StemCell Therapy

The coronavirus that emerged in China and rapidly spread around the world almost certainly jumped to humans from an animal. While thats certainly not unheard of, scientists are on high alert because zoonotic viruses, as theyre called, can potentially be more dangerous.

The heightened risk associated with animal-borne diseases like 2019-nCoV comes from the fact that our immune systems have never had the chance to build up resistance to them, according to New Scientist.

From an evolutionary perspective, a successful virus is one that develops to spread rapidly and rampantly something that depends on the survival of its host.

They dont want you to drop dead within a day because you wont pass it to anyone else, University of Nottingham researcher Chris Coleman told New Scientist.

Recent research in the journal Nature suggests that the coronavirus emerged in bats rather than an earlier snake hypothesis.

In either case, its cause for concern. When zoonotic viruses jump to humans, they can be far more deadly than they were in their animal host because theyveadapted to that animals immune systemrather than ours.

Thus far, the coronavirus outbreak has had a lower fatality rate than other zoonotic diseases, New Scientist reports, but its particularly adept at spreading among humans.

But to fight deadly outbreaks in the future, Coleman stressed the value of preparing broad-spectrum vaccines in advance something still missing for the coronavirus.

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The Coronavirus Started in Animals. That Makes it More Dangerous. - Futurism

Innovation knows no borders allowing adventurous biotech investors the opportunity to find hidden gems located outside the major research and development hubs in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. One doesn't even need to look too far.

Here we previewthree such companies hailing from Canada, specifically the greater Vancouver area, which boastpromising drugs in their pipelines and just raised additional financing from savvy insitutional investors eager to get ahead of the curve. These emerging biotechs may be the ticket for risk-tolerant investors to boost their portfolios.

Image source: Getty Images.

Biotech investors are taking note of Vancouver-based Zymeworks (NYSE:ZYME). In the last year, the stock steadily tripled from $15 to its current price of $46. Last week, the company announced it successfully raised $320.8 million, primarily from institutional investors.

Zymeworks engineers antibodies, a component of the immune system, to selectively recognize distinct targets on cancer cells. Each molecule can identify two separate targets leading to their name bispecific antibodies. Zymeworks did not stop there. In some cases, the company attaches highly potent cancer-killing drugs to the bispecific molecule using it as a targeting system. This is called an antibody drug conjugate and potentially increases the ability to kill cancer cells.

One of many companies battling breast cancer, Zymeworks initially began development against a set of aggressive cancers that contain the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene. The HER2 gene helps regulate cell division, growth, and repairs. Aberrant amounts of the gene can lead to excessive growth of cancer cells. Beyond breast cancer, HER2 overexpression or amplification is found in certain cancers of the stomach, pancreas, and salivary gland, to name a few.

Lead compound ZW25 targets two unique variants of HER2, and has entered a slate of human clinical trials. The antibody drug conjugate version called ZW49 is in early stage clinical trial testing.

A review of Zymeworks' pipeline shows a long list of drug candidates being developed in collaboration with other companies. These include pharma stalwarts Eli Lilly, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, and emerging China-based pharma BeiGene.

Targeting neurological disorders, Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE) recently raised an additional $60 million in financing to advance its pipeline. This comes on the heels of receiving $50 million from a new partnership. This capital infusion should provide enough resources to advance its four clinical stage drug candidates forward.

Xenon plans to advance XEN496 into a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial for a rare and severe form of childhood epilepsy. Towards the end of 2020, the company expects results from a phase 2b trial with XEN1101 as a treatment for adults with focal epilepsy. In this disease, recurring seizures emerge from a specific part of the brain.

Like Zymeworks, Xenon boasts prominent strategic partners. Genentech, part of the Roche Group, forged a collaboration to pursue a novel approach to treating pain. Following an initial discovery collaboration, Merck acquired the rights to a compound as a treatment for cardiovascular disease.In September, Xenon entered a partnership with biotech Flexion Therapeutics to develop an extended-release thermosensitive hydrogel version of Xenon's XEN402 for post-operative pain.

Last December, Neurocrine Biosciencesentered into a partnership to develop novel epilepsy treatments. The pact grants rights to Xenon's clinical-stage epilepsy drug XEN901 and a multi-year collaboration to discover new drug candidates. Neurocrine paid $50 million consisting of $30 million in cash and a $20 million equity investment. Xenon could potentially earn development, regulatory, and commercial milestones totaling approximately $1.7 billion for XEN901 and other collaboration programs.

Last December was a whirlwind for Aurinia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:AUPH). First, the company announced positive results from a phase 3 clinical trial of its drug voclosporin in lupus nephritis, a dangerous kidney disease caused by the body's immune system attacking healthy tissues. The company plans to file for approval with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sometime in the first half of 2020. Aurinia plans a commercial launch of the product, assuming approval, in the first half of 2021.

Investors excited by the trial results drove up the stock price from the $5 range to the high teens. When the stock was in the $18 range, management at Aurinia opportunistically raised $191.7 million at $15 per share. With more money in the bank, investors clamored for the stock pushing the shares to $21, a four-fold gain from where the stock traded prior to the clinical trial results.

Beyond lupus nephritis, Aurinia has commenced clinical testing of voclosporin in dry eye syndrome and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Chronic in nature, the hallmarks of dry eye syndrome are irritation and inflammation. FSGS, a rare disease that attacks the kidneys' filtering system and can be potentially life-threatening, has no FDA-approved treatments.

Zymeworks feels like Seattle Geneticsin its earlier days. Leveraging expertise in a core technology, it produced a broad array of wholly owned and partnered drugs. Investors should watch for clinical results from ZW25 and ZW49. With a $2 billion valuation, a big pharma or biotech could swoop in to pick up this promising biotech.

Xenon, the smallest of the three companies by market capitalization, really needs the top-line results with XEN1101 in epilepsy to be positive. The trial results are expected in the second half of the year. While investing in R&D stage biotech is risky, Xenon needs to deliver more data to provide investors more comfort.

As a single-product company, Aurinia appears to be a likely acquisition target in the rare disease space. Voclosporin faces competition from GlaxoSmithKline, but, perhaps, a company like Pfizer, which has its own program in FSGS, could be a suitor.

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3 Canadian Biotechs to Consider Buying Today - The Motley Fool

(Bloomberg Opinion) -- The relatively new mantra of value-over-volume in the oil business is facing its first serious popularity contest.

ConocoPhillipss fourth-quarter earnings missed expectations. The company also trimmed production guidance for 2020. At the same time, Conoco boosted its share buyback program by two thirds to $25 billion, with $3 billion due this year, following a 38% dividend increase announced in October.

Investors seemed more focused on the former Tuesday morning, with Conoco one of only a few oil stocks in the red. Then again, down roughly 10% since year-end, it is also one of the better-performing oil stocks in what has been a dreadful start to 2020 for the sector. With that in mind, the cash-flow story should get more attention.

Conoco laid out a 10-year plan in November best described as embracing the darkness. In place of thebullishness typical of the sector was a long discussion of how to survive in a world where oil stocks arent popular and price cycles are fleeting. In short, it now reads like a premonition of the month just gone. Hence, Conoco emphasized paying out more cash to investors and paying its way at lower energy prices.

On that front, the latest results offer encouragement. Conoco covered capex, dividends and buybacks from operating cash flow in the fourth quarter. On a full-year basis, free cash flow was positive after dividends and only $532 million in the red after $3.5 billion of buybacks. Most importantly, Conoco managed to roughly balance all this, raising underlying productionand shareholder payouts as well as replacing reserves, despite a 9.5% drop in average realized prices for its oil and gas.

Underlying this is the reset in cash-flow priorities following early 2016s dividend cut, shifting away from capex toward payouts.

Conocos financial strategy doesnt render it impervious to black swans. Besides the viral ones, there are more prosaic upsets such as the Malaysian pipeline outage that forced the cut in production guidance. Still, if immunity is to be found anywhere in this business these days, it lies in a good balance sheet and prioritizing payouts.

To contact the author of this story: Liam Denning at ldenning1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Mark Gongloff at mgongloff1@bloomberg.net

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Liam Denning is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy, mining and commodities. He previously was editor of the Wall Street Journal's Heard on the Street column and wrote for the Financial Times' Lex column. He was also an investment banker.

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Conoco Works to Boost Its Immune System - Yahoo Finance

By Jessica Hamzelou

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The way a babys immune system works seems to influence whether they will develop temporary or persistent asthma later in life. The finding could help identify more targeted treatments for different types of asthma, say researchers behind the work.

By the time a child is 18 months old, they have already been exposed to plenty of bacteria, viruses and fungi. These early encounters with pathogens start to shape a childs immune system for later life.

To find out if such experiences might also predict a childs risk of developing disease, Susanne Brix at the Technical University of Denmark in Kongens Lyngby and her colleagues followed a group of infants in Denmark for the first six years of their lives.

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The team looked at how immune cells work in toddlers, and whether this is linked to the childrens risk of developing asthma by the time they were six years old. Asthma is pretty prevalent in the Nordic European countries, says Brix. We have a prevalence of around 20 per cent in early childhood.

Brix and her colleagues first took blood samples from 541 18-month-olds. Each blood sample was then presented with a range of compounds such as fragments of viruses or components of vaccines to see how the immune cells in the blood would respond.

The responses of a particular type of immune cell seem to be linked to a childs later risk of asthma, says Brix. This cell type, called a T helper cell, responds to potentially harmful pathogens by releasing a range of proteins.

The way these cells release two specific proteins seems to be linked to whether the child will later develop asthma or not babies whose immune cells produce more of these proteins are significantly more likely to have asthma when they are six years old, says Brix.

Her team also found differences between girls and boys. The immune cells in blood samples taken from boys responded more strongly to bacteria and fungi, while girls seem to mount stronger responses to viruses.

Brix doesnt know why this might be the case, but she suspects sex hormones like testosterone may be influencing the immune system. The difference may explain why boys are more likely to develop asthma early in life, says Brix.

It will be difficult to create a test that would be able to predict which babies will go on to develop asthma, but Brix says she hopes that her research might help to identify the best treatments for different types of asthma.

Some cases of asthma are temporary, and resolve in childhood, while others are persistent. The transient type is more common in boys, says Brix. It may be that one type of asthma is linked to the immune systems response to viruses, while another is linked to the response to bacteria. Better targeted treatments could potentially be developed to treat each type, she says.

Journal reference: Science Translational Medicine, DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw0258

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Overactive immune cells in babies may lead to childhood asthma - New Scientist News

You cant listen to the news without hearing about the Coronavirus. While this deadly virus is scary, the plain old regular flu is much more common and can also be deadly.

Many people have already lost their lives during this current flu season (2019-20), and thousands more are sick or may soon be. Even if you got a flu shot, there is still a chance you can get the flu. Thankfully, there are things we can all do to try to stay healthy.

Keep reading for some ways you can build up your immune system and improve your overall health.

Most health experts sites having a healthy lifestyle as key when it comes to boosting your immune system and preventing illnesses. Some of the top things to incorporate into your life include regular exercise, eating a variety of healthy foods, maintain a healthy weight, drink alcohol in moderation, get enough sleep (we are talking seven to nine hours per night), wash your hands with soap and water frequently, minimize/manage your stress, and of course, dont smoke.

There are also lots of specific foods you can eat that taste great and pack powerful vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to boost your immune system and keep you healthy and strong.

Citrus

Loaded with vitamin C, citrus fruits increase your white blood cells which in turn, are key to fighting infections. Try squeezing lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit into your water during the day for a citrus boost while you are staying hydrated.

Red bell peppers

While citrus is usually known for its vitamin C, did you know red bell peppers have twice as much vitamin C as citrus fruits do? They are also a good source of beta carotene.

Ginger

Used for centuries for medicinal purposes, ginger is thought to decrease inflammation and also may help lower your bad cholesterol. If you dont use fresh ginger in your cooking, you can still reap the benefits by making ginger tea.

Just peel a good bit of fresh ginger, cut into rounds and then pour boiling water over all.

Let steep for a few hours and then strain into a glass container. Refrigerate and add a cup or so to water, your morning health drink, or just straight up. I like to add the juice of a half of a lemon to mine every morning.

Garlic

A great way to add tons of flavor to your cooking, whether it is raw or cooked, garlic may also help lower your blood pressure in addition to boosting your immune system.

Broccoli

Loaded with lots of vitamins and minerals, broccoli also contain other antioxidants and fiber. Just be careful not to overcook broccoli and of course for the most benefits, eat it raw.

Spinach

Rich in vitamin C, and packed with antioxidants and beta carotene, spinach is super healthy. Like broccoli, avoid overcooking and for maximum benefits, consume spinach raw.

Yogurt

Look for yogurt that has live and active cultures on the label. Especially look for yogurt that is made from the milk from grass fed cows. These cultures stimulate your immune system and the yogurt just tastes so much better.

Avoid yogurt that has added sugar, which most do. If you need that sweet factor, serve yogurt with some fruit and a drizzle of honey preferably local honey.

Almonds

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin, meaning it needs fat to be absorbed by the body. A mere half cup of almonds gives you 100% of what you need in a day of vitamin E.

Turmeric

This miracle spice has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes as well as for seasoning food. Besides being anti-inflammatory, it is also great for your bone health.

Green tea

Containing a powerful antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, green tea is also a good source of L-theanine, an important amino acid. I like to make a big pitcher of half green tea, half black tea and keep it in the refrigerator. I drink this iced tea all year long, even when it is cold outside.

Papaya

Loaded with vitamin C, papayas contain a digestive enzyme called papain which is anti-inflammatory. Papaya is also a terrific source for potassium, B vitamins and folate.

Kiwi

Every time I eat kiwi, I think, Why do I always forget about this delicious little fruit? Besides being yummy, kiwi are chock full of folate, potassium, vitamins K and C.

Poultry

When Im feeling under the weather, the only thing I want to eat is chicken noodle soup. It is soothing, delicious and healthy. Poultry is a great source of vitamin B-6, and is one of the most nourishing things you can eat when sick or anytime.

Sunflower seeds

I love snacking on these little seeds. They are also perfect as a salad topping. Loaded with phosphorous, magnesium, vitamins B-6 and E, sunflower seeds need to be in your diet.

So, now you know some of the top foods you need to be eating to help boost your immune system. Be sure to check out Fridays food column for some simple, yet delicious recipes utilizing some of these super foods.

South Forsyth resident Adlen Robinson is author of Home Matters: The Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home. Email her at adlen@adlenshomematters.com.

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Adlen Robinson: Boost your immune system, prevent the flu - Forsyth County News Online

Orgasms are a very common human phenomenon. The physical and mental health benefits have been researched frequently as a result, and yet, there is still so much to be learned about how our bodies and brains react to the chemicals and hormones released during and after experiencing this type of sexual release.

"The amount of speculation versus actual data on both the function and value of orgasm is remarkable" explains Julia Heiman, director of the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction.

Masturbation causes a rush of dopamine, which is a chemical that is associated with our ability to feel pleasure. Along with the rush of dopamine that is released during an orgasm, there is also a release of a hormone called oxytocin, which is commonly referred to as the "love hormone."

This concoction of chemicals does more than just boost our mood, it also can play a key role in decreasing stress and promoting relaxation. Oxytocin decreases cortisol, which is a stress hormone that is usually present (in high volumes) during times of anxiety, fear, panic, or distress.

According to BDSM and fetish researcher Dr. Gloria Brame, an orgasm is the biggest non-drug induced blast of dopamine that we can experience.

By boosting the oxytocin and dopamine levels and subsequently decreasing our cortisol levels, the brain is placed in a more relaxed, euphoric, and calm state.

Sexual arousal and orgasm increase the number of white blood cells in the body, making it easier to fight infection and illness.

Image by Yurchanka Siarhei on Shutterstock

How do those effects on the brain from reaching orgasm translate to boosting our immune system and making our body healthier?

The increase of oxytocin and dopamine that causes a decrease in cortisol levels can help boost our immune system because cortisol (well-known for being a stress-inducing hormone) actually helps maintain your immune system if released in small doses.

According to Dr. Jennifer Landa, a hormone-therapy specialist, masturbation can produce the right kind of environment for a strengthened immune system to thrive.

A study conducted by the Department of Medical Psychology at the University Clinic of Essen (in Germany) showed similar results. A group of 11 volunteers were asked to participate in a study that would look at the effects of orgasm through masturbation on the white blood cell count and immune system.

During this experiment, the white blood cell count of each participant was analyzed through measures that were taken 5 minutes before and 45 minutes after reaching a self-induced orgasm.

The results confirmed that sexual arousal and orgasm increased the number of white blood cells, particularly the natural killer cells that help fight off infections.

The findings confirm that our immune system is positively affected by sexual arousal and self-induced orgasm and promote even more research into the positive impacts of sexual arousal and orgasm.

Orgasms help minimize pain and promote relaxation which can help boost our immune system.

Photo by Marko Aliaksandr on Shutterstock

The benefits of masturbation have long been debated, but the more research that is done on the topic the more we understand that there are many positive reactions that happen in our bodies and brains when we orgasm.

Orgasms can help prevent or mitigate pain, which boosts the immune system, preventing cold and flu symptoms.

According to neurologist and headache specialist Stefan Evers, about one in three patients experience relief from migraine attacks by experiencing sexual activity or orgasm. Evers and his team conducted an experiment with 800 migraine patients and 200 patients who suffered from cluster-headaches to see how their experiences with sexual activity impacted their pain levels.

The study showed that 60% of migraine sufferers experienced pain relief after participating in sexual activity that resulted in orgasm. Of the cluster-headache sufferers, about 50% said their headaches actually worsened after sexual arousal and orgasm.

Evers suggested in his findings that the people who did not experience pain relief from migraines of headaches during their sexual activity did not release as large amounts of endorphins as those who did experience pain relief.

According to rheumatologist Dr. Harris McIlwain, people who suffer from chronic pain have immune systems that are simply not functioning at full capacity - therefore, alleviating pain (through orgasm, as an example) can help boost the immune system.

Orgasms can also promote relaxation and make it easier to fall asleep. Serotonin, oxytocin, and norepinephrine are all hormones that are released during sexual arousal and orgasm, and all three are known for counteracting stress hormones and promoting relaxation, which makes it much easier for you to fall asleep.

There are several studies showing that serotonin and norepinephrine help our body cycle through REM and deep non-REM sleeping cycles. During these sleep cycles, the immune system releases proteins called cytokines, which target infection and inflammation. This is a critical part of our immune response. Cytokines are both produced and released throughout our bodies while we sleep, which proves the importance of a good sleep schedule to a healthy immune system.

The immune system is a balanced network of cells and organs that work together to defend you against infections and diseases by stopped threats like bacteria and viruses from entering your system. While there are many things we need to do to keep our immune systems functioning at optimal levels, masturbation (or other means of achieving orgasm) has proven to have positive effects on the immune system as a whole.

Just as bad habits (such as an inconsistent sleep schedule or harmful chemicals in your body) can slow your immune system, positive habits (such as a healthy sleep schedule and active sex life) can help boost your immune system.

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Is masturbation the new cold and flu medicine? - Big Think

A retired Texan had endured 12 years of chemotherapy for blood cancer only to see the disease come back stronger and meaner each time.

It was long, hard and terrible, J.C. Cox, 66, said.

So when he was told that he could take part in a clinical trial of a newly modified form of immune therapy, he signed on.

In that small preliminary trial, the results of which were published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, nearly two-thirds of the patients, all of whom had cancer so advanced that just a decade ago there would have been no hope for them, went into complete remission. Cox was among that two-thirds.

The new treatment involves tweaking a type of therapy called CAR-T that helps the immune system home in on cancer cells. Those tweaks appear to have made it more effective than its predecessor while also leading to fewer side effects, the study found.

In CAR-T therapy, doctors equip a patients own T-cells with a sensor that essentially sniffs out a protein on cancer cells, allowing them to glom onto the protein and then destroy the diseased cells. CAR-T therapy has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat several types of blood cancer.

The altered T cells end up working like a heat-seeking missile, said study co-author Dr. Katayoun Rezvani, a professor of stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

There were several drawbacks to CAR-T, including the time it took to make the revved up T cells which needed to be harvested from patients and then sent to a lab, their cost, and most important, the possibility of life-threatening side effects.

To try to make a cheaper, safer therapy that would potentially work for all patients, Rezvani and her colleagues switched from T-cells to a different type of immune cell, called natural killer cells.

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Natural killer cells are the best killers of virally infected and abnormal cells, she said. They can continue to patrol and recognize abnormal cells.

There were several advantages to the natural killer cells, not the least of which was that, unlike T cells, they wouldnt make the patients sick by spewing out a flood of inflammatory proteins, leading to a severe condition called a cytokine storm. Another big advantage was that the natural killer cells from one patient could be given to another without any tissue matching. That meant that such cells from healthy donors or from donated umbilical cord blood could be banked and ready to use at any time.

Presumably, this would cut down on the wait time and the costs of the therapy, because the treatments werent being tailor-made for each individual patient.

Rezvani and her colleagues genetically modified the natural killer cells to have a receptor (the R in CAR) for a protein that is on the surface of the cancer cells they were targeting. The receptor would lock onto the protein and then the cell would do its work.

The researchers also tweaked the natural killer cells in two other ways. Unlike T cells which live for a long time, natural killer cells normally have a lifespan of just a couple of weeks, so the researchers added a growth factor that would keep them around for a lot longer. And as a precaution, they also inserted a switch that would allow the researchers to kill off the altered cells if they became too abundant.

Rezvani and her colleagues tested the new treatment in 11 blood cancer patients. When the patients were checked two months after treatment, seven had no signs of cancer while one other showed improvement but not complete remission. The other three had no response to the treatment.

Cox was the eighth patient to receive the new treatment, and initially had misgivings.

I didnt have any other options, Cox, who received the treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, said. But it was scary knowing I would be No. 8 and would be getting the biggest dose.

The trial had been set up to start with a low dose, and then wait to see if there were any serious side effects. If not, the plan was to increase the dose in later patients.

Coxs years of chemotherapy made him worry about possible side effects. But it was probably the easiest thing Ive ever done, he said.

The researchers themselves werent sure what to expect. We were amazed at the safety, Rezvani said. And it didnt seem to matter what dose we gave. This truly is a living drug. It gets inside of the patients body and starts growing and attacking the cancer cells.

Larger studies are needed, but if the treatment which has been licensed to Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. lives up to its early promise, Rezvani hopes to try it on other cancers, such as ones that affect the brain and the breasts.

The response of the patients in the new study is impressive, said Dr. David Porter, the director of cell therapy and transplantation at the University of Pennsylvania Health System. I think this is a major advance in the field of targeted cellular therapy.

Moreover, the natural killer treatments dont seem to have the same life-threatening complications as the original CAR-T therapy, Porter said in an email. Porter was involved with previous CAR-T research, but was not involved with this trial.

But, Porter cautioned, the study included a very small number of patients.

Cox wasnt sure what to expect when he went to be checked two months after receiving his treatment. The news was better than he could have imagined: there was no sign of his cancer.

I did a lot of crying, but they were happy tears, he said. I still get emotional when I talk about it.

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Immune therapy tweak offers new hope to blood cancer patients - NBC News

A promising University of Virginia scientist, Ku-Lung (Ken) Hsu, an assistant professor of chemistry, has earned one of the National Science Foundations coveted Early Career Development Program Awards, which support junior faculty members who perform outstanding research and are regarded as exceptional teachers.

Part of the grant is used to integrate education and research in academic activities. Hsus award is for $681,000.

Hsu uses chemistry to control biological systems, particularly to modify the immune system to become an active combatant against cancer. His work understanding and controlling the inflammation response spans the search for new non-addictive drug options for treating pain, to modifying immune cells so they can recognize and kill cancer cells.

The five-year NSF CAREER grants are among the most prestigious available to young faculty in science and engineering, and are designed to provide significant resources to the early stage development of careers.

Many of Hsus laboratory studies are conducted in collaboration with clinical researchers in the School of Medicines Cancer Center as part of UVAs efforts to enhance research into precision medicine using immunotherapy to target life-threatening diseases at the fundamental molecular level.

Hsu discusses here his research and grant for readers of UVA Today.

Q. What drew you to this area of chemistry?

A. Chemical biology is an exciting area of chemistry because it is very creative, highly interdisciplinary and allows scientists to answer fundamental questions that ultimately improve human health through drug discovery and other new therapies. I enjoy the opportunity to work with experts in so many different fields, including pharmacology, pathology, neurology and cancer biology. As a result, I learn something new from each project.

My students also benefit greatly from being in this field because of an emphasis on collaborations, which increases diversity through individuals they interact with and expands the skillsets they obtain during their training. Medical research is becoming increasingly collaborative, so my students are becoming well-prepared for the research environments in which they will spend their careers.

Activating the immune response to fight cancer represents a very exciting treatment modality and UVA is well-positioned to be a leader in this front. The UVA Cancer Center has been a major supporter of my research program, and I look forward to continued interactions and collaborations in this community.

- Ken Hsu

Q. Describe the most compelling aspects of your latest research.

A. I am excited about two recent discoveries that embody research from our group in the field of chemical biology. Both reports are published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.

In our first paper, we describe a new chemical reaction with broad applications for synthetic chemistry and drug discovery. The reaction we discovered possibly could come into common use for developing new treatments for cancer and other diseases in the future. This finding was especially rewarding because I teach related material in my organic chemistry course and our paper describes a new methodology for synthetic chemists and chemical biologists to tune chemical reactions for diverse real-world applications. This is compelling for my students, to know that what they are learning in class is also current and active to catalyze breakthrough research in our labs.

In our second report, our findings are directed toward fundamental discoveries in the realm of fat (lipid) molecules, which play a major role in the bodys metabolism at the cellular level. We used protein engineering to design artificial lipid kinase enzymes a specialized protein involved in cell growth, proliferation and other functions that can include the growth of cancers in order to better understand how cells regulate their fat composition. To our surprise and delight, we narrowed in on a very specific region of these lipid kinases that allow us to control how they operate in cells. Our findings will teach us and others in the field a more effective way to design therapeutics to combat these enzymes when they misbehave.

Q. How will this grant allow you to connect your research with teaching?

A. The NSF CAREER Award will provide new opportunities for applying our chemistry and technologies to study how individual cells control the metabolism of fats and lipids. We plan to develop compounds that attach to enzymes to illuminate how cells are similar or distinct based on their metabolism kind of like a molecular fingerprint. Our long-term goal is to create new opportunities for cell type discovery and push the boundaries of cell engineering.

The research is intimately connected to an educational outreach program designed to broadly impact Native American student communities by providing opportunities for UVA graduate students to teach how lipid biochemistry influences healthy food choices and eating behaviors in society.

Q. Where do you see your research going from here?

A. In the next five years, I am looking forward to applying our chemistry and technologies toward deeper understanding of lipid biology and metabolism in physiologically relevant models. We remain committed to discovery of new molecular pathways for immune system modulation, and our recent findings represent important steps toward our long-term goal.

Q. How promising is the future regarding immune system modulation?

A. Activating the immune response to fight cancer represents a very exciting treatment modality and UVA is well-positioned to be a leader in this front. The UVA Cancer Center has been a major supporter of my research program, and I look forward to continued interactions and collaborations in this community.

I believe the chemistry we are pursuing will provide new opportunities and technologies for exploring creative ways to study and control the immune system. Support from the NSF CAREER Award will pave the way for new ways to engineer immune cells for cancer and other potential disease indications.

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Q&A: Chemical Biologist Ken Hsu to Use NSF CAREER Award to Fight Cancer - University of Virginia

We usually think of viral respiratory infections, like the common cold, as mild nuisances that pass in a few days. But the Wuhan coronavirus has proven to be different. Of those infected, around 2% are reported to have died but the true mortality is unknown.

Theres much were yet to learn about this new virus, but we know it often causes pneumonia, an infection of the lungs which produces pus and fluid and reduces the lungs ability to absorb oxygen.

Of the first 99 people with severe infection, three-quarters had pneumonia involving both lungs. Around 14% appeared to have lung damage caused by the immune system, while 11% suffered from multi-organ system failure, or sepsis.

Others are at risk of complications from being treated in hospitals, such as acquiring other infections.

Read more: How contagious is the Wuhan coronavirus and can you spread it before symptoms start?

At this stage, we know some people develop only a mild infection, while others become critically ill, but the exact proportion of each is not yet clear.

Overall, there are four key ways the Wuhan coronavirus can cause severe disease and some can occur at the same time.

For the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus, direct viral damage was probably the most common way the infection caused disease. This is likely the case with the Wuhan coronavirus.

Early studies have found the Wuhan coronavirus attaches to a particular receptor found in lung tissue. This is like a lock and key mechanism allowing the virus to enter the cell, and is the same receptor the SARS coronavirus used.

Viruses hijack the host cells mechanisms to make more copies of itself. Damage results from either viruses taking over the cell completely and causing it to die, or immune cells recognising the viral infection and mounting a defence, triggering cell death.

If large numbers of cells die, then the affected organ cant function effectively.

Studies from patients who died from SARS coronavirus showed the virus caused damage to not only the lungs, but also other organs in the body. Early research suggests the Wuhan coronavirus can also damage other organs, including the kidneys.

While were still piecing together the relationship between the Wuhan coronavirus and pneumonia, theres much we can learn from influenza.

Influenza is a virus but it commonly leads to bacterial pneumonia this is whats known as a secondary infection.

Its thought the influenza virus weakens the usual protective mechanisms of the lung, allowing bacteria to establish and multiply. This is especially true in children, older people and those with compromised immune systems.

Secondary bacterial pneumonia is more severe than influenza alone in hospitalised patients, around 10% of those with influenza and pneumonia die, compared to around 2% of those who dont have pneumonia.

The Wuhan coronavirus appears to cause pneumonia in two ways: when the virus takes hold in the lungs, and through secondary bacterial infections, however, the first way appears to be more common.

Sepsis is a serious condition that can be caused by many infections.

When we get an infection, we need to mount an immune response to fight off the pathogen. But an excessive immune response can cause damage and organ failure. This is what happens in the case of sepsis.

Read more: What is sepsis and how can it be treated?

Although it can be difficult to determine whether organ damage from the Wuhan coronavirus is a result of direct viral infection or indirect collateral damage from the immune system, initial reports suggested around 11% of people severely ill with the Wuhan coronavirus experienced sepsis with multi-organ failure.

So far no drugs or interventions have been able to dampen this immune response. Although several treatments have been proposed for Wuhan coronavirus, none have yet been shown to work.

Finally, patients who require hospital care may have complications. These include infections from intravenous lines (for drips/medication) or urinary catheters (flexible tubes inserted into the bladder to empty it of urine), pneumonia, or non-infectious complications such as falls or pressure sores.

Studies have found 10% of patients in hospital have some sort of health care-acquired infection, and around 5% have a pressure sore.

Hospitals work hard to try to prevent these complications, by making sure health care workers disinfect their hands and other equipment. However, complications still occur, particularly in patients who are debilitated from long hospital stays.

Read more: 1 in 10 patients are infected in hospital, and it's not always with what you think

While most respiratory viral infections are mild, some can trigger serious complications, either directly or indirectly. Its too early to tell how often this occurs with the Wuhan coronavirus. While we have initial data on those who were severely affected, many others may not have required medical care.

Read more here:
How does the Wuhan coronavirus cause severe illness? - The Conversation AU

Safety concerns and manufacturing shortcomings aside, existing CAR-T therapies Novartis Kymriah and Gileads Yescarta simply dont work in 10% to 20% of patients with B cell malignancies. What factors underpin this resistance to CAR-T therapy? The main culprit could be the cancer cells themselves, according to a team of researchers at Penn.

CAR-T therapies are engineered to work in this way: Cells are extracted from the patient and then manipulated in a lab where chimeric antigen receptors are added to direct the patients own T cells to snuff out specific cancer cells once re-infused back into the patient. But in a fraction of patients, the armed immune attack does not obliterate the disease. By targeting CD19, a marker present on almost all B cells, CAR-T therapies have shown remarkable potency and durability in a number of blood cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Research so far suggests that resistance to CAR-T therapies is related to the loss of CD19. When CD19 disappears from leukemic cells, they become invisible to CAR-T therapies, noted the studys co-senior author Marco Ruella, an assistant professor of hematology-oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, in an interview with Endpoints News.

That explains maybe half of the relapses in leukemia and maybe a third in lymphoma so there is still a vast majority of patients where we simply dont know whats going on, he said.

Another factor driving resistance was dysfunctional T cells, he added. What we are hypothesizing here is that there can be a third mechanismthat even in the presence of CD19 those leukemic cells are unable to die when they are triggered by CAR-T.

The constant presence of the leukemic cells that basically cannot die theyre sort of highlanders causes dysfunction in the T-cells. To start with the CAR-T (cells) are okay but then they keep trying to kill leukemic cells that intrinsically cannot die, and then, over time, they become dysfunctional.

The findings were published on Thursday in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

In the Penn study, researchers performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9-based screen of an ALL cell line to isolate pathways associated with resistance. Cells were edited for loss of function of single genes and combined with CAR-T cells for 24 hours to identify the pathway driving the primary resistance. The in vitro data showed thatin the ALL cells that resisted the CAR-T attack, there was a shortage of genes involved in activating the cell death pathway and a spike in genes necessary for evading the cell death pathway.

Instead of interrogating samples from patients that have failed to benefit from CAR-T therapies, the plan was to model a genome-wide resistance mechanism and then confirm it in patients. Many patients are now being treated with CAR-Ts, but still, the numbers are limited so this approach was used to discover aberrations that the limited number of patient samples would not be powered to identify, Ruella said.

We started with an unbiased genome-wide approach to study resistance and we saw that the new CRISPR/Cas9 genome knockout libraries were perfect because they would allow you to explore knockouts in the whole genome and interrogate it for resistance to CAR-T.

The findings were amplified in animal models. The researchers then tried to make sense of the results by using pediatric patient samples from previous CAR-T trials by analyzing the genes in leukemia cells and in T cells pre- and post-infusion from responders and non-responders. The data were stark: previously identified signaling pathways in cancer cells were directly associated with responses to CAR therapy, suggesting that death receptor signaling is a key regulator of primary resistance to CAR T cell therapy in ALL, the authors concluded.

This mechanism appears to rely on two phases: an initial resistance to death receptor-driven killing, followed by an antigen-driven, progressive impairment in CAR-T cell function. Together this leads to CAR T cell failure that perpetuates disease progression, they wrote.

Despite their abundant promise, the adoption of CAR-T therapies Novartis Kymriah and Gileads Yescarta has underwhelmed initial expectations.

The uptake of Kymriah was plagued by manufacturing problems, and despite Novartis attempt to expand its capacity, sales continue to disappoint commercially, giving Yescarta an edge in the market. Meanwhile, big side effects notably life-threatening episodes of cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity as well as the therapies expensive price tags have also limited their use. Other drug developers have taken note of these constraints and are developing off-the-shelf CAR-T therapies, designed to smoothen manufacturing complexities by using healthy donor cells.

But the team at Penn cautioned that the practice may not necessarily help the subset of patients whose cancer cells carry this proportion of unfavorable genes.

A possible implication of our observations is that the use of healthy donor (i.e. allogeneic donor or universal donor) T cells as a substrate for CAR T cell manufacturing may face the same barriers as autologous products, the authors wrote. Understanding how intrinsic and acquired T cell dysfunction cooperate to cause therapeutic failure will be critical to the design of the next generation of cellular therapies.

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UPDATED: Resistant to CAR-T therapies? It's the cancer, not your immune system study - Endpoints News

20 years ago, scientists for Celera Genomicsand the Human Genome Project sequenced the human genome. To accomplish this task, 30,000 genes were sequenced. It was a very big deal, and it opened the door to a new wave of biotech gene therapies.

Fast forward to today, Seattle-based companyAdaptive Biotechnologies(NASDAQ:ADPT)is sequencing the human immune system. This is far more difficult than mapping the human genome. Forget 30,000 -- your immune system houses 100 million genes. And on top of that, the company is mapping more than 30 billion immune receptors. (Adaptive has data rights to 20 billion of those receptors.)

All of this genetic sequencing requires massive amounts of computational power, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. And that's whereMicrosoft(NASDAQ:MSFT) comes in.

Image source: Getty Images.

In 2017, Microsoft and Adaptive signed a collaboration agreement. The companies are uniting to create a universal blood test that will allow doctors to read your immune system and find out what diseases your body is fighting. If you have cancer, for instance, your body is aware of the threat and your immune system is fighting the cancer cells. The idea is to have a blood test that allows doctors to hack into a person's immune system and find out what it knows. This will enable doctors to diagnose diseases early before symptoms develop. This early diagnosis would enable doctors to prescribe medicines that boost the immune system and cure the disease.

Adaptive calls this technology immunoSEQ Dx. Once Adaptive has mapped the immune characteristics of several diseases, it will be possible to look at an individual's immune system and determine what, if any, diseases the person's immune system is currently fighting. The idea is that your doctor can take a blood sample and screen for infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. CEO Chad Robins is forecasting the arrival of the universal blood test in six to eight years.

As part of the collaboration agreement, Microsoft invested $45 million in thebiotechstart-up.At a recent price of $30 a share, Microsoft's investment in Adaptive is now worth about $135 million. But Microsoft is doing more than just providing financing and equipment to Adaptive -- the software giant has also provided people. A joint team of about 50 employees built the AI from scratch. Co-founders Chad and Harlan Robins led the team from Adaptive; Jonathan Carlson, senior director of immunomics at Microsoft, and Desney Tan, the general manager of Microsoft Healthcare, headed up the software side. Speaking at a Geekwire summit, Tan said, "We really integrated ourselves as a single team. We've got offices in each other's facilities."

While the immunoSEQ Dx project with Microsoft might be the most exciting work Adaptive is doing, it's several years away. In the meantime, the AI engine is already producing diagnostic kits for the market. Using Adaptive's clonoSEQ technology, doctors can now test for minimal residual disease (MRD) in blood cancers. The Food and Drug Administration has already cleared clonoSEQ for a blood cancer called multiple myeloma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The company is submitting clonoSEQ to the FDA for chronic lymphoblastic leukemia as well.

Adaptive is also using immunoSEQ to create a diagnostic kit for research labs and biotech companies. According to Adaptive, more than 2,000 academic researchers are now using its technology. More than 125 biotech companies are using immunoSEQ, and this technology has facilitated 480 clinical trials.These revenue streams brought in $26 million in the third quarter, up 52% year over year.The company is estimating $85 million in revenues for the full year.

Adaptive also received $300 million in cash fromGenentech, a subsidiary ofRoche(OTC:RHHBY), last year. Genentech wants to use Adaptive's technology as the foundation of a new treatment paradigm for cancer. The idea is to tailor an individualized treatment for each patient based on what's discovered via the patient's immune system. The Roche deal could be worth over $2 billion to Adaptive if certain commercial milestones are hit.The alliance with Microsoft and the massive Genentech deal are a real validation of the underlying science.

In 2020, Adaptive plans to submit the first immunoSEQ diagnostic kits to the FDA for review. While the "universal blood test" is several years away, Adaptive will add indications one at a time. The company is starting with Lyme disease, celiac disease, and ovarian cancer.

As Tan said, "These guys are going to change the world, and we're thrilled to be a part of it."

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Why Is Microsoft Investing in Adaptive Biotechnologies? - The Motley Fool

By Jim Logan for UCSB | February 4, 2020 | 3:16 p.m.

Humans and hookworms have had a complicated relationship since the first day we stepped barefoot in the equatorial regions where the little parasites are endemic. Hookworms infect humans through skin contact. Larvae travel through the circulatory system before attaching to the small intestine, where they mature and feed on tissue and blood.

The result: anemia, a deficiency in red blood cells.

The consequences of hookworm infection are well known. Anemia affects more than 40 percent of pregnant women globally, with 25 percent of pregnant women infected with hookworm (species Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale).

Though hookworm and other intestinal worms are usually associated with tropical regions of the developing world, the U.S. South was infested with hookworm up through the 20th century.

Despite hookworm affecting upwards of 750 million people worldwide, little is known about the interactions between hookworm and pregnancy, or the effects on maternal and fetal health.

A paper in the American Journal of Human Biology led by UC Santa Barbara scholars investigates the relationship between hookworms and pregnancy in indigenous Tsimane women of the Bolivian Amazon.

The Tsimane are forager-farmers who live in a tropical rain forest environment, and so are exposed to many diverse pathogens including endemic hookworm. Tsimane women also have high fertility the average woman has nine births over her lifetime.

By analyzing longitudinal data, the researchers sought to determine if theres a tradeoff between mounting an immune response to hookworm and having a successful pregnancy.

Hookworm is such a common infection in many parts of the world and its a really ancient infection, said Amy S. Anderson, a UCSB anthropology doctoral student and lead author. And so its one that in a certain sense, our immune systems have become quite tolerant towards.

Local coverage of Santa Barbara projects and policy.

"But the way that our immune system shifts when were tolerating a chronic hookworm infection has some similarities with the way our immune system needs to tolerate the non-self that is a fetus growing during pregnancy.

As Anderson explained, a fetus is like a foreign organism that the mothers body has to both recognize as such and tolerate to sustain a successful pregnancy. Because hookworms and fetuses share immunological characteristics, the papers authors hypothesized that changes in maternal immunity aimed at ensuring fetal tolerance may dampen immune responses to hookworm during pregnancy.

They wondered if as a result, pregnant women might be more susceptible to new hookworm infections and higher morbidity, especially anemia, from existing infections.

To test their hypothesis, the researchers analyzed a mix of cross-sectional and longitudinal data on hemoglobin, hookworm infection, several markers of parasite-induced inflammation, and whether a woman was pregnant and in which trimester.

Their findings, though preliminary, show some support for the hypothesized interaction between pregnancy and hookworm infections: pregnant women are slightly more likely to experience hookworm infection, and possibly worse health effects of that and other infections she may be exposed to during pregnancy.

The effects are small and mostly concentrated in the first trimester, especially the excess hemoglobin loss and immune modulatory changes," Anderson said. But they support the idea that immune shifts in the first trimester navigate a slight trade-off between responding to hookworm infection and tolerating a fetus, because a first-semester fetus is more likely to get caught in friendly fire from moms immune system.

"In the eyes of the immune system, the cluster of [fetal] cells at the beginning of pregnancy appears to have more similarities to parasites like hookworm than a third-trimester fetus does.

Further, Anderson said, the findings indicate that we may want to keep a closer watch on pregnant women in their first trimester, because we dont know what the long-term implications of a womans first trimester disruptions are on her or her childs health down the line.

As Michael Gurven, a senior author on the paper and professor of anthropology at UCSB, explained, Consequences of hookworm infection on pregnancy and immune function, and of pregnancy on infection and immunity this is unexplored territory. Yet pre-natal exposures are now recognized as having lots of different downstream health impacts across the life course.

The role of our wormy old friends in modulating immune function in ways that dont just harm but might even protect against certain chronic conditions is also changing how we think about infection, Gurven said. We still have much to learn about the health ecology of mom, baby and worms, and this study is just the beginning.

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UCSB Scholars Study Effects of Pregnancy on Hookworm Infections in Bolivian Amazon - Noozhawk

FINDINGS

In a UCLA-led phase I clinical trial, a new plant-based drug called APG-157 showed signs of helping patients fight oral and oropharyngeal cancers. These cancers are located in the head and the neck.

APG-157 is made up of multiple compounds produced by plants, including curcumin. UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that treatment with this botanical drug resulted in high concentrations of curcumin and its byproducts circulating in the blood and absorbed by tumor tissues within three hours after being taken orally.

APG-157 reduced the concentration of cytokines proteins involved in inflammation in the saliva when administered to cancer patients. The therapy also reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroides species, a group of gram-negative bacteria. Gram negative refers to a group of dangerous bacteria that have an outer layer which hides them from the immune system. The relative abundance of gram-negative bacteria compared to the presence of other types of bacteria is correlated with oral cancer.

APG-157 also resulted in the expression of genes that are associated with attracting immune system T cells to the tumor area. This therapy could have a beneficial effect when used in combination with immunotherapy drugs that help immune system T cells recognize and kill tumors.

The treatment did not have any adverse effects on the studys participants.

Cancers of the head and neck account for 4% of all cancers. About 650,000 new cases are reported each year around the world. People with advanced head and neck cancers have a low survival rate and current treatment options such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can have adverse effects. Therefore, more effective and less toxic therapies are needed to help improve the quality of life and outcome for those with these cancers.

APG-157 is a botanical drug developed under the FDAs Botanical Drug Guidance, which includes requirements for production of plant-based therapies that are marketed as prescription medications. The drug is made up of botanical compounds including curcumin from the Curcuma longa plant, which is commonly referred to as turmeric and is a member of the ginger family.

Curcumin is one of the medicinally active or therapeutic molecules that has been tested as a possible treatment to help fight multiple cancers because it is an antioxidant that reduces swelling and inflammation. However, there is poor absorption into the bloodstream when curcumin is taken orally. In this study, UCLA researchers found that when APG-157 is taken through oral mucosal absorption, patients have high levels of curcumin circulating in their blood and absorbed by cancer tissues.

UCLA researchers conducted the study of APG-157 comparing 12 people who had oral and oropharyngeal cancer with a control group of 13 people who did not have cancer. The reason both the people with cancer and without cancer were part of the study was to show that the drug was not toxic to either people with cancer or those without cancer.

The medication was given each hour for three hours and was delivered as a lozenge that slowly dissolved in the mouth. Blood and saliva samples were collected beforehand each of the three hours the medication was administered and 24 hours after the last dosage. The medication was given to 12 people (some who had cancer and some who did not) and a placebo was given to 13 people. Blood and electrocardiogram tests did not show increased toxicity in the people who took the active medication in comparison with the people who took the placebo, regardless of whether they had cancer or not.

For the cancer patients who took the medication, there was a decrease in Bacteroides and an increase in T cells in the tumor tissue as compared to cancer patients who took the placebo. Neither the subjects nor the investigators knew whether the drug or a placebo was given when reviewing the blood and saliva test results of the blinded study.

APG-157 is a botanical drug that has low toxicity. It works effectively to reduce inflammation that contributes to the growth of cancer cells. It also attracts T cells to the tumor micro-environment. When used in combination with immunotherapy drugs, APG-157 might have the ability to make the immune system more effective in attacking head and neck cancers. With potential to inhibit the growth of Bacteroides species, APG-157 could also improve cancer therapy through oral microbial changes.

Dr. Marilene Wang from UCLA was the corresponding author. Other UCLA authors include: Saroj Basak, Alexander Yoon, Marco Morselli, Chan Jeong, Anela Tosevska, Tien Dong, Hassan Nasser, Venu Lagishetty, Rong Guo, Dipti Sajed, Kym Faull, Jonathan Jacobs, Matteo Pellegrini, Daniel Sanghoon Shin and Eri Srivatsan. Authors from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Maryland and Aveta Biomics also participated in the study.

The research is published in CANCER, a journal published by the American Cancer Society.

Funding for the study was provided by Aveta Biomics.

Authors Parag Mehta, Sharmila Mudgal and Luis Avila are employed by Aveta Biomics. They had no role in the recruitment of people for this study or the collection and analyses of the samples. They, as with all the authors, did not have any information on the subjects, therapy or placebo given until completion of the study.

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Botanical drug is shown to help patients with head and neck cancers - UCLA Newsroom

As the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (nCoV-2019) has become an alarming global pandemic, with two cases now being reported in the Philippines, taking precautions towards ones health and wellbeing has become essential. Besides not being able to report to work, the risky possibility of infecting others is also there.

Apart from having frequently clean hands through regular washing, plus avoiding close contact with anyone who has fever and cough, one effective way to avoid falling ill is by boosting your immune system. And while a cure for 2019-nCoV is still being developed; thankfully, there exists a natural, scientifically-proven method of immune system strengtheningthe intake of coconut oil!

According to a paper entitled The Potential of Coconut Oil as an Effective and Safe Antiviral Agent Against the Novel Coronavirus (nCov-2019) authored by Fabian M. Dayrit, Ph.D, of the Ateneo de Manila University, and Mary T. Newport, M.D., of Springhill Nematology of Florida, USA, they have confirmed what has been known for many years: that Lauric acid (C12), a medium-chain fatty acid which makes up about 50% of coconut oil, and its derivative, monolaurin, a metabolite that is naturally produced by the bodys own enzymes upon ingestion of coconut oil and is also available in pure form as a supplement, possesses significant antiviral activity.

Specifically, Sodium lauryl sulfate, a common surfactant that is made from lauric acid, has been shown to have potent antiviral properties. Coconut oil and its derivatives have been shown to be safe and effective antiviral compounds in both humans and animals, both eminent authors state. They therefore suggest that Coconut Oil be considered as a general prophylactic against viral and microbial infection.

On a consumer level, what then are the best sources of C12 Lauric Acid? Theres coconut cooking oil which has 45% Lauric Acid; Coconut milk which has 15-25%; Desiccated Coconut and whole coconuts which have 16%; and Virgin Coconut Oil or VCO which has 45% Lauric Acid + Polyphenol antioxidants.

Of course, it is worth stressing that not all VCOs are created equal. The VCO you take has to be USDA certifiedorganic, non-GMO, unbleached and unrefined, and should not be deodorized. For this, theres only ProSource products!

Founded in 1995, ProSource International now readily serves customers in North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe, providing an extensive range of the highest quality organic and conventional coconut products, all Halal and Kosher certified, and manufactured under GMP and HACCP systems.

Among the healthful products you can enjoy include ProSource Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, NUCO Coconut Crunch, a grain-free cereal, and NUCO Coconut Wraps that come in original, cinnamon, turmeric and moringa flavors!

For more information, visitprosourcecoconut.comor their Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/ProSourceVCO/.

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Give your immune system a boost with ProSource Virgin Coconut Oil and Nuco coconut-based products - Business Mirror

If you watch the news you have likely heard of the Coronavirus outbreak. The 12th US case of coronavirus reported in Wisconsin today.The 2019-nCoV outbreak has led to nearly 25,000 illnesses and 500 deaths in mainland China, as well as more than 200 illnesses and two deaths outside of mainland China.

What is the Coronavirus?

Symptoms of the new coronavirus include fever, cough and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC.It's estimated that symptoms may appear as soon as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure, the CDC said. The NEJM study published on Jan. 29 estimated that, on average, people show symptoms about five days after they are infected.

How can you protect yourself and others?

In general, the CDC recommends the following to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay home when you are sick and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Strengthen your immune system. There are several ways to boost your own immunity in order to protect your health.

Nourish Your Body. It is important to be consciously aware of what you are putting in your body daily. Incorporating certain foods to your daily diet can boost the overall immune system for your body. A balanced diet is the most important factor to build a strong immune system. Also, eat lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, which will give your body nutrients and fulfill your immune system needs.We all should make sure to keep our diet in check and in doing so this can prepare the bodyto have a higher immunity to fight off any outside threats.Consult your doctor to learn what is best for your personal blood and specific body type.

Stay Active. It is always good to keep your blood flowing and exercise daily. Taking time to go for a walk, or jump rope, or even stretch can not only boost your overall body health but also provide mental clarity and reduce stress levels.

Stay Hydrated. Drinking natural spring water or organic herbal teas have several health benefits. The best time is in the morning when you wake up or in the evening before bed. Do your own studying for this topic as you all already know discoveries are made daily and it's important to stay informed.

Essential oils including sage for cough or sore throat, also helps with other respiratory issues. Oregano oil has a high amount of vitamin and nutrients thus to strengthen the immune system, mint has antioxidants that can aid in the process of boosting an immunity to prepare the body for fighting off any outside threats to the overall health of the body.

Life is a giftand everyday we have an opportunity to grow healthier andhappier. Remember to pray, stay humble, repent and be grateful for every breath of fresh air. Lets all take moment to pray away any other forms of a virus that could cause harm to humanity, power of prayer.

Blessings of Peace for Prosperity of Spirituality.

_____________

All information is intended to motivate readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their health care provider.

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Coronavirus has reached the US Now what? | Health & Wellness - CL Charlotte

From inside FirstHealths Clara McLean House blares James Browns I Feel Good.

Who feels good in here? asks a bubbly Rachel Shell, MT-BC, of her troupe of men and women, all with Parkinsons disease. As the song progresses, Shell leads them to march their feet, swing their arms to the beat and sing along, if they choose.

Next on the playlist is New York, New York by Frank Sinatra with instructions for participants to kick up their legs while seated. I see some Rockette wannabes in here, Shell cajoles.

A dance party? Perhaps, but this party has specific purposes.

People with Parkinsons disease often experience muscle freezing and have a difficult time initiating movement, says Shell. As humans, we are naturally rhythmic beings and the rhythmic beat of music helps patients with Parkinsons move more naturally and easily. Shell is a certified music therapist and owner of Birdsong Music Therapy who was hired by FirstHealth of the Carolinas to complement patients overall health care plans.

The use of music as a healing influence began as early as 500 B.C. but the idea took hold as a profession when community musicians played at the bedsides of World War I and World War II veterans who suffered from physical and emotional trauma. The patients improvement was so notable that doctors requested their hospitals hire musicians.

As demand among health care providers grew, so did empirical evidence proving that music therapy can help alleviate numerous physical and emotional issues, including pain, impaired speech and mobility, depression, short-term memory loss and much more.

Now board-certified music therapists are recognized health care professionals who use music activities, both instrumental and vocal, to facilitate changes that are not musical in nature.

Music therapy can be wonderful for patients who are experiencing pain and symptoms that are difficult to control through traditional medical interventions, reports Shell, a Moore County native and Pinecrest High School graduate who earned a bachelors degree in music therapy from Queens University in Charlotte. Because music therapy is a non-invasive and non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are possible for individuals of all ages.

Music therapy got its official start at FirstHealth in 2017 as an outgrowth of the health care systems Parkinsons Support Group of the Sandhills.

We learned that music can be beneficial for individuals with Parkinsons, so we asked Rachel to start a monthly program here, said Laura Kuzma, MSW, former Foundation for FirstHealth Volunteer and Care NET coordinator and current Oncology Support Services and Patient Navigation supervisor. When Rachel started the programs, FirstHealth didnt have much experience in music therapy. But when we saw her in action, we realized just how powerful music can be and how it positively affects patients and their caregivers.

Kuzma noted that patients who came in with difficulty speaking, moving and remembering left with significant improvementso much so that many were talking, singing and dancing. They also enjoyed a meaningful social outlet.

Now in addition to a monthly music therapy session for patients with Parkinsons, Shell conducts Claras Choir for individuals with Parkinsons, dementia and aphasia, a language impairment that affects patients ability to produce or comprehend speech.

We have so much fun, said Shell. It looks like were just singing, but were really connecting with each other and working through some speech and cognitive challenges. Plus, with all the good neurochemicals were producing, were also fighting the blues and promoting a healthy immune system. There are so many benefits of singing with others.

Rachel is gifted in making music meaningful for our patients, their caregivers and our staff, said Kathryn McEntire, Foundation of FirstHealth program coordinator at Claras House. After seeing how music impacted patients with Parkinsons, Kuzma and McEntire asked Shell to assist in other areas of the health care system. Now Shell assists patients, families and the nursing staff at FirstHealth Hospice and provides stress management services for nurses during National Nurses Week.

Most recently Shell started singing weekly at the FirstHealth Outpatient Cancer Center in Pinehurst, where cancer survivor Nancy Scaggs receives monthly treatments to support her immune system.

I always enjoy my time at the Cancer Center because everyone is so sweet, said the Pinehurst resident. But one day I just wasnt feeling tip-top. My nurse-friends asked if I wanted a nice lady to come sing. Normally I would have agreed but I declined. Then I heard someone playing Country Roads on the guitar and knew I had to meet her. The native West Virginian and Shell crooned numerous songs together, mainly Scaggs requests for Motown hits. We had the best time, said Scaggs. I just love her.

Shell noted that music is a great people connector. Once at the outpatient cancer center I was playing an Elvis tune, and that got patients, family members and staff throughout the floor talking about their favorite Elvis hits. She said the lively conversation continued long after she left. They might not have started talking if it werent for Elvis, Shell quipped.

Music therapy at FirstHealth is funded by the Foundation of FirstHealth, the health care systems division that envisions and guides philanthropy programs and activities. Health care budgets are tight and its difficult to determine whats essential, said Foundation President Kathy Stockham. Thats the leverage the Foundation offers. We can fund small pilot projects to see what works, and music therapy certainly does.

What Rachel offers today is just the start of how FirstHealth would like to incorporate music therapy as an everyday modality of care, said Stockham, noting a particular goal of offering music therapy throughout the new, four-story comprehensive cancer center to be built on Page Road in Pinehurst. Thanks to financial gifts from the community, the Foundation can help make that happen. This is a community effort.

Music therapy allows us to help not just patients, but their families and our own staff. Its a natural extension of FirstHealths mission to care for people, said McEntire. We just need five more Rachels.

For information about the Parkinsons Support Group of the Sandhills, Claras Choir or music therapy offered at FirstHealth of the Carolinas, go to https://www.firsthealth.org/clara-mclean-house/programs-services-patient-support-groups-advocacy, email Kathryn McEntire at KMcEntire@firsthealth.org or call (910) 715-4230.

Courtesy feature photo: Rachel Shell, MT-BC, certified music therapist and Nancy Scaggs, a patient at the FirstHealth Outpatient Cancer Center.

Contributed

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'Dance Parties' at Clara's House serve as welcome therapy for Parkinson's patients - Sandhill Sentinel

Strengthening the immunity is a very important thing. In order to be in top shape, healthy, strong, cheerful, energetic and maximally productive, we must take care of our mind and body. For our organism to work as a perfect mechanism, we must keep an eye on its parts and take care of every beat. For the perfect pulse, a resistant and healthy organism, it is necessary to provide the body with strong immunity.

The function of the immune system is to protect the body from all factors that could impair our health. With a severely damaged immune system, no one can survive despite the treatment with the most effective antibiotics. On this occasion, research scientist and structural biologist Douglas Rosenthal shares some helpful ways to strengthen your immune system and fight off disease.

Doug Rosenthal conducts research studies of the molecules that form cells and pathogens. He focuses on how pathogens infect and cause disease by producing virulence factors that target host cell molecules.

Immune system function. Why is it so important?

The immune system is activated every time a foreign body or organism is found in the human body. These are usually microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) as well as pollution particles or toxins, and we call these factors antigens. There are millions of antigens that can even have slight differences between them, which are recognized by the immune system and triggered by a response called the immune response. It is a very important task of this system to remember foreign matter and distinguish it from those belonging to the human body.

Immunity is the ability of an organism to defend itself by its mechanisms against viruses, infections, bacteria, parasites and other pathogens. As biologist Douglas Rosenthal says, there are several types of immunity, naturally acquired, artificially acquired, active and passive.

Naturally acquired immunity is one that the baby inherits from the mother, that is, antibodies that, during pregnancy, the mother transmits via the placenta to the fetus or via milk to the infant.

Artificially acquired immunity is an artificially enhanced organism to fight disease, that is, to inject antibodies that are introduced into the body, for example through vaccination.

Active immunity is created and renewed throughout life. For example, when a virus invades the body, the body creates cells that remember the body's defense response to that virus, and the next time the same virus attacks the body, the body already knows how to defend itself (healing diseases).

Passive immunity is an antibody transfer but it is not long lasting. Artificially made immunity is resorted to when there is a high risk that, for example, a particular virus will invade an organism, and there is not enough time for the organism to generate antibodies for defense itself.

How to strengthen your immunity in the best way

Above all, one should pay attention to lifestyle. Enough sleep - at least eight hours, regular physical but well-chosen activity, preferably three times a week, staying in nature, relaxing with loved ones, eliminating stress, enough water intake, recommended dose at least 8 glasses a day.

Listening to and taking care of your body is certainly a real weapon against the wicked enemies that lurk every moment of weakness to attack our bodies.

Being in harmony with immunity

According to researcher Douglas Rosenthal, the individual part must always be connected to the whole, if the whole is not right, its parts will suffer. To cure the disease is primarily to enable the body as a whole, or ideally, to function in accordance with its environment. In order to get the best recipes and guidelines, instructions and recommendations, it is necessary to monitor your body's signals and consult with a professional for further steps.

See the article here:
Douglas Rosenthal on Strengthening the Immune System - Patch.com

By Eleni Sakellis January 24, 2020

Spinach salad. Photo: By cyclonebill, via Wikimedia Commons

Foods that boost your immune system can help keep you healthy all year long, even in the midst of cold and flu season. Simple, nutrient-rich foods, full of anti-oxidants that fight free radicals support immune health. The gut is also a major part of the bodys immune system and keeping the gut healthy contributes to our overall health and well-being. A balanced diet and moderate exercise are not only good for you, they help you feel better as well, even if the long, dark winter is getting you down. Try the following recipes to help keep your immune system in top condition. For those who unfortunately do come down with cold or flu symptoms, consult your physician.

Healthy Smoothie

1 cup fresh baby spinach3/4 cup frozen green grapes1/2 cup brewed green tea, cooled1 medium ripe kiwi, peeled and chopped1 sprig fresh mint leaves1/2 medium apple, cored and chopped

Add the spinach, grapes, green tea, kiwi, mint, and chopped apple to the bowl of a blender. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed for the desired consistency.

Spinach and Feta Salad with Walnuts

1/3 cup walnuts, chopped1 lemon1/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil1 package fresh, pre-washed baby spinach1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced1/2 cup crumbled fetaGreek sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring for about two minutes until their fragrance is released, careful not to burn them. Transfer to a plate to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the juice of half the lemon and the olive oil. Add the spinach, apple slices, walnuts, salt and pepper to taste and toss to coat with lemon and olive oil. Add additional lemon juice to taste, if preferred. Serve immediately.

Healthy Fruit Salad

Apples, choppedOranges, peeled and sectionedKiwis, peeled and dicedPineapple, choppedGrapesPomegranate seeds2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint, optionalGreek yogurt, optional

Place the cut fruits in a large bowl and mix carefully to combine. Add the grapes, cutting in half if they happen to be very large, stir and garnish the top with pomegranate seeds and fresh mint, if using. For adults only, add half or a whole bottle of white wine or champagne for special occasions, and stir. Let the fruit salad marinade for half an hour or refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Stir before serving in individual bowls, spooning some of the liquid over the top. Any leftover juices and wine make for a refreshing drink. For more Greek flavor, serve with Greek yogurt for extra protein. If preferred, top with your favorite flavor of ice cream and enjoy as a sundae.A diversity of fruits in your fruit salad adds complexity and interest, not to mention vital phytonutrients to your diet. Use about a cup of fruit per person to determine the amount of fruit you will need for your salad. The fruits listed in the recipe are suggestions, so choose your favorites and enjoy.

Here is the original post:
Food to Boost Your Immune System and Fight the Flu - The National Herald

KUALA LUMPUR: As international scientists and medical experts strive to find a cure and vaccine for the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCov), there is also a need for Malaysians to play their part by strengthening their immune system.

Boosting the immune system would help the body fight viruses and bacterial attacks, said Malaysian Medical Association president Dr N. Ganabaskaran.

He said Malaysians should practise good eating habits and choose food that strengthened the immune system.

He said a strong immune system could reduce the risks of viral and bacteria infections.

The immune system can help the body fight infections caused by viruses and speed up the recovery process after an infection.

The immune system is the bodys defence against infectious organisms and other invaders.

The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body.

However, Dr Ganabaskaran, said everyones immune system was different due to factors such as age, eating habits and lifestyle.

Thus, it is important to make sure that our immune system is strong and fit to fight.

One of the most important vitamins that boosts the immune system is Vitamin C.

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr N. Ganabaskaran. - NSTP/ASYRAF HAMZAH

A lack of Vitamin C can make you more prone to getting sick.

Then we have Vitamin B6, which is vital in supporting biochemical reactions in the immune system, and thirdly, Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that aids the body to fight off infections.

He stressed the importance of getting enough vitamins for a stronger immune system.

He said a healthy diet and adequate consumption of vitamins were essential for a strong immune system.

Consuming food that boost the immune system was encouraged in light of the influenza and 2019 n-CoV outbreak, he said.

He said food that boost the immune system included green vegetables, dairy products, kiwi fruit, lemons and oranges, as well as nuts like almonds and cashew, which were high in vitamins and antioxidants.

Even cooked poultry and shellfish are important immune boosters due to the protein and zinc they provide. It is also advisable to avoid consuming half-cooked or raw food for a while.

Shellfish that are high in zinc include crab, clams, lobster and mussels. However, observe the daily recommended amount (11mg for men and 8mg for women). Too much zinc can inhibit the immune system. Deficiencies in Vitamin D may lead to poor bone growth, cardiovascular problems and a weak immune system.

Choose supplements that contain D3 (cholecalciferol), since its good for raising your blood levels of Vitamin D.

Nutritionist Dr Sareena Hanim Hamzah said a balanced diet comprising carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, as well drinking enough water, were essential to boosting the immune system.

Fruits and vegetables of various colours are important for the body to replenish and strengthen ones immunity. Fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin C, E and antioxidants that can enhance the immune system to fight against infections and pathogens.

She said citrus fruits and berries were among the best for strengthening the immune system. For vegetables, she recommended bell peppers, broccoli and spinach.

However, consumption must be in moderation.

Generally, people without any underlying health issues will not be affected by slightly higher intake, but for people who may have pre-existing health conditions or have had medical procedures done, for example to the heart, its best to consult a nutritionist for a customised regime.

Sareena said besides fruits and vegetables with high Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, seeds were also essential for boosting the immune system.

For instance, she said, sunflower seeds had phosphorous, magnesium and Vitamin B6.

Vitamin E is important for regulating and maintaining immune system function. Other foods with high Vitamin E include avocados, dark leafy greens and nuts.

Based on scientific research from around the world, garlic, ginger, dark chocolate and green tea are also good for the body, she said, adding that Vitamin D and probiotics from yogurt improved the immune system.

Vitamins B6 from poultry and foods with Vitamin D were recommended, she said.

Sareena urged people to practise good eating habits and stay away from processed food.

Same thing applies to high-sugar food and drinks as they may act just the opposite and accumulate unnecessary fats or lead to other medical problems.

To stay fit and have a strong immune system, people should complement a good diet with frequent or regular exercise for the best results.

Go here to read the rest:
'Make sure immune system is strong and fit to fight' - New Straits Times

Q: What is immunotherapy, and what kinds of cancer can it treat?

A: Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that activates a patients immune system to identify and destroy diseases such as cancer.

Immunotherapy is the future of cancer care, said Dr. Theodoros Teknos, president and scientific director of the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and deputy director of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.

This type of treatment is being used to fight a number of cancers of the blood and solid organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and uterus. It has been shown most effective in lymphomas, leukemias, melanoma and lung cancer, Teknos said.

The Cleveland Clinic annually treats a few dozen patients with immunotherapy vaccines, the health system said.

Some patients who undergo immunotherapy treatments see their cancerous tumors disappear, said Dr. Dale Shepard, medical oncologist at the Cleveland Clinics Taussig Cancer Center.

A 2019 clinical trial suggested that immunotherapy could give some men with advanced prostate cancer who have exhausted all other treatment options two years or more of life.

UH and the Cleveland Clinic are using these therapies to treat cancer and conducting clinical trials of new immunotherapies. MetroHealth System is holding clinical trials of a new form of immunotherapy for women with recurrent cervical cancer.

UH is the only Midwest site taking part in a new clinical trial investigating the use of immunotherapy on glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. The trial uses a modified polio virus to target tumor cells and kill them directly, and create an anti-tumor immune response to kill additional tumors.

This is the hottest area of research, Teknos said.

A patients age has no bearing on how well immunotherapy will work, Shepard said. He gave the example of former President Jimmy Carter, who at age 95 is being treated with immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy holds great promise, but it has limitations. The treatments can be used for only some types of cancer, and can come with severe side effects. Costs also can spiral north of $100,000.

Here are some often-used types of immunotherapy:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors

Cancer cells secrete a protein that turns off the immune system. Checkpoint drugs allow the bodys immune system to identify cancer cells and fight them, Teknos said.

Checkpoint inhibitors take the tumors Invisibility Cloak off, UHs Teknos said, using a Harry Potter reference.

Checkpoint inhibitors currently on the market include the brands Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) and Opdivo (Nivolumab).

Checkpoint inhibitors hold the potential for very, very good and long-lasting responses, Shepard said. Chemotherapy typically will not do that.

CAR-T cell therapy

Bodies fight infection using a type of immune cell called T cells. CAR-T-cell therapy works by removing T-cells from a patients blood and modifying them in a laboratory to chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). These altered T-cells are returned to the patients body, where they recognize and destroy cancer cells.

They go out and seek tumors, Shepard said.

Cancer vaccines

Some types of anti-cancer vaccines target specific proteins found on cancer tumors. This type of anti-cancer vaccine has to be specially tailored for a specific patient.

FDA-approved vaccines include Provenge (sipuleucel-T), which is infused through an IV, for prostate cancer, the Clinic said. Another anti-cancer vaccine is talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) for melanoma; it is injected into the tumor.

Other anti-cancer vaccines utilize viruses that grow inside tumors and cause the cancerous cells to break apart. This allows the bodys immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

There are serious risks

Immunotherapy isnt always successful. Some patients see their tumors shrink, but others see no response, or their tumor increases in size, Shepard said.

We dont know how to tell whos who, Shepard said.

Theres evidence that in some cases, ramped-up immune systems created by these therapies attack healthy organs, according to a 2016 New York Times article.

Studies suggest that severe reactions occur nearly 20% of the time with certain drugs, and in more than half of patients when some drugs are used in combination.

Patient deaths led Seattle-based Juno Theraputics to permanently shut down its clinical trial of an immunotherapy to treat acute lymphoblasic leukemia in adults, according to a 2017 Seattle Times article. Five patients in the trials died, but the fifth death could not be tied to the trial. Juno Theraputics did not respond to requests for comment.

Expensive care

Because immunotherapy treatments are time-consuming to make, and sometimes must be personalized for individual patients, they often cost more than $100,000 per patient.

When the therapies are used in combination, costs can double or triple, according to the online publication Vox. For example, CAR-T is $350,000 to $500,000 per treatment, Teknos said.

Private health insurance companies sometimes wont cover immunotherapy costs, even if a physician recommends the treatment, according to Vox. Copays are so high that they put the treatment out of reach for most people, the article said.

Medicare doesnt cover the costs of Keytruda or Optivo, according to GoodRx.

When immunotherapy is given to a hospital inpatient, it is included under the diagnosis-related group payment system used to determine hospital payments, a Medicare spokesman said. Local Medicare administrators determine Medicare coverage for outpatient immunotherapy treatments.

Further reading

More detail about Medicare coverage of immunotherapy

The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC)

This professional society for the advancement of immunotherapy offers a 40-page booklet free to download.

Cancer.Net

Additional information on immunotherapy in each cancer-specific section.

GoodRx lists patient assistance programs for Opdivo.

ResearchMatch

This is an NIH-funded free registry for people trying to find research studies to join.

Recent Health Matters columns by Julie Washington:

Hospitals say leave meds at home; readers say otherwise

Where to get help paying your medical bill

Tips for a smooth transition to a skilled nursing facility

Local celebrities share their healthy 2020 resolutions: Health Matters

Creating healthy habits for 2020: Health Matters

Shingles vaccine and virus: What you need to know: Health Matters

In her column, patient advocacy writer Julie Washington will answer readers questions about navigating health-care systems. (She will not address individual treatments.) Your comments may be published in a future story or column. Send questions and comments for publication including your name, city and daytime phone number to jwashington@plaind.com. You can also find Julie on Twitter @JulieEWash.

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Immunotherapy called the future of cancer care, but not without risks, costs: Health Matters - cleveland.com