Cancer Caregivers, Living with Cancer, Uncategorized

Dealing with Family Members Who Don’t Agree to Your Treatment Choices

Dealing with Family Members Who Don't Agree to Your Treatment Choices
Dealing with Family Members Who Don’t Agree to Your Treatment Choices

Whether you opt for cancer immunotherapy or more traditional treatment methods, some family members may disagree with your choices. With open and honest communication, you can all work together to make sure you get the support you need.

Tips for Discussing Cancer Treatment

When a family member objects to your chosen form of cancer treatment, it’s usually caused by concern for you and fear of the unknown. Experts suggest the following tips for maintaining productive and positive discussions.

– As the patient, you are the one who will be directly affected, so your wishes should be considered first. You should also feel free to change your mind if circumstances change or you get new information.

– Talk about your priorities in choosing a particular course of treatment. Knowing what’s important to you will help others understand your decision.

– People may be uncomfortable talking about cancer and treatment options for a wide variety of reasons, including fear, lack of knowledge and religious beliefs. Ask a member of your healthcare team or an experienced counselor to be involved in the discussions.

– Identify problems that may arise during treatment so everyone is prepared.

– Find out from your doctor which decisions are urgent and which ones are less pressing. This helps reduce the amount of pressure that family members may feel.

Cancer Immunotherapy with a Personal Touch

Dealing with cancer is frightening for patients and their families. At Issels®, we refuse to let the disease rob you of your individuality. Our treatments are tailored to address your personal situation and needs.

Contact us to learn more about our non-toxic cancer immunotherapy programs.

Cancer Care Tips, Living with Cancer, Uncategorized

Cancer Treatment: Tips for Eating When You Simply Do Not Feel Hungry

Cancer Treatment: Tips for Eating When You Simply Do Not Feel Hungry
Cancer Treatment: Tips for Eating When You Simply Do Not Feel Hungry

Food is one of life’s great pleasures, but if you’ve lost your appetite during cancer treatment, eating becomes more of a chore. Experts offer these easy-to-follow tips to make sure you’re getting proper nutrition, even when you don’t feel hungry.

Pre-Treatment

– The stronger your system is, the more effective treatment will be. Start following a healthier diet as soon as possible to boost your levels of vitamins, minerals and other valuable nutrients.

– Stock up on foods and prepared meals that will be ready to eat when you’re feeling too tired to cook. Focus on lean proteins, fruits and vegetables and whole-grain items.

During Treatment

– Set a goal of consuming at least two-and-a-half cups of fruits and vegetables each day. Include a variety of colors to ensure a well-rounded mix of nutrients. Don’t forget to wash fresh produce carefully to remove dirt and germs.

– Drink liquids throughout the day. Water is the top choice, and fresh-squeezed juices are also a good option.

– Don’t worry about sticking to conventional meal times. Eat when you’re hungry, not when the clock says you should.

– Try eating several small meals throughout the day instead of two or three large ones. Meal replacement drinks are a handy way to consume calories and nutrients when you’re not feeling hungry.

– Avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry and seafood as well as unpasteurized food and beverages.

Cancer Treatment Designed Specifically for You

At Issels®, we don’t believe in generic cancer treatment for all patients. Contact us to learn how we tailor your particular treatment program to address your individual needs.

Cancer Research, Cancer Treatment, Immuno-Oncology, Immunotherapy, Immunotherapy for Cancer, News, Stage Four Cancer Treatment, Uncategorized

Some Cancers Cloak Themselves from the Immune System’s Discovery

Some Cancers Cloak Themselves from the Immune System's Discovery
Some Cancers Cloak Themselves from the Immune System’s Discovery

Immunotherapy cancer treatment is designed to aid the body’s immune system in recognizing and attacking tumor cells. Scientists are finally uncovering clues as to how cancer cells are able to evade detection by the body’s natural defenses.

How Cancer Blocks the Immune System

The first steps were taken in 2009 by a team headed up by Dr. Irving Weissman, director of Stanford’s Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Their research discovered that some cancer cells are able to emit a “don’t eat me” signal.

High levels of CD47, a transmembrane protein, are found on the surface of more aggressive cancer cells. CD47 then binds with another protein called SIRPalpha on the surface of macrophages, a type of white blood cell, inhibiting their ability to attack cancer cells.

In 2017, Dr. Weissman’s team published the results of a recent study that identified another protein that interferes with macrophage activity. When MHC class 1 binds with a protein known as LILRB1, it’s resistant to an antibody that has been used successfully to counteract CD47 in tests on mice with cancer.

Applications for Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment

Cancer research is complicated by the fact that different types have different “fingerprints.” The studies conducted by Dr. Weissman’s team are helping scientists learn more about strategies to “outwit” cancer cells and their ability to avoid detection.

Issels®: Pioneering Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment

Our founder, Dr. Josef Issels, was ahead of his time in focusing on the immune system as the key to defeating advanced cancer. Contact us to learn more about how we are continuing his legacy of helping patients achieve long-term remission.

Cancer Research, Cancer Treatment, Immuno-Oncology, Immunotherapy, Immunotherapy for Cancer, News, Uncategorized

Molecularly Targeted Therapy Emerges As Another Possible Cancer Treatment

Molecularly Targeted Therapy Emerges As Another Possible Cancer Treatment
Molecularly Targeted Therapy Emerges As Another Possible Cancer Treatment

The problem with traditional cancer treatments is that they attack healthy cells along with diseased cells, which results in serious side effects such as fatigue and hair loss. Doctors are encouraged by the success of a new cancer treatment that zeroes in on the cancer cells.

The “Next Revolution in Cancer Therapy”

Molecularly targeted therapy is being hailed as the next big step in cancer treatment. These new drugs are designed at the molecular level to attack the diseased cells of a specific type of cancer. In addition, they can identify specific molecules that are part of specific cancers.

The drugs are created by a process that is the reverse of how most cancer drugs are developed. Scientists identify an abnormal molecule that’s unique to a particular type of cancer, then design a drug that shuts down its activity.

Gleevec: Paving the Way

Novartis Pharmaceuticals has developed Gleevec, also known as STI571, which is leading the way for molecularly targeted therapy. Gleevec is used for chronic myeloid leukemia, or CML, which is a rare form of the disease characterized by excessive production of white blood cells.

Researchers discovered that Gleevec is also effective against GIST, a rare gastrointestinal cancer. GIST features a unique enzyme related to the original target enzyme in CML.

State-of-the-Art Cancer Treatment at Issels®

Gene-targeted therapies, including Gleevec, Tamoxifen and Avastin, are a significant part of our personalized treatment programs. Issels® also uses non-toxic immunotherapy treatments that boost the immune system’s ability to target tumor cells.

Contact us today for more information about our decades of success in helping patients achieve long-term remission.

Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Treatment, Living with Cancer, News, Stage Four Cancer Treatment, Uncategorized

Cancer Treatment: Foods to Avoid While in Treatment

Cancer Treatment: Foods to Avoid While in Treatment
Cancer Treatment: Foods to Avoid While in Treatment-

When you undergo cancer treatment, chances are good that side effects such as nausea and mouth sores will cause your taste buds to change. Your overall health can also be affected by the nutritional choices you make.

Many types of cancer treatments can weaken your immune system, even after they’re over. As a result, your body is vulnerable to food-borne bacteria and viruses that otherwise might not affect you.

Here are foods you should avoid during and after treatment to reduce the risk of food poisoning, even if they haven’t caused problems in the past.

Proteins

– Smoked fish

– Raw or undercooked beef and seafood, including sushi and sashimi

– Raw, unpasteurized eggs and items such as raw cookie dough that are made with raw eggs

– Undercooked eggs, including soft-boiled, over-easy and poached

– Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, such as Brie, feta and goat cheese

– Deli salads made with chicken, eggs, seafood or ham

– Cold hot dogs or cold deli meat, which should always be cooked until steaming hot

– Refrigerated paté

Produce

– Fresh fruits and vegetables that have not been washed

– Unpasteurized fruit juice or cider

– Raw sprouts

If you’re uncertain about any food items, don’t take chances. Talk to your healthcare team before consuming any questionable products.

Personalized Cancer Treatment from Issels®

Our individually tailored treatment programs are designed to boost the effectiveness of your body’s immune system. In addition, our immunotherapy doesn’t have the debilitating side effects that often accompany traditional forms of cancer treatment.

Contact us for more information about our cancer vaccines and other treatments we have been successfully using for decades.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research, Cancer Treatment, Immunotherapy, Immunotherapy for Cancer, Uncategorized

Tumor Suppressing Protein May Lead to New Pancreatic Cancer Treatments

Tumor Suppressing Protein May Lead to New Pancreatic Cancer Treatments
Tumor Suppressing Protein May Lead to New Pancreatic Cancer Treatments

While a protein known as p53 has long been recognized as a potent factor in suppressing tumors, the reasons have been unclear. Scientists are now discovering more about p53, including the existence of a “super” version, that may have valuable implications for cancer immunotherapy.

Finding the Right Balance

Balance is essential for realizing the maximum benefits of p53. Too little leaves the door open for tumor growth, but too much can cause developmental problems.

A research team at the Stanford University School of Medicine tested a variety of p53 mutations on mice that were susceptible to pancreatic cancer. The scientists were surprised to find that one version of the protein kept the mice tumor-free for longer periods of time.

A “Supercharged” Tumor Suppressor

According to Dr. Laura Attardi, senior author of the study, the mutated protein hit a “sweet spot” that allowed embryos to develop without any problems and gave adult mice greater resistance to tumors. The mutation appears to hyperactivate the p53 protein, causing it to affect a number of downstream targets.

With hundreds of genes impacted by p53 activity, Attardi’s team turned to the question of discovering which ones were involved in tumor development. They discovered the pathway of three proteins, led by p53, that created a chain reaction preventing development of tumor cells.

Issels®: Leading the Way in Cancer Immunotherapy

Our personalized immunotherapy programs include gene-targeted therapies that shut down specific molecules required for cancer growth. Treatments are integrated with other therapies that combine for the most effective ways of fighting tumor cells.

Contact us to learn more about our success in helping patients achieve long-term remission

Individualized Cancer Treatment