Implantable Oxygen Generators

The device generates the gas in order to boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The technology generates oxygen through water electrolysis.

The device targets tumors that are hypoxic, meaning having low levels of oxygen. Hypoxic tumors are difficult to treat using radiation therapy because oxygen amplifies the effectiveness of radiation by helping to form free radicals, which damage a tumor's genetic material. "So the hypoxic areas [of tumors] are hard to kill," says Babak Ziaie, a Purdue professor who led the research. "Pancreatic and cervical cancers are notoriously hypoxic. If you generate oxygen you can increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy and also chemotherapy," he adds.

Source: medgadget.comAdded: 16 September 2011