Controversial Cancer Device Linked to Patient Deaths at Offshore Clinic Sparks Investigation

US Startup’s Cancer Treatment Claims Under Scrutiny After Patient Deaths

A US-based medical startup, ExThera, is facing intense scrutiny over its blood-filtering device, which the company claims can cure cancer. The device, which received initial FDA approval for emergency COVID-19 treatment, has been at the center of controversy following reports of patient deaths and questionable practices at a clinic in Antigua.

ExThera, backed by American billionaire Alan Quasha, established the clinic in Antigua to bypass US regulations. The treatment, costing $45,000 per round, has been administered to approximately two dozen patients. However, alarming reports have emerged of at least six patient deaths potentially linked to the treatment.

Kim Hudlow, whose husband received treatment at the clinic, expressed feelings of being misled. “We were promised a miracle, but my husband’s condition only worsened after the treatment,” Hudlow stated.

The ExThera device, initially explored for filtering circulating tumor cells (CTCs), showed limited promising results in a small study conducted in Croatia. However, the claims made by the Antigua clinic appear to far exceed these initial findings.

Quasha’s investment through Quadrant Management led to the establishment of Quadrant Clinical Care in Antigua. The clinic has come under fire for its lack of regulatory oversight and absence of oncologists on staff.

Medical professionals have raised serious concerns about the clinic’s practices. Dr. Jonathan Chow, who visited the facility, reported alarming observations, including patients being instructed to avoid chemotherapy and inadequate medical practices.

Despite these concerns, some patients continued treatment based on unsupported promises of recovery. Tragically, both David Hudlow and Ashley Sullivan died following their treatments at the clinic.

These events have sparked broader discussions about the regulation of experimental treatments and the ethical implications of offering unproven therapies to vulnerable patients. As investigations continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unregulated medical practices and the importance of rigorous scientific validation in cancer treatment.