The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit has become the first institution worldwide to prescribe the TheraBionic P1 device, a novel at-home treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This FDA-approved device offers new hope for patients who have exhausted first- and second-line therapies.
How TheraBionic P1 Works
The TheraBionic P1 device is a handheld, portable device that emits low levels of 27.12 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, amplitude-modulated at tumor-specific frequencies. During treatment, a spoon-shaped antenna is placed on the patient's tongue for three one-hour sessions daily, delivering the radiofrequency fields throughout the body. These electromagnetic fields are designed to selectively inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells without affecting healthy tissue.
The device gained FDA approval in September 2023 for treating advanced HCC in patients 18 years or older who have not responded to previous treatments. It represents the first FDA-approved systemic therapy using radiofrequency electromagnetic fields for cancer treatment.
Clinical Evidence and Patient Outcomes
According to Karmanos, multiple studies conducted over two decades have indicated that the TheraBionic P1 device can result in tumor shrinkage, impede new cancer cell growth, and improve overall survival rates. Patients in these studies reportedly experienced fewer debilitating side effects compared to other cancer therapies, such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, and palm and sole irritation.
Expert Opinions
"This new treatment offers additional hope, extended life, and minimal side effects to patients with incurable cancer," said Boris Pasche, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, president and CEO of Karmanos and co-inventor of the TheraBionic P1 device. He added, "Having this treatment finally come to market makes a meaningful difference in how we treat this disease and help our patients continue their lives."
Anthony Shields, M.D., Ph.D., a medical oncologist at Karmanos, also expressed enthusiasm: "As oncologists who treat gastrointestinal cancers, we often face some of the most incurable diseases. Our team is excited to be able to offer our patients another option in the fight, which is why patients come to Karmanos."
Liver Cancer Statistics and Treatment at Karmanos
HCC accounts for approximately 90% of all liver cancers, with average survival rates ranging from 6 to 20 months. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, over 41,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with liver cancer, and nearly 30,000 will die from the disease. Karmanos Cancer Institute employs a multidisciplinary team to treat liver cancer, including surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, along with other specialists, to create comprehensive treatment plans for each patient.
