Tag Archives: Finding Cancer

After Cancer, Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research, Immuno-Oncology, Immunotherapy

Non-Toxic Agent Makes Cancer Cells Glow

Thermal Treatment
Making the Cancer Glow

When you’re looking for small objects in a dark, confined area, your first step is turning on a light. Recent cancer research has uncovered a non-toxic chemical compound with the ability to “turn on the light” that reveals cancer cells.

Breakthrough testing

The study, conducted at Oregon State University, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists last October. Researchers injected a substance called silicon napthalocyanine into mice suffering from ovarian tumors. After 24 hours, the chemical had been absorbed by the tumors but was not present in the rest of the body.

Tumors were completely eradicated, and researchers detected no side effects. They are optimistic about the compound working on other types of tumors as well.

“Glow in the dark” cancer cells

Once the compound has been absorbed by a tumor, it causes cancer cells to glow when illuminated with near-infrared light. The effect makes it easier for surgeons to find and remove the cells more effectively, while a chemical reaction combining heat and oxygen kills any remaining cells.

Olena Taratula, lead author of the OSU study, explained that the research demonstrates proof of concept they hope to expand on with further experiments. Next on the researchers’ agenda is developing a system whereby the compound would actually seek out cancer cells. The next round of testing would involve dogs, possibly followed by clinical trials on humans.

Our experienced staff of medical professionals actively works to remain up-to-date on the latest and most innovative cancer research. Contact us to learn why Issels® is a leader in non-toxic integrative immuno-oncology treatments.

Cancer Research, News

Tiny Synthetic Diamonds Light Up Cancer in MRI Scans

Detecting Cancer
Detecting Cancer

Diamonds are the most highly prized gems in the world of jewelry, but now there is a completely different reason to consider them precious. Cancer research at the University of Sydney has resulted in the development of synthetic diamonds that show promise as unique tools in the fight against cancer.

The recent study, published in Nature Communications, was inspired by the discovery that the non-toxic, non-reactive properties of nanodiamonds allow them to safely penetrate cell walls. While they initially showed promise as a delivery vehicle for cancer drugs administered during chemotherapy, physicists at the University of Sydney saw potential for further use in cancer detection.

Professor David Reilly, lead author of the study, explained that it was the magnetic properties of the gems that captured their interest. He and his team hyperpolarized nanodiamonds by aligning atoms in such a way that they would emit a signal visible through MRIs. Once the altered nanodiamonds were attached to cancer-targeting molecules, the researchers were able to track them via the signals.

According to Helen Zorbas, chief executive of Cancer Australia, there is reason to believe that nanodiamond tracking can aid in detection of brain and pancreatic cancers along with other hard-to-find forms. Since early onset of treatment offers a greater chance of effectiveness, this method could be extremely valuable in improving survival possibilities.

Current cancer research has focused on other non-toxic methods such as personalized treatment and immunotherapy, which are protocols that we have successfully used at Issels® for years. Visit our website to learn more about our innovative cancer treatment programs.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research, Uncategorized

What Are Tumor Markers and Why Are They Important?

Tumor Markers
Tumor Markers

Not all cancers behave the same way or produce identical markers. Some people with the same type of cancer will have higher levels of tumor markers while others with that cancer will not have the elevated levels. At the Issels® Immuno-Oncology Centers, we understand that highly personalized immunotherapy is often the best approach to achieve long-term remission.

What are tumor markers?

These markers are substances that are produced by the actual cancer itself or other healthy cells in the body when cancer is present. They may also occur in response to some noncancerous conditions. For example, a benign tumor may result in tumor markers.

While the most commonly recognized markers are proteins found in the stool, urine, blood, or other tissue sample from the person, changes to DNA and altered gene expression are starting to be used as tumor markers. Currently, there are over 20 unique tumor markers identified and used for the detection, research and treatment of cancer.

Why they are important?

In addition to helping doctors assess the effectiveness of treatment, tumor markers are measured after treatment has ceased to see if the cancer has returned. Tumor markers may one day be useful in detecting cancer while it is still in its early stages. Because there is not one “universal” tumor marker, they sometimes occur in noncancerous conditions, and may vary based on individual factors.

You can read about the latest cancer treatment breakthroughs by following the Issels news blog. Contact Issels® Center for Integrative Immuno-Oncology to learn more about our non-toxic, personalized immunotherapy cancer treatment protocols.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research, Uncategorized

Researchers Predict a Rise in Breast Cancer

Cancer Detection
Researchers Predict A Rise In Breast Cancer

At Issels® Integrative Immuno-Oncology, we pay close attention to research about cancer trends from around the world to help us improve our precision treatment methods.

According to research results announced in April by Dr. Philip Rosenberg, Ph.D of the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer, Epidemiology and Genetics, Americans will see several new breast cancer trends by 2030.

Age Matters

Longer lifespans will result in more breast cancer cases:

  • Dr. Rosenberg predicts a more than 50 percent rise in breast cancer cases, including an estimated 11 percent increase in older women.
  • Women who live into their 70’s and early 80’s are at a higher risk of getting ER-positive in situ cancer (i.e. tumors caused by estrogen that are confined to the breasts).
  • ER-positive in situ cases will increase overall by an estimated 10 percent.

Hopeful News

Whether you have cancer or not, it’s important to remember the following:

  • These predictions were based on other predictions and assumptions — for example, that mammography will remain a major detection method.
  • The predictions were also based on incomplete and old data, including U.S. Census Bureau data, aggregate details about 500,000 patients diagnosed with cancer in the years up through 2010 and total cancer case numbers from 2011.
  • If the predictions are accurate, at least one group will deal less with certain breast cancers: a 10 percent decrease in overall cases for those ages 50 to 69.
  • Dr. Rosenberg also predicts an 8 percent decrease in the number of ER-negative in situ and invasive cancers that are difficult to treat.

To learn more about this study, cancer trends and/or our treatment options, contact our expert and caring Issels® staff today.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research, Uncategorized

What to Do When Cancer Looks Like Something Else

When Cancer Doesn't Look Like Cancer
When Cancer Doesn’t Look Like Cancer

At some point in our lives, we will all have to go to the doctor. Most of these visits may be a routine trip for lacerations, bruises, sprains, breaks and other non-threatening conditions. But, there are times when deeper problems need to be addressed, like heart conditions, migraine headaches and reproductive issues, just to name a few, where the correct diagnosis might be in question.

Misdiagnosis and Cancer

Although not something that commonly occurs, sometimes other ailments or conditions mask cancer detection. Take the case of Samantha Beaven, a British mother of two, who had cancer symptoms mistaken for pregnancy complications. She eventually died because her cancer was misdiagnosed.

Lung cancer can sometimes be misdiagnosed as pneumonia, brain cancer can be masked by migraine headaches, and breast cancer can be mistaken for calcium deposits in the breast. Once again, these misdiagnosis are rare occurrences, but they do happen and this possibility is something you should be aware of whenever you are diagnosed with an important health issue.

CT and PET Scans

If you have any doubt that there is a possibility your condition has been misdiagnosed, insist on getting a CT or a CAT scan that will assist a doctor in determining the real issue behind your health condition. A radioactive tracer PET scan is also an  alternative procedure that can be used alone or in conjunction with a CT scan.

For more information about cancer and its treatment, please go to our site at Issels® Immuno-Oncology. There you’ll find our up-to- date blog about cancer happenings in the world of medicine, and you’ll also find information on cancer vaccines, patient testimonials, statistics and the location of Issels clinics near you.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research

TGen Study Looks at Cancer Tumor Cloaking Materials

image of cells
Tripping Down To The Cancer

Treating cancer is difficult enough without the cancer cells hiding behind an extra layer of cellular material called stroma. Researchers at Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) believe drugs that strip away that stroma could improve the effectiveness of cancer drugs. At Issels® Integrative Immuno-Oncology, we understand complexities of effective cancer treatment. That is why our personalized, non-toxic treatments are based on extensive clinical and scientific research.

The TGen study

The TGen researchers state that breaking down that stroma could significantly extend the life of cancer patients, even those with late stage cancer that has already spread to some of their other organs. The stroma is made up of hyaluronan and various other types of collagen. It impedes anti-cancer drugs from finding their targeted cancer cells. The TGen researchers noticed a correlation between higher levels stroma and poor survival rates among patients with pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer

The pancreas is located behind the stomach. It is responsible for producing essential digestive juices and other necessary hormones. Each year, approximately 49,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Over 40,000 will die, making it the fourth deadliest cancer in America. The median survival time for people with advanced pancreatic cancer is 6 months from diagnosis. Less than six percent live five or more years after the diagnosis.

Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff, who authored the TGen study, believes therapies that target stroma could lead to much better survival rates.

We want to keep you updated on the latest cancer research and provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your cancer treatment. Visit the Issels® website and sign up for our free e-Newsletter.