Cancer Treatment (Using Dendritic Cells)
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Dendritic cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy used in cancer treatment, focusing on enhancing the body's immune response to target and eliminate cancer cells. Dendritic cells, key components of the immune system, are naturally occurring cells that act as "messengers," alerting T-cells to the presence of foreign invaders like cancer cells. The principle behind dendritic cell therapy is to manipulate these cells to identify and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
The process begins with the extraction of the patient’s dendritic cells from their blood. These cells are then cultured and "trained" to recognize specific cancer antigens. Antigens are proteins that are typically present on the surface of cancer cells and act as a target for the immune system. Once the dendritic cells are loaded with these antigens, they are reintroduced into the patient’s body, where they stimulate a targeted immune response. This approach aims to heighten the body’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells, making the therapy highly personalized.
The procedure is particularly effective because it boosts the body's natural defense mechanisms without the side effects commonly associated with conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. While dendritic cell therapy is most commonly used for solid tumors such as melanoma, prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma, research and clinical applications are expanding to include other types of cancer.
Procedure Duration
The duration of dendritic cell cancer treatment varies depending on the type of cancer being treated, the patient's health status, and the treatment protocol used. Typically, the process starts with an initial evaluation and diagnostic phase that includes a series of blood tests and imaging studies to determine the extent and nature of the cancer. This phase may take a few weeks as doctors assess the suitability of the patient for the procedure.
Once the patient is deemed eligible, the treatment process is broken down into several key stages. The first stage is leukapheresis, where the patient's blood is drawn, and dendritic cells are isolated. This procedure can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the patient’s blood flow and the amount of dendritic cells required. The collected dendritic cells are then sent to a specialized laboratory where they are cultured, modified, and loaded with cancer-specific antigens. This step can take about 7 to 14 days.
After the dendritic cells are ready, they are reinfused into the patient, usually through an intravenous (IV) injection. The infusion process is relatively short, lasting around 30 to 60 minutes. A complete treatment regimen often requires multiple infusions over several weeks or months, with frequent monitoring and follow-ups to assess the response and adjust the treatment as needed. The overall recovery time varies, with most patients able to resume daily activities shortly after each infusion, but the immune response build-up can take a few weeks to manifest.
Benefits
- Personalized Cancer Treatment: Dendritic cell therapy is tailored to each patient’s specific cancer type and immune response, enhancing effectiveness.
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike surgical treatments, dendritic cell therapy is non-invasive, reducing recovery time and minimizing discomfort.
- Enhanced Immune Response: The treatment activates the body’s natural immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, potentially reducing recurrence.
- Reduced Side Effects: Dendritic cell therapy typically causes fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
- Applicable for Multiple Cancers: The therapy has been successfully applied to a range of solid tumors, with research expanding its application to other cancer types.
Potential Destinations
- Germany
Known for its advanced medical technology and expertise in cancer treatment, Germany offers cutting-edge immunotherapy options, including dendritic cell treatment. The country’s strong focus on research and personalized care makes it a top destination for medical tourists seeking this form of treatment.
- Japan
Japan is at the forefront of immunotherapy research, offering advanced and regulated dendritic cell therapy options. With a focus on precision medicine and state-of-the-art cancer centers, Japan is a preferred destination for patients seeking innovative cancer treatments.
- United States
With its world-renowned cancer centers and comprehensive medical care, the U.S. is a global leader in cancer research and treatment. Dendritic cell therapy is increasingly available across several leading medical institutions, offering patients access to the latest clinical trials and personalized therapies.
- Mexico
Mexico is becoming a popular choice for medical tourists seeking alternative cancer treatments, including dendritic cell therapy. The country’s advanced medical facilities, combined with affordable treatment costs and proximity for North American patients, make it an appealing destination for this type of therapy.
- Turkey
Turkey is emerging as a hub for medical tourism, providing high-quality healthcare at competitive prices. With its internationally accredited hospitals and expertise in cancer care, Turkey offers dendritic cell therapy using the latest protocols and technologies, making it an ideal option for international patients.
Risks & Considerations
- Potential Immune Reactions: As dendritic cell therapy involves stimulating the immune system, patients may experience immune-related side effects like fever, fatigue, or inflammation.
- Variable Efficacy: The success of dendritic cell therapy can vary greatly depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and immune response.
- Limited Availability: While the treatment shows promising results, it is still relatively new and not widely available in all countries, limiting accessibility for some patients.
- Treatment Costs: Dendritic cell therapy can be costly, as it involves highly specialized and personalized procedures. Patients should consider the financial aspects and check for insurance coverage or support programs.
- Long-Term Effectiveness Unknown: As a relatively recent development in cancer treatment, the long-term outcomes and effectiveness of dendritic cell therapy are still being researched and evaluated in clinical settings.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Choosing the right doctor and hospital for dendritic cell therapy is crucial for ensuring a successful outcome. Patients should look for medical centers with extensive experience in immunotherapy and specifically dendritic cell treatments. Researching the hospital’s track record, accreditations, and access to advanced laboratory facilities is also important, as these factors significantly impact the quality of care and success of the treatment.
When selecting a doctor, it is essential to find a specialist in oncology who has a deep understanding of immunotherapy and a proven track record of treating the specific type of cancer. Consulting multiple experts for second opinions, assessing their expertise, and confirming their approach aligns with the patient's goals and needs can help make an informed decision.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
