Can electrical treatment be used in cancer?
The descriptions of devices that provide electrotherapy treatments (e.g. TENS, muscle stimulators (EMS), microcurrent (MENS), FES) almost always state that electrotherapy should not be used on patients with tumors (cancer). How should this be interpreted? I have written about that now.
It is important to state right away: if you do not have an active malignant tumor, electrotherapy cannot trigger or create one. It is certain that no matter how much you use electrotherapy, you will not get cancer from it!
It is also certain that if you treat at least 15–20 cm away from the tumor, the therapy can have no effect on the tumor.
Ultra-conservative approach
Among doctors and physiotherapists, an ultra-conservative attitude has become widespread regarding cancer patients: that the tissue microcurrents generated by electrotherapy treatments (TENS, EMS, microcurrent, etc.) might stimulate tumor growth rate or contribute to the dispersal of cancer cells, and therefore cannot be given to a cancer patient.
Let’s go through how this could happen — what is this opinion based on?
The microcurrent (MENS) treatment and tumors
MENS uses very low current intensity. Its primary effect is restoring the membrane potential of injured or diseased cells. The affected cell “wakes up”; its mitochondria significantly increase production of the energy currency (ATP). ATP molecules are indispensable for cell regeneration, growth, and healing.
It is assumed that if a cancerous overgrowth is treated with microcurrent, the tumor cells' energy production might also increase, which could accelerate their growth!
The muscle stimulation (EMS) and tumors
A stimulation impulse causes the treated muscle to contract. During this the veins, lymphatic vessels and blood flow within the muscle are compressed and circulation speeds up, carrying cells, nutrients, etc. along.
If, DIRECTLY OVER OR NEXT TO THE TUMOR, a series of muscle contractions is generated, this mechanical pressure could tear cancer cells away from the tumor and push them far away through the vessels or even through the spaces between tissues. This could facilitate tumor spread and the formation of metastases.
But can the treatment energy actually reach cancerous tissues or metastases? And if so, can it really worsen the condition or cause harm?
Because the potential danger exists, (very correctly) nobody has so far dared to experiment with cancer patients. In other words, there is no evidence that the reasoning above would actually occur and that electrotherapy truly worsens cancer.
HOWEVER, IF THE TUMOR IS IN A DISTANT PART OF THE BODY, the situation is different. If you have an internal organ tumor (e.g. lung, bowel, kidney, etc.), there is no reason you cannot use electrical treatment to relieve pain in your shoulder or neck. You can also safely use a stimulator to regain strength in your leg or back muscles. This will have no effect on the tumor (neither harmful nor beneficial).
Is there such a thing as low risk?
Above I wrote that electrotherapy treatment could cause growth or spread of an existing, active tumor. But only if you treat the tumor and its surroundings directly.
If, however, the tumor and the treatment area are different, then electrotherapy certainly poses no risk at all. Let’s look at two examples:
- With lung or breast cancer, electrotherapy of problems in the ankle, knee, or hip is risk-free.
- With prostate cancer, treating shoulder or neck pain likewise should not pose any risk.
When is it safe to treat?
If you had a tumor 5 years ago but it was removed, treated successfully and you are now tumor-free, then the whole question becomes irrelevant because you currently DO NOT HAVE a tumor. And if you presently do not have an active malignant tumor, electrotherapy cannot trigger or create one. It is certain that no matter how much you use electrotherapy, you will not get cancer from it!
The situation is similar if, for example, you have lung or laryngeal cancer but you develop pain in the lower back, hip, knee or ankle. You can calmly apply electrotherapy to treat these issues.
The presence of a malignant tumor in a given patient does not automatically mean that electrotherapy cannot be used.
It is crucial to weigh the possible benefits against the potential harmful effects. Treatment is permissible when the expected benefit outweighs the risk. However, leave this evaluation to a prepared, thorough professional.
I recommend that in the case of malignant cancer you do not start self-administered electrotherapy. Only do so if the treating physician approves or recommends it.
