Antibiotic use before cancer treatment cuts survival time – study

29 Mar 2021 Cancer, Immunotherapy

According to a small but groundbreaking study, taking antibiotics in the month before starting immunotherapy dramatically reduces a cancer patient’s chances of survival.

Scientists at Imperial College London believe antibiotics strip out helpful bacteria from the gut, weakening the immune system. This appears to make it less likely that immunotherapy drugs will boost the body’s cancer-fighting capability.

 

How does immunotherapy work against cancer?

Immunotherapy is a type of biological therapy that helps the body’s immune system fight a disease such as cancer. The body’s immune system is programmed to detect abnormal cells and prevent malignant growth. A sign that indicates an immune response against cancer cells is when tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are found in and around tumors.

However, cancer cells have the ability to avoid immune response and survive through the following mechanisms:

  • They make genetic changes that make them less visible to the body’s immune defense.
  • They have surface proteins that the immune system cannot recognize.
  • Cancer overwhelms the immune system so that it can no longer respond to the threat.

 

While chemotherapy and radiation therapy kill cancer cells, immunotherapy kick-starts and boosts the body’s immune system. Doing so allows the immune system to recognize and fight the tumor. 

At Williams Cancer Institute, we offer intratumoral immunotherapy and cryoablation immunotherapy to our cancer patients. These revolutionary cancer treatments, when combined, can significantly improve response rate and reduce the risk of adverse effects.

Click here for more information on the benefits of intratumoral immunotherapy.

How can intratumoral and cryoablation immunotherapy fight cancer?

Cryoablation entails the freezing of the tumor locally to keep it in its original place and prevent it from spreading. This allows the immune system to respond by releasing anti-tumor antigens.

After freezing, anti-cancer immuno-antibodies are injected directly into the tumors. This acts like a vaccine that can cure cancer using your immune system. Intratumoral administration of immuno-antibodies also requires a smaller dose of medications, which can cut treatment costs.

 

What happens when you use antibiotics before immunotherapy?

According to the study, taking antibiotics eliminates some gut microbiota, which are microorganisms found in the digestive tracts. A good microbiome means that your immune system has learned how to fight cancer better.

Antibiotic therapy is necessary to treat patients with bacterial infections. Therefore, the study suggests that patients who are due to receive immunotherapy need to take extra care in making decisions.

If you took any form of antibiotics in the month before your immunotherapy, you should let our oncologist know. To ensure the safety of our patients, it is becoming the standard in our clinic to not only evaluate the microbiome with Microbiome Dx, but also patients with recent antibiotic use prior to immunotherapy probably will need a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT).

 

cryoablation immunotherapy

 

Williams Cancer Institute: the best alternative cancer treatment in Mexico

Dr. Jason Williams combines his interventional radiology expertise with his knowledge of cancer, immunology, and immunotherapy.

If you require advanced cancer treatment, Williams Cancer Institute can help. We have experience in radiofrequency ablation, immunotherapy agents, and chemotherapy options. 

Contact us for help in finding the right immunotherapy option for you. You can also schedule an appointment with our oncologist. 

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

intratumoral immunotherapy

Cancer Treatment: Answers to Commonly Asked Questions (Part 2)

2 Feb 2021 Immunotherapy

A cancer diagnosis is a very scary reality. Cancer continues to be a serious illness, but there is hope for patients for better treatment options today that were not available a decade ago. This article addresses common questions and concerns regarding cancer treatment, including difficult to treat tumors. 

 

How Does Cancer Treatment Work at the Cellular Level

Immune checkpoint inhibitors offer a new alternative to cancer treatment. Oncologists use the treatment method to stimulate the body to attack foreign cancer cells while protecting normal, healthy cells. 

It all occurs at the cellular level of the body. Checkpoints on certain cells are either activated or deactivated to stimulate an immune response against cancer cells. However, cancer cells can use these same checkpoints to avoid an attack from the immune system. 

Certain medications target cancer cells at the cellular level, so the cells can no longer be defensive against an immune system attack. As a result, the immune system can better work against the cancer cells to destroy them. 

Effective medications that are immune checkpoint inhibitors include: 

  • Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)
  • Opdivo (Nivolumab)
  • Libtayo (Cemiplimab)

These medications have proven effective options for several forms of cancer, including bladder cancer, kidney cancer, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma.

The medications, paired with a healthy immune system, can be a powerful combination to fight cancer cells. 

 

Side effects of cancer treatments: radiation and chemotherapy versus immunotherapy and ablation

Chemotherapy

It is well known that chemotherapy medications cause adverse side effects due to the destruction of healthy cells. Cells commonly affected by chemotherapy include hair follicles, blood-forming cells in bone marrow, and the reproductive and digestive tract cells. 

Not everyone has side effects, and the severity varies from person to person. Common side effects include fatigue, hair loss, infection, nausea, mouth sores, and peripheral neuropathy (numbness in the extremities). Often patients are prescribed additional medications to help them cope with the harmful side effects of chemotherapy. 

 

Radiation 

According to the National Cancer Institute, radiation can damage nearby cells and tissues when used to kill cancer cells. A common overall effect of radiation therapy is fatigue.

Other side effects often vary depending on the area treated. Healthy cells are often damaged but can recover after treatment ceases. In a few cases, side effects may not improve and can even appear long after therapy is complete. 

It is important to speak with your oncologist about possible side effects due to radiation and how they may vary depending upon the tumor location. 

 

Immunotherapy 

Immunotherapy can cause side effects, albeit usually less serious than those caused by chemotherapy and radiation. 

Common side effects of immunotherapy include pain, soreness, redness, swelling, rash, and itchiness. Some patients can also experience Flu-like symptoms. Other rare side effects can be infection, swelling or fluid retention, diarrhea, or organ inflammation. Always discuss with your doctor any anticipated side effects based on the type of immunotherapy prescribed. 

 

Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation for cancer treatment has been used for many years for nerve-related chronic pain. Minor side effects of the procedure can include pain, temporary numbness or burning, pain at the injection site, and rarely, infection at the injection site. 

Pain is the most common side effect and is often felt in the muscles around the area treated due to muscle spasms. The pain is usually temporary and not severe. 

It is often the case that multiple treatment methods are needed for cancer. Your oncologist will discuss the best combination to treat your tumors. Every oncologist’s goal is to help you heal, improve, and give you a fighting chance against cancer. 

 

When cancer treatment becomes more difficult

Patients with advanced cancer can run into difficulty with treatment due to insurance or other health service barriers. They are sometimes recommended to hospice though some doctors remain hopeful these patients, too, may have options available for them. 

Advancements in the field include immunotherapy and radiofrequency ablation. Patients with advanced cancer are showing improvement when they previously may not have had much hope. 

Not only does this encourage patients and families, but doctors and researchers in the field of cancer. As more patients show promise of healing, more research is conducted building upon current knowledge and treatment modalities. 

Advanced stage cancer is no longer a diagnosis that means life is over. It is certainly a challenge for patients and providers, but we now have available solutions to give patients a longer and comfortable life. Improvements in the area of treating advanced cancer will only continue as healthcare and technology evolve. 

 

immunotherapy in Mexico

Where Can I Find Additional Information on Advanced Cancer Treatment? 

If you would like to know more about successful immunotherapy in Mexico and advanced cancer treatment options, you can read about them in Dr. Williams’ book:  The Immunotherapy Revolution: The Best New Hope For Saving Cancer Patients Lives. 

Williams Cancer Institute offers advanced cancer treatments, including radiofrequency ablation and immunotherapy. Located in Mexico City, Mexico, the clinic treats patients from the USA, China, Thailand, Qatar (Doha), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and more.

If you or a loved one have more questions or need information about advanced treatment options including, immunotherapy for cancer, give us a call at Williams Cancer Institute.

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

most advanced cancer treatment in the world

What to Know About Side Effects For Cancer Treatment

1 Oct 2020 Cancer, Immunotherapy, Uncategorized

Whether it is you or a loved one, a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering diagnosis to experience. You may have a lot of questions on the treatment options presented by the oncologist. One of the most common questions is: what will be the side effects of cancer treatment?

It is essential to have open and honest conversations with your oncologist. Finding a trusted cancer clinic for your care will be a priority. You will want to make sure the provider explains the benefits to therapies presented and possible outcomes and side effects.

Radiofrequency ablation for cancer and intratumoral immunotherapy are treatment options for cancer that may be unfamiliar. In this article, we will discuss the side effects of these cutting edge therapies.

Radiofrequency ablation Side Effects

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment option, used for over 18 years for nerve-related chronic pain and cardiac arrhythmias. It is now a treatment option for many cancers, including bone, lung, liver, and kidney tumors.

There are four minor side effects of RFA therapy to be aware of:

  • Pain
  • Temporary numbness or burning
  • Transient pain at the injection site
  • Infection at the injection site

In rare cases, the following more severe side effects may occur:

  • Bleeding
  • Nerve damage
  • Motor deficits
  • Paralysis
  • Muscle weakness
  • Severe pain
  • Allergic reactions to medication

Pain is the most common side effect experienced. You may feel pain in the muscles around the area of RFA therapy due to muscle spasms. The problem is temporary and usually not severe.

Often, your oncologist may recommend multiple treatment options to treat cancer. Intratumoral Immunotherapy is another commonly prescribed method to target tumors.

Immunotherapy Side Effects

There are two major types of immunotherapy:

  1. Treatments that add new disease-fighting cells to your body (T cells);
  2. Treatments that add other elements to your own immune system (such as antibodies, cytokines, and others).

Many immunotherapy agents are experimental or investigational and are only available by enrolling in clinical trials. For more information about Is Immunotherapy for Cancer Safe?, click here.

Immunotherapy may cause side effects as the immune system heightens to fight cancer cells. Unfortunately, healthy cells and tissues may also be affected.

There are six common side effects to immunotherapy to be aware of:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Soreness
  • Redness
  • Itchiness
  • Rash

Other symptoms may be flu-like symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness

Other more uncommon side effects to Intratumoral Immunotherapy to be aware of include:

  • Swelling or weight gain from fluid retention
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Sinus congestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Risk of infection
  • Organ inflammation

It is important to note that the side effects experienced will vary based upon the type of therapy received. Other factors, such as underlying health conditions or age, may also influence treatment’s side effects.

It is important to discuss your health and family history with your oncologist. Together, you will be able to develop the best treatment plan individualized to your needs so you will have the best outcome.

Learn more about Intratumoral Immunotherapy at Williams Cancer Institute

If you would like to discuss side effects of radiofrequency ablation and intratumoral immunotherapy, contact our cancer expert, Dr. Williams. Dr. Jason Williams has expertise in interventional radiology, immunology, cancer, and cancer immunotherapy.

At Atlanta Cancer Institute, we offer advanced and efficient cancer treatment options. Williams Cancer Institute combines innovative cancer treatment, cryoablation, intratumoral immunotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation to yield successful results.

If you or a loved one has questions or concerns regarding cancer treatment options, contact us at Williams Cancer Institute.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

radiofrequency ablation for cancer

A Promising Future: Treatment Options for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

18 Sep 2020 Cancer, Immunotherapy, Uncategorized

Dr. Jason R. Williams of The Williams Cancer Institute was recently featured on the podcast “Targeted Talks”, along with medical oncologist Dr. George R. Simon, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The two discussed the importance community oncologists have on the future of treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. 

According to Dr. Williams, “every treatment option for non-small cell lung cancer now involves individualized immunotherapy.” Though oncologists had been resistant to including it in the plan of care for their patients, most have adapted as studies have revealed success, and more drugs are FDA approved. 

Patients are asked as soon as they receive pathology reports whether they would like to start immunotherapy. There are limitations to success, as more data continues to be gathered on the subject. One promising option is the addition of cryoablation immunotherapy.

Cryoablation Immunotherapy: A Review

Cryoablation is a technique where practitioners place a needle into a tumor. The tumor is then frozen, which enhances an anticancer immune response, even in distant tumors. Studies have indicated that, when combined with the injection of immunotherapy agents, the effectiveness of the immune response is significantly improved compared to medications or cryoablation alone. 

The Future of Immunotherapy Agents

New drugs continue to emerge that improve upon current immunotherapy agents. As data develops, the question becomes, what do we do with it? In the past, only specialty clinics had access to pathology testing and immunotherapy agents. This is no longer the case, and community oncologists have more access than ever. 

Many community oncologists work in academic settings. It is up to them to remain informed regarding treatments available and updated technology in the area of immunotherapy to better advocate for their patients. Many of these practitioners have access to clinical trials. Allowing for data and information to be readily available through these studies will help all patients in the future. 

The Role of Academic Settings in Non-Small Cell Cancer Treatment

Evaluation of data is often conducted in academic settings and is usually considered in terms of how it can add value to the community. 

Importantly, academic settings may have access to drugs that are currently in community trials. Access allows community members, especially those who are low-income, uninsured, or underinsured, to have access to the medications they need. They also have access to new diagnostic options for non-small cell lung cancer, which includes liquid biopsies. 

Liquid Biopsies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Liquid biopsies are a new trend in cancer diagnostics. In the past, there have been concerns with specimen mismatches with these biopsies, and results have been inconsistent. Often this is due to tissue samples that are not large enough for proper diagnosis. 

It is essential that oncologists educate colleagues, including pathologists, surgeons, and radiologists, in the importance of sample tissue size in regards to liquid biopsies. Dr. Simon spoke of the three rules to a suitable biopsy on the “Targeted Talks” Podcast. 

The first rule is if it is there, it is there. It is rare for results to give a false positive. The second rule is if it is not there, it could still be there. If it is a negative biopsy result, but you are suspicious of mutation, the tissue sample must be looked at or another biopsy completed. The consequences of missing a diagnosis are too severe for the patient. 

The third rule is, the larger the testing panel, the more accurate the diagnosis. With technological advancements, broader panels now allow for better detection. More extensive panels also are useful for research. Actionable targets can be identified in the majority of patients, which enhances treatment options. Radiofrequency ablation may be one of those options. 

Radiofrequency Ablation for Cancer

Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure used to eliminate tumors. It has been used as a cancer treatment option for over 28 years. It is a minimally invasive medical procedure. Most patients are candidates and respond well. When used with guided imagery to successfully target the tumor, without damaging surrounding tissues, the method is promising with low tumor recurrence rates. 

Not all medical professionals have access to the procedure. In one national study, only 16% of medical doctors had access, with most working in University settings. Lack of experience with the process or access to radiologists are also barriers to using the technique. 

Williams Cancer Institute – Further Information

Doctors at Williams Cancer Institute have access to radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and immunotherapy agents. If you or a loved one had questions or needs to discuss new experimental chemo free treatment options, call us at 251-943-9409 or schedule an appointment. We will guide you to the best and most successful treatment options available based on your needs. 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Intratumoral immunotherapy

4 Benefits of Intratumoral Immunotherapy for Cancer Patients

11 Jul 2020 Immunotherapy

Intratumoral immunotherapy is one of the most recent scientific advances for cancer treatments. This discovery has had some amazing results, including eliminating traces of cancer cells within the patient’s body. 

This treatment is centered around the idea of using the tumor as the vaccine to fight against cancer. It entails directly injecting high concentrations of immunostimulatory products, coupled with a small amount of medication, into the tumor.

One study published in the journal The Oncologist has shown that the overall response rate of this treatment was 55 percent, in a treatment course done over 12 weeks. Those who underwent a second course had a 26% to 51% success rate. 

Here are five benefits to intratumoral immunotherapy:

 

1. It allows the tumor to work against itself

As the term suggests, intratumoral means inside the tumor. Experts believe that the most effective way to cure the disease is to use what’s already there — the tumor cells. 

Intratumoral immunotherapy works to optimize the cancer cells so that they can inhibit any tumor growth. At the same time, this therapy nudges the patient’s immune system so that it grows stronger to fight off cancer.  

The body’s immune system has the ability to kill cells or stop the spread of pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) in the cells and organs. The goal of this revolutionary cancer treatment is to turn tumors into pathogen-infected tissues to become mediators and stop the spread of cancer cells. 

 

2. It has little side effects

Since this revolutionary cancer treatment makes use of what’s already there, there are potentially fewer side effects compared to other forms of cancer therapy. Treatment sessions become more bearable for cancer patients, most of whom develop an aversion to chemotherapy. 

 

3. It brings fewer financial burdens

Treatment sessions are also fewer than other types of cancer treatment, cutting the costs. For many patients burdened by the expense, this treatment is more practical while giving the patient a high chance of defeating the disease.

 

4. It works well with other therapies

Some patients may still prefer to undergo radiation and chemotherapy treatments. The good news is that they can combine these with intratumoral immunotherapy, giving the patient more chance of remission. 

In general, patients respond differently to different therapies. But a study has shown that combination treatments are safe, cost-efficient, and helpful to cancer patients, especially if they want a more targeted treatment plan. 

At Williams Cancer Institute, we offer intratumoral immunotherapy, cryoablation, and radiofrequency ablation for cancer to get the best results for our patients. If you’re considering a combination treatment, we strongly encourage you to talk to our doctors about your options.

 

Intratumoral immunotherapy

Learn more about intratumoral immunotherapy at Williams Cancer Institute

Dr. Jason Williams’ approach combines interventional radiology expertise with a high level of knowledge about the science of immunology, cancer, and cancer immunotherapy.

If you are looking for the most advanced and efficient form of cancer treatment, look no further. Our new and advanced cancer treatments, cryoablaton, intratumoral immunotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation for cancer has yielded very promising results.

If you or a loved one have any more questions or need information about this new cancer treatment, immunotherapy for cancer, OX40 cancer immunotherapy, or cd40 cancer immunotherapy, give us a call at Williams Cancer Institute. 

 

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

radiofrequency ablation for cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality around the world. It was responsible for the death of 9.6 million people in 2018 alone. In Thailand, around 70,000 to 100,000 people die from cancer every year, while in Qatar, it is the third-leading cause of death.

Research has shown that the five most common types of cancer in Thailand are liver, breast, cervical, lung, and colorectal cancer. In Doha, breast cancer has the bulk of the cases at 30.1%, but lymph node, thyroid, lung, and genital cancers are also occurring among men and women aged 65 and over, according to the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer. 

Williams Cancer Institute offers advanced cancer treatments, such as intratumoral immunotherapy and cryoablation, to help improve disease prognosis, boost patient outcomes, and reduce side effects. Our services are available at our clinics in Atlanta, Georgia, and Mexico City, Mexico. Interested patients from Asia can visit our office in Ningbo, China, or contact us at 561-716-7731 for more information.

Intratumoral Immunotherapy

Intratumoral Immunotherapy is considered to be a revolutionary cancer treatment. It triggers the local and systemic immunologic responses of the body against tumor cells. The word ‘intratumoral’ means that the antibodies are directly injected into the cancer tumors, rather than through the vein (intravenous immunotherapy). 

Experts believe that the way to beat cancer is to strengthen the body’s immune defenses. The therapy works to nudge the cancer patient’s immune system and target the cancer cells to be killed off before the condition worsens and cancer overruns the body. Simply put, intratumoral immunotherapy works like a vaccine that optimizes the cells in the body to inhibit malignant growth. 

Cryoablation with Immunotherapy

Cryoablation entails freezing the tumor tissues so that they can be easily destroyed by necrosis and osmosis. According to journal Insights to Imaging, cryoablation has to be combined with immunotherapy to enhance the effects of killing the tumors.

Freezing the tumor can help release antigens in the immune system that would pave the way for improving the anti-tumor immune responses of the cancer patients. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, nudges the immune responses to eradicate the tumors.

Intravenous Immunotherapy combined with Intratumoral Injection of Immunotherapy

Also regarded as more comprehensive immunotherapy, this treatment is an enhanced version of the intratumoral injection augmented by other off label medications for the immune system. This can be combined with chemotherapy or other cancer treatments, depending on the doctor’s recommendations and evaluation. 

advanced cancer treatment thailand & dohaAdvanced Cancer Treatment in Thailand

In Thailand, cancer treatments mainly follow the same regulations and directives as to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agencies. But the country is also a leader in developing its advanced cancer treatments using immunotherapy.

A recent study from the experts at Chulalongkorn Hospital has shown that Thailand has made successful steps in this regard by curing certain blood cancers using “killer cells” during immunotherapies. However, the experts said they would need more studies on applying immunotherapy to solid cancerous tumors. 

The cost of immunotherapy in Thailand is about 300,000 baht per dose or up to 8 million baht. Experts are developing their own locally-produced biologic drugs so that everyone can afford alternative cancer treatments in Thailand. 

In Thailand, liver cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2018 alone, there were 23,296 new cases of liver cancer in the country. Prostate cancer is the 12th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Thailand, which recorded a total of 6,467 new cases in the same year.

Thailand has over 90,000 deaths due to cancer among a total population of 70 million. The country also has its own cancer strategy plan, but it only works at the national level. Therefore, many cancer patients and their families still need to shoulder the cost of advanced cancer treatments despite being widely available. 

Advanced Cancer Treatment in Doha 

Alternative cancer treatments in Doha, Qatar are actually free for all residents at the Hamad Medical Corporation. The state used to cover 80% of the oncology treatments, but this has now been 100% absorbed by the state.

The cases of cancer in Doha are low compared to global statistics, as Qatar only has less than two million people in the population. More male patients, however, are vulnerable to the deadly disease than females.

Cancer immunotherapy treatments are integrated into other treatment modalities like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. In some cases, it can also be used as the first line of treatment or standalone management.

Every patient’s case is different. Explore your options by talking to our doctor at Williams Cancer Institute.

Learn more about Cryoablation Immunotherapy at Williams Cancer Institute

Dr. Jason Williams’ approach combines interventional radiology expertise with a high level of knowledge about the science of immunology, cancer, radio ablation, cryoblation, and cancer immunotherapy.

Learn more about immunotherapy from this short video by Dr. Williams:

 

If you or a loved one have any more questions or need information about this new cancer treatment, Immunotherapy for cancer, OX40 cancer immunotherapy, or cd40 cancer immunotherapy, give us a call at Williams Cancer Institute. 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Radiofrequency ablation for cancer

Advantages of Intratumoral Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment

15 May 2020 Immunotherapy

Intratumoral immunotherapy is a revolutionary cancer treatment that makes use of sophisticated antibodies, which are directly injected into the cancer tumors, instead of intravenously.

This new cancer treatment immunotherapy can dramatically improve a cancer patient’s response rate, along with many other advantages.

Tumor against itself

The word itself, intratumoral, means within a tumor. Experts think that the best way to cure cancer is to use what’s already in the patient’s body, which means using cancer against itself. 

A cancer patient’s immune system may target cancer cells and kill them before they overrun the body. However, the immune system sometimes needs a little nudge and this is where intratumoral immunotherapy could help. 

According to experts, intratumoral immunotherapy optimizes cancer cells to work like a vaccine. It also inhibits the growth of the tumor as the tumor cells are injected with antibodies.

This process allows the patient to have cancer treatments with few side effects, unlike other methods. This also cuts the cost of expensive cancer treatments, while giving patients higher chances of survival and longer life.

How Does Intratumoral Immunotherapy Work? 

After the ablation of the tumor deposits either by heating or freezing, any non-viable cells that remain in the patient’s body may be used to stimulate the immune system with intratumoral immunotherapy. Doctors will use an -OX40 agonist combined with other types of cancer medication or vaccine — such as CpG, ipilimumab, and ketorolac — for the therapy, as in the case of stage 4 breast cancer patient with two liver metastases. 

In this case, following the therapy, a CT scan was performed on the patient six weeks after the procedure, and a positron emission tomography (PET) scan with a CT scan was also done 12 weeks after the therapy. The results showed that the cancer tumors were no longer found in the body, and the liver metastases had rescinded. 

Can Intratumoral Immunotherapy Work With Other Therapies?

Patients who are undergoing intravenous immunotherapy may consider intratumoral immunotherapy to enhance their treatments or add this to their radiation treatments or chemotherapy. According to experts, combination treatments are actually helpful, cost-effective, and safer for cancer patients since the therapy is more targeted. Furthermore, the effects of immunotherapy and ablation, when combined, are synergistic.

Cancer treatments, in general, open different challenges both in the clinical and economic sense. Some patients also respond better to specific therapies than other patients. We strongly encourage patients to discuss their options thoroughly with our doctors at Williams Cancer Institute before proceeding with the treatments.

Learn more about intratumoral immunotherapy at Williams Cancer Institute

Dr. Jason Williams’ approach combines interventional radiology expertise with a high level of knowledge about the science of immunology, cancer, and cancer immunotherapy.

If you are looking for the most advanced and efficient form of cancer treatment, look no further. Our new cancer treatment immunotherapy has yielded very promising results.

If you or a loved one have any more questions or need information about this new cancer treatment, immunotherapy for cancer, OX40 cancer immunotherapy, or cd40 cancer immunotherapy, give us a call at Williams Cancer Institute. 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

MDSC targeting with Gemtuzumab ozogamicin restores T cell immunity and immunotherapy against cancers

2 Sep 2019 Immunotherapy

There are numerous reasons for immunotherapy to fail or for cancer in general to be able to fight against your body and survive. One important mechanism is Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSC). These are immune cells that can actually protect cancer. As described in this article, a new method to target these using a drug that is already FDA approved (Mylotarg) can enhance the success of immunotherapy such as immune check-point inhibitors (Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy) and also CAR-.

More on https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235239641930547X?via%3Dihub&amp=1&fbclid=IwAR1b1xMRrG8JeUe7GyI8UBfws8oED40RVwtFV5L1HRIFg_TgFW7QPnaqmjY

Is Immunotherapy for Cancer Safe?

13 May 2019 Cancer, Immunotherapy , , , ,

Your immune system does more than simply fight colds and flu. Throughout your life, your natural defenses seek out and destroy anything that is not recognized as part of the self including all kinds of germs and cancer cells before they have a chance to cause disease. Your immune system manages to destroy most rogue cells before they form a full-fledged tumor, but some of them get by your defenses. If you already have cancer, your immune system will still be working hard to keep your disease in check, but it probably can’t do the job on its own.

In recent years, more and more cancer patients have received treatments designed to give the immune system the upper hand against cancer. This approach called immunotherapy or biological therapy isn’t as widely used as radiation or chemotherapy. For most types of cancer, immunotherapy hasn’t been shown to be more effective than these standard treatments. And like the others, it can cause its own unpleasant side effects.

But immunotherapy can still be a powerful tool, either on its own or combined with chemotherapy or radiation. For certain patients including some in the advanced stages of skin cancer or kidney cancer immunotherapy can offer more than the conventional options, even the possibility of a complete cure. For others, it’s an additional, less toxic method of controlling their disease or reducing side effects from other treatments. In the years to come, as scientists learn more about the immune system, immunotherapy promises to become even more common and more effective.

What does it involve?

Immunotherapy often involves adding more immune cells, immune signaling molecules, or other biochemicals to the body. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects all fast-growing cells, immune treatments target specific processes or types of cells and should have a low impact on healthy tissues. The side effects depend on the particular biological agent used. Some have very mild side effects, while others cause serious problems.

The delivery will also depend on the agent used as well as your treatment plan. Some immunotherapy treatments are in the form of pills or shots you can take at home, while others are delivered intravenously (IV) in the hospital or clinic. Immunotherapy may be administered a couple of times a day or as seldom as every month or two.

What are the different types of immunotherapy?

There are two major types of immunotherapy: Treatments that add new disease-fighting cells to your body (T cells) and treatments that add other elements to your own immune system (such as antibodies, cytokines, and others). Many immunotherapy agents are experimental or investigational and are only available by enrolling in clinical trials.

How will my doctor decide if immunotherapy is right for me?

Not all patients or all cancers are good candidates for immunotherapy. At this time, the approach isn’t used very often for patients with cancer of the prostate or ovaries. And if your cancer was caught at an early stage or is responding well to other treatments, immunotherapy may simply not be necessary.

In certain cases, however, immunotherapy does seem to be more effective when used for some smaller, earlier-stage cancers. If your doctor does recommend immunotherapy, you will be getting a cutting-edge treatment that could make a big difference.

Call Us now to know if you are a candidate.

References

American Cancer Society. What is immunotherapy? October 2010.
American Cancer Society. Types of immunotherapy. October 2010.
National Cancer Institute. Biological therapies for cancer. Questions and answers. 2006.

Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer

24 Apr 2019 Immunotherapy ,

Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. The immune system helps your body fight infections and other diseases. It is made up of white blood cells and organs and tissues of the lymph system.

Immunotherapy is a type of biological therapy. Biological therapy is a type of treatment that uses substances made from living organisms to treat cancer.

How Immunotherapy Works against Cancer

One reason that cancer cells thrive is because they are able to hide from your immune system. Certain immunotherapies can mark cancer cells so it is easier for the immune system to find and destroy them. Other immunotherapies boost your immune system to work better against cancer.

Immunotherapy Can Cause Side Effects

Immunotherapy can cause side effects, which affect people in different ways. The side effects you may have and how they make you feel will depend on how healthy you are before treatment, your type of cancer, how advanced it is, the type of therapy you are getting, and the dose. Doctors and nurses cannot know for certain how you will feel during treatment.

The most common side effects are skin reactions at the needle site. These side effects include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Soreness
  • Redness
  • Itchiness
  • Rash

Immunotherapies may also cause severe or even fatal allergic reactions. However, these reactions are rare.

Where You Go for Your Immunotherapy Treatment

You may receive immunotherapy in a doctor’s office, clinic, or outpatient unit in a hospital. Outpatient means you do not spend the night in the hospital.

Contact Us to know more.

How Often You Will Receive Immunotherapy Treatment

How often and how long you receive immunotherapy depends on:

  • Your type of cancer and how advanced it is
  • The type of immunotherapy you get
  • How your body reacts to treatment

You may have treatment every day, week, or month. Some immunotherapies are given in cycles. A cycle is a period of treatment followed by a period of rest. The rest period gives your body a chance to recover, respond to the immunotherapy, and build new healthy cells.

How to Tell Whether Immunotherapy Is Working

You will see your doctor often. He or she will give you physical exams and ask you how you feel. You will have medical tests, such as blood tests and different types of scans. These tests will measure the size of your tumor and look for changes in your blood work.

Who Receives Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is not yet as widely used as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, immunotherapies have been approved to treat people with many types of cancer.

To know if you are a candidate and yo know if our cancer treatments work for you, visit our Candidacy page.

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