Preview: The Kanzius Machine
October 15, 2009 10:28 AM
The relentlessness of leukemia led John Kanzius to develop his very own radio wave machine, hoping it could help him win his fight against cancer. Lesley Stahl reports, this Sunday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
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Kanzius was a smart engineer and his track record with applied technology is recognized, at the very least, by the USPTO. It is not unfair to overlook other controversial matters (RF induced production of hydrogen from salt water). After all, the physical world is an incredibly complex place and Kanzius can at least be credited for being Edisonian with RF waves.
But the journalistic ignorance of science, medical research methods and the state of the art with RF cancer ablation technology is unfortunate. Being no expert in technology, science and medicine and not an expert in psychology, the story was still missed.
Kanzius had to act to save his life and that he attempted. But how can such an action be covered without directly considering the things that really help those suffering with cancer? It wasn't the machine. It was his actions and his unfortunate situation that should have been covered better.
Why didn't Kanzius participate in clinical research studies? Were any available? Is cancer properly funded? Are there available treatments? Where was all the bulldog go after the system to help sick people? Did he exhaust other available protocols? Is our system underfunded? Does the public not fully understand science and know how to get it to focus on problems? Is our system so bad that people have to follow Kanzius?
What about the psychology of a terminal illness? How do people act and behave? Think about that line of reasoning and consider Kanzius' motivation. How would that have enhanced the perspective of the story?
A much deeper story could have been found. His machine isn't new, there is nothing being hidden and there is no conspiracy. Illuminating fluorescent tubes is not it. He certainly provided inspiration and was a victim of poor technological process.
60 Minutes appears to have missed the true story. Providing a platform for a single man's personal struggle from the perspective of his machine isn't it. The medical community was given seconds on responding to Kanzius' actions without discussion about why Kanzius' actions were wrong relative to current practice. Allowing a doctor to admiittedly, "Cringe" is not enough. The medical community was also not asked why current therapy wasn't helping Kanzius.
Kanzius rose to the challenge the only way he could and died fighting. Everyone with cancer does. Relenting on critical thinking and not approaching the actual nature of the cancer situation is unnacceptable, especially given the current technology and infrastructure for finding cures. Fundamental science and research needs to be critically assessed on grounds of science. Funding is needed, and a nation has to expend its energy on actionable science. Kanzius provided great inspiration. But not greater than what appears to be a failure of understanding what makes a cure and how it can be obtained for you or I. In that sense, Kanzius is not only a victim of cancer.
Sorry for typographical errors and in fact I'm certain my comments should be more sympathetic to Kanzius. Not having seen the initial stories, this last one simply did not sit right with me so I belted out this rant and welcome with an open mind criticism.
After watching tonight's episode I'm left with the question...
Why didn't Mr. Kanzius not use the gold nanoparticles when treating himself?