Immunotherapy is based on the concept that a patient's immune system can be stimulated or enhanced to attack cancer. Dr. William B. Coley (1862- 1936), a bone sarcoma surgeon was the first to study im munotherapy as a potential cancer treatment. For 40 years Coley injected streptococcal bacteria into cancer patients (primarily those with inoperable bone and soft-tissue sarcomas) in order to stimulate the immune system.

Coley was not an "alternative doctor" working in the shadows, but rather was the Chief of the Bone Sarcoma Unit at Memorial Hospital in New York, America's first cancer hospital. As a result of his innovative work, Coley became known as the "Father of Immunotherapy." Nonetheless, during his life, Coley was often criticized because his methods of treatment and patient follow-up were not consistent, and many colleagues could not believe his impressive results.

Cancer and Infection

William Coley was born in 1862, went to college at Yale, graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1888, and thereafter joined the staff of Memorial Hospital. Soon after beginning his professional career, Coley learned about a patient who had had an inoperable malignant tumor in his neck that disappeared after he developed erysipelas (a bacterial skin infection). Coley searched for this patient and when he found him discovered that he had no evidence of cancer. Coley was intrigued and researched the medical/scientific literature for other patients who had cancer remission due to a concurrent bacterial infection. He found a number of sources, case histories, and citations including those from the well known physician Sir James Paget. In all, Coley was able to find over 40 cases in the literature documenting the beneficial effect of infections on tumors.

In 1891, Coley injected his first patient with streptococcal organisms and noticed the shrinkage of a malignant tumor. He treated other patients and two died from infection. Thereafter, Coley continued his treatments using a less virulent heat-killed streptococcal organism combined with a second organism (Serratia marcescens). This combination became known as Coley's Toxin. By 1893, he had tried his toxin on ten patients, most of whom did well. By the end of his career, he had treated almost 1,000 cases. Other doctors used his modality to treat their own patients.

Results

According to a 1965 article that was published in A Cancer Journal for Clinicians (1):

"In 1952, a bibliography of the literature, and, in 1953, a report on 30 inoperable cases which had been treated by Coley's mixed toxins and had survived thereafter for periods of from 1 to 47 years (20 cases had a survival of over 20 years) were published. The report is said to be based on a comparative analysis of over 1,200 cases treated with Coley's toxins, and 300 cases in which intercurrent infections played a part. Over 270 cases were said to have shown complete regression of the tumor, but the 30 inoperable cases were selected for the report because the diagnoses had been confirmed by microscopic examination, and some information on their subsequent history was available. Of the 30 tumors, 7 were classified as carcinoma, 19 as various types of sarcoma, 2 as malignant melanoma, and 2 as giant cell tumors."

A complete response rate of 22% (270 out of 1200) was impressive by the standards of the 1960's and today. But, despite these results, the article states that the, "American Cancer Society has found no evidence that treatment with Coley's mixed toxins results in any objective benefit in the treatment of cancer in human beings." It is difficult to reconcile this conclusion with the results cited in the same article. Perhaps the results were simply not believed as they were authored by Mrs. Helen Coley Nauts, Executive Director of the New York Cancer Research Institute. Mrs. Nauts was the daughter of William Coley.

Helen Coley Nauts

Helen Coley Nauts was not a dilettante, but a distinguished cancer researcher in her own right. According to her obituary:

" Helen Coley Nauts, founder of the Cancer Research Institute and the only other woman after Dr. Marie Curie to win the National Institute of Social Sciences' Gold Medal for Distinguished Service to Humanity, died of natural causes on the morning of January 2, 2001. She was 93. She was one of the leading scholars in the field of cancer immunology according to Dr. Lloyd J. Old, Director of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and pioneer in the field. Her research has led to wide recognition of the seminal importance of the work of her father, Dr. William B. Coley, and his use of bacterial vaccines in the treatment of cancer. As a consequence of her tireless effort, William B. Coley is now generally acknowledged as the "Father of Cancer Immunotherapy."

Acceptance by the Medical Community

Coley's work was alternately embraced and reviled by the medical community. His early work at the turn of the last century was during the advent of radiation therapy and the majority of cancer practitioners sided with radiation as the treatment of choice (in combination with surgery).

Many of the professional criticisms focused on Coley's alleged poor record-keeping and follow-up, his use of at least thirteen different preparations of the toxins, and different methods of administration (i.e. intravenously, intramuscularly, or intra-tumor). Perhaps because of his variable use of the toxins, many doctors could not replicate his results.

Since Dr. Coley's death, the field of immunology has developed into a sophisticated specialty. Scientists are studying the effect on tumors of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferons, streptokinase and many other cytokines, all related to the immune system. In fact, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) a vaccine against tuberculosis prepared from a strain of weakened live bovine tuberculosis bacillus is known to prevent bladder tumor recurrence and progression, increases the disease-free interval, and prolongs survival. Even the American Cancer Society has changed its position on Dr. Coley. Its website now states, "Scientific evidence suggests Coley toxins or other mixed bacterial vaccines (MBVs) may have a role in treating cancer when combined with other treatments."

Status Today

In 1963, Coley's Toxins were assigned "new drug" status by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it illegal in the U.S. to prescribe this kind of therapy outside of clinical trials. Because the constituent ingredients of Coley's Toxins are naturally occurring and thus not patentable, no clinical trials have been financed in recent years. However, one company has stated that it is working towards conducting clinical trials in Canada and the United States.(2) Reportedly, there are clinics both in the U.S., Europe and Mexico who still use Coley's Toxins in cancer as an adjuvant or immune boosting therapy.

Today, Dr. Coley's reputation in medicine is becoming more firmly established. According to a recent review that appeared in the Iowa Orthopedic Journal (3):

"William Coley's intuitions were correct: Stimulating the immune system may be effective in treating cancer. He was a model of the clinician-scientist, treating patients and using his practice to initiate research and build theories. But he was a man before his time, and he met with severe criticism. Despite this criticism, however, Coley stuck with his ideas, and today we are recognizing their potential value."

Citations

(1) Grabstald, h. Unproven Methods of cancer Treatment: Coley's Mixed Toxins. CA Cancer J Clin. 1965 May-Jun;15:139-40
(2) MBVax Bioscience
(3) McCarthy EF, The toxins of William B. Coley and the treatment of bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. Iowa Orthop J. 2006;26:154-8.

A comprehensive review of the medical literature concerning Coley's Toxins was performed by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center which summarizes the results of 30 human studies performed with this modality. Biologic/Organic/Pharmacologic Therapies: Coley Toxins Detailed Scientific Review

Helping the body's immune system to eliminate cancer cells.

Even as the human immune system protects the body by identifying bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders and then destroying them, it often allows dangerous cancerous tumors to grow unchecked. Australian researchers have discovered that by injecting substances that mimic viral infections into tumors, they can help the immune system better target those tumors for destruction.

Foreign organisms such as bacteria and viruses contain proteins called antigens, which stimulate an immune system response. Specialized immune cells known as killer T cells recognize these antigens, bind to the infected cells, and destroy them.

Though the immune system also can theoretically recognize tumor antigens, tumors have developed a variety of ways to protect themselves. For example, they might block or destroy killer T cells before they can attack, select tumor cells that are missing antigens, or use a combination of evasive tactics to interfere with antigen presentation and block the immune response.

"There appears to be multiple layers of suppression used by any given tumor," explains author Andrew Currie, PhD, Senior Research Fellow at the School of Medicine & Pharmacology, QEII Medical Centre in Western Australia. "Not only that; the tumors are not passive suppressors, but rather astute manipulators of the immune system. As one suppressive pathway is overcome, others pop up - this is probably why immune therapies have been so disappointing to date." Immune therapies currently in use include interleukin-2, interferon, and cancer vaccines, which are designed to help the body's immune system attack cancer cells.

In their research, lead authors Dr. Currie and Dr. Robbert van der Most, PhD, chose a different approach, injecting substances called toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists into tumors. These TLRs mimic the response that would occur if a viral infection were present, alerting the immune system that there are foreign substances in the area. "Activation of these receptors provides the immune system with context, namely that of danger," explains Dr. Currie. When the TLRs are warning of danger and the tumor antigens are within the same environment, the immune system is primed to also see the tumor antigens as dangerous.

When the researchers injected TLR agonists into mouse mesothelioma cells, tumors completely went away in 40 percent of the mice. All of the remaining mice showed at least some slowing of cancer progression. However, the therapy was only effective when killer T cells were already present, says Dr. Currie.

It's far too early to definitively halt cancer growth by this method, especially since mouse models don't always translate into human treatment successes and tumors can be difficult to target when they're spread throughout the body. However, Dr. Currie believes that this therapy might be promising not only for treating mesothelioma, but also for other cancers in the future. "Mesothelioma is a very difficult tumor to treat, so if a therapy can succeed in this tumor, I think it bodes well for responses in more responsive tumor types," he says.

Source
Currie AJ, et al. Targeting the effector site with IFN- áâ-inducing TLR ligands reactivates tumor-resistant CD8 T cell responses to eradicate established solid tumors. The Journal of Immunology, 2008;180:1535-1544.

The herb Ashwagandha, used for centuries as a part of traditional Indian medicine, is a potent killer of cancer cells, according to researchers in Japan.

Ashwagandha has been a staple of the 5,000-year-old system of medicine known as Ayurveda. It has been prescribed for stress relief, pain, and diseases ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to diabetes. Researchers have recently discovered that a leaf extract from the plant also can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

In a recent study published in Cancer Letters, the researchers injected nude (hairless) mice with bone cancer (osteogenic sarcoma) and connective tissue cancer (fibrosarcoma) cells, and then treated the mice with Ashwagandha leaf extracts. They found that the extract was able to selectively kill cancer cells without harming normal cells.

"It is highly effective. Cancer cells stop growing. They do not form any colonies, and the progression of tumors was effectively suppressed in the mice model," says Renu Wadhwa, PhD, head of the Cell Proliferation Research Group, Research Institute for Cell Engineering at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology in Japan.

The herbal extract works primarily by inducing the activity of p53, a protein that has anti-cancer properties, Dr. Wadhwa says. Ashwagandha prevents cancer cells from multiplying by stopping their growth, or by triggering a natural form of programmed cell death called apoptosis. Ashwagandha also works by other mechanisms, which Dr. Wadhwa and her colleagues plan to report on soon.

Although this study looked specifically at osteogenic sarcoma and fibrosarcoma cells, other cancer cells also appear to respond well to Ashwagandha. "We have also examined colon cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and brain cancer," says Dr. Wadhwa. "It works for all kinds of cancers tested so far."

What's more, the herbal extract appears to be very safe. The researchers found no toxic effects in the mice used in this study, even when the mice were fed with large doses of the herb.

Ashwagandha is available in supplement form; however, it is unknown at this time what dose of the supplement might be most effective against cancer in humans. And although Ashwagandha is generally safe, it is always best to check with a doctor before using any supplements, because some herbs can interact with medications and cause reactions.

More will be known about Ashwagandha's cancer-fighting capabilities when researchers conduct additional studies on the herb. Dr. Wadhwa says that she and her research team are planning to launch studies in human patients in the near future.

Source:
Widodo N, Takagi Y, Shrestha B, Ishii T, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R. Selective killing of cancer cells by leaf extract of Ashwagandha: components, activity and pathway analyses. Cancer Letters, 2008.

Cancer is now the leading cause of death in adults under the age of 85. It is also the leading cause of death by disease in children. Every day more than 1,500 men, women and children die of cancer in the U.S. That is more than 1 person every minute. What do the current presidential candidates, Obama, Clinton, and McCain know about cancer? What do they plan to do to help put a halt to this outrageous death toll?

Cancer Awareness - The Personal Connection

All three candidates have a personal connection to cancer. Obama's mother died of ovarian cancer in 1995 when she was 53. Since 1993, McCain has had at least three bouts with melanoma. (McCain's aides say that he has been cancer-free for more than five years although, like all cancer survivors, he faces a risk of recurrence.) Hillary Clinton lost her mother-in-law to breast cancer in 1994. And in January 2001, Bill Clinton was diagnosed with the highly curable basal cell carcinoma. Clearly, all three candidates are acutely aware of cancer.

Treatment and Prevention - Records, Not Rhetoric

Putting their rhetoric aside, let's look at their records when it comes to leadership in cancer treatment and prevention. A search of cancer related bills sponsored in the Senate by each candidate revealed one for McCain, and several proposals from both Obama and Clinton.

Obama has sponsored or cosponsored bills to accelerate genomics research (S 976), enable states to develop or expand activities to monitor exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants (S 1068), and improve biomarkers for the early detection and screening of ovarian cancer (S 2569).

Senator Clinton has sponsored or cosponsored bills to provide education on the health consequences of exposure to secondhand smoke (S 2005), support Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month (S Res 222), ask the President to declare lung cancer a public health priority (S Res 87), require health plans to provide coverage for a minimum hospital stay for mastectomies, lumpectomies, and lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast cancer (S 459), and amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect the health of susceptible populations from trichloroethylene a probable carcinogen (S.1911).

In addition, both Obama and Clinton were among the cosponsors of S.471 a bill to provide for human embryonic stem cell research. And all three candidates cosponsored a bill to issue a postal stamp to raise funds for breast cancer research (S.597) and a bill that would provide grants to better understand the environmental factors related to breast cancer (S.579).

Presidential Cancer Forum

The Lance Armstrong Foundation held a Presidential Cancer Forum on August 27, 2007 and invited all the presidential candidates to attend. Clinton attended. Obama and McCain did not.

At the forum, Clinton said, "What really bothers me is that we are on the brink of so many medical breakthroughs right now. And instead of pushing forward with the resources and the focus that is needed, the current administration has literally called a halt to the War Against Cancer." Clinton introduced her nine-point plan for tackling cancer (available on her website). One item on the list was doubling of funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) over 10 years.

During this Forum, Senator Edwards pointed out that Clinton has accepted campaign contributions from the health care industry. He challenged how much change is possible when Clinton's position was to give drug companies, insurance companies and their lobbyists "a seat at the table."

And, although not in attendance at the Presidential Cancer Forum, Obama had previously signed the American Cancer Society's "Congressional Cancer Promise" which emphasized increased cancer screening and increased funding for the National Cancer Institute. In addition, Obama is quoted as saying, "As President, I will make ending cancer the top priority it needs to be by increasing funding for the NIH, NCI, and other medical research grants. The fight against cancer is a critically important issue in the lives of millions of Americans. It needs to be a top priority for our government."

Is More Money the Solution to the Cancer Problem?

Cancer Foundations

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America - The mission of the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America is to fund research that will lead to the quickest cure for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by asbestos exposure, has very few treatment options at this time. Since the year 2001, the foundation has funded the opening of the Mesothelioma Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Parkash Gill at the USC/Norris who is currently investigating Veglin, an anti-angiogenesis agent. A Phase I study of Veglin has demonstrated some success in patients suffering from lymphoma, sarcoma, and colon and lung cancers. Phase II studies are on-going with the hope they will demonstrate continued clinical efficacy in mesothelioma and other cancers. For more information about the Phase II study of Veglin you may contact Dr. Gill through the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America. 1-800-909-Meso (6376) http://www.mesorfa.org

Immune Boosting Products

Get Healthy Again.com - This company provides a variety of immune boosting nutritional supplements designed to enhance the immune system. http://www.health-reports.com/cancer- conquest.html

Polyerga® Plus - Polyerga® Plus is a unique nutritional supplement for supporting the immune system. Although this German-developed spleen peptide technology has been used in Europe and Asia for decades, it is only now becoming available in America. Laboratory and clinically tested to improve key immune system parameters, these peptides help to regulate and stabilize the immune system. http://www.polyer gaplus.com

Legal Services

Brain Cancer Misdiagnosis Information Center - Brain Cancer Misdiagnosis Information Center provides information on the frequency of brain cancer misdiagnosis, how you can find out if you have been misdiagnosed, and what you can do about it. The Center is run by the law firm of Webb, Scarmozzino & Gunter. http://www.brai ncancerlaw.com

Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. - This law firm (and its predecessor law firms) has been a pioneer in asbestos litigation in the United States. The attorneys of Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. (GPW) have been involved in asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits since 1978. Their experienced mesothelioma lawyers participated in the gathering of evidence, such as the testimony of corporate executives and doctors, and the accumulation of corporate documents, that helped create the basis for successfully suing the asbestos industry. GPW has represented thousands of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis victims. Because of their involvement in asbestos litigation from the beginning, GPW has a clear understanding of what is required to succeed. In addition to outstanding trial experience, GPW is backed by a large arsenal of corporate documents, depositions, and medical articles with which to vigorously prosecute your asbestos case. http://www.gpwlaw. com/cm

Paul & Hanley LLP - Paul & Hanley LLP has built its reputation on mesothelioma-asbestos litigation-representing individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or serious asbestos-related diseases. They have an outstanding track record of success and have garnered many of the most significant California verdicts. Their lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion. They handle a select number of cases at a time and represent workers and families with the extra special attention required for the best possible outcome in each case. They understand your case is unique, so they take the time to get to know you and your family. Contact them today for a free and confidential consultation. They will discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions. Their toll free telephone number is 1-800- 281-9804. They look forward to helping you. http://www.phhlaw.com

Nutritional Support

Haelan Products offers Haelan 951, an international award-winning, super nutritious, fermented soybean protein beverage. Clinical research and numerous reports from doctors and cancer patients have demonstrated that Haelan 951 helps protect cancer patients from the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In addition, one study found that the soy isoflavone genistein (which is found in Haelan 951) produced greater apoptosis with both chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Apoptosis means "programmed cell death" and it is a goal of most orthodox cancer therapies. Because Haelan 951 is a nutritional supplement, not a cancer treatment, it was used in this study to offset the toxicity of the treatments, not as a cancer therapy. http://www.haelan9 51.com