Devices and methods for modulation of bone erosion
First Claim
1. A method of treating a metastatic cancer or preventing a cancer from metastasizing, the method comprising applying electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve using a nerve stimulation device to reduce RANKL level within a patient having a metastatic cancer or at risk for developing a metastatic cancer from cancerous or precancerous cells or tissue.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Devices and methods for stimulation of the vagus nerve to modulate (e.g., reduce, suppress, etc.) bone erosion. Methods and apparatus for modulating bone erosion may modulate levels of Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor κ B Ligand (RANKL), and/or to modulate (increase, enhance, etc.) osteoprotegerin (OPG) and/or OPG/RANKL ratio. Devices may include electrical stimulation devices that may be implanted, and may be activated to apply current for a proscribed duration, followed by a period without stimulation.
556 Citations
12 Claims
- 1. A method of treating a metastatic cancer or preventing a cancer from metastasizing, the method comprising applying electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve using a nerve stimulation device to reduce RANKL level within a patient having a metastatic cancer or at risk for developing a metastatic cancer from cancerous or precancerous cells or tissue.
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8. A method of treating a metastatic cancer or preventing a cancer from metastasizing, the method comprising:
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repeatedly applying electrical stimulation of between about 0.1 and about 10 mA to the patient'"'"'s vagus nerve for less than about 2 minutes, followed by an off-time of between about 12 and about 48 hours, to reduce RANKL; and monitoring a marker related to RANKL, OPG or RANKL and OPG. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification