Targeted Osmotic Lysis (TOL) is a novel, non-invasive cancer treatment that selectively targets and destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
The treatment leverages the unique biological characteristics of cancer cells, specifically their overexpression of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and sodium-potassium pumps (Na+, K+-ATPase).
During the TOL treatment process, patients receive a combination of two main components: a VGSC activator and a sodium pump inhibitor.
The VGSC activator, such as a low-intensity pulsed electric field or a specific pharmaceutical agent, enhances the activity of the overexpressed VGSCs in cancer cells. Simultaneously, a cardiac glycoside, like digoxin, is administered to block the Na+, K+-ATPase pumps, preventing the extrusion of sodium ions from the cancer cells.
The synergistic effect of VGSC activation and sodium pump inhibition leads to a massive influx of sodium ions and water into the cancer cells, causing them to swell beyond their capacity to accommodate the increased osmotic pressure. This pressure buildup ultimately results in the selective lysis (bursting) of the cancer cells, while normal cells, which do not exhibit the same level of VGSC and pump overexpression, remain largely unaffected.
The specificity of TOL in targeting cancer cells is attributed to the significant difference in the expression levels of VGSCs and Na+, K+-ATPase between malignant and healthy cells. Advanced carcinomas can express these channels and pumps at levels up to 30-50 times higher than normal excitable tissues, such as nerves and muscles.
The patient lies comfortably in the treatment device on a supported mattress and is surrounded by 4 circular coils which administer a low level pulsed electrical field.
During this time the patient is free to sleep, read a book and is non-restrained.
The treatment lasts for 2 hour a session and is prescribed twice weekly for 3 weeks
TOL is a targeted approach that exploits the unique biological characteristics of cancer cells.
Unlike conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation, which indiscriminately attacks both cancerous and healthy cells, leading to severe side effects,
By selectively destroying cells that overexpress VGSCs and sodium pumps, TOL minimizes collateral damage to normal tissues, significantly reducing the risk of adverse effects typically associated with chemotherapy or radiation, such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, skin reactions, and compromised immune function.
Additionally, while chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be limited in their effectiveness against aggressive or metastatic cancers, TOL has shown promising results in reducing tumor size, slowing growth, and potentially extending survival in such cases, as demonstrated in preclinical studies and companion animal trials.
Potential benefits and minimal side effects
- Selective Targeting of Cancer Cells:
- TOL selectively destroys cells that overexpress VGSCs and sodium pumps, which are hallmarks of aggressive carcinomas, while sparing healthy cells.
- Minimal Side Effects:
- Unlike conventional treatments, TOL does not indiscriminately attack healthy cells, reducing the risk of severe side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Improved Quality of Life
- By minimizing side effects and potentially slowing tumor growth or reducing tumor size, TOL may help improve patients' overall quality of life during treatment.
- Potential for Treating Advanced or Metastatic Cancers:
- Preclinical and companion animal studies have shown promising results in treating advanced or metastatic cancers that may be resistant to standard treatments.
- Non-Invasive Nature:
- TOL is a non-invasive treatment, eliminating the need for surgical interventions and reducing the risk of complications associated with invasive procedures.
- Potential for Use As A Standalone or Adjuvant Therapy:
- TOL can be explored as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies, such as chemotherapy, to enhance overall treatment efficacy.
- Safety Profile:
- While TOL is still in the early stages of clinical evaluation, the preliminary results suggest a favorable safety profile, with minimal to no reported side effects in the limited human cases studied so far.
Experience A New Way To Treat Cancer
Welcome to KeyMed ‘Targeted Osmotic Lysis trial’. Bringing Innovative Solutions to Metastatic Cancer Patients.
