Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer that affect the brain and the spinal cord and is almost always fatal. But there may be hope in the future, as there is a new treatment method developed by researchers that could help shrink the tumor.
The treatment relies on something you don't normally associate with cancer treatment: magnets.
The experimental treatment, using a device called the Oncomagnetic Device is composed of three rotating permanent magnets attached to a helmet and connected to a microprocessor-based electronic controller that is operated by a rechargeable battery. The magnets, which rotate in a specific frequency profile and timing pattern, create a noninvasive oscillating magnetic field.
The Oncomagnetic Device was shown to reduce tumor mass by 31% in a 53-year-old glioblastoma patient who suffered from end-stage recurrent glioblastoma, despite surgery, chemo- and radiation therapy and experimental gene therapy. The patient died one month into the treatment due to an unrelated injury, but during that short time it was effective in reducing the tumor mass.
"Imagine treating brain cancer without radiation therapy or chemotherapy," said David Baskin of Houston Methodist, "our results in the laboratory and with this patient open a new world of non-invasive and nontoxic therapy for brain cancer, with many exciting possibilities for the future."
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Image: Houston Methodist