The feasibility of low level direct current electrotherapy for regional cancer treatment

The feasibility of electrotherapy with low level direct current for cancer treatment was tested on fibrosarcoma SA-I and malignant melanoma B-16 experimental tumor models. Treatment was performed with Pt/lr electrodes inserted into the solid tumors and subcutaneously in the vicinity of the tumors, with currents ranging from 0.6 to 1.8 mAo Regardless of the electrode polarity or electrode configuration, significant antitumor effect was observed on both tumor models. Treatment with cathodic electrodes inserted into the tumor induced higher extent of tumor necrotization than with anodic electrodes. Treatment effectiveness was enhanced by delivery of the current through multiple electrodes and was direct current intensity dependent. The highest current employed (1.8 mA) induced the highest tumor growth delay; 11.8 ± 0.9 days (AM ± STD) on SA-I and 16.8 ± 0.8 days on B-16 tumors. The difference in susceptibility of the two tumor models to electrotherapy remains to be explained. Nevertheless electrotherapy with direct current is suggested as effective, relatively easy and inexpensive for local/regional cancer treatment.