In The News!!!

Oncolytic Viruses

A promising new treatment uses genetically engineered or naturally occurring viruses to kill cancer cells. They’re called oncolytic viruses. They infect cancer cells and cause them to burst, releasing substances that alert the immune system. The FDA has approved such an approach called T-VEC for treating metastatic melanoma. Other oncolytic viruses are currently being tested in clinical trials for treating other types of cancers.

Regarding the immune system, oncolytic viruses help the body recognize and attack tumor cells. Effectively, they serve a dual role - directly killing cancer cells and activating an immune response. This makes them a promising area of research in cancer therapy.

Ultrasound-guided Microbubbles

Ultrasound-guided microbubbles are a new method of fighting cancer tumors. Microbubbles are tiny spheres that respond to ultrasound, allowing them to be used as a contrast agent to enhance images so that drugs and genes can be delivered to specific tissues for precisely. How does this work? Essentially, through a series of formation, targeting, activation, delivery, imaging and monitoring.

The microbubbles are tiny gas-filled spheres encapsulated into a lipid or protein shell that are injected into the bloodstream. They’re coated with antibodies that specifically target cancer cells while minimizing the effects on normal cells. When an ultrasound wave is applied, it causes the microbubbles to oscillate and expand. This enhances the permeability of the blood vessels in the tumor, allowing for better penetration of the therapeutic agents.

In addition, the microbubbles can include chemotherapy drugs or other agents to combat the cancer cells. When the microbubbles burst from the ultrasound exposure, they release their contents directly into the tumor tissue, increasing the localized concentration and effectiveness of the drugs.

Not only that, but the ultrasound can be used to watch the microbubbles in action on a real-time basis, helping oncologists monitor the process and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

Pancratistatin

A chemical compound called pancratistatin found in the spider lily and sea daffodil has shown promise in killing cancer cells while keeping healthy cells intact. It’s been shown to inhibit the growth and proliferation of such cells through various mechanisms, including inducing apoptosis (which is programmed cell death) and disrupting cellular processes that are essential for tumor growth.

In addition, pancratistatin has been studied for its effects on the immune system where it enhances the body’s natural defenses against cancer. Although more research is needed to fully understand the compound’s potential and clinical applications, it is of definite interest to cancer researchers for new cancer therapies.

Excessive Fructose & Added Sugar

A recent study suggests that fructose can indirectly fuel the growth of some types of tumors, acting through the liver’s metabolism and converting it into lipids that cancer cells use. It can do this very quickly. This rapid conversion provides a quick source of energy for cells, including cancer cells, which often have high energy demands.

Fructose can also promote the production of fat and fatty acids in the liver which can be utilized by cancer cells for membrane synthesis and energy production, supporting their growth and proliferation. High fructose consumption can also contribute to insulin resistance. This can lead to insulin-like growth factors (ICFs) that promote cell growth and division, creating an environment conducive to cancer progression.

Excessive fructose intake can also lead to chronic inflammation which is known to play a role in cancer development and progression by promoting a friendly environment.

While fructose is a natural sugar found in fruits and some vegetables that are nutritious and necessary, we often combine these with added sugar, processed foods, and sweetened beverages. It is this added sugar, processed foods, and sweetened beverages that are killing us slowly but surely each day. We at Mytality! cannot stress the importance of proper dietary choices to prevent cancer or to manage the cancer that we have.

Be Strong and Courageous!

Our mindset is a very powerful driver of all aspects and outlooks of our lives. A negative mind can have serious effects on health, relationships, financial success, and overall happiness. It’s also one of the most powerful keys to how well we’ll persevere and conquer adversity, including a cancer diagnosis. We can’t help but go through times of worry and reflection when faced with a serious illness, condition, or event.

It’s vital, though, to put such situations into perspective by reflecting on resolution and healing. One has to consider how to reflect on the condition. We often focus more on the condition than we do our healing. Doing so only accentuates the issue and chips away at the surviving and healing spirit within us. We must learn to readapt, seeing ourselves as healthy, rather than ill.

Of course, there are no set rules for accomplishing a change of mindset, but the following are four important elements to consider that have helped me in my cancer experience.

Expect Good Things to Happen. Expect treatments to work, expect yourself to be where you want to be as you heal.

Be Grateful for All Positive Outcomes. Having a grateful heart opens your body to the acceptance of all good things that your body needs to heal - physically as well as spiritually.

Look at Setbacks as Temporary. Give yourself time to heal and try your best not to dwell on the timing of the healing process.

Focus on Your Purpose in Life. Focus on the purpose God has for you when you are healed. Focus on the goals and purpose you’ve set for yourself. If you haven’t given your purpose much thought, encourage yourself to do so. Purpose gives you a reason to live; having a reason to live gives your will a boost. Your will provides tenacity and perseverance. And that, my friends, helps you heal.

Gary L. Kreigh, two-time cancer survivor of testicular cancer and Stage IV bladder cancer