Monthly Archives: March 2023

Immunotherapy for Cancer, Uncategorized

Understanding How Cancer is Diagnosed

Healthcare professionals agree that early diagnosis improves the chances for successful cancer treatment. If you experience symptoms or a screening test calls for a closer look, these are the tests most frequently used to make a diagnosis of cancer.

1. Blood chemistry test

Our organs routinely release enzymes, electrolytes and other substances into the bloodstream. Abnormally high or low levels could be a sign that kidneys, liver or other organs are not working properly, which could be due to cancer.

2. Complete blood count (CBC)

A CBC, which is a detailed analysis of the bloodstream, is often conducted during routine physicals. Factors include the number of red and white blood cells and platelets, as well as the amount of hemoglobin, which is the protein that carries oxygen. CBCs are particularly useful in diagnosing cancers in the blood stream, known as leukemia.

3. Liquid biopsy

Liquid biopsies are used to find out if cancer cells or DNA from tumor cells are present in the blood. This test can be also part of determining appropriate cancer treatment and follow-ups to see if the treatment is working.

4. CT scans and MRIs

Both CT scans and MRIs involve taking detailed pictures of your body’s interior. A CT scan uses an x-ray machine, while an MRI involves a magnet and radio waves.

5. Biopsy

A biopsy is most often used to diagnose cancer, but it can also help diagnose other health problems, such as cirrhosis. When lesions, lumps or other tissue abnormalities are detected, a doctor will remove a sample so the cells can be studied more closely.

Cancer Treatment for Advanced Cases

At Issels®, our non-toxic programs have helped to achieve long-term remission in patients, even if they are already in Stage IV. Visit our website to read and hear their testimonials.

Immunotherapy for Cancer, Uncategorized

Immunotherapy: “The New Hope” for Cancer Patients

After years of research, scientists are still unable to pinpoint the causes and predictors of cancer with absolute certainty. The good news is that immunotherapy for cancer now offers hope for patients who previously had few options.

An Immunotherapy Success Story

One such patient was Tish Vigna. Four years ago she was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in her left lung, despite being a physically fit non-smoker. She underwent a course of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery only to discover that the cancer had spread to her right lung.

Tish’s oncologist suggested that she enter a clinical trial of immunotherapy for cancer at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. After months of treatment, doctors found that the tumors had shrunk in half and there has been no subsequent growth.

How Does Immunotherapy Work?

Immunotherapy is a process of boosting the ability of your own immune system to fight cancer cells naturally. These treatments generally fall within two categories:

  • With adoptive T-cell therapy, doctors extract the attacking T-cells from a patient’s tumor to increase their numbers. The cells are then re-entered into the patient’s system where they are now better equipped for battle.
  • The immune system has a braking mechanism that prevents it from going into overdrive. Checkpoint inhibitors disable these brakes so the T-cells can attack cancer cells with full force.

Issels®: Leading the Way with Immunotherapy

While immunotherapy for cancer has been making a big splash in the medical community recently, Issels® has been successfully using these personally tailored treatments for decades. Contact us today for more information about our immunotherapy programs such as cancer vaccines and NK cells.

Cancer Treatment, Uncategorized

Managing Eating Issues from Cancer Treatment

Regardless of where a tumor is located, cancer treatment often interferes with a patient’s appetite and digestion to one degree or another. Here’s a look at the more common eating issues caused by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, along with tips for relieving them.

Loss of Appetite

At a time when your body needs nourishment more than ever, you may find that you lack the desire to eat. This can result from pain, nausea or loss of taste and smell.

*Instead of eating three conventional meals, try grazing on small amounts.

*Get the most nutritional bang for your buck by focusing on peanut butter, cheese, canned tuna and other high-calorie, high-protein items.

Nausea 

A queasy stomach, accompanied by vomiting, is a well-known side effect of cancer treatment. In addition to interfering with nutrition, frequent vomiting may lead to dehydration.

*Avoid foods that are spicy, excessively sweet, fried or high in fat content.

*Get in the habit of sipping liquids throughout the day. Good choices include clear liquids such as tea, broth and ginger ale.

*Talk to your medical team about anti-nausea medication options.

Constipation

Changes in diet, lack of fluids and reduced physical activity can make it difficult to have regular bowel movements. Due to the discomfort, you are even less likely to eat well or move around.

*Add high-fiber foods, such as whole-grain breads and fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, to your daily diet. Be sure to discuss this plan with your medical team.

*Drink more fluids. Don’t use straws, as this can exacerbate the problem by causing gas.

Non-Toxic Cancer Treatment from Issels®

Our personalized immunotherapy programs allow patients to avoid many of the side effects caused by conventional treatments, so all their energies can be directed toward fighting cancer. Contact us for more information.