Entries by

, , ,

How and why optimizing your body’s immune

Many may be wondering how exactly the immune system and cancer are interrelated. It’s quite complex given that it has taken decades of countless scientific research in search of the cure. The goal is to break this cancer into its basic mechanisms to fully understand its totality and appreciate its processes. In general, the immune system works by fighting against any harmful substances such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cancer cells. Something important to note is that your own cells and immune system can and will betray you.

April 29, 2022 by
, ,

Pentoxifylline an FDA Approved

Pentoxifylline, sold under the brand name Trental is typically used for vascular disease to increase blood flow due to its effect in reducing blood viscosity.  However, there is a gene called c-Rel that is important to maintain the function of regulatory cells such as Tregs and MDSC.  As I have discussed, the immune system has two sides, one that is regulatory, which has been tricked by cancer to protect it.  There is the other side that can attack cancer.

Our goal is to tip the balance in favor of attacking cancer.   In a study published by Grinberg-Bleyer, et al in Cell, Sept 7, 2017, titled “NF-kB c-Rel Is Crucial for the Regulatory T Cell Immune Checkpoint in Cancer” they describe how blocking c-Rel can reduce the regulatory function of Tregs.  In addition, Li, et al published in Nature Cancer, May 18, 2020, an article titled “c-Rel is a Myeloid Checkpoint for Cancer Immunotherapy” which discusses MDSC.

April 27, 2022 by
, ,

Side Effects of Immunotherapy

When it comes to managing the side effects of immunotherapy it is important to be very detailed with observing the symptoms as they can be autoimmune related. With any side effect, if it starts to escalate into something more severe, it is important for the patient to notify the doctor immediately. Below are a couple of the most common side effects or autoimmune-related events experienced by patients who undergo immune checkpoint therapy:

-Fatigue
-Skin rash, itching
-Dry mouth

April 7, 2022 by
, ,

How Does Breast Cancer Cryoablation Work

Cancer is a frightening word for anyone to hear. When it comes to breast cancer, many women feel an especially strong fear. Fortunately, treatments are improving every day and there are now a variety of treatment options available. One such option is Breast Cancer Cryoablation. This article will discuss what Cryoablation is, the benefits of this treatment method, and how it may be right for you.
Cryoablation is a surgical procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy breast cancer cells. This minimally invasive treatment is an alternative to traditional surgery for women with early-stage breast cancer. Cryoablation can be used to treat tumors that are too small to remove with traditional surgery or when traditional surgery is not possible.

March 18, 2022 by
,

World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day has arrived and Williams Cancer Institute would like to thank each and every patient who has entrusted their health with our clinic and treatments. Williams Cancer Institute aims to help create a cancer-free world. Our team has been passionately working on developing continuous medical research to eradicate cancer. We value the courage and strength every cancer patient has, and we honor your resilience.

February 4, 2022 by
, ,

Immunotherapy for Cancer

Immune response in cancer treatments has been studied for over decades and to this day continues to be closely researched in an attempt to provide a less invasive treatment for patients. Thanks to medical research, patients and physicians have access to seventeen immunotherapy FDA approved treatments. This ongoing mission is one of great value and in today’s blog we will be exploring more interesting details about the immune system and cancer.

February 1, 2022 by
, ,

A Simple Guide to Understanding Breast Cancer

Have you or a loved one previously been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Are you currently struggling on learning how to support your loved one through this battle?

If so, you have reached a great place where you will receive information that will assist you throughout this journey. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that mostly affects women. It is most common to see breast cancer in women the age 50 years and older. This does not mean it will not affect women of younger age.

Many factors can increase the risk of breast cancer such as:
-Family history of breast cancer
-Having dense breast
-Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

January 12, 2022 by
,

Could a Group of Arthritis Drugs be a Game Changer in Cancer Immunotherapy?

The immune system produces proteins, known as chemokines, which are signals that can affect immune function. There is a chemokine named C-C motif ligand 20, also known as CCL20. It is known as an inflammatory protein, often associated with rheumatoid arthritis. However, new evidence links this cytokine with numerous cancers. It seems that CCL20 promotes cancer metastasis. In addition, it increases cancer stem cells and causes T cell exhaustion. These actions will suppress an immune response. There are studies in many cancer types indicating that blocking CCL20 is anti-cancer and may enhance the success of immunotherapy. Surprisingly enough, drugs that can block CCL20 may also reduce autoimmune side-effects from standard PD-1 immunotherapy, such as Opdivo and Keytruda.

October 25, 2021 by
, ,

Selenium: A Key Element with Anti-cancer

Selenium plays a vital role in many biological processes and has been shown to enhance immunotherapy’s ability for cancer to work better potentially. When we look at selenium, the more active metabolite is methylselenol. Three forms of selenium convert to methylselenol. These are methylselenocysteine (MSC), selenomethionine (SM), and methylselenic acid. Only the first two, MSC and SM, are found in typical selenium supplements. Of those two, MSC is more effective in converting to the most active form. However, cancer may have low enzyme levels that convert MSC into the active form, making it less effective.

October 23, 2021 by
,

How and why optimizing your body’s immune system offers the best hope for preventing and treating Cancer?

Many may be wondering how exactly the immune system and cancer are interrelated. It’s quite complex given that it has taken decades of countless scientific research in search of the cure. The goal is to break this cancer into its basic mechanisms to fully understand its totality and appreciate its processes. In general, the immune system works by fighting against any harmful substances such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cancer cells. Something important to note is that your own cells and immune system can and will betray you.

October 21, 2021 by