Specialist clinics providing access to the latest advances in cancer treatment

I've never heard of ECT, is it safe?
Yes, it is completely safe. Our specialist cancer therapy doctors have many years experience treating cancer patients with ECT.The ECT machines used in our clinic are state of the art and fully computer controlled. They deliver a controlled and monitored low voltage pulsed electrical current, that gently and effectively destroys tumours without affecting healthy tissue or organs in any way.

Do only qualified medical doctors administer ECT?
Yes. All of the doctors practising ECT in our clinic in Cologne are fully qualified medical doctors, registered with The German Board Of Medical Control.

Is ECT painful?
No, ECT is not a painful treatment. You will only experience a warm tingling sensation during treatment, and patients remain relaxed throughout.

Is ECT effective?
Yes, ECT is as effective, if not more so, than conventional cancer treatments, and doesn't produce the unpleasant side effects associated with these. ECT can also treat some cancers that are difficult to treat with other methods. We recommend that you contact Biolife Therapies to arrange a consultation and first treatment at our clinic in Cologne, to see the results for yourself.

Will ECT make me feel ill?
No. Unlike other cancer treatments, ECT does not produce unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness or hair loss that can impact heavily on a patient's life.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of ECT treatments required will vary, according to the type of cancer, how advanced it is, and how well it responds to treatment. Skin, facial and neck cancers for example, usually only require a single one hour treatment. All other cancers require two or more treatments. After your consultation and first treatment in our Cologne clinic, the doctor will inform you of the number of further appointments required.

My consultant wants me to have chemotherapy or radiotherapy. What should I do?
Whilst we would never encourage you to ignore your doctor's advice, we strongly advise that you consider ECT before having chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, to avoid the significant side effects associated with these treatments. If after your initial ECT treatment you decide that ECT is not beneficial to you, there is nothing to prevent you from reverting to conventional treatments recommended by your own consultant.

Are there any side effects?
There is only one very minor side effect following ECT treatment. The small area of skin under the adhesive electrode pad can feel a little hot after treatment, a sensation similar to a very mild sun burn. Unlike sun burn, no damage of any kind is caused to the skin, and a cooling gel is supplied to relieve this feeling which usually passes in a day or two.

Do the doctors in your clinic speak English?
Yes, all of the specialist ECT consultants in our clinic speak English, as well as the nurses and support staff.

Do I need an anaesthetic for ECT?
No, ECT is administered on a walk-in, walk-out, out-patient basis. As ECT is not a painful therapy no anaesthetic is required, and you will be calm and relaxed during your treatment.

If I have ECT for my prostate cancer, is there any risk of erectile disfunction, impotence or urinary incontinence?
No. Unlike other prostate cancer treatments, there is absolutely no risk of these complications during or after ECT therapy.

How do I know that my ECT treatment is working?
The highly advanced, computer controlled ECT machines in our clinic don't just treat your cancer. At all stages, these machines can monitor not just the presence of a tumour but track the progress of the treatment at every stage. Accurate data is produced for the ECT consultant and patient regarding the tumour size at commencement of each individual treatment, and the reduced size or absence of a tumour at the end of the treatment session.

Why do I have to travel to Germany for treatment?
Germany has long been regarded as a leader in the field of cancer treatment, and ECT is one of the exciting cancer therapies to be developed here. ECT is not currently available in The UK or other European countries, but the minor inconvenience of having to travel to our clinic in Cologne is far outweighed by the benefits offered to our patients.

Can Biolife Therapies arrange appointments for the clinic in Cologne, as well as flight and hotel reservations for me?
Yes, we can make your visit to our clinic as straightforward as possible. We will arrange consultation and treatment appointments for you. We can also book flights for you and any companions from a regional UK airport close to your home, as well as accommodation at one of our recommended hotels.

How long does it take to travel to Cologne?
There are regular daily flights from many regional UK airports.The flying time is approximately 90 minutes. From Cologne/Bonn airport, the high speed train can take you to the centre of Cologne in 20 minutes.

If my ECT treatment isn't completely successful, can I still have conventional cancer treatments?
Yes. For patients with a cancer that is treatable with ECT, we always recommend that they start a course of ECT treatment first. If you feel that ECT is not beneficial to your condition, there is nothing to stop you reverting to conventional cancer therapies.

Are there any cancers that don't respond to ECT treatment?
At present, ECT is not available for cancers of the lymph glands, bones, brain, kidneys ot bladder. Please see the 'Alternative Treatments' section of this website, which may provide alternatives for these forms of cancer.