Tag Archives: Chemotherapy

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Research

New Google Tech Aims to Diagnose Cancer

The Latest In Cancer Treatment
The Latest In Cancer Treatment

Since early diagnosis is key to treating cancer and other diseases, mega-corp Google is working on developing technology that will aid in the early diagnosis of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and other diseases, much earlier than is currently possible.

Breakthroughs in nano-technology are hoped to lead the way
Google’s plan is to combine disease-detecting nanoparticles, swallowed via pill, with a wristband that will perform non-invasive blood tests. The goal is for the nanoparticles to identify and match markers for different conditions, then travel back to the wristband to communicate these slight changes in a person’s biochemistry that indicate the early symptoms of disease.

A step ahead
Cancerous and healthy tissues are decidedly distinct, and if Google’s technology is able to identify the unique traces of these unhealthy tissues in the blood before physical symptoms appear, diagnosis can be made when cancer is still preventable or treatable.

Technology dream-team
The product will be developed by the search company’s semi-secret innovation lab, Google X, and led by Dr. Andrew Conrad, molecular biologist and inventor of a now widely used inexpensive HIV test.

Preventing false-positives
Because of the increase in anxiety the identification of these markers could create, Dr. Conrad has emphasized the need for rigorous testing before the product’s release and widespread use to prevent unnecessary worry – or unnecessary treatment. Once released, however, this technology is expected to be a revolutionary and effective weapon in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Looking for ways to become proactive with your cancer treatment plan? Contact Issels Integrative Oncology today.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research, News

Cancer Drugs in the News

New Cancer Drugs
New Cancer Drugs

There’s so much negative news bombarding TV, newspaper, Internet, and radio, every day, that sometimes it can become overwhelming. On the plus side, when positive cancer news is forthcoming, we don’t want to miss it.

A recent conference in Madrid covering new cancer drug information brought exciting news and results to the forefront regarding immunotherapies and the effects on the immune system of cancer patients when combined with approved drugs.

Merck & Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Roche Holding Ltd. and AstraZeneca each offered data compiled from initial testing. While results were positive from each company, there still exists a concern due to toxicity leading to negative side effects when immunotherapies are combined.

Immunotherapy drugs act on a specific protein known as Programmed Death Receptor 1 or PD-1 or PD-L1. Two of these drugs have received the stamp of approval. One drug, Keytruda from Merck, was approved in the U.S. The other, Opdivo from Bristol-Myers, was approved in Japan but not yet in the U.S.

Clinical date from AstraZeneca’s PD-L1 shows promise against lung cancer. Roche shared its results using its immunotherapy drug combined with an additional drug, Avastin, a non-immunotherapy drug used against breast cancer.

While the news is good and results have been positive showing increases in patient responding to treatment ranging from 22 percent to 40 percent, there can be side effects. The lowest result was at 8 percent for colorectal cancer patients.

Safety remains a priority with immunotherapy combinations but each company plans to continue its clinical trials with patients across the board dealing with pancreatic, neck, head, gastric, and ovarian cancer and melanoma.

At the end of the day, it’s good news.

Cancer Care Tips, Living with Cancer, News

Tips to Weathering Chemotherapy

Getting Through Chemotherapy
Getting Through Chemotherapy

When you go through cancer treatments, you’re not alone. Here are some great suggestions to help weather chemotherapy:

Know how to manage the nausea. Feeling ill and vomiting are the worst parts of chemotherapy for most people. Spread out your eating across many small meals instead of three regular meals, avoid beverages during mealtimes, and eat slowly.

Try out meditation and emotional exercises. Being in control of your emotions can help when side effects hit. Don’t be afraid to address your emotional hurdles through meditation, talk therapy, and alternative medicines.

Be prepared to try new foods. Many people undergoing chemo feel like foods taste different, even common and favorite foods. If what you eat tastes odd or foul, branch out and try lots of things—even foods you typically dislike—and find what works.

Stick with healthy foods to feel your best. Cupcakes may be tempting, but most people do best when avoiding junk foods, sweets, fatty foods, and fried foods. These treats should remain treats, while a generally healthy diet will keep you feeling best.

Get some hats, including one with a wide brim. Before chemotherapy, you may wish to shave your head and get a wig. Find some hats, too, including warm and comfy ones for when you feel chilly and a wide-brimmed hat to help with sun protection.

See the dentist first. Teeth cleanings are a bad idea during chemotherapy, so see the dentist a few weeks beforehand and use saltwater rinses to gently help with sores.

We’re also here to help with individualized, holistic treatments. Talk to us if you’re interested in learning about alternative cancer treatment options.

Living with Cancer

Tips to Weathering Radiation

Getting Through Chemo
Getting Through Chemo

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill fast-growing cancer cells. But, as with other traditional cancer treatments, radiation also damages many healthy cells. This collateral damage can cause numerous aggravating side effects.

Boost Your Immune System

Side effects usually begin during or within the first six months following radiation treatment and may continue for months, sometimes years, after treatment ends. Maintaining a healthy immune system before, during and after radiation can help prevent or minimize adverse reactions and shorten their duration.

Many cancer patients benefit from a combination of radiation and integrative immunotherapy. Immunotherapy kicks your immune system into overdrive, allowing your body to fight cancer cells more effectively during treatment. Immunotherapy may also help prevent cancer recurrence.

Managing Radiation Side Effects

Use these cancer care tips to weather the most common radiation side effects:

  • Fatigue. Sleep and rest as much as possible. Eating a healthy diet and exercising can help boost energy and improve stamina.
  • Skin changes. Redness, dryness, itching, peeling and blistering may occur around the treatment site. To prevent irritation, wear soft, loose clothing. Bathing in lukewarm water can be soothing. Cover up and wear sunscreen outdoors, but check with your cancer team before applying lotions or sunscreens as some can interfere with treatment.
  • Swelling and soreness. Wear loose clothing to decrease discomfort. Symptoms gradually decrease after treatment but may persist for up to a year.
  • Hair loss. Hair loss at treatment sites usually grows back in 3-6 months but can be permanent in cases of high-dose radiation. Treat your hair gently. Avoid harsh products, curling irons and hot rollers.

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Living with Cancer, Stage Four Cancer Treatment

Planning Ahead – 3 Tips for Those with Stage Four Cancer

Planning Ahead
Planning Ahead

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with stage four cancer, your initial reaction is no doubt an overwhelming mix of emotions. Once your thoughts begin to settle, you’ll begin to wonder what comes next. Developing a plan of action plays a big part in maintaining a positive outlook, which benefits you physically as well.

First of all, keep in mind that remarkable advances in immunotherapy and natural cancer treatments are allowing many stage four patients to live longer. These three tips will help you stay strong by dealing with your health care needs proactively.

  • Your comfort is of utmost importance. Be honest with your physician or caregiver about any pain you feel so you can discuss ways of dealing with it. Sharing accurate information about your discomfort will also enable your doctor to treat you more efficiently.
  • Make sure you and your physician are on the same page regarding levels of communication. Do you want to know every detail, no matter how small? Would you prefer that your doctor talk to your spouse or other family member? People can’t honor your wishes unless you make them known.
  • For most patients, family is their greatest support system. Talk to your loved ones so you can decide together how they will deal with ongoing information and any decisions to be made.

We have been providing cancer patients with non-toxic and effective alternative cancer treatments for more than 60 years. Visit our website to read and hear testimonials from people who have achieved remarkable results with our individualized immunotherapy programs.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips, Living with Cancer

Healthy Snacking Tips for Cancer Patients – When You Don’t Feel Like Eating

Tips For Healthy Snacking
Tips For Healthy Snacking

It’s important to eat a healthy diet to keep your body and immune system strong. But when you have cancer, there may be times when you don’t feel like eating. You may be too nauseated by traditional cancer treatments to eat. Stress and anxiety can also cause loss of appetite and nausea.

There are no hard and fast nutrition rules for cancer patients. It is common for appetites to fluctuate during cancer treatment. The key is to be flexible and maximize nutrition when you do feel like eating.

Snacking Tips

Try these healthy snacking tips to find out what works for you:

  • Eat your main meal when your appetite is biggest. Many cancer patients prefer a big morning meal and smaller or liquid meals at lunch and dinner.
  • Try sipping protein shakes or smoothies when you don’t feel like eating.
  • Use powdered or liquid meal replacements to boost calorie and protein intake.
  • Make sure you drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.
  • Eat the foods you can, even if it is just one or two foods. Add additional foods as your appetite improves.
  • Have small, frequent snacks instead of regular meals.
  • Keep snack foods in easy reach so you can nibble when you’re hungry.
  • Choose high-calorie, nutrient-rich foods to maximize nutrition when you do feel like eating.
  • Change the form of a food to make it more appetizing. Mix fruit and vegetables into a smoothie instead of eating them whole.

Avoid the debilitating side effects of traditional cancer treatments. Contact us for information about non-toxic alternative cancer treatments that have resulted in our unique record of complete, long-term remissions of advanced and standard therapy-resistant cancers.