Tag Archives: Bacteria and Cancer

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

Coley’s Toxin – the First Immunotherapy?

Coley's Toxin - the First Immunotherapy?
Coley’s Toxin – the First Immunotherapy?

When it comes to cancer treatment, immunotherapy is a hot buzzword right now, but it may not be as new as it seems. Many scientists believe that the first immunotherapy treatments date back to the late 1800s.

Coley’s Toxins: The Original Immunotherapy?

William Coley, a surgeon in turn-of-the-century New York, made a peculiar discovery about one of his patients. Fred Stein, who had been diagnosed with cancer, began making a recovery after contracting a serious infection.

Dr. Coley thought that perhaps bacteria from the infection jump-started Stein’s immune system, causing it to attack the tumors. This experience inspired the doctor to begin treating inoperable cancer patients with bacterial injections that came to be known as Coley’s toxins.

While Coley’s treatments did achieve some success, there was little documentation to support his findings. As a result, the doctor’s peers continued to favor radiation and chemotherapy as cancer treatments of choice.

A Man Ahead of His Time

For all intents and purposes, Dr. Coley’s methods died with him in 1936. Now, more than 80 years later, immunotherapy cancer treatment is “here to stay,” according to Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, chief executive of the Cancer Research Institute.

Immunotherapies known as checkpoint inhibitors are some of the top-selling drugs around the world. Checkpoint inhibitors follow Dr. Coley’s principle of boosting the body’s own immune response.

Dr. Josef M. Issels: A Pioneer of Immunotherapy

We’re proud to carry on the legacy of our founder, Dr. Josef M. Issels, who was also an early proponent of immunotherapy cancer treatment. Contact Issels® for more information about our individually created immunotherapy programs.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Immunotherapy

Cancer Risk May Be Identified by the Oral Microbiome

Hold On, You're Telling Me the Bacteria in My Mouth Can Tell What Type of Cancer I Might Have?
Hold On, You’re Telling Me the Bacteria in My Mouth Can Tell What Type of Cancer I Might Have?

For years, the medical community has been telling us that proper oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining good overall health. Scientists are now finding that bacteria in your mouth may actually reveal your risk for different types of cancer.

What Does the Oral Microbiome Tell Us?

Here are some of the major links researchers have uncovered between mouth bacteria and cancer:

• Fusobacterium, which causes bleeding gums, is hundreds of times more prevalent in cancerous cells than in normal cells. This bacteria can trigger colon cancer as well as accelerate growth in any existing colon tumors.

• A study last year discovered the presence of P gingivalis, a bacteria that causes periodontal disease, in 61 percent of patients with esophageal cancer. Researchers also found that people with P gingivalis have a 60 percent higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

• Researchers at the University of Buffalo conducted a study in 2015 involving more than 73,000 postmenopausal women. Results showed that women with gum disease were 14 percent more likely to develop breast cancer.

What’s Next?

While conclusions have not been finalized, scientists suspect that the connection occurs when the bloodstream carries bacteria from the mouth to other organs. It’s hoped that further research will enable doctors to determine cancer risk simply by the type of bacteria present in the body.

Personally Tailored Cancer Treatment Based on Your Particular Needs

All cancer cases are different, so why should all cancer treatment be the same? Visit our website to learn why Issels® is the industry leader in state-of-the-art immunotherapy methods such as cancer vaccines and NK cells that are designed for your specific situation.