Cancer Research, Living with Cancer

Capsaicin in Hot Chilis May Kill Prostate Cancer Cells

Peppers May Be The Key
Peppers May Be The Key

Issels® is delighted to share the news that surprising research has now found that capsaicin, a little known molecule found within the chili pepper plant, has the ability to kill prostate cancer cells. Historically, capsaicin has been used as a therapeutic pain reliever in topical creams. The compound is found in differing quantities depending on the species of pepper. For instance, the bell pepper contains a lot less of it than chili peppers do.

It all started 10 years ago when scientists reported that the compound capsaicin killed prostate cancer cells in mice, while leaving the healthy cells untouched. Such discoveries signified the possibility of a cure for prostate cancer, and motivated more scientists into finding out more about this amazing molecule.

Spurred on by these findings, scientists Ashok Kumar Mishra and Jitendriya Swain tried to gain a deeper understanding of how capsaicin works in removing prostate cancer. The researchers figured out that the molecule binds to a cell’s surface and affects the membrane, which surrounds and protects the cell. They were then able to detect how the compound interacts with cell membranes by monitoring its natural fluorescence. Their study showed that capsaicin lodges in the membranes near the surface.

You should be aware that hot pepper consumption is not equivalent to the use of pure capsaicin. Simply eating peppers won’t work the same way, since the compound is only effective in high dosages.

For more information on non-toxic cancer treatment contact Issels® Integrative Immuno-Oncology to get you started on the road to a natural recovery from cancer.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research

Prostate Cancer Prevention Starts with Small Lifestyle Changes

Alternative Lung Cancer Treatment
Prostate Cancer Awareness

Prostate cancer claims the lives of over 27,000 men each year. It’s now estimated that one in seven men will contract this deadly disease within their lifetime. The Issels® Centers for Immune-Oncology have good news regarding the fight against prostate cancer. This is one disease that responds well to preventive measures. Prostate cancer prevention starts with small lifestyle changes.

Improve Your Diet

Steer Clear of Processed Foods – these have been shown to increase the risk of developing all cancers. Improving your diet is the first and easiest step you can take to prevent the onset of prostate cancer.

Consume More Vegetables – vegetables contain nutrients that have been shown to improve the body’s ability to combat illness. One easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet is to juice green smoothies at home. Include kale, carrots and celery when possible.

Eat More Fish – Fish contains an important element known as omega-3, a fatty acid that has been linked to a reduced chance of getting prostate cancer. When possible, choose wild fish over farmed.

Get More Exercise

Moderate exercise has been shown to protect against all cancers, including prostate cancer. If you only have time for one type of exercise, choose exercises that get your whole body moving over ones that only move portions of your body. For example, walking would be better than bicycling and swimming would be better than weightlifting, as far as prostate cancer prevention is concerned.

When you implement these easy lifestyle changes, you may save more than one life. When your son sees the effort you protect your prostate health, he may adopt his own healthy lifestyle changes.

For questions and to discuss treatment programs for a loved one who may already have prostate cancer we encourage you to contact us at Issels.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research, Uncategorized

Blood Cancer May be Caused by Malaria Carrying Parasites

Alternative Cancer Treatment
Blood Cancer and Malaria

A promising new study, published August 2015 in the scientific journal, Cell, establishes a possible link between malaria carrying parasites and the development of blood cancer.

A Surprising Link Found

In the study, a group of scientists used mice to demonstrate how malaria-carrying parasites, such as mosquitos, may lead to blood cancer. Although at present there is nothing to show that the same response may occur in humans, the results are promising as far as determining a surprising cause and effect between seemingly unrelated events that have confounded doctors for more than 50 years.

Prolonged Exposure is a Contributing Factor

Over a prolonged period of time, when a specific immune cell named B lymphocyte is exposed to the malaria infection, it develops cancer-causing faults within its make up. Ultimately, a certain blood cancer called Burkitt’s lymphoma presents.

P53 Plays a Key Part

Interestingly, the absence of a protein called P53 plays a key role in whether the immune cells mutate into cancer cells. The mice used in the aforementioned study were selected specifically because of the absence of the P53 gene.

More Research is Needed

More research is necessary before conclusive evidence will emerge regarding the relationship between prolonged exposure to malaria and Burkitt’s lymphoma in humans. However, the clues uncovered in this study represent a giant step toward a cure for this devastating disease.

As more information becomes available to the scientific community regarding Burkitt’s lymphoma causes and cures, you can rely on Issels® to bring it to you in an easy to understand, comprehensive fashion. Contact us today to learn more about our integrative immunotherapy services and treatments.

Cancer Care Tips

Tips on How to be the Best Cancer Caregiver You Can Be

Tips For Cancer Caregivers
Tips For Cancer Caregivers

At Issels® Immuno-Oncology Centers, providing immunotherapy to cancer patients is what we do every day. For caregivers of a partner diagnosed with cancer, it can sometimes become overwhelming knowing what to say, what to do, and when to do it. Understanding the role can help you be the best caregiver possible.

Role of a Caregiver

A caregiver should consider himself or herself as part of a team comprised of the patient, medical personnel, friends and family. As a caregiver, you’ll have many responsibilities from taking over the chores and duties of your partner to dispensing drugs.

You’ll have the responsibilities of:

  • paperwork
  • paying bills
  • scheduling
  • appointments
  • transportation
  • proper diet and sleep

Maintaining good verbal and listening techniques with your partner is vital as you are the person providing support and helping your partner make decisions. You must have good, open communication with other team members to keep everyone up-to-date.

Taking Care of the Caregiver

One of the most important things to remember is you must take care of yourself. A caregiver works long hours that can result in not eating, resting, sleeping or exercising properly. If you aren’t in top-notch form, you won’t be able to provide the best care for your partner.

Talk to your own physician prior to taking on the role of caregiver to find out about counseling services or support groups. If you have a job, talk to your human resource representative about amending your work schedule, taking a leave of absence, and if any assistance programs are available provided by the company.

If you have questions or need more information, contact our staff at Issels® for immediate assistance with cancer care.

Living with Cancer, Stress Management, Uncategorized

Cancer Patient Tip: Are You Sad or Clinically Depressed – How to Tell the Difference

Sad or Depressed?
Sad or Depressed?

Issels® Center for Immuno-Oncology provides state-of-the-art techniques to support and encourage a patient’s immune system to defend against cancer cells. Often times, even though treatment is progressing, cancer patients may experience a feeling of sadness.

The question is if the patient is having random moments of sadness or is clinically depressed. Knowing the difference is important.

Random Moments of Sadness

When you’re feeling sad, it can be for any number of reasons from worry about a health condition to stress of paying medical bills. Being sad doesn’t encompass your feelings for the majority of the time. You’re sad; you work through the issue, find a resolution, talk with friends or family, and continue your normal daily routine. Depression is the exact opposite and a much more serious condition.

Clinical Depression

Studies show that between 15-25 percent of the people who’ve been diagnosed as having cancer are candidates for depression. Some of the signs of depression may seem like sadness but there are differences.

  • Depression is long-term unhappiness
  • Experience excessive tiredness
  • Lack of interest in hobbies and activities
  • Eating routine changes
  • Restless and nervous feelings
  • An obvious change in sleeping habits
  • Lack of concentration
  • Significant change in mental and physical reactions
  • Feeling as if you no longer matter
  • Continued thoughts of the possibility of death
  • Thoughts of suicide

Anti-depressants, exercise, counseling, established routines, and psychotherapy are all ways to deal with depression. If you suffer from any of the listed symptoms, contact your physician to determine a plan of action.

If you need information about the services available at Issels® Center for Immuno-Oncology, contact us by phone or use the online form to submit your request.

Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Research, News

What is Chronic or Controlled Cancer?

The Difference Between Cancers
The Difference Between Cancers

Many people view cancer as an all or nothing condition. They think that having cancer is a death sentence and successful treatment of cancer means it is completely eradicated from the body. At Issels® Center for Immuno-Oncology, we understand that each cancer patient is unique and personalized treatment protocols are the best approach. For some people, cancer is a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease. Though the cancer may not ever go away completely, it can be controlled with treatment.

Chronic or controlled cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, a cancer that can be controlled through treatment, but does not disappear completely, is classified as controlled. Many ovarian cancers, types of leukemia, and a few types of lymphoma are controlled with treatment. These cancers continue to exist but not grow or spread to other organs. Treatment may be done as maintenance or only when the cancer starts growing.

Partial and full remission

For a cancer to be classified as in remission, the decrease in size must last for a minimum of one month. Cancer in remission is not eliminated or considered cured. When treatment results in tumor no longer being visible on a scan, it is called a complete remission or complete response. A reduction in size of at least 50 percent is called a partial response or partial remission.

Treating chronic cancer

While some cancers require ongoing maintenance treatments, some types can be kept under control through chemo when it begins to grow. Some cancers will become resistant to chemo and require other treatment options. Call Issels® today to find out more about our non-toxic immunotherapy protocols.

Individualized Cancer Treatment