Cancer immunotherapy
Why do we get cancer?
Approximately several thousand cancer cells are born in our bodies every day. The reason these cancer cells do not multiply and turn into cancer is because immune cells eliminate the cancer cells that are born every day. When this immune system stops functioning for some reason, the cancer cells begin to divide and multiply, growing into large masses and causing the disease known as cancer. "Immunotherapy" is a treatment that aims to shrink cancer or slow its growth by restoring or enhancing the function of the immune system, which is a natural defense against cancer in humans.
What is Immunity?
Immunity is the ability to eliminate foreign substances that enter the body, and is an ability that everyone is born with.
Immunity is divided into "cellular immunity" and "humoral immunity" depending on which entity is responsible for elimination. "Cellular immunity" is immunity that works with cells in the blood, while "humoral immunity" is immunity that works with liquid components in the blood (antibodies). These immune systems are used differently depending on the type of foreign substance; "cellular immunity" is responsible for eliminating foreign substances that have formed within the body, such as cancer cells, while "humoral immunity" is responsible for eliminating foreign substances that have invaded from the outside, such as pathogens. Th1 cells (type 1 helper T cells) act as the command center for "cellular immunity," while Th2 cells (type 2 helper T cells) act as the command center for "humoral immunity." Th1 and Th2 cells maintain a good balance by suppressing each other's actions.
In addition, once the immune response has been eliminated, it becomes unnecessary, and regulatory T cells also have the function of converging the immune response, which is carried out by regulatory T cells.
What is cancer immunotherapy, the “fourth cancer treatment”?
surgical treatment
(surgery)
chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
The fourth cancer treatment
immunotherapy
Currently, there are three types of cancer treatment: surgery, chemotherapy (treatment with anticancer drugs, including molecular targeted drugs), and radiation therapy, which are collectively known as the "three major cancer treatments."
In addition to these three major therapies, immunotherapy (Immunocare) has been attracting attention in recent years as the "fourth cancer treatment." Cancer immunotherapy aims to improve cancer by enhancing immune function.
However, cancer cells suppress the "cellular immunity" that attacks them, and by strengthening the activity of Th2 cells and inhibitory T cells, they prevent attacks from the immune system. This is the primary reason why cancer treatment is difficult.
Cancer immunotherapy (Immunocare) enhances cellular immunity and suppresses humoral immunity
In cancer immunotherapy, the combination of medicines and immune-stimulating foods enhances the function of Th1 cells, which are the command center of "cellular immunity," while suppressing the activity of Th2 cells. This is expected to have therapeutic effects such as preventing cancer growth or even shrinking it.
In recent years, various mechanisms by which cancer cells evade the immune system have been elucidated, and treatments for these have been developed, resulting in significant advances in immunotherapy.
Features of our hospital's integrated cancer medicine and immunotherapy
Personalized, customized treatment for each individual.
The type and stage of cancer, previous treatment history, and overall health vary from patient to patient.
At our clinic, we conduct thorough consultations and work together with each patient to determine the optimal treatment plan, taking into account their individual medical condition and preferences.
Treatments that can be used in combination with standard treatment
Immunotherapy is a treatment method that can be used in combination with standard treatments such as surgery, drug therapy, and radiation therapy.
At our hospital, while valuing standard treatments, we support comprehensive cancer treatment by combining immunotherapy, hyperthermia, nutritional therapy, and other therapies according to each patient's condition.
Treatment that takes into consideration the burden on the body
Many of the immunotherapies we offer can be administered on an outpatient basis, allowing you to continue treatment while maintaining your daily life.
We will propose a treatment plan that is manageable and takes into account the patient's physical condition and living environment.
We provide comprehensive consultations, including those regarding recurrence and metastasis.
We also offer consultations for those with newly diagnosed cancer, as well as those with recurrent or metastatic cancer, and those struggling with treatment options after standard therapy.
We will carefully evaluate your current treatment situation and work together to determine the best course of treatment for the future.
Emphasis on scientific evidence and safety
At our hospital, we actively incorporate new knowledge and technologies while carefully considering their effectiveness and safety.
When selecting a treatment method, we will carefully explain not only the expected effects but also the limitations and risks to the patient.
Integrative medicine that does not rely solely on immunotherapy
In cancer treatment, it's important not to rely on just one treatment method.
At our clinic, we provide integrated medical care tailored to each individual patient, combining various approaches such as immunotherapy, hyperthermia, and nutritional therapy.