- COVID-19 Update: Our office is OPEN and scheduling patients. We are dedicated to keeping our patients safe & healthy.
Breakthrough Cancer Therapy for Patients in the Philadelphia Area
Photodynamic Cancer Therapy
PhotodynamIc therapy (PDT) using indocyanine green (ICG) is an innovative treatment approach that combines infrared light and a photosensitive drug to target and treat cancer cells. Here’s a simplified explanation of how it works:
- Indocyanine Green (ICG) as a Photosensitizer: ICG is a dye that, when exposed to a specific wavelength of light, becomes activated. It is commonly used in medical imaging but can also be used as a photosensitizer in PDT. ICG has the ability to absorb light at near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths and, upon activation, generates reactive oxygen species. We use a specific formulation of ICG, manufactured in Germany using nanotechnology. It is made into a liposomal form for greater tumor penetration.
- Administration of ICG: The patient is administered ICG dye intravenously, which circulates through the body and accumulates in cancerous tissue. Tumor cells absorb and retain ICG, making them a target for the treatment. After a few hours, healthy cells work to excrete ICG from the body.
- Activation by Photodynamic Laser: After the ICG has been absorbed by the cancer cells, the tumor area is exposed to a specific wavelength of light in the near-infrared range (around 800-900 nm) using the Laser system. The Laser has the ability to safely deliver high-powered infrared energy deeply into the body, allowing it to reach tumor cells.
- Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): When ICG absorbs the infrared energy, it undergoes a photochemical reaction that generates ROS, particularly singlet oxygen. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can damage cellular components such as proteins, lipids, and DNA. This leads to oxidative stress and can cause the cancer cells to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death), necrosis (cell death), or a combination of both.
- Tumor Destruction: The ROS generated by ICG disrupt the cancer cells’ structure, leading to their destruction. Additionally, the therapy can also damage the blood vessels supplying the tumor, restricting its oxygen and nutrient supply, which further contributes to tumor shrinkage or destruction.
- 6. Minimal Damage to Surrounding Tissue: Because PDT is highly targeted and the infrared activation is localized to the area where the ICG has accumulated, the surrounding healthy tissue is minimally affected. This makes PDT a relatively precise and less invasive treatment compared to some traditional therapies.
The treatment consists of a 5 consecutive day treatment protocol that was developed in conjunction with Dr. Todd Ovokaitys.
Day 1: Intravenous VSEL Stem Cell Therapy
● To aid in cellular repair
Day 2: NanoICG infusion, IV Vitamin C, MAH infusion, Laser Photodynamic Therapy
● IV Vitamin C and MAH selectively increase oxidative stress in cancer cells. Laser therapy targets specific areas of tumor and malignancy
Day 3: Laser Photodynamic Therapy
● Targets specific areas of tumor and malignancy
Day 4: NanoICG infusion, IV Vitamin C, MAH infusion, Laser Photodynamic Therapy
● IV Vitamin C and MAH selectively increase oxidative stress in cancer cells. Photodynamic laser therapy targets specific areas of tumor and malignancy
Day 5: Intravenous VSEL Stem Cell Therapy
● To double down on cellular repair and also activate the immune system to clear dead cancer cells from the body.
● A consultation with Dr. Greenberg to determine if you or your loved one is a candidate for this treatment protocol
● Most recent CT scans as well as any other past relevant scans
● Most recent lab results
○ Additional labs may be ordered if deemed necessary by Dr.
- A consultation with Dr. Greenberg to determine if you or your loved one is a candidate for this treatment protocol
- Most recent CT scans as well as any other past relevant scans
- Most recent lab results
- Additional labs may be ordered if deemed necessary by Dr. Greenberg
Days 1 & 5: VSEL Infusion Through IV
- An IV catheter will be placed in the arm, followed by a blood draw. (Ensure adequate hydration!)
- VSEL processing and separation in the lab
- Activation of the VSELs with the SONG Laser
- Lights will be dimmed and music played while VSELs are slowly infused through your IV.
- SONG Laser guidance of VSELs by Dr. Greenberg. Lasts about 30 minutes
- Removal of IV catheter
Days 2, 3, and 4: ICG, IV Vitamin C, MAH, and Photodynamic Laser Therapy
Days 2 & 4:
- Placement of an IV catheter in the arm and infusion of ICG, followed by IV Vitamin C, and MAH infusion.
- Each infusion lasts approximately 1 hour
- 3 hours after the completion of ICG infusion, Dr. Greenberg will direct the Ultron Laser to areas of cancer
- Allows time for ICG to circulate through the body and bind to tumor cells
- Protective eyewear will be provided and must be worn during the Ultron Laser procedure as the infrared light can damage the eyes.
Day 3
- Photodynamic Laser treatment only.
- No infusions on day 3.
Although this is a relatively safe procedure, as with any procedure there is potential for adverse reactions or risks.
These risks include but are not limited to:
- Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)
- TLS occurs when cancer cells rapidly break down and release their contents into the bloodstream. When these contents accumulate in the body, it can lead to metabolic abnormalities and is a serious condition that must be treated immediately.
- Although rare (especially in otherwise healthy individuals), it is something that must be taken into consideration.
- Allergic reaction to ICG
- Photosensitivity reactions (burning, rash, sunburn, flushing, etc)
Dr. Todd Ovokaitys' Studies So Far
Photodynamic therapy using ICG has been used as a cancer treatment modality in Germany for years, however it has been conducted in a different way. They have been injecting ICG directly into the tumor cells as well as administering it IV. The main difference is that they use a different, less powerful infrared system.
Renowned bioscientist, Johns Hopkins-trained medical doctor, researcher, and inventor Dr. Todd Ovokaitys developed a laser and a protocol to avoid the need to inject directly into the tumors, but rather give ICG intravenously and use a very specialized laser called a Photodynamic Laser to target these areas from outside the body. Dr. Greenberg is the first person in the world to be trained by Dr. Ovokaitys in its use.
Dr. Ovokaitys has treated approximately 25 patients with this protocol so far over the course of 2 years. He has treated patients with many various types of cancers including but not limited to:
- Glioblastoma
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Lymphomas
- Leukemias
- Breast cancer
Most patients treated by Dr. Ovokaitys were at advanced stages and had previously undergone traditional oncology treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other medications. 23 of the 25 patients studied are still alive today after being given a limited life expectancy with their initial diagnosis prior to treatment.
The two patients who did not survive were quite ill on their initial presentation to receive Dr. Ovokaitys’ treatment protocol. Although these patients ultimately did not survive, at least one experienced symptomatic improvements following Dr. Ovokaitys’ treatment protocol.
While we can make no guarantees for this treatment, nor is this classified as a “cure”, Dr. Ovokaitys has seen very promising results with this therapy and our goal is to do the same and help you get better. Dr. Greenberg will also be working closely with an integrative oncologist at the Marcus Institute at Jefferson Health who is familiar with this treatment. He is recommending that all patients receiving this treatment be followed by this provider as well.
VSEL therapy is one of the most exciting regenerative medicine therapies. A VSEL is a very small “embryonic-like” cell – a type of stem cell that has the greatest potential to regenerate and rejuvenate tissues throughout the entire human body. Since these cells are small yet powerful, they can pass through the lungs and brain where other stem cells do not. They are also very robust as when they reach their target they are known to be able to both rapidly multiply and grow in size to produce healing proteins. VSELs are what is known as pluripotent (can become nearly any tissue or organ) and therefore do not have the risk of tumor formation which is a potential complication of using embryonic stem cells. While VSELs are found in the bone marrow and blood, they are usually bound and thus stay intact and young, so even the elderly have these healthy and powerful stem cells. Furthermore, VSELs that we use are autologous (derived from your own plasma) which only enhances their safety profile.
But typically, VSELs are bound in the plasma and are not very available for use in the body’s regenerative functions. However, our colleague Dr. Todd Ovokaitys and his team at Johns Hopkins developed the patented QiGen laser system to release millions of VSELs from the patient’s own plasma that can be used to restore and rejuvenate the body. In fact, Dr. Ovokaitys has worked with leading scientists such as Harvard University professor David Sinclair and has validated that this treatment can reverse biological and cellular age as measured by DNA methylation. The age reversal effect on the body is typically 3 years per treatment within 6-12 weeks, the most that has been observed thus far with a method, especially that can offer repeated treatments. This is the most profound effect of being able to turn back the biological clock throughout the body that may allow a person to live a lot longer in a much more youthful body than has ever been available. Thousands of procedures have been performed to date and we are proud to be selected as one of the few clinical sites in the country to be granted a QiGen system.
But typically, VSELs are bound in the plasma and are not very available for use in the body’s regenerative functions. However, our colleague Dr. Todd Ovokaitys and his team at Johns Hopkins developed the patented QiGen laser system to release millions of VSELs from the patient’s own plasma that can be used to restore and rejuvenate the body. In fact, Dr. Ovokaitys has worked with leading scientists such as Harvard University professor David Sinclair and has validated that this treatment can reverse biological and cellular age as measured by DNA methylation. The age reversal effect on the body is typically 3 years per treatment within 6-12 weeks, the most that has been observed thus far with a method, especially that can offer repeated treatments. This is the most profound effect of being able to turn back the biological clock throughout the body that may allow a person to live a lot longer in a much more youthful body than has ever been available. Thousands of procedures have been performed to date and we are proud to be selected as one of the few clinical sites in the country to be granted a QiGen system.
While some patients may experience relief of their symptoms and note improved energy and cognition after one treatment, the number of treatments depends on the patient’s condition and longevity/anti-aging goals. These treatments can be performed every few months and side effects are limited to fatigue and malaise in under 10% of the patients who received the procedure.
The VSELs are prepared by drawing blood into specifically designed tubes from Israel, extracting the PRP, and then applying the laser to fractionate out the VSELs. The VSEL treatment can be given by injection into joints, hair, skin, ear, and sexual organs among other areas to help with regeneration but is typically given intravenously (IV). The interesting thing about this aspect of the IV procedure is that we utilize the laser to direct the IV treatment of VSELs to target areas of the body that need regeneration. This innovative technique is also protected by a US patent. The laser treatment of the body is painless and safe for all areas of the body, including the eyes.
Dr. Ovokaitys published a clinical study of using this method to improve function in severe end stage heart failure. A normal heart pumps 50-65% of its blood each beat, and this percentage is called the ejection fraction. Less than 30% is considered severe heart failure. The study subjects had an average of a 21% ejection fraction and were all heart transplant candidates. Compared to other published work where intracoronary stem cells were delivered by invasive cardiac catheterization and gave an improvement of only 8% overall function in 6 months, our much simpler and safer intravenous delivery gave an average improvement of 50% in 3 months. Half the subjects improved off of the heart transplant list and 20% improved to nearly normal with just one treatment. The prognosis in severe heart failure in only 30% one year survival, and little or no survival after 3 years. In contrast we showed an 80% survival rate after 6 years, which is unprecedented in this area. A heart transplant costs $1 million dollars and only 10% of candidates live long enough to get a transplant. Our procedure costs 99% less and nearly 100% of persons who could benefit could be able to receive the treatment.
While VSELs are not approved by the FDA for treatment of any disease, they have been used to help patients with symptoms of a variety of conditions by regeneration of unhealthy tissue. As mentioned, the restoration process from VSELs reverses the aging process by an average of three years per treatment.
Patients who may benefit from VSELs in addition to those interested in longevity, anti-aging, and maximizing hormonal function include:
Patients who may benefit from VSELs in addition to those interested in longevity, anti-aging, and maximizing hormonal function include:
- Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and traumatic brain injuries
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Macular degeneration
- Spinal cord injuries
- Post-COVID syndrome
- Autoimmune diseases
- COPD (emphysema)
- Cardiomyopathy (heart failure)
- Some forms of liver and kidney failure
- Male and female infertility
- Erectile dysfunction
- Arthritis and sports injuries
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fluroquinalone (Cipro, Levoquin) toxicity
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hair loss
- Skin aging and wrinkles
- Insomnia