?
Galvanotherapy is not given when there are benign and
malignant tumors of organs like brain, kidneys, eyes, vertebrae and ureters.
Infants, pregnant women and patients with artificial pacemakers are also not
advised electrical treatment.
