STUDY TO FOCUS ON CHELATION THERAPY
STUDY TO FOCUS ON CHELATION THERAPY
Health Minister Lorne Calvert today announced a commitment to support a clinical trial to determine if chelation therapy is a viable treatment for certain forms of heart disease. Chelation therapy involves a chemical known as EDTA (ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid) being dripped intravenously into a patient’s bloodstream. The treatment is said to remove plaque from, and reverse hardening of, the arteries. Dr. Merril Knudtson, a University of Calgary medical researcher and cardiologist at the Foothills Hospital, will conduct an Alberta-based study involving about 130 people with heart disease over a two year period. Saskatchewan Health officials are working with Dr. Knudtson, the Regina Health District, and Regina-based cardiologists to establish a Saskatchewan site and Saskatchewan-based clinical trial. “Adding a Saskatchewan site to the study will increase the size of the test group and the accuracy of the study,” said Dr. Knudtson. The study will compare one group who will receive chelation treatments with a control group who will get a placebo. Chelation treatment is not sanctioned by physician licensing bodies in Canada. EDTA is currently licensed only for treating people with heavy metal poisoning. It is expected that the health protection branch of National Health and Welfare will support the use of the drug for broader chelation purposes only in a strictly controlled study. “A clinical trial under strict criteria and protocols would be welcomed by the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons,” said college registrar Dr. Dennis Kendel. “A scientific study will assist physicians, patients, the college and the government in making decisions about its use,” Calvert said. “A Saskatchewan test site is expected to be in place by October, pending the outcome of further discussions.” -30- For more information, contact: Mark Seland Communications and Public Information Saskatchewan Health Regina Phone: 787-3825