Untitled

Abstract

Some recent excellent papers on the electrochemical treatment (ECT) of tumors provide observations for an analysis of this phenomenon from an electrochemical point of view. An attempt is made here to develop the idea that ECT is a case of electro-osmotic dewatering (EOD) of the tumor material with the consequent changes in pH, with the concomitant role of reactions at the electrodes. Some quantitative considerations explaining the role of electrochemical double layers, zeta potential and associated quantities during the electro-osmotic process are outlined. A capsule summary of the factors that may be involved in necrosis of the tumor tissue is given in which the electro-osmotic dewatering at the anode and excess water accumulation at the cathode are the paramount effects, together with the associated pH changes.

Phenomenology and Mechanisms of Electrochemical Treatment (ECT) of Tumors

“…25 We note that before the ECT, the initial pH of the tissue is around 7, i.e. neutral or nearly neutral.…”

“…19 In order to explain all the salient features of the key experimental results on ECT (viz. listed as 1. to 6. at the beginning of Section II, Phenomenology of ECT), Vijh 25 proposed a detailed electrochemical mechanism in which electroosmosis of the tissue (and thence water movement from anode to cathode) and electrode reactions (thence necrosis of the tissue, pH changes etc.) play the dominant roles.…”

“…Hyperthermia would appear to be unimportant except perhaps towards the end of ECT experiment when the anode area is quite dry and thence of high electrical resistance and supports enhanced local heating. 25 Oxidation by C 2 (or chloride radicals adsorbed at the platinum electrode as Pt-C ), O 2 , O 3 (which must be evolved in traces at the high anodic potentials attained in ECT carried out at high current densities) at the anode are no doubt responsible for necrosis in the tissue around the anode; one can even see visible changes such as bleaching and/or other colour changes. Around the cathode, the erosive damage may be caused by cavitation by the profusely evolving hydrogen.…”

“…25 The following other possible contributions to the necrosis of the cancer tumor during ECT may also be noted: It has been suggested 10,18 that the electroosmotic movement of water towards the cathode that causes oedema at the cathode site leads to increase of tissue turgor pressure there: 18 it results in completely suspended circulation in the capillaries in the cathodic field leading thus to tissue death.…”

“…Since then, he has published very extensive studies on the electrochemical treatment (ECT) of tumors. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] In addition to these 11,18 and other 19 major Swedish efforts, modern work on ECT on animals and human beings is also being carried out in many other countries, e.g., United Kingdom, 7,20 United States of America, 21,22 Australia, 23,24 Canada 25,26 and other countries, 27 especially, Japan 28 and China. 29 As regards the practical application of ECT to cancer in human beings, i.e., the clinical work, the most extensive investigations have been carried out in China.…”