Category Archives: Alternative Cancer Treatment

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Treatment, Living with Cancer, Stage Four Cancer Treatment, Uncategorized

More Medications Focus on Immunotherapy to Combat Lung Cancer

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Join Us in the Fight Against Lung Cancer
Join Us in the Fight Against Lung Cancer

As immunotherapy becomes an increasingly significant factor in cancer treatment, major pharmaceutical companies are scrambling to get their own piece of the pie. One of the minor players has seemingly vaulted ahead of the competition by targeting a niche segment of the market that had been largely overlooked.

AstraZeneca’s Second Chance for Success

AstraZeneca made a bold but risky move by going all-in on their pair of immuno-oncology drugs (IO) designed to treat lung cancer. The combo turned out to be a major failure, which seemed to spell doom for the company.

Surprisingly, trial results presented at a recent European cancer conference seem to indicate a turnaround for Astra’s fortunes. Imfinzi, the lead drug in their IO duo, has proven to be more successful in treating patients with mid-stage lung cancer.

Blazing New Trails in Cancer Treatment

Most pharmaceutical companies concentrate on late-stage lung cancer, which represents a greater share of the market. Focusing on the under-served mid-stage lung cancer segment gives Astra the chance for modest but substantial sales growth outside the shadow of competitors such as industry leader Merck & Co.

According to experts, pharmaceutical industries are so fearful of losing business that they tend to stay in the same lane as their competitors. The experts believe that a company has a greater chance of success as a pioneer in an area with little activity.

Issels®: Leading the Way in Personalized Cancer Treatment

While immunotherapy is a seemingly new development in cancer treatment, we have been using cancer vaccines and other non-toxic protocols for decades. Contact us for more information about our individually tailored treatment programs.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Breast Cancer, Cancer Research, Cancer Treatment, Uncategorized

New Treatment for Cancers Linked to BRCA Mutations

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New Research for Breast Cancer Studies Genes
New Research for Cancer Studies Genes

Identification of Breast Cancer genetic mutations was a breakthrough for scientists working on cancer testing and treatment. Recent findings show that a new form of cancer treatment can effectively extend progression-free survival in patients with BRCA-related tumors.

PARP Inhibitors and BRCA-Related Cancers

PARP inhibitors make up a new class of cancer drugs that have been used primarily in a narrow application for women with ovarian and related forms of cancer. As presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) in Madrid last September, recent trial results open up possibilities of other uses.

The ARIEL-3 trial, sponsored by Clovis Oncology, involved 564 patients who received randomized doses of a placebo or Rubraca, a PARP inhibitor manufactured by Clovis. Rubraca was found to help women who had ovarian cancer both with and without BRCA mutations.

While Rubraca’s greatest effectiveness was in cases involving BRCA mutations, it also had a positive effect on some with other markers of impaired DNA repair. This condition is referred to as genomic scarring or BRCA-ness, related to a deficiency in homologous recombination repair (HRD).

Future Uses of PARP Inhibitors

Rubraca is currently approved in the U.S. for treatment of advanced BRCA-positive ovarian cancer. Based on the trial results, Clovis has applied for FDA approval of broader applications of Rubraca, including maintenance treatment. Researchers are hopeful that benefits will eventually extend to breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer.

Gene-Targeted Cancer Treatment Programs at Issels®

Gene-targeted therapies focus on blocking replication and growth of cancer cells, reducing risk to healthy cells. Contact us to learn more about cancer vaccines and other non-toxic cancer treatment programs at Issels®.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research, Cancer Treatment, Cancer Vaccine, Immuno-Oncology, Immunotherapy, Immunotherapy for Cancer, Living with Cancer, Uncategorized

Cancer Patients – The Struggle to Understand Clinical Trial Opportunities

Cancer Patients Can Struggle to Understand if a Clinical Trial is Right for Them
Cancer Patients Can Struggle to Understand if a Clinical Trial is Right for Them

Clinical trials are essential for continued development of immunotherapy and other cancer treatment methods. A recent study shows that while cancer patients recognize the importance of clinical trials, they lack the same understanding about the concepts behind the process.

What Is the Public Conception of Clinical Trials?

Oncologist Catherine Kelly of Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin led a study involving 1,090 cancer patients being treated in centers across Ireland. Kelly presented the results at the September meeting of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) in Madrid.

Despite the fact that more than 25 percent of the subjects had previously participated in clinical trials, misunderstanding of central concepts was widespread throughout the responses.

  • Nearly three-quarters of those who had never taken part in a clinical trial didn’t understand that the types of treatment are randomly assigned. Surprisingly, this also applied to more than half of the patients who had participated in trials.
  • Most patients didn’t understand the concept of clinical equipoise, in which no one knows which of the treatments being tested is better. With previous clinical trial participants, an astonishing 60 percent believed that their doctor knew which treatment was better.

Why Understanding of Clinical Trials Matters

Results of this study were consistent with those from earlier studies. Kelly pointed out the need for doctors to address these misconceptions that instill fear in patients, preventing them from participating in trials.

Issels®: Cancer Treatment that Meets the Test of Time

At Issels®, our cancer vaccines and other immunotherapy treatments are not trials. Contact us to learn more about our long-standing success with individually tailored cancer treatment protocols.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Treatment, Immuno-Oncology, Immunotherapy, Uncategorized

What Makes the Issels Immunotherapy Approach So Different?

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Each Person is Different, and as a Result, so is Every Treatment Plan!
Each Person is Different, and as a Result, so is Every Treatment Plan!

Choosing a cancer treatment program can be the most important decision you’ll ever face. What makes the Issels® immunotherapy for cancer approach so different from traditional forms of cancer treatment?

Issels® Treatment Programs Are Individually Developed

Regardless of the type of cancer, each patient’s experience is unique. Our treatment programs are personally tailored to address a patient’s specific needs.

Issels® Therapies Are Created from a Patient’s Own Immune Cells

Issels® immunotherapy protocols boost your body’s immune response to use the power of your own natural defense mechanisms.

Issels® Immunotherapy Has No Adverse Side Effects

Immunotherapy is non-toxic and has less risk of side effects than traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Our immunotherapy programs should also be distinguished from pharmaceutically-developed immunotherapy drugs, which can trigger serious negative reactions.

Issels® Immunotherapy Programs Are Comprehensive

Focusing cancer treatment on one form can limit its impact on the disease. Our immunotherapy programs integrate a number of complementary elements that work together for greater effectiveness.

Issels® Treatment Programs Focus on Cancer and Its Environment

Destroying cancer cells is only part of the process. Our immunotherapy for cancer is also directed at altering the internal environment that promotes tumor growth.

Issels® Immunotherapy Is Not a Trial

Patients who participate in clinical trials may end up receiving a placebo. Our cancer vaccines and gene-targeted therapies have stood the test of time.

Experience the Issels® Difference

Want to learn more? Visit our website to read and hear testimonials from patients who have achieved years and decades of recurrence-free remission thanks to our Issels® immunotherapy for cancer programs.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Survivors, Cancer Treatment, Living with Cancer, Uncategorized

Issels Out-Patient Apartments in Santa Barbara, California

There Truly is Nothing More Relaxing nor Refreshing than Focusing on Getting Better By the Beach.
There Truly is Nothing More Relaxing nor Refreshing than Focusing on Getting Better By the Beach.

Lifestyle and environment are two major factors that affect your health and well-being. When you receive out-patient immunotherapy for cancer at our Issels® Medical Center in Santa Barbara, relax and focus on healing with a stay at one of several charming apartments nearby.

Fully Furnished Ocean View Apartments

Issels® Medical Center is located in downtown Santa Barbara, with close proximity to shopping, restaurants and personal services. We’re pleased to offer our patients special rates on a number of exclusive, fully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments in the area.

  • Enjoy ocean views and convenient direct access to the beach.
  • Upscale features include hardwood-style floors, ceiling fans, king-size beds and balconies and patios.
  • Each apartment has a generously sized, fully equipped gourmet kitchen.

The apartments are a perfect complement to our personally tailored immunotherapy for cancer programs. You’ll love returning from a treatment session to relax in luxurious and comfortable surroundings.

Additional Living Options

If you’re interested in other living arrangements, discounted rates are available at several suite-style hotels in the area that can accommodate any preferences. You can also choose from the variety of vacation rental apartments found throughout Santa Barbara.

Issels® Leads the Way in State-of-the-Art Immunotherapy for Cancer

At Issels®, you’re more than just a patient. Our caring and compassionate team is focused on every aspect of your healing and recovery.

Get first-hand accounts of why the Issels® difference makes us a leader in modern immunotherapy treatment. Visit our website to hear and read testimonials from patients of all ages and stages of cancer who have achieved long-term remission at Issels®.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research, Cancer Survivors, Cancer Treatment, Cancer Vaccine, Immuno-Oncology, Immunotherapy for Cancer, Uncategorized

John McCain and Glioblastoma

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It's Time to Stop Cancer
It’s Time to Stop Cancer

Two years ago, then-Vice President Joe Biden was inspired by the death of his son to launch a “moonshot” campaign for cancer treatment research. Today, Sen. John McCain’s battle against brain cancer has once again turned a spotlight on the disease.

Vice-President Biden Joins the Fight Against Cancer

In May 2015, Biden’s eldest son Beau succumbed to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The same disease claimed the late Sen. Edward Kennedy in 2009.

Four months after his son’s death, Biden called off his expected run for the presidency in order to launch a campaign of a different sort. Biden and his advisors joined forces with the American Association for Cancer Research to ramp up the search for a cure.

Brain Cancer Remains in Public Awareness

Arizona Sen. John McCain, a one-time Presidential candidate himself, was diagnosed with glioblastoma this past July. The diagnosis added another layer of drama when McCain returned to Washington, D.C. a week later and cast the deciding vote against a proposed repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

Last month, McCain appeared on CNN’s State of the Union to discuss his illness. The senator told host Jake Tapper that he would be undergoing an MRI the following day, adding that advancements in cancer treatment gave hope for his prognosis.

State-of-the-Art Immunotherapy from Issels®

Researchers have been making astounding breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Issels® has long been a leader in the use of personally tailored immunotherapy programs to successfully treat patients with all forms of cancer.

Contact us for more information about our integrative, non-toxic treatments such as cancer vaccines and NK cells.