Karmanos Cancer Institute Makes History with Revolutionary Liver Cancer Treatment in Detroit
Globally, liver cancer ranks as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. According to studies from the American Association for Cancer Research, more than 42,000 individuals are anticipated to be diagnosed with this disease each year, resulting in an estimated 30,000 deaths in the United States. The Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit has marked a historic milestone by introducing a groundbreaking liver cancer treatment that adopts an innovative approach, instilling hope among individuals grappling with this disease, a significant portion of whom are Black.
While liver cancer poses a significant threat to individuals across diverse communities, recent research suggests that Black patients may face unique challenges in its diagnosis and treatment. A study conducted by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai sheds light on the distinctive profile of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a form of liver cancer, in Black individuals, revealing that they often present with more advanced liver cancers despite having less severe underlying liver disease.
The March 2021 Cancer study, involving 1,195 patients, including 390 identifying as Black, revealed distinct characteristics in Black individuals with liver cancer. Notably, Black patients showed higher liver function during diagnosis, with lower serum total bilirubin and international normalized ratio. They also displayed fewer noticeable indicators, such as liver architectural changes, ascites, splenomegaly, and low platelet counts.
African Americans face a higher liver cancer incidence rate of 10.2 cases per 100,000 compared to 6.3 cases per 100,000 among White Americans. Although the stage at diagnosis is similar for both racial groups, the 5-year survival rate for African Americans (21%) is significantly lower than that of White Americans (25%) across all stages.
The study’s significant finding was that Black liver cancer patients had a lower biomarker score, suggesting a need to reconsider surveillance guidelines, extending them to include Black patients without certain indicators and biomarkers.
The root causes of racial disparities in liver cancer incidence remain unclear, possibly indicating race/ethnicity-specific variations in the prevalence of associated risk factors. Recognized risk factors include chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Karmanos Cancer Institute Pioneers New Treatment for Advanced Liver Cancer:
The Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit has become the first provider in the United States to offer a new FDA-approved treatment for advanced liver cancer. The TheraBionic P1 device, designed to address advanced HCC, is an at-home treatment that emits low levels of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields. This innovative therapy blocks the growth of tumor cells without affecting healthy tissue.
HCC, accounting for approximately 90% of all liver cancers, has average survival rates ranging from six to 20 months. The TheraBionic P1 device offers a non-invasive treatment option for patients aged 18 and older who have failed first- and second-line therapies. Dr. Boris Pasche, president and CEO of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, expressed his satisfaction at seeing the device come to market, emphasizing its potential to prolong the lives of those battling this incurable cancer.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the TheraBionic P1 device finally come to market starting with Karmanos, an organization on the cutting edge of cancer innovation, research, and novel therapies. Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an incurable cancer, so the FDA’s approval of this non-invasive treatment option is transformative as physicians across the country will now have access to this revolutionary treatment that has proven to prolong the life of those battling the disease.”
How TheraBionic P1 Works:
TheraBionic P1 is a hand-held device that produces low levels of 27.12 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, amplitude-modulated at tumor-specific frequencies. Administered in three one-hour sessions per day, the device is coupled with a spoon-shaped antenna placed on the patient’s tongue, delivering low levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields throughout the body. The treatment is fully portable and safe for in-home use, with radiofrequency levels lower than those generated by cellular phones.
The introduction of TheraBionic P1 marks a significant advancement in liver cancer treatment, especially for those with advanced HCC who have limited alternative options. The success of this innovative therapy opens the door to further exploration of its potential in treating various other cancers. Multiple clinical trials are currently underway to study the impact of TheraBionic P1 on breast, brain, ovarian, gallbladder, pancreatic, and prostate cancers, offering hope for a broader range of patients.
Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, presents a complex challenge, and the distinctive profile observed in Black patients underscores the importance of tailored screening and treatment approaches. The pioneering efforts of the Karmanos Cancer Institute with the TheraBionic P1 device mark a crucial step forward in addressing the unique needs of individuals with advanced HCC. As research continues to evolve, these breakthroughs offer hope for improved outcomes and extended lives for those affected by liver cancer, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background.
“We are very pleased that the TheraBionic P1 device will provide our patients with an effective alternative treatment option,” says Dr. Anthony Shields, a medical oncologist, and head of the Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos. “We’re excited to be the first cancer hospital in the United States to offer this innovative therapy that is safe, well tolerated, and has the clinical benefit of reducing tumor growth.”
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