Capacitance-Based DC Discharge Cancer Treatment Device and Method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cancer treatment device (100) for preventing metastasis of cancer cells (410) present in a target area (400). The cancer treatment device (100) thus comprises at least one first capacitive electrode (110) positioned near the target area (400), a second capacitive electrode (120) positioned opposite the first capacitive electrode (110), such that the target area (400) is positioned between the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120), and a signal generator (140) for applying waveform DC signals to the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120) to provide the formation of a variable electric field between the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cancer treatment device for treating cancer cells (including benign and malignant tumors) and preventing recurrence and Spread of cancer cells present in an individual's target area.

Background Art

[0002] Cancer cells have a higher electrical (dielectric) structure compared to normal cells. Thus, when cancer cells are subjected to an external electric field, they face a stronger electric polarization compared to normal cells.

[0003] In the cell division process, as one of the characteristics of cancer cells, it may lead to an uncontrollably high regeneration rate. The electrical properties of cells substantially increase as a result of cell biophysics processes closely associated with the activity of microtubules present in the cell nucleus. Microtubules play an important role in the cell division process. First, in order to form two identical cell nuclei, microtubules attract replicated chromosomes (named chromatids) towards the two cell division poles. Microtubules are macroprotein compounds formed by the polymerization process of smaller compounds (named tubulin dimers), which have pores in their centers and construct spiral tubes similar to the fiber threads of the cell nucleus when viewed under a microscope. Tubulin dimers with high electrical polarity form the structure of microtubule polymers based on positive and negative electrostatic attractions (named van der Waals bonds). Van der Waals bonds are weak electrical bonds and are very sensitive to the influence of an external electric field. The presence of an external electric field can affect the orientation of tubulin dimers and prevent the polymerization process to form microtubular fibers. As a result, the chromatid separation process may be intervened during the cell division process, and thus, the cell division process does not function properly, leading to self-destruction.

[0004] Current technology is known to prevent the growth of cancer cells in the area between conductive electrodes that remain in place, by generating an AC electric field through conductive electrodes attached to the skin. This technology is described in the application with the patent application number 2007 / 225766. In such a system, a conductive gel is used to make contact with the body, thereby exposing the patient to an electric current. The effectiveness of the treatment is reduced because the amount of current that can be applied without damaging the human body is limited. When the area of ​​the electrodes is shorter than the distance between the two electrodes, a fringing effect occurs, and the intensity vectors and electric field vectors of these fringes cannot be precisely controlled. In addition, if the tumor is located in various places, such as when there are metastases to different organs of the human body, the desired intensity may not be delivered.

[0005] As a result, improvements are required in the relevant technological fields due to the aforementioned problems. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 225766 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention relates to a cancer treatment device that eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages and brings new advantages to the relevant technological field.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to prevent the recurrence of cancer cells and to eliminate the need for electrodes to be in direct contact with the skin. Spread The goal is to treat cancer cells while preventing further progression.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide patients with free movement during treatment.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that can adjust the electric field strength over a wide range and reduce the deviation of the electric field compared to current methods. Means for solving the invention

[0011] To achieve the aforementioned objectives and the objectives inferred from the detailed description below, the present invention treats cancer cells to prevent recurrence of cancer cells present in the target region and Spread The present invention relates to a cancer treatment device for preventing the regeneration of cancer cells. The cancer treatment device comprises at least one first capacitive electrode positioned near the target region, a second capacitive electrode positioned opposite the first capacitive electrode, wherein the target region is located between the first and second capacitive electrodes, and a signal generator for applying a waveform DC signal to the first and second capacitive electrodes to provide the formation of a variable electric field between the first and second capacitive electrodes. Thus, the capacitive electrodes are periodically charged with polarization on the opposite side, thereby generating electric polarization on the outer surface of the target region. As a result of the electric polarization, radio waves are generated, and these radio waves penetrate a medium of dielectric material, including air, fat, or other body tissues that are not necessarily conductive. This allows an electric field to be applied at a desired intensity. In addition, the regeneration of cancer cells that may be present in human organs away from the outer surface of the body, where current cannot pass through, can also be prevented by the insulating layer of the body.

[0012] In possible embodiments of the present invention, the first capacitive electrode and the second capacitive electrode are positioned such that a dielectrophoretic gap equal to a predetermined distance is provided between the outer surface of the target region and the first and second capacitive electrodes.

[0013] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the distance is at least 1 mm. Thus, an electric field gradient is generated in the dielectrophoretic gap, and the difference in dielectric constant between the capacitive electrode and the target region surface increases the electric field force (dielectrophoresis) applied to the target region.

[0014] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the signal generator is configured to produce a signal having a square waveform.

[0015] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the signal generator is configured to generate a signal with a 50% duty cycle.

[0016] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the signal generator is configured to generate a signal at a frequency that varies from 100 kHz to 3 MHz.

[0017] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cancer treatment device comprises at least one grounding electrode, which is associated with a grounding wire terminal and provided near a target region extending substantially parallel to the electric field formed by the first capacitive electrode and the second capacitive electrode. Thus, the electric field passes through the target region by reducing energy inefficiency while increasing the therapeutic effect by minimizing the fringing effect in the vicinity.

[0018] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, two grounding electrodes are provided, positioned relative to each other on two sides of the target region.

[0019] The present invention further relates to cancer cells present in the target region. Spread This is a cancer treatment garment designed to prevent [unspecified condition]. Therefore, in terms of novelty, the present invention may include a cancer treatment device as described in any one of the above.

[0020] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cancer treatment garment is a garment for the upper body.

[0021] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cancer treatment garment is a garment for the lower body.

[0022] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cancer treatment garment is a head garment.

[0023] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cancer treatment garment is a vest.

[0024] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cancer treatment garment includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned opposite the front wall, and side walls positioned relative to each other and connecting the rear wall and the front wall to each other. A first capacitive electrode is provided on the front wall, and a second capacitive electrode is provided on the rear wall.

[0025] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, one of each of the ground electrodes is provided on the side wall.

[0026] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cancer treatment garment is short.

[0027] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cancer treatment garment is provided in a sufficient dimension so as to be at least 1 mm away from the user's body in order to define a dielectrophoretic gap.

[0028] The present invention further relates to a cancer treatment bed for preventing cancer cells present in a target area. Thus, with regard to novelty, the present invention may include a cancer treatment device referred to in any one of the above. Spread In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cancer treatment bed includes at least one base electrode to which a first capacitive electrode is connected, a bed layer for providing a dielectrophoretic gap between the base electrode and the patient with the patient lying sideways, and a bed cover for covering the patient. An intermediate portion provided longitudinally in the middle of the bed cover is connected to a second capacitive electrode.

[0029] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the ground electrodes are provided at edge portions on two edges of the intermediate portion.

[0030]

[0031] ​In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the cancer treatment bed comprises a base portion that is hollow and has an open upper wall; a bed layer provided such that a dielectric gap remains between the base portion of the base portion and the bed layer; and a cover that covers the bed layer and covers the patient lying on the bed layer.

[0032] The present invention further treats cancer cells to prevent recurrence of cancer cells present in the target region of an individual. Spread To prevent this, the method is applied by a treatment bed, treatment clothing, or treatment device as mentioned above. Therefore, a novel feature is that a variable electric field passing through a target region is formed by a signal generator using at least one first capacitive electrode located near the target region and having a dielectrophoretic gap of at least 1 mm with respect to the target region, and a second capacitive electrode located opposite the first capacitive electrode and having a dielectrophoretic gap of at least 1 mm with respect to the target region, so that the target region is located between the first capacitive electrode and the second capacitive electrode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] A representative diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. [Figure 2a] A representative diagram of an embodiment in which the present invention is integrated into clothing is provided. [Figure 2b] A representative diagram of an embodiment in which the present invention is integrated into clothing is provided. [Figure 2c] A representative diagram of an embodiment in which the present invention is integrated into clothing is provided. [Figure 2d] A representative diagram of an embodiment in which the present invention is integrated into clothing is provided. [Figure 3a] A representative diagram of an embodiment in which the present invention is integrated into a bed is provided. [Figure 3b] A representative diagram of an embodiment in which the present invention is integrated into a bed is provided. [Figure 3c]A representative diagram of an embodiment of the present invention is provided, showing both an embodiment integrated into a bed and an embodiment integrated into clothing, used together. [Figure 4a] A representative diagram of an embodiment in which the present invention is integrated into a chamber-shaped bed is provided. [Figure 4b] A representative diagram of an embodiment in which the present invention is integrated into a chamber-shaped bed is provided. [Figure 4c] A representative diagram of an embodiment in which the present invention is integrated into a chamber-shaped bed is provided. [Figure 4d] A representative diagram of an embodiment in which the present invention is integrated into a chamber-shaped bed is provided. [Figure 4e] A representative diagram is provided showing the arrangement of the ground electrode, the first capacitive electrode, and the second capacitive electrode in an embodiment in which the present invention is integrated into a chamber-shaped bed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] This detailed explanation will illustrate the subject matter with examples, without any limiting influence, in order to provide a deeper understanding of the subject.

[0035] This specification describes cancer cells as either benign or malignant tumors.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, the present invention treats cancer cells (410) to eliminate cancer cells (410) present in the target region (400). SpreadThe present invention is a cancer treatment device (100) for preventing cancer cells (410). The present invention comprises at least one first capacitive electrode (110) and a second capacitive electrode (120) positioned near the target region (400). The first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120) are positioned such that the target region (400) lies between them. A signal generator (140) is provided. The positive electrode of the signal generator (140) is connected to one of the capacitive electrodes, and the negative electrode of the signal generator (140) is connected to the other of the capacitive electrodes. The signal generator (140) forms an electric field between the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120), in other words, provides a path for the electric field through the target region (400) to generate a DC signal waveform. Thus, the regeneration of cancer cells (410) is prevented. The signal generator (140) may be a DC impact oscillator.

[0037] As a basic principle, capacitive electrodes are charged and discharged by being positively and negatively charged. The charging and discharging processes bring polarization to the outer surface of the target region. This electric polarization generates radio waves, which enter the target region (400) and prevent the regeneration of cancer cells (410). In order for this effect to occur, the dielectric constant of the medium between the surface and the electrode must differ from that of the target region (400). Figure 1 shows the polarization that occurs on the outer surface of the target region (400) and the radio waves generated as a result of this polarization that pass through the cancer cells (410).

[0038] Here, the target region (400) referred to may be the patient's body or a part of the body.

[0039] In a possible embodiment of the present invention, a ground electrode is provided to be positioned parallel to the electric field formed by the capacitive electrodes. The ground electrode is positioned near a target region (400). As shown in Figure 1, a first capacitive electrode (110) and a second capacitive electrode (120) are positioned parallel to each other, with the target region (400) between them. The ground electrode is positioned relative to the capacitive electrodes at a 90-degree angle, parallel to each other and parallel to the electric field generated by the capacitive electrodes. The ground electrode and the capacitive electrodes surround the target region (400). The electric field increases and passes through the target region (400) by reducing the amount of electric fringing passing through the target region (400) due to the ground electrode.

[0040] The grounding electrode is not electrically connected to the capacitive electrode.

[0041] In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the signal generator (140) generates a square wave with a 50% duty cycle. More specifically, the signal generator (140) generates a signal with a repetition frequency formed between 50 and 150 kHz, thereby generating a signal that varies between 100 kHz and 3 MHz. The variation in signal frequency can be controlled by a processor (not shown in the figure).

[0042] In possible embodiments of the present invention, the capacitive electrode is positioned such that there is a gap of at least 1 mm between the capacitive electrode and the outer surface of the target region (400). This gap is defined as the dielectrophoretic gap (360). As a result, an electric field gradient is generated in the dielectrophoretic gap (360), and the electric field force (dielectrophoresis) applied to the target region (400) increases due to the difference in dielectric constant between the capacitive electrode and the surface of the target region (400). Furthermore, the difference in dielectric constants increases.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2a, in a possible embodiment of the present invention, the cancer treatment device (100) is provided integrated into a cancer treatment garment (200).

[0044] In possible embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figures 2a and 2b, the cancer treatment garment (200) may be an upper body garment (210). The upper body garment (210) comprises a front wall (201) provided to coincide with the front of the upper body of the person wearing the garment, a rear wall (202) provided to coincide with the rear, and a side wall (203) connecting the front wall (201) and the rear wall (202). Referring to Figure 2a, a first capacitive electrode (110) and a second capacitive electrode (120) may be provided on the front wall (201) and the rear wall (202), and a ground electrode (130) may be provided on the side wall (203). The upper body garment (210) is sized to be positioned at a point at least 1 mm away from the patient's body. Thus, a dielectrophoretic gap (360) may be provided between the patient's body and the electrodes. In possible embodiments of the present invention, the dielectrophoretic gap (360) can be provided by a cloth having a suitable dielectric constant and a thickness of 1 mm.

[0045] Upper body clothing can be provided in the form of a vest.

[0046] In a possible embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 2d, the cancer treatment garment (200) may be a lower body garment (220). The lower body garment (220) comprises a front wall (201) provided to coincide with the front (groin area) of the lower body of the person wearing the garment, a rear wall (202) provided to coincide with the rear, and a side wall (203) connecting the front wall (201) and the rear wall (202). Referring to Figure 2d, a first capacitive electrode (110) and a second capacitive electrode (120) may be provided on the front wall (201) and the rear wall (202), and a ground electrode (130) may be provided on the side wall (203). The lower body garment (220) is sized to be positioned at a point at least 1 mm away from the patient's body. Thus, a dielectrophoretic gap (360) can be provided between the patient's body and the electrodes. In possible embodiments of the present invention, the dielectrophoretic gap (360) can be provided by a cloth having a suitable dielectric constant and a thickness of 1 mm. The lower body garment (220) may be rectangular in shape.

[0047] In a possible embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 2c, the cancer treatment garment (200) may be a head garment (230). The head garment (230) may have a structure that completely encloses the head except for the nose and eyes. Capacitive electrodes may be provided on the sides of the head, covering the ears, in two mutual lateral regions, and ground electrodes (130) may be provided in portions enclosing the front, upper, chin, and posterior regions of the head. The head garment (230) is sized to be positioned at a point at least 1 mm away from the patient's body. Thus, a dielectrophoretic gap (360) can be provided between the patient's body and the electrodes. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the dielectrophoretic gap (360) may be provided by a cloth having a suitable dielectric constant and a thickness of 1 mm. The lower body garment (220) may be rectangular in shape.

[0048] A distance of at least 1 mm reduces the fringing effect at the body's extremities, ensures a uniform electric field entering the body, reduces electric field vortices, and increases electric field force. In possible embodiments of the present invention, the dielectrophoretic distance is 1 cm. It has been found that treatment is most efficient at a distance of 1 cm.

[0049] In possible embodiments of the present invention, the cancer treatment device (100) can be provided in a form integrated with a treatment bed (300). Referring to Figures 3a-3b, the treatment bed (300) comprises a bed layer (310) on which the patient lies and a base electrode (320) provided beneath the bed layer (310). One of the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120) is integrated into the base electrode (320). A bed cover (330) is provided to cover the patient. The bed cover (330) is rectangular in shape, and a central part (332) extending in the direction of the patient's height includes lateral parts (331), the lateral parts (331) remaining present at the edges of the central part and extending in the direction of the patient's height. The other of the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120) is provided in the central part (332). The grounding electrode is provided on the lateral side (331).

[0050] In possible embodiments of the present invention, the headwear (230) and the treatment bed (300) can be used together. An insulating pillow can be provided for resting the patient's head.

[0051] In possible embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, a cancer treatment device (100) is integrated into a treatment bed (300), and the cancer treatment bed (300) is provided in the form of a chamber. More specifically, the cancer treatment device (100) includes a conductive base. The top surface of the base is open as it is provided enclosing the volume. A bed layer (310) is provided for the patient to lie on in the base. A dielectrophoretic gap (360) is provided between the base of the base and the bed. A cover (340) is provided to cover the patient. The cover (340) and the base (350) together form a tubular chamber structure by being electrically connected to the base (350). The cover (340) can be opened and closed in the base (350). A ground electrode (130) is provided in a side wall (203) connecting to a wall on which a capacitive electrode is provided.

[0052] In possible embodiments of the present invention, the cancer image is obtained from images such as PET, PET-MR, PET-CT, MRI, or CT DICOM. The characteristics of the applied electric field can be determined in advance using this image. These characteristics may be the electric field force and the electric field intensity distribution.

[0053] The scope of protection of the present invention is set forth in the accompanying claims and is not limited to the exemplary disclosures given above, as described in the detailed description. This is because a person skilled in the art can obviously generate similar embodiments by considering the foregoing disclosures without departing from the main principles of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 100 cancer treatment devices 110 First capacitive electrode 120 Second capacitive electrode 130 Ground electrode 140 Signal Generator 200 Cancer treatment clothing 201 Front wall 202 Back wall 203 Side wall 210 Upper body clothing 220 Lower body clothing 230 Headwear 300 treatment beds 310 bed layers 320 base electrode 330 Bedspread 331 Side view 332 Central part 340 Cover 350 Base section 360 Dielectrophoretic Gap 400 target area 410 cancer cells

Claims

1. A cancer treatment device (100) for preventing the spread of cancer cells (410) present in a target region (400), The aforementioned cancer treatment device (100) At least one first capacitive electrode (110) is located near the target region (400), A second capacitive electrode (120) is positioned opposite to the first capacitive electrode (110) such that the target region (400) is located between the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120), To provide the formation of a variable electric field between the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120), a signal generator (140) for applying a waveform DC signal such that the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120) charge and discharge, At least one grounding electrode (130) associated with the grounding terminal, Equipped with, Furthermore, the ground electrode (130) is positioned near the target region (400), A cancer treatment device (100) wherein, when viewed from a direction in which the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120) face each other, the ground electrode (130) is positioned laterally.

2. The cancer treatment device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120) are positioned such that a dielectrophoretic gap (360) equal to a predetermined distance is provided between the outer surface of the target region (400) and the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120).

3. The cancer treatment device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the distance is at least 1 mm.

4. The cancer treatment device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the signal generator (140) is configured to generate a signal (140) having a square waveform.

5. The cancer treatment device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the signal generator (140) is configured to generate a signal (140) with a 50% duty cycle.

6. The cancer treatment device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the signal generator (140) is configured to generate a signal (140) at a frequency that varies from 100 kHz to 3 MHz.

7. The cancer treatment device (100) according to claim 1, wherein two ground electrodes (130) are provided and are positioned relative to each other on two sides of the target region (400).

8. A cancer treatment garment (200) that uses the cancer treatment device (100) described in Claim 1 to treat and prevent the recurrence and spread of cancer cells (410) present in a target region (400).

9. The cancer treatment garment (200) is an upper body garment (210) according to claim 8.

10. The cancer treatment garment (200) is a lower body garment (220) according to claim 8.

11. The cancer treatment garment (200) according to claim 8, wherein the cancer treatment garment (200) is a headwear (230).

12. The cancer treatment garment (200) is a vest, according to claim 9.

13. The cancer treatment garment (200) according to claim 8, comprising a front wall (201), a rear wall (202) positioned opposite the front wall (201), and side walls (203) positioned relative to each other and connecting the rear wall (202) and the front wall (201), wherein the first capacitive electrode (110) is provided to the front wall (201) and the second capacitive electrode (120) is provided to the rear wall (202).

14. The cancer treatment garment (200) according to claim 12, wherein one of the ground electrodes (130) is provided on the side wall (203).

15. The cancer treatment garment (200) is short, as described in claim 10.

16. The cancer treatment garment (200) according to claim 8, wherein, in order to define the dielectrophoretic gap (360), the cancer treatment garment (200) is provided in dimensions that are sufficient to be at least 1 mm away from the user's body.

17. A cancer treatment bed (300) that uses the cancer treatment device (100) described in Claim 1 to treat and prevent the recurrence and spread of cancer cells (410) present in a target region (400).

18. The cancer treatment bed (300) according to claim 17, comprising: at least one base electrode (320) to which the first capacitive electrode (110) is connected; a bed layer (310) for providing a dielectrophoretic gap (360) between the base electrode (320) and the patient when the patient is lying down; and a bed cover (330) for covering the patient, wherein an intermediate portion provided longitudinally in the middle of the bed cover (330) is connected to the second capacitive electrode (120).

19. The cancer treatment bed (300) according to claim 18, wherein the grounding electrode (130) is provided on the edge portion of the two edges of the intermediate portion.

20. The cancer treatment bed (300) comprises a hollow base (350) with an open top wall, a bed layer (310) provided for the patient to lie on, and a cover (340) that covers the bed layer (310) and covers the patient lying on the bed layer (310). The cancer treatment bed (300) according to claim 17, wherein the bed layer (310) is provided such that a dielectrophoretic gap (360) remains between the bottom of the base portion (350) and the bed layer (310).

21. A method applied to a cancer treatment device (100) for treating and preventing the recurrence and spread of cancer cells (410) present in a target region (400), The aforementioned cancer treatment device (100) At least one first capacitive electrode (110) is located near the target region (400), A second capacitive electrode (120) is positioned opposite to the first capacitive electrode (110) such that the target region (400) is located between the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120), To provide the formation of a variable electric field between the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120), a signal generator (140) for applying a waveform DC signal such that the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120) charge and discharge, At least one grounding electrode (130) associated with the grounding terminal, Equipped with, Furthermore, the ground electrode (130) is positioned near the target region (400), When viewed from a direction in which the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120) face each other, the ground electrode (130) is positioned laterally. A method wherein the first capacitive electrode (110) and the second capacitive electrode (120) have a dielectrophoretic gap (360) of at least 1 mm with respect to the target region (400).

Images