Monthly Archives: April 2015

Cancer Research, Living with Cancer

Lung Cancer Grows in Women and May Surpass Breast Cancer

Lung Cancer On The Decline
Lung Cancer In Women

Breast cancer can rightly be considered the most significant disease facing women specifically. However, researchers have long warned that lung cancer rates could overtake breast cancer as the most fatal form of the disease in women. The Annals of Oncology have recently released a report confirming that 2015 may be the year that lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer across Europe.

Even while cancer death rates decline overall, lung cancer rates trend upward as the population ages. The statistics in Europe reflect a global truth: where smoking has been prevalent, both men and women face high rates of lung cancer.

The fact that this disease could affect more women than breast cancer serves as a reminder for necessity of awareness and prevention efforts.

There are several key issues to understand about the rise of lung cancer in women:

  • Many women began smoking after World War II. As the population ages, more women develop lung cancer. Smoking cessation can begin to reduce the rates.
  • Rates vary notably by country. Smoking has been more common in England and Poland than many other European countries. British women (21 per 100,000) and Polish women (17 per 100,000) exceed the EU average of 14 deaths per 100,000.
  • The trends represent a rise in lung cancer rates, more than a reduction in breast cancer rates.

At Issels® Integrative Immuno-Oncology, we study every case of cancer individually. Research into the overall trends provides another important facet of fighting cancer: if we understand why one form of the disease is becoming more common, we can better anticipate future patient needs. Contact Issels® to find out about holistic and individualized cancer therapies.

After Cancer, Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Survivors

Twist Out Cancer Allows Cancer Patients to Share Their Stories

Sharing Their Stories
Sharing Their Stories

As a cancer patient, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone as you fight the illness. Community support can relieve your loneliness and provide inspiration from the encouragement of others. A young woman’s refusal to be marginalized led to the creation of Twist Out Cancer, an online social network allowing members to form positive connections.

One woman’s story

Jenna Benn Shersher was a 29-year-old woman dealing with a rare form of lymphoma that affects fewer than 300 people in the United States. Although her compromised immune system kept her isolated, she decided to proactively reach out for companionship.

Since treatment prevented her from enjoying her favorite pastime of dancing, Jenna posted a video of herself twisting in her room to Chubby Checker songs. She invited viewers to join her on the “dance floor,” and it took only days to receive responses from thousands of people, many of whom shared their own dance videos.

Giving back to the community

After completing treatment, Jenna wanted to use her experience to benefit other cancer patients seeking companionship. Twist Out Cancer is a website devoted to creating bonds through the sharing of thoughts, stories and experiences.

Anyone touched by cancer is encouraged to create their own page highlighting the personal “twist” they use to cope with the disease. One young woman recently issued a challenge to others to “Kiss Away Cancer” by posting selfies of their smooches with family, friends or even passers-by.

At Issels® we look beyond cancer to see the unique individual that you are. Our treatments are personalized to meet your particular needs. Visit our website to learn more about our non-toxic immunotherapy methods.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research

Google Files a New Patent For a Wearable Cancer Treatment

Advances In Genetics
Advanced Cancer Research

Cancer researchers have been working on coming up with better ways to detect and treat cancer for years. Now, thanks to the work of inventor and cell biologist Dr. Andrew Conrad, the combination of nanotechnology and Google technology has the potential to find and destroy cancer cells in the near future.

Biology Meets Technology

In the latest cancer news, tech giant Google announced a new patent for a wearable device that can detect cancer cells and potentially get rid of them. The device is designed to be worn on the wrist and works with a pill containing magnetic nanoparticles. The device projects a magnetic field that draws the nanoparticles and any cells that are targeted, such as cancerous cells. The nanoparticles are meant to latch onto the targeted cells and draw them toward the device, which then creates and sends energy to blood vessels. Theoretically, this process would result in the cancerous cells being changed into harmless ones or destroyed altogether.

Worth the Wait

Google’s wearable device is still pending approval by the FDA and isn’t expected to be out for five years or more, but it could eventually give hope to those who are either at risk of cancer or those who want an alternative, non-toxic way to treat cancer. The device would provide a convenient and non-invasive way to fight cancer. It could also end up being used to target harmful abnormal cells associated with several other diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and HIV.

If you would like more information on non-toxic forms of treatment for cancer, please contact Issels®. We offer a wide range of Integrative Immunotherapy Programs, as well as cancer vaccines.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research

TGen Study Looks at Cancer Tumor Cloaking Materials

image of cells
Tripping Down To The Cancer

Treating cancer is difficult enough without the cancer cells hiding behind an extra layer of cellular material called stroma. Researchers at Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) believe drugs that strip away that stroma could improve the effectiveness of cancer drugs. At Issels® Integrative Immuno-Oncology, we understand complexities of effective cancer treatment. That is why our personalized, non-toxic treatments are based on extensive clinical and scientific research.

The TGen study

The TGen researchers state that breaking down that stroma could significantly extend the life of cancer patients, even those with late stage cancer that has already spread to some of their other organs. The stroma is made up of hyaluronan and various other types of collagen. It impedes anti-cancer drugs from finding their targeted cancer cells. The TGen researchers noticed a correlation between higher levels stroma and poor survival rates among patients with pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer

The pancreas is located behind the stomach. It is responsible for producing essential digestive juices and other necessary hormones. Each year, approximately 49,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Over 40,000 will die, making it the fourth deadliest cancer in America. The median survival time for people with advanced pancreatic cancer is 6 months from diagnosis. Less than six percent live five or more years after the diagnosis.

Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff, who authored the TGen study, believes therapies that target stroma could lead to much better survival rates.

We want to keep you updated on the latest cancer research and provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your cancer treatment. Visit the Issels® website and sign up for our free e-Newsletter.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research, News

Bayer Give $1 Million to Aid in Cancer Information Technology Platform

Stack of Money
Big Donations

Here at Issels® whenever we hear a great piece of cancer news, we’re always excited to share it. According to a recent news article, Bayer HealthCare, one of the giants in the world of healthcare, has contributed one million dollars toward funding for CancerLinQ.

Advances in technology have paved the way for improved cancer treatments in recent years, and CancerLinQ is no exception. Experts believe that this technological platforms is going to be very instrumental in unlocking information about patients who are living with cancer. This information can then be used to alter the quality of care cancer patients receive, as well as work towards developing more personalized treatments for them.

Once data has been captured from current cancer patients, as well as from their caregivers, CancerLinQ goes to work on their individual needs and experiences. This is a revolutionary concept that has the ability to improve care for everyone who is affected by a cancer diagnosis.

Bayer Healthcare has been committed to cancer research for years. Their oncology franchise includes three products and many compounds that are currently being developed. It is exciting to see that they have partnered with the Conquer Cancer Foundation and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and it will be even more exciting to see how CancerLinQ changes the quality of care for cancer patients in the years ahead.

A cancer diagnosis can change so many parts of your life, but your road to remission doesn’t have to be paved with uncertainty and pain. Here at Issels®, we view cancer treatment and patients very differently. We would love to talk to you about alternative treatment options. Please contact us.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Stage Four Cancer Treatment

The Realities of Living with Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness
Stage 4 Breast Cancer

While organizations like Susan G. Komen have promoted the importance of early detection in defeating breast cancer, there is another group that struggles to be heard. Women with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are working to educate the public about the realities of living with what they refer to as “mets”.

Treating MBC

Cancer becomes metastatic when it travels through the blood to create tumors in the lungs, liver and other parts of the body. Between 20 and 30 percent of women who are diagnosed with early stage breast cancer will develop MBC, which is treatable but not curable.

Jody Schoger, an MBC patient and cancer awareness advocate, explains the difference in philosophy for treating both types. She says that when she received her initial diagnosis, her doctors pulled out all the stops in an attempt to put the tumor in permanent remission. With MBC, however, the best they can hope for is to stabilize the disease so they use a minimum of treatment needed to obtain the maximum effect.

Misconceptions about MBC

Women with MBC are frustrated that the focus on “survivorship” has resulted in a number of erroneous concepts about the disease. Pfizer Oncology surveyed 2,000 people on the topic and found that 60 percent of respondents knew little to nothing about MBC and 50 percent believed that it was a result of patients not taking care of themselves.

At Issels® we see you as an individual, not as your disease. Our treatments are personalized to address your particular needs. Contact us to learn more about our non-toxic alternative treatment program.