UV Blood Irradiation (UBI)
Ultraviolet light therapy to enhance immune function, fight infections, and support healing during cancer treatment.
What is UV Blood Irradiation?
UV Blood Irradiation (UBI), also known as photoluminescence or biophotonic therapy, is a medical treatment that exposes a small amount of blood to ultraviolet light before returning it to the body. This "photonic" treatment stimulates beneficial biological responses including enhanced immune function, reduced infection, and improved oxygenation.
UBI was widely used in American medicine from the 1930s through the 1950s to treat a variety of infections and conditions, often called "the cure that time forgot." With the rise of antibiotics, UBI fell out of mainstream use but has been preserved in integrative medicine practices where it continues to provide valuable therapeutic benefits.
How UV Blood Irradiation Works
When blood is exposed to ultraviolet light, several beneficial changes occur:
Immune Activation
UV light triggers white blood cells to become more active and effective. Even though only a small amount of blood is treated, it creates a "vaccine-like" effect that activates the entire immune system.
Pathogen Destruction
UV light directly kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the treated blood. The activated immune cells then seek out and destroy similar pathogens throughout the body.
Improved Oxygenation
UBI enhances red blood cells' ability to carry and release oxygen, improving tissue oxygenation throughout the body - important for healing and energy.
Detoxification
The treatment supports the body's natural detoxification processes and can help clear metabolic waste products that accumulate during cancer treatment.
Benefits for Cancer Patients
Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to infections due to immune suppression from the disease itself and from treatments like chemotherapy. UBI offers several valuable benefits:
- Infection Prevention: Strengthens immune defense against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections
- Infection Treatment: Can help clear existing infections without additional antibiotics
- Reduced Antibiotic Need: May reduce reliance on antibiotics that can harm gut flora
- Enhanced Immune Function: Activates natural killer cells and other immune components
- Improved Energy: Better oxygenation often leads to increased stamina
- Reduced Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory effects support healing
- Treatment Support: Can be used alongside chemotherapy and other treatments
- Post-Surgery Recovery: Supports healing and prevents infections after surgery
What to Expect During Treatment
The Procedure
- Blood Draw: A small amount of blood (typically 60-250ml) is drawn from your arm through an IV line
- UV Exposure: The blood passes through a specialized chamber where it's exposed to ultraviolet light (usually UVC wavelength)
- Reinfusion: The treated blood is immediately returned to your body through the same IV line
Treatment Details
- Duration: Each treatment takes approximately 30-45 minutes
- Frequency: Typically 1-3 times per week during acute treatment, less frequently for maintenance
- Comfort: The procedure is no more uncomfortable than a standard blood draw
- Immediate Effects: Some patients notice improved energy within hours
After Treatment
Most patients feel fine immediately after treatment and can resume normal activities. Some experience a mild "healing reaction" with temporary fatigue or flu-like symptoms as the immune system activates, but this typically resolves within a day.
UBI Combined with Other Therapies
UBI is often combined with other integrative treatments for enhanced effect:
- Ozone Therapy: UBI and ozone work synergistically to enhance oxygenation and immune function
- IV Vitamin C: Can be given during the same visit for comprehensive immune support
- Nutritional IVs: Often combined with nutrient infusions for maximum benefit
We'll design a treatment protocol that combines UBI with other therapies appropriate for your specific situation.
Safety & Considerations
UBI has an excellent safety record with over 80 years of clinical use. The treatment:
- Uses sterile, single-use equipment for each treatment
- Exposes only a small amount of blood to UV light
- Has no significant drug interactions
- Can be used during chemotherapy (with appropriate timing)
- Has minimal side effects
Patients with photosensitivity disorders or those taking photosensitizing medications should discuss this with Dr. Stallone before treatment.
Ready to Boost Your Immune Defense?
Schedule a consultation to learn how UV blood irradiation can support your immune system during cancer treatment.