[Treatment of solid tumor by a small amount of direct current]

Solid tumor treatment was given in our animal laboratory to determine the mechanism of tumor disappearance by direct electric current, and clinical trials were done on 9 far advanced recurrent rectal cancers. Solid tumors of Yoshida sarcoma in Donryu rat were treated by 1 mA of constant direct current for 1 hour a day, for 4 days. The tumors disappeared in 13/16 within 21 days. Positive results of DNA Nick-end labeling and ladder patterns in the gel electrophoresis of DNA were observed in the regressing tumor specimen. It is considered that apoptosis is the one of the mechanisms of a disappearing tumor. As for the clinical trial concern, in 9 cases of rectal cancer, one CR and 5 PR were seen.