RAIDUM CURE FOR CANCER

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 5288, 28 May 1904, Page 16

RAIDUM CURE FOR CANCER

DISAPPOINTING RESULTS. Tho radium treatment has now been entirely abandoned at the London Cancer Hospital. It was never viewed with much hope there, and *n March the last experiments with it were abandoned. Trials were mad© at the end (writes the "Daily Express") with a case containing five grains, covered only with mica-sheet-ing, probably the largest morsel in any hospital in Europe, and the effect was always the same, though it might vary in degree. The aurafee of the skin became inflamed, a blister formed, and dried up, and was all. Sixteen cases have been under treatment, the longest period of a single application having been three hours, and the longest total time of application having been about hours, and the only favourable result has been an occasional cessation of pain. On the other hand, several patients have complained of an increase of pain. The authorities of the Cancer Hospital are now devoting all their money and time to improving the high frequency treatment, especially as regards the enormous waste of electrical power which distinguishes the present use <of the Rontgen rays. A current of 2flo volts is to be transformed into a 50-volt current, and this again reduced without wastage to a 25-volt current, the latter being the pressure used in the present application of th© rays. Tor cases of internal cancer experiments are being made with certain new lamps, which can be inserted into a cooling: tube containing water, and then introduced into the body. Both those ana tho new electrical machinery will, however. require some weeks to perfect.