VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 12 -- Current Technology Corporation today announced Psycho-Oncology's -- a peer-reviewed medical journal -- publication, (May/June 11:244-248 2002) of the results of a pilot research study that examined whether ETG (Electrotrichogenesis) could prevent or reduce hair loss in women with breast cancer undergoing CMF chemotherapy. Psycho-Oncology is a leading journal of the psychological, social, and behavioral dimensions of cancer. Twelve of the 13 female patients in this pilot study had good hair retention during chemotherapy and at the end of the study. The results also suggested that ETG treatment had a positive impact on quality of life. There were no reported side effects attributable to ETG. This study shows encouraging results in an area where no other appropriate treatment is currently available.

Hair loss or alopecia is often viewed as the most traumatic side effect of chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients. In fact, some women with breast cancer perceive the loss of their hair as more difficult to cope with than the loss of a breast because it is such as visible loss. The findings of a 1998 breast cancer patient study (Cancer Practice, Vol. 6, No. 1) indicate that over 90% of the women surveyed considered hair loss to be one of the most "troublesome" side effects of cancer treatment. Based on this fear, many medical practitioners believe their female cancer patients may be selecting other, often less effective, treatment options for their disease.

"We are encouraged by the results of our pilot study. They show promise in an area where no other appropriate treatment is available. Reducing alopecia, secondary to chemotherapy has the potential to increase CMF chemotherapy treatment compliance, enhance patient self esteem, and improve overall quality of life during this stressful period," said Dr. Timothy Meakin, one of the investigators and a member of Current Technology's Medical & Scientific Advisory Board.

"These promising findings offer women all over the world an alternative to chemotherapy-related hair loss. This research is a first step towards the development of cancer treatment programs that address the emotional, psychological and social needs of women. By incorporating ETG into cancer treatment programs, women may be able to put aside their fears of chemotherapy induced hair loss," said Anne Kramer, President/C.E.O., Current Technology Corp.

Conducted at St. Mark's Breast Centre in Auckland, New Zealand, this study followed 13 chemotherapy patients undergoing concurrent ETG treatment. Twelve of the 13 women in this study had good hair retention compared to historical data. All of the women received two ETG treatments weekly. Quantitative hair loss was measured by photographic assessment and manual hair count. No side effects attributable to ETG were reported. The women in the study also participated in a quality of life assessment. They indicated that choosing to participate in this study allowed them to maintain some control over their lives at a time when they felt control had been taken away. As a result, they reported feeling more confident about having to undergo CMF chemotherapy, provided the ETG treatment accompanied it.