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INNOVATIVE CANCER CARE

About Verthermia®

At Verthermia®, our mission is to extend and enhance life for people with advanced unresponsive cancer. We also pledge to continue investigating how our natural process can fight deadly diseases and viruses, in addition to cancer treatment.
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OVERSEEING OPERATIONS

Our Management Team

Verthermia’s management team is responsible for overseeing all medical operations and ensuring that our treatment protocols are in line with the latest advancements in the field. Our team is composed of professionals from the medical and business worlds. Working in tandem with our staff of highly trained professionals, our management team provides the foundation for Verthermia’s operational and medical efficiency.

JOSEPH (JAY) ZWISCHENBERGER, M.D.
JOSEPH (JAY) ZWISCHENBERGER, M.D.
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON, CRITICAL CARE
Dr. Zwischenberger serves at the University of Kentucky as Professor of Surgery
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Roger Vertrees, Ph.D.
Roger Vertrees, Ph.D.
CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER
Roger is a Certified Clinical Perfusionist Emeritus, and he received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Experimental Oncologic Pathology.
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Mitchel K. May
MITCHEL K. MAY JD
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mitchel K May is a distinguished healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in operational management, financial strategy, and innovative healthcare solutions.

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jan Winetz MD
JAN WINETZ, M.D.
CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER

Jan is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Jan graduated from the Cornell University Medical College, residency and served as a Chief Resident at S.U.N.Y.

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GUIDING OUR RESEARCH

Our Board
of Directors

Our board of directors consists of passionate, dedicated individuals with a wealth of experience in the areas of cancer and hyperthermia treatments. We are proud to have a diverse board that provides insight into various aspects of cancer care. They are integral to our mission of providing patients with exceptional treatment.
lou
LOU LANG
BOARD MEMBER, CONSULTANT
Louis Lang is a former 32-year member and Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, as well as one of Illinois premier Government Affairs attorneys.
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PHOTO-2023-03-19-04-03-44-1-1
MAREK STUBLEY
BOARD MEMBER, CONSULTANT
Mr. Marek Stubley is a Founding Partner at the highly specialized boutique law firm in Prague of A3K. A3K caters to a select group of successful executives and corporate clientile.
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Roger Vertrees, Ph.D.
ROGER VERTREES, PH.D.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, CHIEF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Roger is a Certified Clinical Perfusionist Emeritus, and he received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Experimental Oncologic Pathology.
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Jay Smith
JAY SMITH
BOARD MEMBER, SECRETARY
Jay was a certified public accountant with a large national firm and has over 30 years of experience as a financial executive.
View Bio
PETRA SMELTZER STARKE
PETRA SMELTZER STARKE
BOARD MEMBER
Petra Smelter Starke is the founder and CEO of a global growing hot yoga healthy lifestyle brand SweatNGlow.
View Bio
jan Winetz MD
JAN WINETZ, M.D.
CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER
Jan is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Jan graduated from the Cornell University Medical College with a residency, and then he served as a Chief Resident at S.U.N.Y.
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Paul J  Manafort
BOARD MEMBER, CONSULTANT
Paul J  Manafort is a political consultant and government affairs professional whose career spanning five decades has been devoted to furthering the interests of United States.
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CANCER SPECIALISTS

Our Medical
Advisory Board

Combining cutting-edge technology with evidence-based treatment, the medical advisory board at Verthermia includes top minds of cancer treatment. Our team is composed of experienced specialists and scientists who are committed to helping our patients achieve positive outcomes. Collectively, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, allowing us to stay ahead of emerging trends in hyperthermia cancer treatment.
DENNIS CHI, M.D
DENNIS CHI, M.D
ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Chi has been an attending surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for more than 25 years.
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JAMES CUSACK M.D
JAMES CUSACK, M.D
GASTROINTESTINAL SURGEON, COLORECTAL SURGEON
Dr. Cusack serves on the Harvard Medical School faculty, Massachusetts General staff, and the consulting staff at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
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Robert DeBernardo M.D
ROBERT DEBERNARDO, M.D.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, ONCOLOGY SPECIALIST
Dr. DeBernardo is a Cleveland Clinic Gynecologic Oncologist and is also the Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Cleveland Clinic’s Ob/Gyn & Women’s Health Institute
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Daniel Labow M.D
DANIEL LABOW, M.D.
SURGICAL ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Labow is the Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Surgery at Mount Sinai. He iS additionally the Vice Chair of Quality for the Department of Surgery
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JOSEPH (JAY) ZWISCHENBERGER, M.D.
JOSEPH ZWISCHENBERGER, M.D.
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Zwischenberger serves at the University of Kentucky, Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics,
View Bio
David Bartlett M.D
DAVID BARTLETT, M.D.
CHAIR OF THE AHN CANCER INSTITUTE, ALLEGHENY HEALTH NETWORK
Dr. Bartlett is the Chair of the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute. Prior to that, he served as the Vice Chairman of Surgical Oncology
View Bio

Clinical Trial Results

At Verthermia®, we believe that everyone should have access to effective cancer treatments and strive to provide our clients with the best care possible.

Ovarian
Cancer Trial

Our ovarian cancer trial resulted in significant findings on the positive impacts of HEATT®. Patients overall experienced improved survival rates and daily living satisfaction.

Lung
Cancer Trial

Verthermia® trial patients with unresponsive lung cancer exceeded average life expectancy after receiving HEATT®.
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Contact Us
Today

The system and methods of Verthermia® are protected by four issued US patents (11,065,379; 11,185,622; 11,191,883, and 11,239,551). Two other US patent applications are in process, and one international or PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application is in process. Verthermia® has two registered US trademarks, and two other US trademark applications are in process. 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, HEATT therapy has been shown to be both safe and effective, as demonstrated in our FDA-approved clinical trial without comment or reservation! 

HEATT® can be used to treat all kinds of cancers as well as various other diseases. Please reach out to our team of medical experts and we will discuss if HEATT® is right for you. 

Most patients stay in the hospital for about 3-4 days, depending on individual recovery needs. Post-treatment care takes place in the recovery room at First Baptist Medical Center and is included as part of the process.

Research from 2017 indicates that the Lyme disease bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, struggles at elevated temperatures—becoming immobile at 102.2°F, losing structural integrity at 104°F, and being fully eradicated at 106.9°F for two hours. HEATT therapy safely reaches 107.6°F and, when combined with antibiotics, offers a comprehensive approach to tackling the bacteria.

Whole-body hyperthermia, as used in HEATT therapy, raises the body’s temperature to a therapeutic level, making it suitable for systemic conditions. Localized or regional hyperthermia, on the other hand, targets heat to a specific tumor or area, focusing only on the isolated cancer/Tumor sites. Localized and regional methods don’t address cancers spread to the bloodstream, nor can they safely reach an internal temperature of 42°C (107.6°F). HEATT therapy, validated by our FDA-approved clinical trials, is the only whole-body hyperthermia treatment proven to achieve this temperature safely and effectively across the entire body.

Treatments are performed in the operating room at First Baptist Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. We regularly care for patients from across the U.S. and beyond, offering a reliable setting for your treatment.

The frequency of HEATT® treatments depends on the individual heat treatment for cancer designed by our medical team.

Our team of experienced medical professionals conducts the HEATT® procedure, ensuring the highest standards of care, safety, and affordable hyperthermia cancer treatment cost.

Preparation involves a thorough medical evaluation and consultation with our specialists to tailor the treatment to your needs.

Yes, HEATT® uses all FDA-approved devices and follows strict safety protocols. FDA-Approval came without comment or reservation. 

HEATT therapy is designed to address all   cancers. To confirm if it’s the right option for your specific case, we recommend consulting with our medical team, who are here to guide you with expertise and care.

Verthermia® provides Hyperthermic Extracorporeal Applied Tumor Therapy (HEATT®) to patients with advanced tumors that are unresponsive to traditional cancer treatments.

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JOSEPH (JAY) ZWISCHENBERGER, M.D.

JOSEPH (JAY) ZWISCHENBERGER, M.D.

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON, CRITICAL CARE

Dr. Zwischenberger serves at the University of Kentucky as Professor of Surgery,
Pediatrics, interventional radiology, and bioengineering. He is the former Chair of the
Department of Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief of UK Healthcare. He has been involved in
continuous research since 1987 with over 60 funded projects focused on severe
respiratory failure, lung cancer, and artificial lung development. He has served on
several NIH studies as review and chairman, and has over 400 peer-reviewed
publications. He has an extensive background in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
(CMO) and Venovenous Perfusion-Induced Systemic Hyperthermia.

Roger Vertrees, Ph.D.

ROGER VERTREES, PH.D.

CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER

Roger received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Biomedical Sciences. with a
concentration in Experimental Oncologic Pathology. A Board-Certified Cardiovascular
Perfusionist, Roger has applied this clinical expertise to over 30 years of research in
whole-body

MITCHEL K. MAY JD

MITCHEL K. MAY JD

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mitchel K May is a distinguished healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in operational management, financial strategy, and innovative healthcare solutions. As CEO of Verthermia, he has spearheaded groundbreaking advancements in cancer care, notably through the development of the HEATT* therapy, which leverages controlled hyperthermia to target cancer cells.

Additionally, Mr. May plays a pivotal role at Hippocrates Wellness, a renowned holistic health retreat in West Palm Beach, Florida. His influence has elevated the retreat’s 70-year legacy by introducing advanced longevity therapies, expanding integrated fitness and wellness programs, and fostering collaborations that blend traditional healing with modern medical science.

With a JD from Fordham University School of Law and a BA from Clark University, Mr. May began his career practicing law in New York City, later founding Sheldon May & Associates, P.C. His early success in managing over 15 businesses, including healthcare start-ups, laid the foundation for his impactful contributions to the industry.

Looking ahead, Mr. May envisions a future where healthcare integrates diverse practices into a holistic network, prioritizing patient outcomes through cutting-edge therapies and comprehensive care strategies. His leadership continues to drive progress in both cancer treatment and wellness, offering hope for a healthier tomorrow.

jan Winetz MD

JAN WINETZ. M.D.

CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER

Jan is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Jan graduated from the
Cornell University Medical College, residency and served as a Chief Resident at S.U.N.Y.
Jan also served a fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center where he won two
National Kidney Foundation Fellowships for his research. Jan has multiple peer reviewed
publications. A practicing Nephrologist for over 30 years, Jan was instrumental in the
Company’s recent Phase 1 Ovarian Hyperthermia trials.

Paul J.Manafort

LOU LANG

BOARD MEMBER, CONSULTANT

Louis Lang is a former 32-year member and Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, as well as one of Illinois premier Government Affairs attorneys. With decades of experience and a proven track record, Lou specializes in developing and implementing successful strategies, and troubleshooting obstacles. His history, in government, politics and the practice of law, working on many fronts, has made him a highly sought after and effective communicator who has earned the respect of government and business leaders. His relationships, expertise, and known ability as a problem solver who can navigate the most challenging and perplexing public policy and business issues. In these areas, his record is unmatched. Lou is the former Deputy Majority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives. In this role he has been the Chair and member of multiple House Committees, and has developed legislation and background in dozens of public policy areas, including being the author of Illinois medical cannabis law, improving the quality of life for many who suffer from serious and debilitating illness, capital infrastructure investment, opioid and other addiction treatment and reform legislation, mental health reform, insurance and utility reform, passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, and economic development through gaming expansion. He has served as a respected and outspoken elected Democratic Party Leader for many years. In this role, he has been responsible for the election of many current and former elected officials all over Illinois, and beyond its borders as well. Lou is also the proud parent of 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
MAREK STUBLEY

MAREK STUBLEY

BOARD MEMBER, CONSULTANT

Mr. Marek Stubley is a Founding Partner at the highly specialized boutique law firm in Prague of A3K. A3K caters to a select group of successful executives and corporate clientile. Mr. Stubley handles a specialized group of clients in the areas of: private equity; real estate; hospitals; and entertainment. He has overseen complex litigations in the European Union and in the United States. He is a lifelong devoted cyclist and skier. His passion for cycling and skiing is only surpassed for his love of his daughter and son, whom he and his wife, Tereza, are proudly raising outside of Prague. Marek brings to Verthermia a strong desire to help expand the company’s operations outside of the United States to Europe. He was also recruited to help facilitate the company accessing both capital markets and private equity globally.
Roger Vertrees, Ph.D.

ROGER VERTREES, PH.D.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, CHIEF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

Roger is a Certified Clinical Perfusionist Emeritus, and he received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Experimental Oncologic Pathology. He retired from University of Texas Medical Branch as Associate Professor of Surgery. He currently focuses all his time and energy into @Verthermia and is the developer and innovator of the HEAT circuit and technology. Roger has more than 30 years of research in whole-body hyperthermia and Roger has conducted all preclinical animal studies in hyperthermia and all of the human trials of lung and ovarian cancer patients.
Jay Smith

JAY SMITH

BOARD MEMBER, SECRETARY

Jay was a certified public accountant with a large national firm and has over 30
years of experience as a financial executive. Jay has successfully established and
managed businesses in manufacturing, distribution, importing, and agriculture. Jay
initially joined the company as the interim CFO and helped support capital raising
efforts. Jay holds a BS and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

PETRA SMELTZER STARKE

PETRA SMELTZER STARKE

BOARD MEMBER

Petra Smeltzer Starke is the founder and CEO of a global growing hot yoga healthy lifestyle brand SweatNGlow. She partners nationwide with businesses and charities to promote yoga, fitness, skincare, and nutrition. She is the author of a bestselling book on her journey from Communism growing up in Czechoslovakia to her times in the Obama White House. Her book highlights how Yoga was her means of mental and physical support. Previously, Petra graduated at the top of her class from Georgetown Law before practicing law at the firm of O’Melveny & Meyers, LLP. At the firm. she represented political nominees and appointees during the Bush Administration. She was subsequently recruited for the Obama Presidential Transition. Later she worked in the Obama White House where she served as General Counsel to the White House Council of Economic Advisors and Senior Advisor to the President. More recently she • served as a member of the Biden-Harris Transition Team.
jan Winetz MD

JAN WINETZ, M.D.

CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER

Jan is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Jan graduated from the
Cornell University Medical College with a residency, and then he served as a Chief
Resident at S.U.N.Y. affiliated hospitals at Buffalo, N.Y. Jan also served a fellowship at
Stanford University Medical Center where he won two National Kidney Foundation
Fellowships for his research. Jan has multiple peer-reviewed publications and has
been a practicing Nephrologist for over 30 years. Jan was instrumental in the
company’s Phase 1 ovarian hyperthermia trials.

Paul J  Manafort

BOARD MEMBER, CONSULTANT

Paul J  Manafort is a political consultant and government affairs professional whose career spanning five decades has been devoted to furthering the interests of United States on the world stage. As the campaign chairman for Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign Paul put into the place the structured that delivered the nomination and eventually the general election for the Donald Trump. 

DENNIS CHI, M.D

DENNIS CHI, M.D

ONCOLOGIST

Dr. Chi has been an attending surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
for more than 25 years. Since 2010, he has served as Deputy Chief of the
Gynecology Service, and he has been Head of the Ovarian Cancer Surgery Section
since 2014. Dr. Chi specializes in gynecologic oncology for cervical cancer, uterine
cancer, and ovarian cancer. He additionally has extensive experience in minimally
invasive cancer techniques.

JAMES CUSACK M.D

JAMES CUSACK, M.D

GASTROINTESTINAL SURGEON, COLORECTAL SURGEON

Dr. Cusack serves on the Harvard Medical School faculty, Massachusetts General
staff, and the consulting staff at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. At Massachusetts
General, Dr. Cusack is the Director of the Peritoneal Surface Malignancy (HIPEC)
Program and Surgical Oncology Laboratories. He was additionally Chair of the SSO
Scientific Program Committee and served on the Executive Council of the Society of
Surgical Oncology (SSO).

Robert DeBernardo M.D

ROBERT DEBERNARDO, M.D.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, ONCOLOGY SPECIALIST

Dr. DeBernardo is a Cleveland Clinic Gynecologic Oncologist and is also the Director of Minimallu Invasive Surgery in Cleveland Clinic’s Ob/Gun & Women’s Health Institute. Dr. DeBernardo has over 26 years in the medical field with extensive knowledge in Gynecologic Neoplasms and Gastrointestinal Neoplasms. He additionally has contributed largely to research and technological development for gynecologic cancer treatment.
Daniel Labow M.D

DANIEL LABOW, M.D.

SURGICAL ONCOLOGIST

Dr. Labow is the Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Surgery at Mount Sinai. He is additionally the Vice Chair of Quality for the Department of Surgery and is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in Surgical Oncology. He has worked at Mount Sinai since 2004 and has since been promoted to Professor of Surgery. He has conducted extensive research and trials for metastatic malignancies of various cancer types.
JOSEPH (JAY) ZWISCHENBERGER, M.D.

PAUL J. MANAFORT

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGIST

Dr. Zwischenberger serves at the University of Kentucky, Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, and he is the former Chair of the Department of Surgery. He has been involved in continuous research since 1987 with over 60 funded projects focused on severe respiratory failure, lung cancer, and artificial lung development. He has served on several NIH studies as review and chairman and has over 400 peer- reviewed publications. He has an extensive background in Extracorporal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Venovenous Perfusion-Induced Systemic Hyperthermia.

Our Medical Advisory Board

David Bartlett M.D

DAVID BARTLETT, M.D.

CHAIR OF THE AHN CANCER INSTITUTE, ALLEGHENY HEALTH NETWORK

Dr. Bartlett is the Chair of the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute. Prior to that, he served as the Vice Chairman of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgical Services at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Bartlett is internationally recognized for his revolutionary findings, as he has published over 300 research papers. He has continued to be elected as one of Pittsburgh’s best doctors since 2016.