EleKtrochemo-therapie (ECT)
A Revolutionary Approach to Treating Prostate Cancer
At Vitus Privatklinik, we are proud to lead the field in innovative prostate cancer treatments. Amongst our advanced offerings is Electrochemotherapy (ECT), a groundbreaking technique that we invented and uniquely offer. This cutting-edge method is designed to treat patients with large tumor volumes or those with tumors located near critical structures, such as the sphincter or rectum. In certain cases, we also employ Irreversible Electroporation combined with Electrochemotherapy (IR-ECT), another unique invention of our clinic, which is used for more complex or aggressive tumors. Our pioneering approaches ensure targeted, effective treatment with significantly fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies, making us the only clinic worldwide to provide these unique solutions.
What is Electrochemotherapy?
A Revolutionary Approach to Treating Prostate Cancer
Electrochemotherapy is a cutting-edge treatment that combines electrical pulses with a low dose of chemotherapy to precisely target and destroy cancer cells. Here’s how it works:
- Electroporation: Short electrical pulses temporarily open the cancer cells’ membranes, allowing the chemotherapy drug to enter the cells more effectively.
- Chemotherapy: A chemotherapeutic agent, usually Bleomycin, is administered in a very low dose. Thanks to the electrical pulses, the drug reaches the cancer cells in higher concentrations, making the treatment highly effective.
- Selective Cell Destruction: The chemotherapy agent damages the DNA of the cancer cells, leading to their destruction, especially during cell division.
This process is particularly effective for treating aggressive tumors, as cancer cells divide more frequently than normal cells.
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Is ECT Right for Me?
ECT is an excellent option for many patients, especially those with complex prostate cancer cases:
- Precision Treatment: ECT is ideal for tumors located near critical structures, such as the sphincter, where preserving surrounding healthy tissue is crucial. This precision helps minimize the risk of side effects like incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
- Effectiveness in Larger Tumors: If you have a larger tumor, ECT offers an effective solution, targeting even those cases that might be challenging for other treatments.
- Minimally Invasive: If you are looking for a gentle, quick, and effective treatment option, ECT may be the right choice for you.
In some cases, our experts might recommend IR-ECT, which combines the strengths of Irreversible Electroporation with Electrochemotherapy for even more comprehensive treatment, especially for aggressive or complex tumors.
Electrochemotherapy vs. Traditional Chemotherapy
Advantages of ECT at Vitus Privatklinik
Quick Recovery: Patients often experience a swift return to their normal activities, thanks to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.
Highly Effective: ECT offers a powerful and targeted approach to destroying prostate cancer cells.
Minimal Side Effects: With its localized treatment method and low dosage, ECT minimizes the risk of common side effects associated with other therapies.
Advantages of ECT
Understanding the difference between Electrochemotherapy and traditional chemotherapy can help ease concerns about the use of chemotherapeutic drugs:
Gentler Treatment: The combination of precision targeting and lower drug dosage makes ECT a much gentler option compared to traditional chemotherapy, making it suitable for a wide range of patients.
Targeted Action: Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects the entire body, ECT targets the tumor directly. This localized approach minimizes exposure to healthy cells, significantly reducing side effects.
Lower Dosage: ECT uses a much lower dose of chemotherapy, made possible by the enhanced drug uptake through electroporation. This means fewer common side effects, such as nausea or fatigue.
