‘’SPMF therapy has a potential to become first line of management for cancer patients’’

Tell us about the SPMF Therapy?

Wg Cdr (Dr) VG Vasishta

Sequentially programmed magnetic field (SPMF) therapy is a technology that delivers highly complex SPMF, which can be precisely aligned onto the target tissues inducing cellular regeneration in osteoarthritis or degeneration in cancer. These are non-thermal, non-ionising and have no known side effects.

How is it helpful in treating osteoarthritis and cancer?

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most common rheumatological problem and is the most frequent joint disease. It is caused by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage.The cartilage has very limited regenerative capacity. Exposure to SPMF can enhance cell regeneration. SPMF therapy sensitises and recreates the missing physiological piezoelectric stimulus necessary for cartilage regeneration.

Cancer: Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. The cell membrane potential of cancer cells are about -15mV to -30mV. SPMF Therapy increases the membrane potential and restores energy production. Exposure of cancer cells to SPMF therapy normalises this potential, thereby halting the process of cell proliferation. The normal cells are not influenced by the SPMF exposure as the Magnetic Field Generators (MFGs) are aimed at the core of the tumour.

Studies have demonstrated that electromagnetic fields cause anti-tumour activity and significant increase in apoptosis in tumours of treated animals.

How is this therapy different from the traditional one; especially in terms of its benefits?

This modality of treatment is a unique non-invasive technique, painless, cheaper and scientifically proven. For the time being we are using it to treat OA and cancer, but the potential is enormous. Diseases like tinnitus, diabetes, Alzheimers, degenerative disc disease of the spine can also be addressed in which clinical trials are being initiated.

Benefits: The procedure is non-invasive and the treatment is very safe without any side effects. During the treatment, there is no discomfort; dependency on painkillers is vastly reduced.

For cancer patients: It halts the progression of the disease and improves quality of life. There is an improvement in survival period and the emotional and psychological well-being of the patient.

For osteoarthritis patients: It enables natural regeneration of cartilage and significantly decreases pain. This therapy is a cheaper alternative to knee replacement, where both knees can be treated simultaneously. It increases mobility in patients. It improves stability and strength of the knee joints. Patients can carry on their normal activities during the treatment.

Is it cost effective as compared to the traditional therapies?

Yes it is a cost effective treatment when compared to the standard modalities of treatment. On an average total knee replacement (TKR) costs around two to four lakhs; however SPMF therapy costs 70,000 per joint. The traditional treatments of cancer are variable depending on the type, stage and grade of the disease and the cost may run into lakhs. However, SPMF therapy costs Rs 1, 50,000.

When was this technique introduced in India?

SBF Healthcare & Research Centre was founded in 2006 by me soon after I took voluntary retirement from the Indian Air Force. I served as the principle investigator in the clinical trials conducted from 2003-2006 where pulsed magnetic fields (PMF) of a certain frequency and amplitude were used to treat osteoarthritis (OA). These PMFs were delivered by a device called AKTIS SOMA invented by me. I have also published patents for the same in India, USA and I also have a worldwide PCT.

How many experts in India practice this therapy?

PMF have been used earlier for decades but have not been very effective. SPMF therapy is the world’s first scientifically proven, non-surgical treatment to help regenerate cartilage and restore mobility of arthritic knee joints. It has also proved to be extremely effective in the treatment of certain types of cancer. SBF Healthcare & Research Centre is the only place in the world, where SPMF therapy is practised.

How long are you practising this therapy at SBF?

SBF Healthcare started operations with two centres, one each in Bangalore and Mumbai. In FY11, it opened two franchisee centres in Mumbai. Currently, the company has four clinics, one in Bangalore and three in Mumbai. SPMF therapy is being practised in SBF since 2006. The treatment for osteoarthritis is a 21-day process, which does not require hospitalisation. The total time required for treatment each day is 60 minutes. The treatment for cancer is daily for one hour for 28 consecutive days.

You say that SBF Healthcare is the only place in the world where this technique is practised, so is the rest the rest of the world aware of this technique? How do you plan to promote this technique nationally as well as internationally?

There is some awareness worldwide as patients have come to us for treatment from over 33 countries. There is much more we can do to promote awareness and we are taking appropriate steps to do the same. Promotion is mainly done through publishing papers on the technology in research journals, medical journals, newspaper advertisements, lectures, seminars, articles etc.

How many patients have undergone this therapy at your centre? What is the recovery rate?

SPMF Therapy has a record of over 5000 successful OA cases from over 33 countries and has aided in treating problems ranging from the knee, lower back, hip and ankles. Several cancer patients have been benefitted from SPMF therapy so far. The success rate in OA is about 85 per cent. In cancer the quality of life and longevity has improved remarkably for those who have undergone the SPMF therapy.

Are there any challenges associated with this therapy? What precautions need to be taken?

There are no challenges associated with this therapy since it is a unique non-invasive technique, painless, cheaper and scientifically proven treatment for osteoarthritis and cancer.

How do you see the progress of this therapy in India?

SPMF therapy has a potential to become first line of management for cancer patients, since the standard treatment modalities are fraught with side effects.

What are your plans for SBF?

We are planning to put our centres in all major cities and smaller cites of India. We have planned to take this to overseas like USA and Europe. We will be looking at the Far East as well as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

raelene.kambli@expressindia.com