Local cancer research showing real promise

A simple zap could soon eliminate all types of cancer thanks to technology developed by Sanibel resident John Kanzius.

"I designed and built the equipment," he said. "It generates a tremendous amount of heat, which kills the cancer cells. It's not invasive. It works outside of the body."

Diagnosed with cancer in 2002, Kanzius has watched patient after patient enduring chemotherapy and decided it just didn't look like what one ought to expect from modern medicine.

While undergoing his own treatment, he dreamed up the equipment which uses high energy radio waves and nanoparticles to kill cancer cells.

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston are conducting clinical trials on animals to see how effective it is and thus far the results have been promising.

Dr. Steven Curley is leading the Anderson Center researchers where they have been experimenting with the Kanzius invention for two years.

They recently published articles in medical journals about early animal and laboratory trials. Curley's team used the Kanzius Radio Frequency Generator to heat carbon nanotubes that had been inserted into cancerous tumors in the livers of rabbits. In 120 seconds, the cancer cells were completely killed with no observable side effects.

"If we can come up with ways of delivering these particles to the cancer cells, but not to normal cells this treatment will work," said Curley. "There's not a doubt in my mind... any kind of cancer, anywhere in the body."

Besides Houston, Texas, Dr. Curley is collaborating with scientists at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Curley said it may take four to five more years before the treatment is ready for human trials. However, with additional funding, the research team can be expanded and reduce that time frame by as much as two years.

"This research is showing real promise and producing stunning results in early trials," said Jim Nathan, president of Lee Memorial Health System.

This will be one of the topics Curley is planning to discuss on March 4 when he and Kanzius hold a forum at South Fort Myers High School. They will also talk in-depth about the treatment concept and describe the research being done to develop this new, non-invasive treatment for cancer. The forum begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

"The hallmark of cancer care is often the availability of clinical trials. When this revolutionary treatment is ready for human clinical trials, we are hopeful that Lee Memorial Health System/ Lee Cancer Care will be one of the chosen sites," said Sharon A. MacDonald, vice president, LMHS Oncology Services and LMHS Foundation.

Lee Memorial is one of the event sponsors. Others include The Sanibel-Captiva Trust Company, Florida Cancer Specialists, 21st Century Oncology, LeeSar and Lee Cancer Care.

To make reservations to attend, call the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation at 335-7595

If you go

>>What: Forum on a new, non-invasive treatment for cancer

>>When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4

>>Where: The auditorium at South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd.

>>Cost: Free but seating is limited

>>Info: call the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation at 335-7595