Catherine Greene, 01/27/04
Breast Cancer with Lung and Bone Metastases
Remission of tumors
This very pleasant 71-year-old retired educator was admitted for comprehensive immunotherapy after an 11-year history of breast carcinoma and a history of uterine cancer. On discovery in 1993 of a 6-cm mass in her left breast, she accepted treatment with a modified radical mastectomy with lymph-node dissection (6 of 21 were positive for malignancy). Because of the lymphatic involvement and the size of the primary lesion, she was staged as IIIA (T3 N1 M0). Surgery was followed by chemotherapy with Cytoxan, methotrexate, and 5FU for many months.
A 7-year symptom-free period was ended in February of 2003 with the development of left-sided lymphedema, weight loss, and a persistent dry cough. A September 2003 PET scan of the lungs revealed multiple hypermetabolic foci within the neck, chest and skeleton. On the left side, the scalene and supraclavicular lymph nodes were involved, and on the right side the hilar nodal groups were active. Multiple skeletal lesions were observed in the right femur and ileum, the left acetabulum, a left rib/chest wall, and the spine at L4. The spinal lesion was again imaged by a CT scan of October 2003, and a whole-body bone scan at the same time clearly demonstrated a lesion at L3-4, as well as lesions of the left clavicle, and a left lateral rib. A routine PA and lateral chest x-ray revealed a 1.5-cm left mid lung mass which had been first identified in September 2003. On guided biopsy, she suffered a minor pneumothorax, but recovered without further incident.
By January 2004, just before her admission to the Issels Treatment Center, C.G.’s most recent CT scans now revealed two lung tumors on the left, a 1.4-cm lingular nodule, and a new 1-cm lower left lobe nodule. A bone scan, also of January 2004, suggested progressive and newly extensive bony involvement with metastatic disease in the anterior calvarium, the left sternoclavicular region, several bilateral ribs, the sternum, the spine throughout its cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae, as well as multiple lesions in the pelvis, and at least two lesions in the right proximal femur.
Her condition on admission January 27, 2004, was good, although the recent rapid spread of her disease was a pressing concern. She was initiated successfully with 28 days of hospitalization for oral and IV nutritional therapy, detoxification, multiple injections of Coley’s toxins, and 4 PUVA-photopheresis sessions with manufacture of a take-home supply of frozen, live dendritic cells for period injections. Her ongoing treatment included consolidation with the Issels autologous vaccine. She was discharged in excellent condition.
By the end of March 2004, after only two months of treatment, a CT of the chest revealed that the two previously described pulmonary nodules had decreased in size so much that the left lower lobe nodule was barely visible. A March 2004 pelvic CT noted both the lumbar spine metastasis and the irregular demineralization and sclerosis within the bony pelvis. A late-May bone scan showed a decrease in intensity of some of the central lesions raising the possibility of interval improvement, and by mid-July 2004 a pelvic CT no longer demonstrated demineralization or sclerosis, although a chest CT could still delineate the lingular mass in the left lung, and a new set of scans in November 2004 showed no real change.
Over the December 2004 January 2005 holidays, she was given a break from vaccinations, and vacationed with her family for five weeks. On her return to commence treatment once again, she had another round of CT scans (March 2005) and was rewarded with the finding her lungs are entirely tumor-free with only slight scarring. Her condition is robust; she has no cough, fever, sweats, or fatigue, and has resumed treatment with the intent to finish the job. October 2005, her spirits are high, and her energy excellent.
May 25, 2007 follow-up: A PET scan compared to the one dated 11.28.2006 reveals the following:
1. Stable uptake in the left clavicle.
2. Stable hilar uptake, probably benign.
3. Widespread mottled appearance of the bones, but No FDG avidity, suggesting healed metastatic bone disease.
Catherine is in excellent condition and wrote a letter to the Issels Treatment Center on December 2007:
"...I am so grateful for the Issels Treatment."
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T. A., 04/13/05
Recurring poorly differentiated Synovial Sarcoma with Lung Metastases
Remission of tumor masses
This 25 years old. woman developed a very fast growing tumor in her abdomen during the pregnancy with her first child. The tumor of a diameter of 11 x 8 cm was removed after the birth of her child in June 2004 and diagnosed as a poorly differentiated Synovial Sarcoma.
In November 2004 several nodules were found in her lungs and the CT scan of February 2005 showed that they were increasing in size. In March 2005 a tumor with a diameter of 6 x 7 cm was diagnosed at the same site as the first tumor.
In April 2005, the patient was admitted to the Issels Treatment Center with inoperable abdominal tumor masses that pressed against the pancreas, spleen, vena cava, diaphragma.and mediastinum. At that point the estimated life expectancy by her oncologist was one week!
The intensive 4-week Issels Treatment including the vaccine protocol was very carefully initiated and T. responded extremely well. She could breathe again without oxygen and her general condition continued to improve during her follow-up treatment at home.
After 3 months the large tumor masses encapsulated into one operable tumor and the
patient was referred to surgery. She recovered very well and continues the Issels Treatment.
Her husband's own words in an email to the Issels Treatment Center on 09/09/2005:
"T. is now a month out of surgery, and she continues to get stronger. Her incision is healing nicely, but still a little tender. There is not much pain anymore, and so she just a few days ago stopped taking her pain medication…"
He continues to write on 09/18/05:
"T. feels great, and the Lord is blessing her with more energy everyday. She has been having so much fun playing with E., and cherishes every moment more after knowing what it was like to not be able to even get out of bed. The last CT Scan done (prior to this one) was before T.'s surgery, and this one from last week shows definite improvement from that. Most of the cancer in T.'s abdomen and chest is gone."
December 2005: T. is continuing the Issels Treatment at home and leads a normal life.
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L. S., 06/30/05
Mucoepidermoid Cancer of Parotid Gland
Referring oncologist stunned with Issels Treatment Results
The 53 old patient was diagnosed as suffering from a Mucoepidermoid Cancer of the parotid gland in May 1999. He underwent resection of the parotid gland followed by chemotherapy. In April 2004, he had a recurrence with lung metastases and received his second chemotherapy to no avail.
In June 2005, the patient was admitted to the Issels Treatment Center with heavy pain due to the tumor mass in his right lung and shortness of breath, which kept him from walking. He experienced marked improvement during the intensive 4-week in-patient Issels treatment including the vaccine program, which he continued at home.
His progress in his wife’ own words on December 16, 2005: "Before we started the Issels Treatment in June 2005 my husband’s oncologist, Dr. J., gave him only one more month to live. In October 2005, 4 months into the Issels Treatment, when he listened to L.’s lungs, he was stunned. The right lung, which was "dead" for over a year due to the tumor mass, is now starting to be perfused with air, and we could see it also on the X-ray. The check-up in December showed even further improvement and the oncologist could not conceal his astonishment. He even said he had never experienced that a patient in L.’s condition improved and survived that long."
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J. R., 09/01/05
Recurring Infiltrative Ductal Breast Cancer with Bone Metastases
40 percent shrinkage of recurring hard breast tumor within 3 months
The 65 year old patient was diagnosed as suffering from Infiltrative Ductal Breast Cancer in April 2001. She underwent a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and hormone therapy. In 2002 the cancer recurred in her breast and spread to the bones. She contracted a pathological fracture in the lumbar region and received Zometa and radiation therapy. She also tried various alternative treatments to no avail.
In September 2005, she was admitted to the Issels Treatment Center with a hard tumor mass that infiltrated 2/3 of her breast, an open wound in the scar where the operation was performed in 2001, extensive metastases to her hip, pelvis and lumbar area. Heavy pain prevented her from walking. She underwent the intensive 4 week Issels in-patient treatment including the vaccine program combined with a one week low dose radiation therapy to her lumbar region.
She continued the Issels Treatment with the vaccines at home and presented to ITC for the first follow-up examination in December 2005. Her pain was gone and the hard tumor mass in her breast had shrunk by 40%. Patient J.R. was extremely happy and thankful for a regained life.
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T.B., 01/14/04
Neurofibromatosis Type II
Remission of tumors
Tamra’s Progress with the Issels Treatments (in her own words).
- January 14, 2004-started program
- January 17-I was able to pinch my nametag clip. I haven’t been able to pinch with my right hand in 6 months.(after 1st vaccine)
- January 19-I was able to pinch my hair clippy.
- January 20-The pinky on my left hand hadn’t been able to fully point, it would just curve. Today my pinky moved straight and pointed. My left hand also has been able to stretch out with all the fingers together for months and today it was able to.
- January 20-The tumor on my right wrist was very large and I have noticed it shrinking slightly
- January 22-I’m able to carry my meal tray around the cafeteria with both hands. I haven’t been able to carry anything with both hands while walking in months and was unable to do so the first few days at Oasis. My walking and balance is straighter and steadier each day.
- January 24-The soft tumor on my right wrist and knotty on left elbow are shrinking. I turned the key in the very hard lock.
- January 26-I was able to type with both hands. I haven’ been able to do that in 6 months.
- January 30-I was able to open/close a safety pin and open/close a ziplock bag. Both little but huge things since I haven’t been able to in 4 months.
- February 1-My balance and footing is better and straighter with steps and walking. I was able to turn the key in my car ignition and it’s been very difficult to do for 6 months.
- February 5-The tumor on my right wrist has shrunk a couple inches. (at this time I’ve had 6 dendritic vaccines)
- February 7-I can pinch the therapeutic clay with my left hand and haven’t been able to do that in 6 months.
- February 11-I can pull Velcro apart using the fingers of both hands, which I haven’t been able to do in 6 months.
- February 14-I am able to step up 1 step straighter and steadier.
- February 17-I performed an exercise where i was balancing while sitting on my knees and i haven’t been able to do that in 4 years. I’m doing exercises I haven’t been able to do in years because of so many surgeries that nerve damage has been involved and interferences with existing tumors. (at this time I’ve had 8 dendritic vaccine)
- February 19-first issels vaccine
- February 25-The soft tumor on my right wrist has shrunk another half inch, so in all it’s shrunk 2 and a half inches in length and is also smaller in width. The coloring in my face is brighter and the whites in my eyes whiter.
- March 2-My balance is steadier and I’m walking straighter. I can stand still for a couple minutes without knees shaking as much and I haven’t been able to do that in 5 years without leaning on something. My feet are also closer together when walking. (at this time I’ve had my 10th dendritic vaccine and 3rd issels vaccine.)
- March 7-I can bend my knees and squat down and touch the floor then stand back up which I haven’t been able to do in 4 years. While at the store I can squat and look at things on the bottom shelf. I’m just noticing steadier steps. I’m able to get up from the floor without the help of something or someone and my body is just overall working very well.
- March 10-I bounced a ball with my left hand while walking. I haven’t been able to do that in years.
- June 21 "I wanted to let you know that i conquered the mountain on my 23rd birthday and stood at the top VICTORIOUS. It was an amazing accomplishment!!! God is so good! I did better then i expected and just walked straight up with little assistance. It’s an awesome feeling to know i did that. A few years ago i went to a game at OU and had to have alot of help getting up the stairs and i was very unsteady but i headed straight up and only stopped once for a breath. I conquered those 83 steps and didn’t even get sore after!!!!!!!!! God bless! Love, Tamra"
- July 10, 2004 "I got back from Minnesota last week.I really had a great time and such great energy and walked good. I've been able to walk by myself a lot too-feeling steadier. The whole time i was there i was noticing accomplishments. I went out everyday for 2 weeks but did rest the day after my issels vaccine. My friends in Minnesota kept going on and on about how good I was doing and what a change from when they saw me last Jan before I started treatments. I had a big accomplishment last week on the lake. I haven’t ridden the boat in about 5 years b/c of the jarring and impact on your body.(I've had 6 surgeries in the last 7 years so my body was going through enough trauma). I rode it for an hour and did great! Also, my brother got me on the jetski with him and i haven't been on a jetski since i was 15. My body took everything well and i wasn't sore after! it was so awesome!!!!!!! It's dad's fault b/c he had the idea of the OU stadium and i went for that so now I'm UNSTOPABLE!!-lol It's such an awesome feeling to be able to do this stuff FINALLY!!!!! God bless, Tamra"
- December 19, 2005-"I'am doing good but have been crazy busy... My Christmas miracle this year is definitely my voice...I'm doing better with my energy and am working on my legs and balance.
Well, talk more later but theres a little update for you!
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Love, Tamra"
I'm continuing to progress with the treatments and constantly in awe at my accomplishments. I'm doing stuff now that I haven’t been able to do in a long time. This summer I rode a jet ski and a boat, which I haven’t done in 10 years. Since I started treatments that have resulted in improvements, I've talked about heading up the mountain instead of down. So on my 23rd birthday I headed up the OU stadium and stood at the top VICTORIOUS!!! God is good! It was an amazing feeling to know I did and could do that because a few years ago at a game I had to have a lot of help. Last year at this time I could do almost nothing with my hands but now I'm learning sign and doing the small everyday things that are so often done unconsciously. The tumor on my wrist and others are continuing to shrink. My doctors are excited and encouraged with my progress. They are amazed at how well my body is fighting and that the tumors aren't growing. For 12 years the tumors have been active and damaging my body but through the treatments my body is constantly fighting to reclaim itself. Incorporating weekly vaccines and IVs into my school schedule has been hard because I've had no time for myself. Right when school is over for the week it's time for vaccine shots and the recovery that comes with them. However my body is adjusting better to this routine and the changes it's undergoing. At times it's still been hard but worth it because of the amazing changes I'm seeing. I've been on the treatments for almost a year and now have more energy, tons of improvements, and 500 shots to show for myself.
Tamra is a 22-year-old woman with an 11-year history of cranial, spinal, and other surgeries for neurofibromatosis type II, cerebellar pontine angle acoustic neuroma (Schwannoma). This disease strikes 1 in 50,000, and is widely regarded as an autosomal dominant disease of genetic origin, incurable, with no known treatments other than serial surgeries.
In mid-December, 2003, one month prior to her admission to the Issels Treatment Center, Tamra had been re-evaluated with MRIs of her cranium and cervical spine, as well as nerve conduction studies. In her cranial MRI, tumors too numerous to count were demonstrated in both ocular orbits, the mid falx, the left cerebellopontine angle cistern, the medical left temporal lobe, and the right and left medullary regions. In the MRI of her C-spine, multiple lesions were identified which had increased in both size and number in comparison with a scan of November 2002. Additional lesions were imaged at the top of the thoracic spine with signal characteristics suspicious for syrinx (fistula).
Her physical evaluation and nerve conduction studies revealed continuing deterioration of leg strength and control, with the problem extending during the last year to her arms and hands. She exhibited significant weakness and atrophy of both hands, left greater than right. A large 6-inch-long neurofibroma was observed on the right volar wrist, and another on the left upper arm close to the elbow. she had a claw-hand appearance. Nerve conduction studies both right and left ulnar nerves compromised below the elbows.
In short, Tamra had difficulty walking or standing, needing considerable assistance, and her hands hung useless at her sides unable to either grip or extend. She could not dress or care for herself without assistance. Her right orbit lesion had resulted in proptosis, with the eye protruding and pointed downward. She was admitted to the Issels Treatment Center January 14, 2004. Within the first two months of treatment, she experienced extraordinary recovery of nerve function, motor skills, and reduction of tumors. She continues her therapy at home, and keeps a treatment diary describing milestones in her recovery.
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R.F, 03/07/04
Large Cell Endocrine Cancer
Constant shrinking of tumors
This 63-year-old aircraft repair specialist and amateur swing dancer presented with a left-sided neck mass, which was found to be a large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasopharynx. On staging, a lobulated mass was demonstrated replacing his left-sided superior nasopharynx and sprawling across the midline into the right-sided nasopharynx. Lymph nodes consistent with metastatic disease were demonstrated in the left retropharyngeal region, a large lobulated and matted left spinal accessory chain, as well as right-sided spinal accessory nodes. This type of cancer, having the growth and metastatic tendencies of a primary large-cell pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor, is rapidly fatal despite standardized radical neck dissection, chemotherapy (lung cancer drugs) and aggressive radiation therapy. R.F. studied the proposed treatments and refused. His doctors told him his prognosis was bleak and that he should hurry to get his affairs in order.
On admission to the Issels Treatment Center, R.F. exhibited an egg-sized mass protruding about halfway and engulfing the left-sided cervical lymph nodes. During his uneventful treatment over 28 days, this mass softened and shrank to the point that it was no longer visible. Sequential MRI’s (September and December 2004) reveal the complete disappearance of extracapsular tumor, leaving clearly defined lymph nodes. The nasopharyngeal mass has receded from the midline, and the left Eustachian tube has opened, restoring normal hearing and sensation. R.F. maintains a hectic dance card, traveling to far cities to compete in swing, ballroom, and country line dancing events. When he is not dancing, he enjoys biking 14 miles per day. He works fulltime in his aviation repair business and scrupulously continues his medical, nutritional, and vaccine treatments. His achievements thus far are extraordinary, and his outlook is excellent.
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J.B., 03/09/04
Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Remission of tumors
This 35-year-old man presented with a left neck mass in January 2003, which was biopsied positive for nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s disease. A CT scan revealed additional disease in the left supraclavicular, superior mediastinal, and prevascular spaces, while a corroborating PET scan demonstrated similar adenopathy as well as a 2-cm focal uptake in the splenic hilum. JB was treated with 6 cycles of ABVD (Adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) from May 2003 through October 2003. On February 9, 2004, a palpable node in the left supraclavicular region was biopsied and found positive for recurrent nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s disease. He was declared resistant to ABVD, and urgent arrangements were made for transfer to Moffit Hospital immediately for high-dose chemotherapy and peripheral stem cell transplant. JB declined further chemotherapy. He contacted the Issels Information Center and was admitted to the Issels Treatment Center one month later, on March 9, 2004. His attitude, understanding and compliance were excellent. Since admission, he has received full treatment with integrative immunotherapy. Despite his oncologists dire warnings and urgency for the most aggressive of standardized treatments, JB is the picture of health today. A late December 2004 MRI revealed only enlarged lymph nodes at the site of the excision biopsy of his recurrence. A full MRI investigation of his head, neck, and abdomen were otherwise clear. He continues treatment in excellent condition with no complaints.
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R.S., 03/04/04
Breast Cancer with Lung Metastases
Remission of tumors
This 55-year-old Sudanese woman was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, for which she underwent a mastectomy. She refused all chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation therapy, choosing instead to attempt control of the disease through nutritional treatment alone (wheatgrass, fresh vegetable juices, auto-urine therapy) for about 2 years. By May 2003, metastases had developed in her lungs, with an upper left lobe nodular density of 1.2 cm, and an upper right nodule of 1.2 cm.
R.S. chose to be admitted in June 2003 to the Oasis of Hope Hospital for the Contreras treatment. Although her tumor marker CA 27.29 reduced from 76 (normal <38) to 34.1 by October 2003, a late-September CT scan revealed many new lung nodules with the largest of these measuring 2.6 cm on the right, and 1.7 cm on the left. By January 2004, her CA 27.29 was climbing again to 51.7, and it had reached 60 by February 2004. Therefore, in March of 2004, R.S. was discharged from the Contreras treatment and admitted to the Issels Treatment Center for comprehensive immunotherapy. A CT scan (March 2004) revealed that the disease in her lungs had grown, with the largest on the right now 3.18 cm.
Aggressive treatment was begun with vaccines (Issels autologous vaccine, Coley mixed bacterial vaccine, PUVA photopheresis/dendritic cell vaccine), internal medicine and nutrition. R.S. and her devoted husband labored vigilantly and were thoroughly compliant with all guidelines. A first follow-up CT scan in June 2004 demonstrated control of the disease with absolutely no changes in the number or size of the lesions. Finally, by October 2004, a new CT scan demonstrated significant interval decrease in size with the largest right-sided tumor shrinking from 3.18 cm to 2.3 cm in largest dimension (about 25% reduction in volume), with similar shrinkage of other smaller tumors. R.S. and her husband called the Issels Treatment Center in tears, joyful about the new CT results. Recent tests confirmed the slow healing process, with the last CT (January 2005) demonstrating additional mild interval improvement. R.S. is vitally healthy and energetic, as she has been throughout her treatment, which continues uneventfully.
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B.S., 10/06/03
Metastatic Melanoma
100% healthy today
This pleasant 44-year-old man was first diagnosed with a melanoma of the right posterior thigh on June 9, 2003, with metastatic melanoma found in the sentinel lymph node of the right groin in follow-up surgery on July 14, 2003. Therefore, his initial extent of disease was T3a, N1a, Mx, or stage IIIB. One month later, on August 13, 2003, a CT of the abdomen and pelvis identified a 2.5 x 3-cm soft tissue attenuation at the right cardiophrenic angle adjacent to the pericardium. A second 3-cm focal area of soft tissue attenuation was demonstrated in the right inguinal region. A September 2, 2003, PET scan revealed a very extensive 5 x 4-cm hypermetabolic area along the medial aspect of the right mid-to-lower lung field as well as a hypermetabolic area overlying the right femoral area. Because of the chest tumor, B.S. was now stage IV with a very poor and short prognosis.
B.S. rejected surgical plans for a radical inguinal lymphatic dissection and open-chest surgery to remove the mass in the right pulmonary region. His family has been very involved and was instrumental in his decision to be admitted to the Issels Treatment Center in early October 2003 for comprehensive immunotherapy. He was discharged in good condition on hospital day 29 having received diet therapy, internal medicine, vaccine-based immunotherapy (Coley, Issels), and PUVA-photopheresis with dendritic cell vaccine. A December 12, 2003, PET scan of the neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, as well as both lower extremities, demonstrated remarkable interval improvement, revealing only a single 3.5-cm hypermetabolic area at the medial aspect of the right mid-to-lower lung field, reduced from 5 x 4 cm. The hypermetabolic area in the right inguinal region had entirely disappeared.
B.S. thrived on the treatment, losing 40 pounds from his overweight frame and gaining energy. Unfortunately, he stopped adhering fully to the vaccine management in early April (he discontinued the Issels autologous vaccine), but this was only revealed to his family after a PET scan of June 8, 2004, demonstrated that the hypermetabolic mass previously 3.5 cm had grown to 6 x 4 cm. The PET scan was confirmed by CT on June 10, 2004, which showed a 5 x 4-cm soft tissue mass density at the root of the ascending aorta and right lateral ventricle.
On August 25, 2004, a complete right pulmonectomy was performed, and a grapefruit-size mass was removed. B.S. tolerated the procedure well, recovered uneventfully, and was discharged home where he resumed the full comprehensive immunotherapy with remarkable, detailed, and emphatic support by his family. A follow-up CT in late December 2004 was completely clear, much to the astonishment of his surgeons according to family account.
As of March 2005, his brother reported that B.S. is fully recovered, back at work full time, and 100% compliant with the Issels treatment, which he plans to see through to its conclusion this time.
Brian S., 03/30/05 Brother of patient B.S. in an email to the Issels Medical Team:
…I have talked to many people about the Issels program since my brother, B.S., left the Issels treatment in the fall of 2003 (1 1/2 years already?). I remain convinced that my brother would not be with us today were it not for the alternative and aggressive treatment he received under the Issels program. As you know my brother was a stage 4 melanoma patient but he showed no sign of detectable cancer at his last CT scan (Dec 9th, 2004). B. is 100% healthy today and even if that changes tomorrow our family would still be grateful for having enjoyed the past year with him. Since he has had no other treatment this success can only be attributed to Issels…
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K.W., 07/09/03
High-grade Leiomyosarcoma
Dramatic tumor reduction
A British sports hero began the Issels Treatment for his far-advanced, high- grade leiomyosarcoma that had been steadfastly refractory to multiple combination and high-dose chemotherapy since his diagnosis in May 2002. This list of failed chemotherapies was long and included Adriamycin/ifosfamide, high-dose ifosfamide, gemcitabine/Taxotere, and DTIC.
Three weeks before his admission to the Issels Treatment Center, he had received very bad news: despite dacarbazine and all the other drugs before it, his disease was active, growing and disseminating. There was CT evidence of an increase in the size of his rib metastases with the largest one bulging into the upper right lung; there was growth in several of his lung metastases; there was extension of his liver metastases, the largest of which 5 x 5 cm. A persistent left-sided hydronephrosis was unchanged and the responsible ureter-compressing gigantic lower-pelvic mass (10 x 9 x 8.5 cm) remained the same. A mass posturomedial to the left acetabulum had also grown to 3.5 cm and a new 1.5 cm nodule had appeared in his left adrenal gland. His spleen had been removed and the splenic parenchyma was 30% replaced by intermediate growing leiomyosarcoma.
On admission to the Issels Treatment Center in June 2003, this former world class athlete was very weak and extremely hampered in range of motion of his right shoulder, unable to lift his arm above his head. He could not work, exercise or even lift his suitcase. On examination, his thorax was asymmetric, with pronounced right-sided muscular atrophy and edema. A 15-cm mass was palpable at his enlarged right scapular region. There was a visible protrusion measuring 3 cm on his posterolateral thorax at the level of the seventh rib. His liver was enlarged to 2 cm below his rib cage. During his stay, KW experienced dramatic tumor reduction of the palpable tumors.
By November, his scapular and thoracic superficial metastases were barely detectable. He had gained weight and strength, regularly attended the gym for workouts, walked 1.5 miles to his daughter and walked the 1.5 mile return trip. He could lift normal weights, such as suitcases without difficulty. He had been painting his deck with his formerly immobile right arm, which now freely extended above his head. In January 2004 he returned for a short follow-up program in very good condition.
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M.F., 01/07/03
Breast Cancer
Remission of tumors
In October 2002, patient M.F. was admitted with infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast with extensive lymph involvement and bone metastases to her shoulder and several vertebrae. Her surgical pathology report of September 18, 2002, revealed high-grade infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Her largest tumor was the size of a small fist (8.3 cm), with 12 axillary lymph nodes replaced by tumor growth with extranodal extension and matting, the largest extension the size of a nickle measuring 2.4 cm. Her PET scan of Oct. 7, 2002, revealed metastases in the right scapular and left iliac boney structures, with probable metastases in her lower dorsal and lumbar spine. Infiltrated lymph nodes were demonstrated in the bilateral hilar and perihilar regions, the axilla, and a long peritracheal chain was visualized. She was on heavy pain medication, very nauseated and depressed. Within 2 weeks of the beginning of our comprehensive treatment including Coley's vaccine, a palpable chest wall metastasis disappeared. From the 19th day of the treatment she did not require any pain medication and was no longer nauseated. She regained her appetite and left the hospital in much improved condition and good spirits with instructions to continue her follow-up program at home.
On January 7, 2003, a new PET scan revealed the following: "There is marked improvement in the interval with resolution of most of the bilateral hilar metabolic lymph node activity... There is marked diminished activity in what was thought to represent a metastasis to the right scapular region...There is resolution of a previous left pelvic lesion and several lumbar lesions seen on the study of 10/7/02. No new metastatic disease is seen on the current study."
M.F. was seen mid-February by Dr. Yolanda Mejia at the Issels Treatment Center and was found to be in excellent health with wonderful prospects for the future. She returned home to complete her therapy and resume her productive life.
From 06/27/03 until now, April 2004, M.F. has been under follow-up treatment at the Issels Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, and her health has further improved.
April 2004, in her own words: "I am very grateful to Dr. Christian Issels and Dr. Jonathan Psenka. They have given me a very special treatment and I have not felt so good in many years. I can do things now that I could not do several months ago. My husband is overjoyed, as are my children and I can now resume my very active life. Also the PET scan of March 30, 2004 shows that I am stable".
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F.L., 02/17/03
Breast Cancer
"I feel excellent. "
This 41-year-old woman's breast cancer was originally diagnosed and treated in 1996 with a lumpectomy and a completely negative right axillary node dissection. Positive margins forced a segmental excision in September 1996. By January 1997, F.L. was operated for a recurrence in the surgical bed. She had a simple right mastectomy with a TRAM reconstruction, followed by 8 cycles of Cytoxan, methotrexate, and fluorouracil.
An emergency room CT scan for shortness of breath in February 2003 demonstrated bilateral right-greater-than-left pleural effusions, a right-pleural lobular density consistent with metastatic implants, and nodular densities within both lungs consistent with metastatic neoplasia. A CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy on February 4, 2003, confirmed metastatic, well-differentiated carcinoma consistent with her 1996 breast primary. Bone studies of both February 7 and 11, 2003, demonstrated metastatic involvement of the spine at T3-T4.
One week later, F.L. was admitted to the Issels Treatment Center where she was treated from February 17 through her discharge on March 15, 2003. Her second hospitalization at ITC ran from June 3 through June 25, 2003.
In August 2003, F.L. started her follow-up treatment at the Issels Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, where the doctors in addition to using very thorough diagnostic methods imaged her matrix through electrodermal screening. They determined various functional blockades and eliminated these with a very personalized treatment including patient-specific IV solutions, glandulars, homeopathic remedies and others. Something shifted.
The comparison of her CT scans from February 3 and September 11, 2003, revealed: her spinal metastases seen in February 2003 could not be imaged in September 2003, her pleural effusions had resolved, and a considerable regression of almost all lesions had occurred. In March 2004, she is leading a normal healthy life. In her own words: "I feel great". In February 2003 she came to the Issels Treatment Center on oxygen and in August 2005 she is doing aerobics.
Jan 17th, 2006
Happy New Year! Yes, I think 2006 will be a great year.
I feel really good.
I will be going to Maui in Feb and Oklahoma/ Texas in April this year. It's a traveling year.
December 2007
I feel excellent.
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Z.S., 04/14/03
Breast Cancer
In December 2005: "I feel healthy".
This 25-year-old woman was diagnosed in January 2000 with a right-breast invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 2, stage II, T2N0 M0. In February 2003, she was found to have liver and lung metastases at the University Hospital of Kebangsaan, Malaysia. The largest of her 3 liver metastases was 4 x 3.5 cm, and the smallest about 1.5 cm in diameter. A 6-cm uterine lesion, probably a fibroid, was identified. She was admitted to the Issels Treatment Center in April 2003 with mild ascites and light peripheral edema. During her first week of treatment, she had an inflammatory reaction in the oropharynx and tonsils, which resolved. A thoracic CT done at ITC demonstrated the largest pulmonary lesion of the right lower lobe at 3.9 x 2.5 cm. On her return home, a repeat CT of July 2003 revealed reduction of the large right-lower-lobe tumor to 2.2 cm. Only one faint, small, 1-cm hypodense lesion was noted in the right lobe of the liver. The putative uterine fibroid itself was smaller at 5 cm. A follow-up chest x-ray at the University Hospital of Kebangsaan, Malaysia, in January 2004 was completely negative for lung lesions. An ultrasound by the university found only one 2.3 x 2.5-cm lesion in her liver. In mid-March 2004, Z. S. was seen at the Issels Treatment Center for follow-up and further treatment. Importantly, Z. S. was now seen to be in vital good health with restoration of regulatory functions, a strong appetite, and freedom from any of the symptoms associated with advanced malignant disease. Her prospect for continued recovery and complete immunization against recurrence is excellent. In December 2005 she came for a follow-up treatment of one week to the Issels Treatment Center. Z. continues to work full time in her job.
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E.J., 11/9/03
Breast Cancer
Disappearance of tumors
This 50-year-old woman from Budapest, Hungary, was diagnosed in January 2003 with a primary breast cancer. One of 10 lymph nodes was positive on modified radical mastectomy. She received both chemotherapy and radiation, but a CT of September 2003 demonstrated multiple mediastinal metastases and, in addition, 9 metastases in the right lung and 8 in the left (17 lung tumors in all). A 1-cm node was imaged in the right axilla. On admission to the Issels Treatment Center on November 9, 2003, EJ was counseled, educated, and initiated to multidisciplinary immunotherapy. Her course in the ITC was unremarkable. She called from Hungary in mid-February to report that a CT of February 9, 2004, revealed the shrinkage and/or disappearance of at least 12 of 17 pulmonary tumors, and a major percentage of the mediastinal nodes had also regressed. She continues the therapy in excellent condition and ebullient spirits, with considerable interest expressed by her Hungarian oncologists.
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C.M., 09/09/03
Cervical Cancer
More self-reliant and stable
The 45-year-old woman was admitted in September 2003 to the Issels Treatment Center for treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, which had been originally operated September 1996 with a total abdominal hysterectomy and Wertheim's radical adenectomy with negative nodes. In May 2003, she developed severe lower-leg edema, high blood pressure, nausea, anorexia, fever, cramps, and diarrhea. She was hospitalized in June 2003 with the above symptoms as well as pruritis and bilateral hydronephrosis, a creatinine of 20.1, indicating acute renal failure, and a left-sided nephrostomy tube was placed. She was subsequently treated with radiation and combination chemotherapy (cis-platinum and 5-FU), but disease persisted with multiple retroperitoneal metastatic nodes, and vertebral metastasis of L3. At the time of her admission to the Issels Treatment Center, she was again suffering complications of renal failure. Her condition has slowly improved during the first 6 months of her Issels Treatment to the extent that she has become self-reliant and stable in all parameters.
Her sister, M.L., wrote on March 18, 2004:
Dear Mrs. Issels,
Thank you for your letter and for thinking of us. Catherine is doing well.
Catherine has been keeping herself very busy. She insists on taking care of her 9-year old daughter, preparing her meals, taking her to school and going on school field trips, etc. She also shops for her own fresh vegetables for juicing as she is very particular about the quality of her produce.
We are also grateful for this wonderful therapy and only wish more people were aware of it. Unfortunately, too many people rely on their doctors for conventional treatments without knowing all the facts.
When Catherine's oncologist saw her last CT scans, he was amazed. Before we went to the Oasis, he was very skeptical about this treatment and unwilling to help us with it. He asked why we would choose to go to Mexico, of all places. Go to Japan or Europe, he said, or call M.D. Anderson or some of the other research hospitals in the U.S. Now I think we have his attention. He has been more helpful and seems to be watching to see what happens with this treatment. Last July, he didn't think Catherine would last a year. And certainly after the radiation and chemotherapy treatments he had prescribed, she was at death's door. Today she is up and about and feeling pretty good. As I said, she has not been sick in bed or in pain. Yes, we are very grateful for Dr. Issels' work.
M. L. (sister of the patient)
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D.P., 04/23/03
Prostate Cancer
Bone metastases continuing to regress
The 65-year-old patient from England was admitted to the Issels Treatment Center in April 2003 for treatment of broadspread bone metastases from a prostatic primary demonstrated in February 2003 to be adenocarcinoma (Gleason grade 5+4=9) with 70% of the needle core biopsy tissue invaded. A whole-body bone scan of February 2003 revealed metastases to the mid- and lower cervical spine, the mid-thoracic spine, the lower thoracic spine at T10-11, the left pelvic iliac bone, and the subtrochanteric portion of the left femur. Additional radionuclide findings demonstrated sites in the skull and medial right clavicle. His PSA was 183 (normal reference range 0.0 - 4.0). A whole-body bone scan of September 2003 could no longer detect the right clavicular, left iliac crest, and lower thoracic spinal metastases. His PSA at that time was 1.78 (0.0-4.5). He returned to the Issels Treatment Center in October 2003 for routine follow-up examinations. His PSA was 1.3, and he was found to be in excellent overall condition with remarkable regression of bone metastases. His treatment was adjusted, and he continues as of Spring 2004 with a bright outlook.
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E.R., 02/08/03
Stomach Cancer
Disease Free
This 64-year-old gentleman from Puerto Rico sought treatment at the Issels Treatment Center for an incompletely resected gastric carcinoma status post partial gastrectomy and gastrojejunal anastomosis in December of 2002. The biopsy had revealed poorly differentiated, diffuse adenocarcinoma extending into the muscularis propria with both distal and proximal margins of resection positive for high grade dysplasia/carcinoma in situ. In addition, 1 of 4 lymph nodes was positive for metastatic carcinoma. He was staged T1b N1 Mx. He received no chemotherapy or radiation. As soon as he was recovered from the surgery, he was admitted to ITC. Comprehensive immunotherapy was initiated and his course was without complications. In August 2003, a CT scan revealed "no evidence to imply the presence of recurrence or metastatic disease". He was most recently seen in follow-up at the Issels Treatment Center on March 15, 2004. He was found to be disease-free and in very good condition resuming his travels on business and pleasure.
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R.B., 04/13/03
Thyroid Cancer
Healthy since 1968
My name is Robert Brotherwood. I was a patient at the Issels Clinic in December of 1968. I had thyroid cancer then and didn't have any hope left in the United States for any treatment to help me. My family Doctor, Dr. Rabe, suggested we try going to Germany for treatment because his son had been treated there years earlier and was still living. I have been healthy since 1968, almost 35 years. I have competed in weight lifting competitions, ran 10 k races, and have been married 30 years and have 2 children. I recently started running again and have my goal set on competing again this fall in 10 k races.
I was suprised to see anything on the internet about Dr. Issels treatment. You can add me to the list of cured patients if you like. Please contact me if you want more information.
Sincerely
Robert Brotherwood
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R.W., 10/23/02
Urinary Tract Cancer
New hope
My husband was diagnosed in January 2002 with urinary tract cancer (transitional cell carcinoma) in his right kidney, which was removed in March after a lump popped out on his neck. He started in April with combination chemotherapy (MVAC) for three courses, which he took through the middle of June, but his tumors continued to grow in spite of this treatment. Then, they switched him to taxol and gemcitabine for another 6 weeks, but the tumors grew and multiplied while he was taking them. They scheduled him for taxotere in late September, but we decided to go to Mexico instead. Tomorrow, we're going home after an extraordinary, encouraging, 3-week experience at the Issels Treatment Center at the Oasis of Hope Hospital. The tumors in his neck were so big you could not see his neck line anymore, but they have shrunk by 80% or 90% in response to combined low-dose radiation and biological treatment. The latest x-ray showed that the tumors in his lungs are breaking up, and that he has more air space, just from the biological treatment. The doctors here know how to use standard treatments safely, and they know how to use the alternative biological treatments. They combine what I would call the best of both worlds, to meet the needs of the patient. Dr. Mejia, our excellent and caring doctor, was always available when we needed her. She had a solution for every critical situation with his very advanced cancer. My husband and I are very grateful to her, to Gar and Christeene Hildenbrand, and to the whole team. We are leaving this special place with new hope, and we will continue the follow-up treatment at home according to the meticulous instructions we received.
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K.K., 10/10/02
Colon Cancer
Happy to have found ITC
I am happy to have found the Issels Treatment Center at the Oasis hospital. When I arrived here about 2 weeks ago with my advanced colon cancer that had spread to the liver and other organs, the fluid in my abdomen built up so fast that it had to be tapped every 3 days. My kidneys were failing and my pulse was 120 due to the problems the cancer posed to my heart. I was not strong enough to go to the bathroom on my own. Now, I am walking again.
I did not have to be tapped once since my arrival here. As a registered nurse I can understand the work Dr. Mejia is doing and appreciate especially the results she is getting with me.
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St.W., 10/10/02
Esophageal Cancer
Personalized treatment
What a decisive difference: Not being given up to die, but to be treated by a doctor who uses all her skills and tools to fight with you, and who has the experience to have helped in similar conditions. When I arrived at the Issels Treatment Center a few weeks ago with my very advanced esophageal cancer, that had metastasized, she had to cope with many complications due to my progressing cancer and due to omissions of the previous treatment.
Dr. Mejia treated me in a very personalized way and helped me tremendously. I am very grateful to her, and to the caring and competent staff of the Oasis hospital. It is a modern hospital that meets US standards and I was impressed with the newest equipment I saw here. All the necessary specialty services are available.
I would also like to mention that the hospital is very clean. My room was cleaned twice a day. The majority of patients are coming from the United States and in the hospital there is no language barrier. All the doctors speak fluent English, as many of the staff members do. Now I continue the program at home with confidence.
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I.P., 10/07/02
Melanoma
Tumors markedly shrinking
I came here from England, because I had heard so much about the Issels Treatment. For 5 months at home, I was on a very intensive famous dietary regime, but my melanoma tumors continued to grow all over my skin. Now, 3 weeks into the Issels Treatment with the Coley's vaccine, all of my tumors are markedly shrinking. Sometimes I think it is a dream and I do not dare to wake up, but the treatment makes sense and I believe in it seeing that other patients respond, too.
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R.H., 09/29/02
Melanoma
No additional tumor growth
Dear Mrs. Issels,
I am e-mailing you because I want you to know how pleased I am with the treatment I just received at the Oasis hospital. After being there for only a couple of days I was convinced that the Issels therapy was the best program for me.
My confidence continued to grow everytime I listened to Gar speak, and I was totally convinced that I would be cured after listening to your presentation, and looking at the many before and after slides of patients that had been cured and survived 20, 30 even 40 years and more.
I must tell you I was apprehensive about going to Mexico as I was not sure of the quality of the treatment I would receive, or the quality of the hospital and its personnel. After meeting Dr. Mejia and some of the other doctors, as well as Minerva and several of the nurses that attended to me, my apprehension quickly dissolved. I have complete trust in Dr. Mejia, she is one of the finest doctors I have ever met. She instills confidence in me and great hope for the future.
My entire three week stay at the hospital was a positive one. Being able to meet and talk with the other patients and share hopes and concerns was very important.
I can't thank you enough for your continued support and the genuine concern you have shown for my well being.
Warm Regards,
Ron Hatcher
October 09, 2002
As you know Mrs. Issels I have melanoma, and during the two months prior to implementing the Issels treatment the large tumor in my stomach cavity had doubled in size. However the cat scan taken right before I left the Oasis hospital indicated that my tumor had stopped growing. That in itself is no small miracle, and I attribute it all to the treatment I received at the hospital. With my continued treatment at home I feel confident that we will not only stop the tumor but reduce it and eventually eliminate it.
October 30, 2002
Dear Mrs. Issels, This is a current update. My cat scan of 10/21 continues to indicate no additional growth of the tumor in my stomach cavity. In addition, some very encouraging news: It looks like a portion of the tumor is beginning to lose its blood supply. As you know, if this continues it is just a matter of time before the tumor dies.
>>> For ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on Treatment and Costs please click here or CALL 1.888.447.7357.
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D.S.D., 09/23/02
Colon and Stomach Cancer
Able to eat and drink again
I am so happy to be back at Oasis and treated as a person again, not as a cancer patient given up by his doctors to die! In the hospital at home where I had to be on antibiotics for an infection, almost every day 2 or 3 doctors came to my room telling me that I would soon fall into a coma. And yet, the CT-scan showed that my previously progressive colon and stomach cancer had stopped growing since I had started the Issels Treatment two months earlier. They were adamant asking me to sign that I do not want to be resuscitated. Such an attitude of my treating doctors was extremely frightening to me and had no healing effect. I was anxious to be released and to return to Dr. Mejia, my very caring physician at the Issels Treatment Center of Oasis, who had helped me in a very critical condition during my first stay. When I started the Issels Treatment the only nutrition I could take was through the vein. My esophagus was so blocked that I could not even drink water. The whole stomach area was rock hard. Several hours after the first vaccine injection my stomach softened and 3 weeks after I returned home I could drink and even eat s olid food again. The catheter for the intravenous nutrition was removed. I am forever grateful to Dr. Mejia for her dedication to her patients.
(Metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon).
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