News / News Bulletin

Wearable device increases life of cancer patients

Tuesday, 04 April 2017 1:29 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 04 April 2017 2:14 PM ]

In this March 29, 2017 photo, Joyce Endresen wears an Optune therapy device for brain cancer. © AP

American scientists have introduced a wearable device that makes electric fields capable of increasing the lifespan of people diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer.

The device is called the Optune therapy cap. It contains strips of electrodes connected by wires to a small generator kept in a bag. They create low intensity electric fields that disrupt cell reproduction.

This helps make the cells die. Patients have to keep their heads shaved to wear the cap for 18 hours a day. Researchers say their studies show the new therapy can extend patients' lives, although it is no cure.

Medics say the new method, in combination with chemotherapy, can increase the survival rate of brain cancer patients. Pilot tests are also underway for other cancers, such as pancreatic tumors.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

The Lite