The made-in-Bangalore Cytotron gets European certification, but oncologists seek more proof for its efficacy
The made-in-Bangalore Cytotron gets European certification, but oncologists seek more proof for its efficacy
A Bangalore innovator's device to treat cancer has just won certification in Europe, but his peers in Bangalore continue to demand more proof that it works.
There have been different well-known cancer treatments until now surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Cytotron,u00a0 developed by the Centre for Advanced Research and Development, is the latest on the list.
The Cytotron has been 'Conformitu00e9e Europu00e9ene certified' by Underwriters Laboratories.
What this means is that the it is registered as an authentic medical device in Europe.
Dr Rajah Vijay Kumar, the inventor, is confident that the device will catch on in India too.
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The Cytotron, Vijay Kumar says, cures both osteoarthritis and cancer. "With arthritis, the cartilage cells are technically in hibernation. What the Cytotron does is stimulate these cells and reverse the process," he told MiD DAY.
He believes it also works the other way round. "If you look at it, cancer is caused when the cell forgets to die after 30 divisions," he explained.
What of the argument that Cytotron is not a 'conventional cure' for cancer or osteoarthritis? "If you really look at it, no disorder has been cured so far. One can just about manage them, as of now. Except for the communicable diseases, where have we found a cure for anything?" he said.
He believes the European certification proves the safety and efficacy of the device.
"After two-and-a-half years of effort from our side, we've finally got the CE certification," he said.
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CURE, FOR SURE?: The Cytotron |
'Give us proof'
Not everyone is convinced. Dr Bhagiratha, an orthopaedic surgeon at Agni Hospital, is wary. "How can a machine that can grow cells also remove them? Many people have tried their hand at such things. I've been working in this field for long and I don't see any proof of its being a cure for osteoarthritis. You have to produce papers for such things. You have to give proof at national and international conferences and only then can it move forward."
Dr Shekhar Patil, medical oncologist at the Bangalore Institute of Oncology, also voiced concern about the evidence.
"As of now, it is not an accepted mode of treatment. There has been no evidence to prove its value. Even with chemotherapy and radiation therapies, we go through many clinical trials before they become a standard cure.
Their findings should be carried in oncological journals and at medical forums. Most of all, the medical fraternity should accept it. If it's something that will be of help to cancer patients, of course, I will encourage it. But, everything has a process to it and that should be followed."
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Jointly developed by Bangalore-based Center for Advanced Research & Development (CARD) and Scalene Cybernetics Limited |
'Miracle effect'
But patient Raj Kumar has a different take altogether. He was diagnosed with cancerous tumours in the colon and weighed only 34 kg. After consulting a string of doctors, he found out that the only option left was a surgery to remove the colon.
He was also informed that the risk involved was about 95 per cent. Later,u00a0 when he heard about the Cytotron, he underwent 28 days of treatment for an hour each day.
Since his house was far from Scalene Laboratories, he was given a place to stay near the lab. "I'm very happy right now. I feel good and my weight is now 58 kg. If you look at me now, you wouldn't think I had cancer. There have been no side effects and it was painless," he said.
So what will it take to spread the word? Will Cytotron catch on quick enough to decrease the spread of the disease?
What next?
Dr Vijay Kumar is not the kind to sit back. He says his next project is to try and find a cure for diabetes.
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