Foundation

The National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center will expand clinical trial studies for multiple cancer types

DETROIT — The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute has been awarded $459,010 for continued research in treating cancers with radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Leaders from U CAN-CER VIVE Foundation, an organization that supports cancer research in Michigan, delivered the check to Karmanos researchers in March. U CAN-CER VIVE was co-founded by Ryan and Kelley LaFontaine. The funds will help open clinical trial studies in cancer treatment of breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancers, and continue studies in liver cancer with the novel, handheld, portable device, TheraBionic P1.

“U CAN-CER VIVE has supported the important research that our scientists conduct, and we are grateful to have had their continued commitment over the years that assists our labs in breakthrough research and development of novel treatments,” explained Anthony Shields, M.D., Ph.D., medical oncologist, associate center director of Clinical Sciences and member of the Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) at Karmanos. “We’ve seen clear benefits in patients that we have prescribed the TheraBionic P1 device since we began offering this therapy in November. Since the announcement of Karmanos being the first to offer treatments with the device for advanced liver cancer, many of our clinical researchers have been looking into how this new therapy can extend treatment options for many of their patients.”

The TheraBionic P1 device was FDA-approved in September 2023 to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. This treatment concept and device has undergone two decades of research and studies, which showed using the TheraBionic P1 device resulted in tumor shrinkage, blocked new cancer cell growth, and increased overall survival rates. According to TheraBionic, Inc., patients undergoing treatment in these studies did not experience debilitating side effects associated with other cancer-fighting therapies, including loss of appetite, diarrhea, and irritation of the palms and soles. One patient lived nearly six years, using the device consistently months after recurrence of HCC. TheraBionic P1 is the first FDA-approved systemic therapy using radiofrequency electromagnetic fields to treat cancer.

The TheraBionic P1 device was co-invented by Boris Pasche, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, the president and CEO of Karmanos. In research studies, he and his co-inventor, Alexandre Barbault, learned that specific tumors react to specific tumor frequencies.

“The device is amplitude-modulated at tumor-specific frequencies. We discovered that different frequencies are needed for HCC, breast, pancreatic, colon cancers, and other solid tumors. Dr. Shields and our Karmanos physician-scientists are leading these studies. We look forward to the results of these clinical trials and hope to continue offering this device to patients who may need another option for treatment,” said Dr. Pasche.

The device emits low levels of 27.12 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, which are amplitude-modulated at tumor-specific frequencies ranging from 200 Hz to 100,000 Hz. The patient puts a spoon-shaped antenna on their tongue to administer treatment in three one-hour sessions daily in the comfort of their own home. The specific low levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields travel throughout the patient’s body to the primary tumor and its metastases, wherever they are located. The tumor-specific radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are recognized by receptors on tumor cells.^1,2 Once recognized by the receptors, the signal transforms into growth arrest, blocking the growth of tumor cells without affecting healthy tissue. Radiofrequency levels delivered during treatment are lower than those generated by cellular phones when held close to the body.

“U CAN-CER VIVE was born from a deeply personal place — a promise to fight for every life impacted by cancer,” said Kelley LaFontaine, co-founder of U CAN-CER VIVE. “This gift to Karmanos represents more than funding; it’s our unwavering belief in the brilliance of Michigan’s researchers and the strength of every patient in the fight of their life. To know that this device is already changing outcomes, already giving families more time together — that’s why we do what we do. We are honored to stand beside the team at Karmanos as they push the boundaries of what’s possible and bring new light into the lives of so many.”

Many of the studies that the U CAN-CER VIVE grant supports are expected to open in 2025. Currently, Karmanos has a study available for patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

For more information on clinical trials available at Karmanos and to access the clinical trials portal, visit karmanos.org/clinicaltrials.

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About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Karmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in transformative cancer care, research and education through courage, commitment and compassion. The Karmanos vision is a world free of cancer. As part of McLaren Health Care, Karmanos is the largest provider of cancer care and research in Michigan. For more than 75 years, the administrative and research headquarters, along with the premier specialty cancer hospital, have been located in downtown Detroit. With 17 network sites, Karmanos delivers world-renowned care and access to clinical trials throughout Michigan and northern Ohio. The National Cancer Institute recognizes Karmanos as one of the best cancer centers in the nation with a comprehensive cancer center designation. Its academic partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine provides the framework for cancer research and education – defining new standards of care and improving survivorship. For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266) or visit karmanos.org. Follow Karmanos on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About U CAN-CER VIVE Foundation
Founded in 2016 by siblings Ryan and Kelley LaFontaine, U CAN-CER VIVE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to raising vital funds for cancer research. 100% of donations go directly toward funding grants for life-saving cancer research in the state of Michigan. Powered entirely by passionate volunteers, U CAN-CER VIVE is dedicated to creating a sustainable impact by supporting cutting-edge research, driving awareness, and offering hope to countless individuals and families affected by cancer. With the belief that together we CAN make a difference, U CAN-CER VIVE continues to fuel progress toward a cancer-free future.

To learn more or get involved, follow @UCANCERVIVE on social media, or email us directly at admin@ucancervive.com today!