Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about the Issels Treatment?
The Issels Treatment is an Integrative Immunotherapy program with a 50 year history. It has become internationally known for its outcomes in the treatment of a great variety of advanced metastatic cancers that had failed conventional treatments, such as cancers of the bladder, bones, brain, breast, cervix, colon, gallbladder, liver, lung, lymphatic system, ovaries, pancreas, prostate, skin, stomach, testicles, thyroid, uterus, as well as sarcomas and leukemias. These patients remained cancer free, without recurrence, leading a normal healthy life, some for more than 50 years.**
The Issels Treatment is an integrative cancer treatment program that is based on the concept developed by Josef M. Issels, M.D. It focuses equal importance on both the cancer tumors and on the body’s complex defense system which prevents cancer in a healthy person. It includes vaccine protocols when indicated.
** DISCLAIMER: The extent of the response to treatment varies from patient to patient, even with similar diagnosis as the internal bodily environment is unique to each individual patient.
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Who was Josef M. Issels, M.D.?
Dr. Josef M. Issels was born in Germany in 1907 and passed away in 1998.
He was a world renowned pioneer of integrative cancer medicine, developed a very comprehensive concept for the treatment of cancer, and was the first to open a hospital for conventionally incurable cancer patients specializing in comprehensive immunotherapy in 1951.
Daily clinical observation for months at a time of similar advanced cancers led to new insights into the body’s regulatory, repair and defense mechanisms, which he incorporated into his treatment system.
In 1970 the hospital grew from 85 to 120 beds and expanded its extensive research facilities, such as the immunological, microbiological, dental and hyperthermia departments. The vaccines were developed on the hospital’s premises.
Since the late 1960’s, all German insurance companies including the equivalent of Medicare in the USA covered the treatment at Dr. Issels' hospital. In 1970, the British Broadcasting Corporation, London, aired a 60-minute TV documentary in its Tomorrow's World Program on Dr. Issels' work. From 1981 until his retirement in 1987, Dr. Issels served as an expert member of the German Federal Government Commission in the Fight Against Cancer.
Dr. Issels authored over 50 papers and three monographs on his treatment for cancer and its results and lectured at international conferences. Independent statistical studies have been published in peer reviewed medical journals.
In May 2005 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Orthomolecular Medicine.
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What is Integrative Immunotherapy?
Integrative Immunotherapy combines various modalities that aim to restore the body’s immune system to proper functioning. The immune system is one very important part of the body’s complex natural defense system which protects us against a variety of diseases. These are not only infectious diseases caused by invading bacteria and viruses, but also cancer.
Examples of immunotherapies for cancer, sometimes also referred to as biological response modifiers, are treatments such as interferons and other cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccine therapies.
Interferons and other cytokines such as interleukins are produced naturally by white blood cells in the body (or in the laboratory) in response to infection, inflammation, or stimulation.
Monoclonal antibodies are artificial antibodies against a particular target (the "antigen") and are produced in the laboratory.
Cancer vaccines have increasingly been shown to improve the immune response. They typically consist of a source of cancer-associated material (antigen), along with other components, to further stimulate the immune response against the antigen. The challenge has been to enhance the patient's immune system to fight cancer cells that have the antigen.
Therefore, the Issels comprehensive strategy enhances the patient's regulatory, repair, and immune mechanisms to provide preconditions for the optimal functioning of the vaccines.
Issels Integrative Immunotherapy takes into account that the body’s defense system is a very complex mechanism embracing virtually the whole organism. It is not only comprised of the lymphatic system with its immune cells, on which cancer immune research concentrates today, but of four defense zones.
These defense zones are closely interrelated and under the control of our autonomic nervous system.
The first zone contributes greatly to the basic immunity of the organism and is made up of the “healthy micro flora” found on the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, colon, etc.
The second zone is comprised of the skin and the linings of every membrane, duct, gland, cavity and excreting passage in the body. It is largely responsible for the excretion of metabolic and cancer related toxins.
The third zone is the lymphatic zone which is known as the immune system with its T-cells, B-cells, natural killer cells, monocytes, macrophages, etc. It performs the important tasks of phagocytosis and antibody production.
The fourth zone is the most massive of the defense zones and completely neglected in cancer medicine. It accounts for nearly half of our body’s weight. It consists of the connective tissues which support and unite other tissues and structures. The fourth defense zone has many vital tasks to fulfill, such as the stem cell function, the transit function, defense, detoxification and storage, both of nutrients and toxins. Toxins that the body cannot eliminate are largely stored in the connective tissues and hamper its vital tasks.
The remarkable outcomes of the Issels Integrative Immunotherapy** are partly due to the synergistic effect of its treatment modalities of which each one has its clearly defined task to fulfill. It combines results of scientific basic research with those of research at the bedside. In recent years it integrated into the treatment program cutting edge science such as the Extracorporeal Photopheresis with the Dendritic Cell Vaccine, and the Lymphokine-Activated Killer Cells and Stem Cells.
** DISCLAIMER: The extent of the response to treatment varies from patient to patient, even with similar diagnosis as the internal bodily environment is unique to each individual patient.
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What is the concept of the Issels Treatment?
Standard cancer treatment views the cancer tumor as the beginning of a disease, which progressively spreads throughout the body. This belief makes all measures of treatment concentrated on the tumor seem causal and exhaustive.
The Issels Treatment is based on the concept that views cancer as a systemic disease from the onset and the tumor as its late stage symptom. It usually takes years for cancer cells to settle down at the site of least resistance and grow into a tumor. This can only happen, if the surrounding tissues allow it (as recent research at UCSD and NCI have shown). Cancer cells can only thrive in a specific internal bodily environment with an impaired immune system and impaired mechanisms of regulation and repair.
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What are the results?
The Issels Treatment has a long track record of complete long-term remission of otherwise incurable tumors. On the Statistics page we have statistical data for the treatment, under Cases are examples of long-term remissions, and on the Testimonials page are examples of recent cases. These cases do not represent all types of cancer successfully treated. They are examples of how many decades patients have remained cancer free after the Issels Treatment and demonstrate the regenerative power of the body even in advanced stages of the disease.
The Issels Treatment has a track record of very long tumor remissions without recurrence. One of the oldest patients was sent home to die in 1953, at age 30, with metastatic testicular cancer that did not respond to standard treatment. In this condition he came to the Issels Hospital where he met a young woman, also 30 years old. She had metastatic cervical/uterine cancer, operated, over-irradiated, no more conventional treatment possible. These 2 patients fell in love, experienced complete tumor remission, got married, adopted 2 children and led a normal healthy life for many years. The patient got in touch with us 2005 and was happy to report that he still was in very good condition.
DISCLAIMER: The extent of the response to treatment varies from patient to patient, even with similar diagnosis as the internal bodily environment is unique to each individual patient.
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Can all types of cancer be treated?
The Issels treatment has been effectively administered with all types of cancer, as it is not only focused on the cancer cells and tumors, but on the internal bodily environment on which the cancer cells grow. Research has shown that a cancer cell cannot thrive and replicate, if it does not find the necessary preconditions, if the surrounding tissues do not allow it. The Issels Treatment addresses the preconditions for the tumor growth and is, therefore, a very important complement to standard treatment.
However, every patient has his/her individual cancer, even if the cell type is the same.
Thus, it is not possible to predict to which extent a patient will respond to treatment.
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What if I have already had chemotherapy and radiation?
The majority, ca. 90%, of our patients, are those who have exhausted conventional treatments. Even in these stages, we have seen that it is possible to achieve partial or complete tumor remissions and patients have remained cancer free for many years, some for 20, 30, and 50 years.
Combination with Standard Cancer Treatment
- As Adjunctive/Complementary Treatment in conjunction with standard treatments to enhance their effectiveness and reduce their side effects.
- As Follow-up Treatment after standard treatment to help reduce the risk of recurrence (see Statistics for more information).
- As Treatment after all standard treatments failed, it can still achieve tumor remissions.
- As non-toxic Preventative Treatment for patients at risk. It has been shown to reduce the rate of recurrence of benign tumors such as papilomas of the bladder or polyps of the colon that are known for their high rate of transition into malignancy.
- In a number of cases it was able to render inoperable tumors operable.
DISCLAIMER: No claim or suggestion is made that the Issels Treatment forgoes or will replace conventional treatment.
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What does treatment consist of?
The Issels Treatment is a very comprehensive, non-toxic strategy for cancer of all types and stages, and always tailored to individual needs.
The Integrative Immunotherapy program consists of specific and non-specific treatment components.
Vaccines:
- Extracorporeal photopheresis with the autologous dendritic cell vaccine (FDA-approved for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma due to research by Richard L. Edelson, Yale University), works in the following way:
Via the photopheresis apparatus pathogens and sick (disease-promoting) dendritic cells can be destroyed through exposure to ultraviolet light, which also has an enormous immune-boosting effect. During this procedure monocytes can be separated from the patient's own blood, mechanically converted into young, healthy dendritic cells, separately cultured to mature dendritic cells, and re-infunded into the patient's vein to replace the sick dendritic cells.
Dendritic cells are responsible for identifying pathogens (viruses, fungi, bacteria, malignant cells) and presenting their identifying markers, antigens, to specific T lymphocytes that then multiply and attack the disease. They are also capable of identifying normal dying cells and presenting their antigens to different T cells that tell the immune system not to attack its own tissues.
- Issels' autologous vaccine. This vaccine works in a very complex way to enhance the immune functions. It is prepared from the patient's own blood, which represents his/her own unique internal environment. The preparation follows procedures that favor the development of antigenic peptides and other immunogenic compounds in the fight against cancer and other immune disorders.
- Coley's mixed bacterial vaccine. This vaccine opens blockades in the body matrix (all solid, semi-solid and fluid connective tissues), stimulates the production of the body's own interferons, interleukins, colony stimulating factors, tumor necrosis factor and other potent disease fighters.
- Lymphokine-Activated Killer Cells and Stem Cells. Lymphokine-Activated Killer Cells, also known as LAK Cells, are lymphocytes that in the presence of Interleukin-2 are stimulated to kill cancer cells. Stem cells are the body's master cells that can replace dying or lost cells and aid in the repair of damaged tissue.
Non-specific Basic Treatment
The non-specific basic treatment is as important as the specific treatment. Over many years it has shown to be essential in optimizing the effectiveness of the vaccines and other tumor-specific measures.
The treatment is designed to --
- Remove Causal Factors
- Repair Damages to Organs and Organ Systems
- Restore Immune System Functions
It attacks cancer indirectly by eliminating the preconditions for its thriving and helps prevent disease progression and recurrence.
The Issels strategy includes standard treatments when indicated.
The Basic Treatment Components enhance each other by following a special treatment system developed over many years. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Nutritional immunotherapy primarily of organic foods (vegetables, freshly pressed vegetable juices, protein according to individual needs), is always adjusted to individual needs. It also includes
- Intravenous nutrition and nutraceuticals, as well as anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, tissue salts, amino acids, herbal substances, etc.
- Autohemotherapy, a preparation from the patient's own blood, helps boost the immune system.
- Enzymatic therapy improves digestion, the elimination of immune complexes and the break down of the fibrin coating of cancer cells.
- Oxidative therapies, such as
- Photoluminescence Therapy and Blood Oxygenation improve cellular respiration and immunity.
- Glandulars help regenerate organs such as the liver, the thyroid, the thymus gland and other glands.
- Laetrile, also called Amygdalin or Vitamin B 17, has shown to attack cancer without the toxic side effects of chemotherapy.
- Polarizing solutions use the cancer's greed for sugar against it.
- Phytoptherapy with herbal medicinal products is administered according to individual requirements.
- Detoxification procedures through improved function of the liver, kidneys, colon, lung and skin assist the body in its endeavors to get rid of metabolic waste and toxins that impair immune functions.
- Psychological Guidance and Emotional/Spiritual Support in single and group sessions enhance the effectiveness of all other treatment components.
- Physical Therapy.
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Where is the Issels Treatment available?
The Issels Treatment is only available at authorized facilities.
In the USA, the Issels Treatment is administered at the Issels Medical Center in Santa Barbara, California, our main US out-patient facility that is directed by Dr. Christian N. Issels, the son of the late Dr. Josef M. Issels, the renowned pioneer of integrative cancer medicine.
The integrative immunobiological treatment protocols at the Issels Medical Center combine safe, non-toxic, research based treatment modalities that have been shown to attack cancer.
Patients' treatment plans are always individualized through very specialized testing methods. The extensive experience of the Issels approach over decades has shown that the more precisely a doctor can determine and eliminate underlying causes for the suppression of the body's immune, regulatory and repair mechanisms, the higher the degree of the effectiveness of all the treatment components.
The Issels Treatment programs can be administered in conjunction with conventional treatments (and have been shown to lessen side-effects), as follow-up treatment, or on their own if conventional treatments are not applicable. Our doctors work in collaboration with leading experts of all medical specialty fields depending on the individual patient's requirements.
The Issels Medical Center is located in the heart of beautiful Santa Barbara, California, in close proximity to the major hospital, fitness centers, a variety of restaurants, Arlington and Granada theaters. Patients from out-of-town find accommodation at special rates in nearby suite hotels meeting all preferences, or apartments with ocean view and beach access.
For patients who prefer or need in-patient hospital care, the Issels Treatment is administered at the Issels Treatment Center which occupies a special ward in a modern full-service hospital that meets all US accreditation standards. The hospital is located by the ocean in Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, just across the border from San Diego, and a 40-minute ride from the San Diego International Airport. The Issels Treatment Center has a staff of medical doctors with multiple board certifications. They are trained in the Issels program and cooperate with leading experts of all specialty fields depending on individual needs. Issels patients also have access to all services available at the hospital.
US patients and those foreign patients who have a US visa fly to San Diego International Airport, where the hospital driver welcomes arriving patients and escorts them to the hospital at no additional charge. Patients who are not US Citizens or do not have a US visa should apply for a Mexican visa. It takes approximately 3 weeks to obtain a Mexican visa (US visas take longer). These patients will fly via Mexico City to the Tijuana Airport where the hospital driver will expect them.
Patients come from all parts of the world and about 80% are from the US. All physicians are fluent in English and Spanish, as are most of the nurses and other staff members. Interpreters are available upon request.
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What kind of education and experience do the physicians have?
All physicians are university trained medical doctors with multiple board certifications. They have many years of experience in conventional and alternative/complementary cancer treatment.
The physicians and scientists of the Issels treatment facilities exchange observations and experience and form the Issels Team.
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What is the hospital environment like? What kinds of activities are there?
The Issels Treatment Center hospital is more than a typical full-service hospital. It is a real healing environment that patients love very much.
In addition to all specialty medical services, the hospital offers many activities that are conducive for healing and very much appreciated by the patients and their companions. Patients who come from all over the world and their companions are encouraged to get together in the community rooms for educational lectures, videos, art therapy, sing-alongs, games, etc. Outdoor activities such as strolls by the nearby ocean are recommended. A special area is designated for meditation and prayers, if so desired.
There is a lot of laughter in the big dining room where patients take their meals and visitors often cannot believe they are in a cancer hospital. Patients witness how other patients are getting better and this is a great encouragement for newcomers.
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Is treatment covered by insurance?
Some insurance companies have reimbursed patients for all or part of the treatment costs. At the end of the treatment program patients receive an itemized statement, which they submit to their healthcare provider. The patient must inquire with his/her insurance company directly regarding policy coverage and procedure for reimbursement. We can recommend a company that assists patients in their negotiations with their healthcare provider.
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What is the method of payment?
Payment is due upon admission in the form of a cashier’s check or wire transfer. Refunds are granted for services that are not delivered.
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Is the Issels Treatment FDA-approved?
The Issels Treatment is a comprehensive program and not one single drug or treatment modality.
The extracorporeal photopheresis with the dendritic cell vaccine is FDA approved for cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Interleukin-2 is also approved by the FDA for the treatment of cancer. These treatments are only available to a very limited number of patients in a few US leading cancer centers.
We have administered both these therapies to a variety of advanced cancers. One decisive difference is that we do not offer one "magic bullet" by itself, but integrate each modality into a comprehensive treatment plan designed to restore the body's overall cancer fighting mechanisms. When cancer is attacked, it is very important to help the body eliminate the toxic products of the tumor break down.
Each one of our treatment components is scientifically validated, however only surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone treatment are considered as standard cancer treatments.
The Issels Treatment is also called alternative/complementary, as it complements standard treatments. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are focused merely on the cancer cells and tumors, whereas the Issels Treatment addresses also the underlying causes and preconditions for the development of the cancer. The word "alternative," however, may be misleading as the Issels Treatment is "integrative" and does not exclude standard treatments whenever indicated.
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Have experts of conventional cancer medicine visited the Issels Hospital?
Yes several. One of them was:
John Anderson, M.D., Professor of Medicine; Former Head and Chair of the Department of Medicine at King's College Hospital Medical School, University of London, England; Former Consultant to the World Health Organization on Oncology.
Excerpts from the Report on his visit to the Issels Hospital:
There are three general conclusions to be drawn.
1. The first is that the therapy routine for primary and secondary cancer carried out at the Ringberg Clinic under Dr. Issels is unique. To my knowledge it is not used elsewhere in the form Dr. Issels prescribes at any other clinic. Based on a survey of the clinic and its patients and on statistical evidence about the survival of these patients, I am of the considered opinion that this is a new approach to cancer treatment and appears to be a considerable improvement on what is usually offered.
2. In essence the treatment is to encourage the normal mechanisms of the body which already deal with a large number of cancer cells to be so strengthened that they bring about a natural remission of the disease. Some of the cases I saw at the clinic would have been regarded as hopeless by physicians in the United Kingdom. My overall opinion is that the Issels approach to the treatment of cancer is a unique and pioneering solution to a very difficult problem.
Dr. Issels is an able physician, a shrewd and penetrating clinician, whose principles of medicine I admire. He is a shrewd observer of clinical conditions and has probably had more practical experience at medically treating cancer than any one else. There can be no doubt that he is genuine in what he does and the results he gets. He has a good competent supporting medical and nursing staff and the staff/patient ratio is higher than that generally seen in the United Kingdom.
My overall impression is that the clinic is well ordered and fulfils the best clinical traditions of medicine.
3. I am prepared to set up a double blind clinical trial in the Department of Medicine at King's to reproduce and test the Issels therapy regime as far as possible under the conditions under which I have observed it.
He (Dr. Issels) is undoubtedly producing clinical remissions in patients who have been regarded as hopeless and left to fall back on their own resources. I also accept that even when he cannot produce a long remission he aims to allow the patient to live out his life in a worthwhile manner with more quality than would be possible otherwise.
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