by Life Credit Company | Oct 6, 2016 | Cancer Treatments & Therapies
Cutting-edge cancer research is taking place across the world every day, and one recent study has produced some promising results. In a small research project conducted at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, scientists found high rates of remission in patients who underwent a unique chemotherapy program followed by an immune-based treatment. Though the research suggests a new way to provide help for cancer patients, particularly those facing blood cancers, it is not without its limitations. What the study says The study involved 32 patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, who had unsuccessfully tried other therapies. Each was given chemotherapy, of varying regimens, to attack and kill cancerous cells, before an immunotherapy called CAR-T was introduced. That approach involves the introduction of healthy T cells that have been genetically modified to destroy any remaining cancer cells. The researchers found the best results when patients were given a chemotherapy regimen that incorporated two drugs: 64 percent of those patients went into remission, while only 8 percent of the patients who received chemo with one drug achieved remission. Pros and cons Previous research has indicated the value of immunotherapy, but this study took that finding a bit further with its high remission rates. However, there are some drawbacks. Once the engineered T cells were re-introduced to patients, many had negative side effects. For instance, more than half experienced low blood pressure and inflammation, a few had to be admitted to the intensive care unit and others developed language problems. The study proved fatal for two of the patients, those who received the highest dose of the T cells. While help for cancer patients...
by Life Credit Company | Sep 15, 2016 | Cancer Treatments & Therapies
We can all likely remember the freeing fun we had coloring pictures, painting and making creative artwork as children. The soothing nature of art is not just for recreation — art therapy is now being used as a real option in the fight against cancer. A cancer diagnosis is accompanied by an often-overwhelming amount of stress: anxiety about one’s future, worries over medical bills and concerns about day-to-day logistics of managing a medical crisis. Support for cancer patients exists in many forms, with simple creative activities increasingly being sought to offer a peaceful reprieve from the pressures of a fight against cancer. What the Research Says There is a wealth of evidence that suggests the healing power of creative-arts therapies. For instance, the National Institutes of Health conducted a study that found such therapies reduced anxiety and depression, as well as physical pain, for cancer patients. The research, which involved nearly 1,600 patients, suggested that art therapy was similar in its impact to traditional stress-reducing activities like yoga and acupuncture. Overall, study participants who undertook art therapy reported a better quality of life than patients who did not. With a more positive outlook, patients are empowered to face their disease head on, which can have resounding results on their health. Art Therapy in Practice There are many options for people looking to incorporate art therapy into their treatment plans. The American Art Therapy Association offers a comprehensive listing of more than 5,000 art therapists around the nation. People looking for services can search by their home state to read profiles of each therapist. Many states also operate their own...
by Life Credit Company | Apr 27, 2016 | Cancer Treatments & Therapies
For many of us, the stress from a hard day at work quickly disappears when we’re greeted at the front door by our four-legged friends, eagerly wagging their tails. Dogs, cats and other pets have an amazing therapeutic effect, an idea that is being used to provide help for cancer patients. Why animal therapy? We’ve all heard of chemotherapy for cancer patients, but animal-assisted therapy is a concept many people may not be familiar with. The trend centers on the concept that animals can be mood-boosters and, when patients are dealing with a diagnosis as scary as cancer, lifting one’s spirits can promote better physical and mental health. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, animals can be an important source of both distraction and comfort; often, cancer patients are focused on their condition around the clock, but when they instead devote their attention to a visiting animal, they’re given a helpful reprieve from their stress. Also, simply petting an animal has been shown to stimulate your mood. Cynthia Ingram, the Animal Therapy Coordinator at Cancer Treatment Centers of America’s Illinois campus, noted that studies have proven that therapy dogs may lower levels of anxiety and depression. “Therapy dogs can provide for a sense of comfort and overall wellbeing, and present a more home-like atmosphere,” she added. How does it work? Cancer programs across the country are incorporating animal-assisted therapy into their services. In addition to Cancer Treatment Centers, pet programs have also sprung up at places like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Pet Partners is an entire organization devoted to connecting animals with...
by Life Credit Company | Oct 30, 2015 | Cancer Treatments & Therapies
Anybody who has ever had a loved one who has dealt with cancer knows the feelings of helplessness and fear that can occur upon a diagnosis. But when it comes to a child being diagnosed, that’s a whole other level of devastation. Due to today’s technology, more than 80 percent of kids with cancer now survive for five years or more. Still, pediatric cancer is the second leading cause of death in people younger than 15 years of age. Here are the major types of cancer that affect children and what to do if your son or daughter is ever diagnosed. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia This is the most common type of cancer in kids and accounts for more than 30 percent of all pediatric cases. Symptoms include bones and joint pain, fever, weight loss, weakness, and bleeding. Brain Tumors This makes up about 27 percent of childhood cancers. Signs include headaches, balance issues, vision or hearing problems and frequent vomiting. Wilms Tumor Wilms tumors occur in the kidneys and cause swelling of the belly, fever, pain, and poor appetite. The disease is typically found in kids that are ages three to four. When Your Child has Cancer Dealing with a diagnosis of cancer can be very, very tough to do. There will be many emotions that will run through your head. Some things to keep in mind when you first receive the diagnosis are: It will be a crisis for the entire family Ways to improve coping include getting help from a support group or cancer team, involving others and taking the time to care for yourself Get a second...
by Life Credit Company | Jun 3, 2015 | Cancer Treatments & Therapies
Newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families have a lot of questions, making it critical to quickly identify reliable resources for emotional, physical and financial support. The first place patients tend to head is to their computers, which can have both positive and negative impact, depending upon the type of information they discover. Though surfing the web can be perilous, there is a lot to be said for a little anonymous comfort-seeking and the ability to immediately connect to patients in all stages of the disease. Most of the prominent cancer organizations have online communities and can quickly put patients on a path of positivity and productivity by addressing the most pressing concerns such as finding the right doctor, making sense of the statistics, what to expect from surgery and chemotherapy, where to find a local support group, and how to stay healthy while undergoing treatment. Still others focus on the practical aspects of handing a cancer diagnosis: how to pay for treatment, how to navigate health insurance red tape, where to go for free services to help minimize costs, understanding legal matters, and short- and longterm financial planning. All of this information is essential for patients and their families, which is why the team at Life Credit devotes several hours each week to researching and familiarizing themselves with both the benefits and deficits of relying on cancer support organizations during this scary and uncertain time. In an effort to help our clients find the resources that best match their needs, the Life Credit blog is kicking off a series of posts evaluating several national cancer organizations. Additionally, in...
by Life Credit Company | Mar 30, 2015 | Cancer Treatments & Therapies
If you or someone you know is suffering from cancer, chemotherapy and radiation may seem like the only option. However, help for cancer patients comes in many forms. There are many holistic cancer treatments that you’ve probably never heard of that can help just as well. Here are three holistic cancer treatments that are commonly used to for patients. Cellect-Budwig Protocol The Cellect-Budwig Protocol is a superb cancer treatment that is often combined with a high frequency device, otherwise known as a plasma electro medicine device. The device uses a specific technology that is intended to revert cancer cells into normal cells. It is believed to be one of the most effective holistic treatments available. Photon Protocol The Photon Protocol tackles the microbes and parasites in specific organs. These microbes are believed to weaken the immune system and eventually cause the cancer cells to overpower healthy cells. Therefore, the goal of this protocol combines specific supplements and a photon device to kill the microbes and reenergizes the overall immune system. Dirt Cheap Protocol The Dirt Cheap Protocol was designed for cancer patients who lack funding or live in poorer counties that don’t have access to conventional medicine. It’s recommended that this treatment be used for three weeks after finishing either of the protocols mentioned above. This treatment incorporates several holistic methods that aim to turn remaining cancer cells into healthy cells over time. The Cellect-Budwig Protocol, Photon Protocol and Dirt Cheap Protocol are three popular holistic methods for cancer patients, but there are other options as well. Keep in mind that different cancers should use different combinations of protocols...
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