Tag Archives: Quality of Life

New Innovations in Cancer Care Are Changing Your Prognosis

Innovation In Cancer
Innovation In Cancer

Innovations are helping more people than ever survive cancer, while enjoying a better quality of life throughout treatment. Here are some positive developments that show how cancer prognoses improve a little every day:

Genetic studies

Researchers continue to discover genetic markers for certain forms of cancer, and establishing these links can lead to earlier detection and better prognoses.

Scientists in England recently found mutations in patients with Barrett’s esophagus (an acid reflux disease) who tend to develop esophageal cancer.

Therapy and rehabilitation

Traditionally, patients with cancer have received less encouragement to take on physical therapy and rehabilitation efforts, compared to patients with other diseases and ailments.

A program at the Community Medical Center in Montana has found that cancer rehab programs can improve quality of life, especially when instituted soon after the diagnosis. Alternative therapy for cancer can help improve mental and emotional conditions, while also helping some people live longer.

Less frequent or lower doses of treatments

People in stage four cancer treatment can enjoy effective treatment and an easier experience when receiving lower doses of certain medications, or less frequent treatments. Patients can more easily focus on holistic cancer treatment while taking less medication.

Among recent findings, women with breast cancer taking monthly doses of zoledronic acid can reduce complications by receiving treatment only once every three months after the first year. A study has found that people with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer can use a lower dose of radiation than was previously believed necessary.

Breakthroughs, innovations, and new alternative cancer treatments continue to revolutionize patients’ outlook and quality of life. Talk with Issels Cancer Treatment Center for information about how our latest advances may help with your case.

Immunotherapy Offers Improved Quality of Life During and After Cancer Treatment

Advancement In Immunotherapy
Advancement In Immunotherapy

Cancer treatment should not just be about living longer. Your quality of life both during and after cancer treatment should be of equal concern both to you as a cancer patient and to the team of specialists that are directing your treatment. Its focus on improving the patient’s quality of life is one of the benefits of integrative immunotherapy that sets this alternative method of cancer treatment apart from traditional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

What Immunotherapy Does

Immunotherapy taps into the power of your body’s own immune system, activating your body’s natural defenses against disease. Unlike traditional cancer treatments that destroy healthy cells along with cancerous cells, immunotherapy acts with your body to strengthen your immune system and healthy cells while targeting cancerous tumors and the tumor microenvironments that affect their growth and spread. What that means for many cancer patients is no unpleasant toxic side effects, an often faster recovery and a better quality of life during and after treatment.

“Very Exciting” Results

Cancer researchers new to immunotherapy have called its impact “very, very exciting.” As chronicled in the New York Daily News, a woman in the late stages of cervical cancer saw her tumors disappear and now shows no signs of cancer after undergoing an immunotherapy procedure similar to Issels autologous cancer vaccine. In the procedure, immune cells from the woman’s blood were multiplied in the lab and infused back into her blood stream with amazing results. The woman called the procedure “like Gatorade for the cells.”

Thanks to immunotherapy, this woman is one of many who are enjoying complete and long-term cancer remission. Find out more on our website.

Improving Your Quality of Life While Living with Cancer

Improving Your Quality of Life
Improving Your Quality of Life

Cancer treatment and recovery are highly personal experiences – no two patients living with cancer have exactly the same physical or emotional response, even if their treatment is identical.

But beyond the scope of the purely clinical approach to fighting off the disease, another factor enters into the equation: quality of life. People living with cancer can take steps during and after treatment to help create a better sense of normalcy. In fact, a recent study conducted by the May Clinic confirmed that quality of life programs helped people with advanced cancer.

* Counseling for patients and their families can go a long way toward easing the burdens of worry regarding treatment cost, approaching workplace issues, supporting healthier relationships and more.

* Physical activity contributes to a stronger body, a clearer mind and improved self-esteem during and after treatment. Even something as simple as a daily walk can deliver physical and emotional benefits. Your oncologist or physician can help design a workout appropriate for every portion of your treatment and recovery.

* Mental stimulation creates a “buffer” that takes the mind off some of treatment’s more distracting or distressing elements. Anything from online courses to computer games and art classes can provide a mental workout that may improve your overall outlook.

* Spiritual approaches can lift the inner self. While living with cancer, you may find your religious beliefs fortified, which provides comfort and consistency. You may choose this time of life to investigate other spiritual paths, such as meditation or yoga, to deliver enhanced peace of mind.

At Issels we are here to help by providing information and treatment options for cancer patients and families who want to know more about non-toxic cancer treatment and how to improve your health while being treated for cancer.