Hyperthermia Cancer Treatment Questions and Answers

Dear doctor,

I want to know what is the primary or principal treatment that dissolves a tumor on the hyperthermia combined with low dose of radiation: if radiation or IMRT is the main treatment and hyperthermia is the secondary, or vise versa.

Thanks

GR

admin Reply:
January 28th, 2009 at 2:22 pm

Dear GR,

Hyperthermia and Radiation (conventional or IMRT) potentiate each other. Typically Hyperthermia doubles the effectiveness of radiation without augmenting side effects, allowing for better results with less complications. This is further enhanced by the use of IMRT, which pin points the radiation beam to the tumor sparing the normal tissues.
Our oncologists will be ready to discuss this further. Please call Nash at 310-398-0013.

VCI Oncology

Dear doctors,

I heard that warming the tumor with hyperthermia causes cancer cells to die because lack of oxygen. Is this true? Could you please elaborate this concept for me?

Then what is the role of low dose radiation added to hyperthermia?

Joseph

admin Reply:
February 18th, 2009 at 2:19 pm

Joseph,

This happens because heat dilates blood vessels an more Oxygen is delivered. Radiation needs oxygen to work, and tumors are by nature hypoxic (a pathological condition in which the body as a whole or region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen).
At later stages of treatment the micro-circulation of tumors collapses and then the cancer is starved of nutrients, including oxygen and glucose.

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

Patient is a 54 year old male. Original diagnosis was a T4 N2b squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. Treated with radiation 70 Gy in 35 fractions, 6 per week and 5000 cGy to an anterior yoke field with a right low neck electron boost and concurrent chemotherapy. completed on 3/15/07.

Recurrent metastatic disease noted in chest and right iliac bone treated with palliative chemotherapy in the form of caroplatin and Taxol Nov. 2007

Palliative whole brain irradiation therapy for brain mets. 37.5 Gy in 15 fractions completed on 7-7-08

Response was good up until Jan. of 09.
At this time the brain mets. started to show signs of growth. The largest growth of one of the lesions was 3mm.
There are numerous lesions on the brain, however the patient is still working full time and has no symptoms.
The only medication patient takes is dilantin 300 mg/day and multivitamins and herbs.

Would the hyperthermia treatment help this patient and is it something that your facility does in CA?

What kind of success rate have you had working with brain cancer using the hyperthermia treatment?

admin Reply:
February 18th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

Dear Beverly LaMantia,

Patient can benefit from an additional low-dose radiation therapy to the brain plus hyperthermia for neck and superficial tumors. We would like to add Erbitux (chemotherapy) to above regimen. Response rate is 87%. Please contact Nash at (310) 398-0013 for other concerns.

Dr. Nazar Al-Bussam

I have read about many alternatives cancer treatments, and I’m not decided what is the best for my relative.

Could you please tell me what are the benefits of Hyperthermia over conventional cancer treatments?

Thanks

Joseph

admin Reply:
February 20th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

Dear Joseph,

Hyperthermia potentiates (improves, makes it more effective) radiation or chemotherapy, allowing to use less of them with better clinical results and less side effects.

It’s safe and effective, recognized by the FDA and insurance companies.If you want to discuss an specific case with our oncologist, please contact Nash at (310)398-0013

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

I had a MRI done in August of 2008, I went in as I noticed my left eye was starting proptosis. Sure enough the MRI shows two worrisome masses. Radiology report states they could be inverting papilloma. I did see a ENT and was referred to the University of Dallas to see a team of surgeons. After my inquiry about surgery I decided to do more research, I have since changed my life style drastically, I have been under a Homeopathic Doctor’s care and have adopted a new diet. My health now as compared to Aug 08 and prior is astounding! I have not had much change, worse or better and would like another MRI. My question is would this treatment be good for my situation? Would this treatment do any debulking? Shrinking the tumors?

admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:03 pm

Dear Vikki,

Thermoradiotherapy, Hyperthermia plus low dose radiation therapies, could be used to treat this tumor under certain circumstances. We need to know more about the type of cell that is involved in your particular case.

If you want to discuss your case with one of our oncologists, please call Nash at 310-398-0013.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

Dear Doctors,

I read some of your papers on the vci.org site, and I still have some questions about hyperthermia.

Could you please explain to me what hyperthermia does that shrinks or kill the cancer tumor cells?

What is it that low dose radiation does to also get ride of cancer cells?

What hyperthermia combined with low dose radiation do to be more effective than hyperthermia alone and/or radiation alone?

admin Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:35 pm

Hyperthermia and radiation potentiate each other (help and make each other more effective). Usually adding heat treatments doubles the effectiveness of radiation, thus allowing the use of smaller doses. This happen because heat inhibits the repair of radiation damage by the cancer cells, and because heat increases the oxygenation of tumors (Radiation needs oxygen to work). If you need any further explanation, please contact our oncologists by calling Nash at 310-398-0013

Just wanted to come back and say my wife did not have cancer. The Dr. Said it was a round sphere that was totally sealed and just had some type of tendril growth? inside. The scooped the whole thing out without any nerve, joint, or muscle damage and my wife is walking around (hobbling) around healing just fine. WHEW!

admin Reply:
March 4th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

Wes,

We are so happy your wife is well! We know about the feelings and emotions you are going through now.

There is not a better news for us than knowing that somebody had been healed, like many our patients, or in your wife’s case, some one who was in contact or communication with us.

Valley Cancer Institute staff

I am a survivor or cancer because of this institute and their remarkable staff. This forum for questions is a wonderful idea which I hope more people take advantage of. I stop by every now and again to read what’s new and to offer my support to any patient who may want and need such support.

Best to all the staff at VCI . . . you are always in my thoughts!

LK

admin Reply:
March 4th, 2009 at 3:30 pm

Hello Larry!

Thank you very much for you comment. Yes, this is the idea of this blog: to help people by answering questions about Hyperthermia, clinical use of Hyperthermia, benefits of Hyperthermia, and features of Hyperthermia.

It is our goal to spread information about this gentle and much less toxic (almost non-toxic) cancer treatment, as an alternative to conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and high radiation dose.

Please, feel free to comment about your experience at the Valley Cancer institute with the Hyperthermia treatment you received, and the outcome of it.

Thank you again.

Valley Cancer institute staff

Hi Doctor: Does this hyperthermia treatment help with numerous Sarcoma lung mets and possible sarcoma in the pelvic and sacrum bones? Please advise. I am trying to find a treatment that will help in addition to chemo, anywhere! Thanks, RK

admin Reply:
March 6th, 2009 at 10:49 am

Dear Rachel,

Sarcoma responds well to hyperthermia and low-dose radiation. We have treated similar cases with excellent response. To our knowledge, no other modality can achieve the same effectivity.

Please feel free to contact Nash at 310 398-0013 if you have other concerns.

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

I have mucoepidermoid carcinoma and at this time have no tumors in the neck region but metasis in the lungs. I was on different chemos since 6/18/04. The last chemo depleted my blood cells and I now am being treated for MDS with Vidaza and transfusions. (Gemzar, Carboplatin and Avastin regimen).
I am having shortness of breath especially when lying down even with oxygen set at 2 liters/minute.

Would you suggest Hyperthermia being a possible treatment for me?

Thank you.

admin Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 6:09 pm

Dear Pat,

Hyperthermia with IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) can be
beneficial in treating metastasis in the lungs.

Shortness of breath is
normally relieved within 2-3 weeks.

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

I am so happy I found this site!! I have a employee that we all totally love and are very worried about. She is 67 and had a lump removed from her breast and is going in for 6 weeks of low dose radiation.

I was wondering if there will be anything we should watch for here at work, she still wants to work and I just want her to be ok. The business is a greenhouse, not sure if the sun and heat is ok for her? She said she will be fine but could she become weak, dizzy or have a upset stomach. I just want to know what we may expect and possibly help if needed. Thank You.

admin Reply:
March 10th, 2009 at 6:39 pm

Dear Ruth,

Presumably studies prior to lumpectomy showed evidence of cancer only in a small breast tumor. Therefore prophylactic radiation is appropriate and she has an excellent prognosis. If, however, a staging work up was not done prior to surgery, she must have a PET/CT scan prior to any further treatment. If any areas of disease are found, she would need hyperthermia plus low-dose radiation therapy, since radiation therapy alone will never eliminate tumors, while hyperthermia plus radiation therapy is almost sure to do so.

Any questions regarding possible side effects of low-dose radiation can be discussed with the treating physician. There are a lot of factors to consider. Generally, patients receiving radiation therapy are advised to avoid prolonged sun exposure due to possible side effects, i.e. blisters, ulcerations, dizziness, etc. It should be okay to be out in the sun as long as the area being treated is not exposed.

For other concerns, please feel free to contact us at (310) 398-0013 and please ask for Nash.

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

I didn’t find information about alternative treatments for stage 3 endometrial adenocarcinoma. Do you have any information about this? Thanks. jm

admin Reply:
March 11th, 2009 at 11:19 am

Dear JM,

Yes, a combination of hyperthermia and low-dose radiation therapy daily is an excellent alternative treatment. Expected response rate is over 50%. We at VCI can offer such treatment that can last for approximately 8-12 weeks.

For other concerns please contact Nash at (310) 398-0013.

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

I have IBC and was wondering how I could find out if I could benefit from (Hyperthermia)? I was looking into (Cyberknife Therapy)
but found out that it’s done only for inoperable cancers and for areas that are hard to reach. (Tomomtherapy) was another one I looked into but
found out that you have to get surgery, chemo, lymphnode disection and radiation. Because of my liver issue it has made it impossible up until this
point to even slightly irradicate the cancer. In fact the tumor has gotten bigger and harder and I’m now having a lot of breast pain, back pain, upper and lower
my sides and kidney area, along with hip pain in the joint area.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 4/2008. At that time I had 3 test done in one day MRI, Ultrasound, and CT-Scan. I refused getting a biospy because I had chosen to treat myself naturally. I was also diagnosed in 12/2003 with Auto-immune Hepatitis/Liver Cirrhosis with a enzyme level count (497). The course of treatment
was Steroids, but I was able to get my enzymes back down to normal through diet and natural meds. any information that you can give me will
be greatly appreciated. Thanks Denise

admin Reply:
March 17th, 2009 at 11:57 am

Dear leodenn87,

IBC has always responded to hyperthermia and low dose radiation. No other treatment has ever helped , except sometimes slight response to chemotherapy. Surgery is contra indicated since disease always recurs within weeks on the chest wall.

When the disease is Stage 3 the goal of treatment is cure: achieved in over 50% of patients. Since IBC spreads quite fast it is surprising that after the regional (Stage 3) disease is eliminated, it is unusual for IBC to recur or become Stage 4.

When IBC is Stage 4, and inferred from your comments that you have Stage 4 IBC, the regional disease is almost always controlled within 6-12 weeks at most. Then other areas of disease, such as liver, that either are causing symptoms or likely to in near future, can also be successfully treated.

Since hyperthermia has no effect on normal tissue and the radiation is low dose, to have any side effects, is rare, and then quite minimal and easily controlled.

Ralph S. Wolfstein, M.D.

Director of Radiation Oncology

Dear Doctors,

Why did you state ” thermoradiotherapy with curative intent” in your literature? Aren’t all cancer treatments goals to cure from breast cancer, to cure from prostate cancer, or other areas, for example?

Why do you say that treatment is about 8 weeks long? Why that length? Could the treatment for a breast cancer situation be shorter? or longer? why?

Thanks

admin Reply:
March 24th, 2009 at 11:03 am

Dear JPG,

Cancer treatments are initiated either with curative (if the tumors are localized and there is a good chance of completely eradicate the disease) or palliative intent, if the cancer is widespread and cannot be completely taken care of. The treatment then is done to alleviate symptoms (pain, starvation, etc) or prolong useful life. In a typical radiation therapy department, about half of the patients fall into each category.

In our protocols we treat to effect, normally until the tumors completely disappear as proven by radiological scans, tumor markers, and clinical observation. This takes different times for different locations of types of cancer. If you want to discuss a specific problem approach our oncologist by contacting Nash at 310-398-0013.

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

This goes out to everyone who views this blog and is searching for answers and information regarding treatment for their cancer or treatment for others that they love and care for.

In our society, being diagnosed with cancer is like getting a death sentence — for all intents and purposes. The diagnosis is devastating and will consume you. I know, I am a survivor. I have experienced what many of you are going through first hand. Let me share a few things with those that are seeking hope, truthful information, and a cure.

I am not a physician, nor am I affiliated with the institute in any manner. However, I am a cancer surviovor and alive today because of the work the institute provides — I was a patient of the instiitute for approximately 4 months just last year — from March through June of 2008.

I know the feeling when you first hear the words “You have cancer,” the air in your lungs expels, the blood in your head flushes out, you have difficulty hearing anything else beyond that moment — and thoughts of your family and loved ones — and of your life — begin racing through your mind all at once. You enter a state of shock - in my opinion. It is near impossible to focus on anything other than your immediate concern — ‘what do I do?,’ “How do I beat this,’ ‘What are my options,’ and so on and so on, until you break down and weep, then lie down from exhaustion. At least, that is what I experienced.

Here is the dilemma: you get diagnosed by a conventional doctor or specialist — he/she tells you your options. The options are always the same: surgery, chemo, radiation, — thatis their mantra. I heard it from half a dozen specialists including specialists at Mayo clinic. They counseled me on what I would go through and how my life would change — for the worse. They also told me differing figures of the survival rate for my cancer. None of them were good. The survival rates were all based on a 5 year time frame. If you get past the 5 year time frame, conventional medicine conbsiders you a successful survivor, even if you die in the sixth year. This was not acceptable for me — I had two young boys and a wonderful wife. I was not about to accept defeat in the manner these doctors wanted me to. AND FINALLY, THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I LEARNED WAS: THE CONVENTIONAL DOCTORS DID NOT AND WILL NOT SHARE ANY INFORMATION PERTAINING TO OTHER ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS WITH YOU. IT IS AGAINST WHAT THEY BELIEVE AND AGAINST HOW THEY HAVE BEEN TRAINED.

Well, to them I say shame on you! If you were to ask most oncologists or surgeons if they would undergo chemotherapy combined with surgery, they would answer with a resounding “No.”

OK, so what is one to do? You are doing it if you are reading and asking questions on this blog. I spent three months performing my own research on my disease. I knew there had to be a better way. There had to be a treatment out there that would insure that I return to my family — without the devastating side affects of the conventional method. After three months I found Valley Cancer Institute. Trust me when I tell you that when I first walked into the institute doors on my first day of treatment — I did not know exactly what to expect and I was as freightened as I could be.

Without going into ever detail of my treatment (which I will openly and honestly share with anyone on this board who wished to know first hand what they will or may experience) I can tell you that I am on this earth, with my children and my wife, living a normal existence, because of the work Dr. Bicher and the staff of this institute does every day. I am not what you would call a religious person so when I make this statement: ‘what they do is nothing short of a miracle,’ I do so in a very sober and logical manner. I am alive because of them.

Everyone wants answers. Everyone wants information. It is a shame the conventional medical community refuses to share information that they are well aware of regarding alternative treatments. I owe my life to these people and I stop by every now and again just to see their faces and give them a hug. I well up in tears when I see the staff. Still today, I keep in touch with many of them — even if it is sending a photo of me and the kids — or to wish them a happy holiday. Several of the staff are what I call my ‘angels,’ and I think about them every day. Okay, enhough of that!

If you have questions or want to know more of what I went through both physically and emotionally, just ask, I check this board as often as I can. There is a video taken by the directors of the institute of my experience. I am not certain it is available on their website, but if you ask to see it I am sure they will provide you with the video interview.

There is hope, there are cures and this institute is - in my humble opinion, one of the centers of cancer treatment where cancer is cured. If I can be of any help or support to anyone here on this forum — please do not hesitate to make contact with me.

Hi to everyone at VCI . . . not a day goes by where I do not think of all of you.

Ciao, and with great respect:

Larry Kanter
Scottsdale, AZ

admin Reply:
March 26th, 2009 at 4:54 pm

Larry,

Thank you very much for your testimony. We love to hear from our ex-patients from time to time.

This blog and the one we have just for patients testimonies, http://www.valleycancerinstitute.org/?page_id=10, are a wonderful way to keep in touch with all of you!

I also believe, as you mentioned in your post, that many people will benefit from reading posting like in our blog.

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institute

Hello. My brother has duodenal cancer (adenocarcinoma) that has metastasised to his lung, liver and perhaps other sites. I am looking for alternative treatments for him. He is in Massachusetts. How do I find a doctor who can help him decide on what alternative treatments or combination of treatnebts to go with?

admin Reply:
March 31st, 2009 at 4:12 pm

Dear Carol,

I recommend you to contact this Naturopathic doctor:

Dana Churchill

http://www.heartfeltmedicine.com/

Toll Free: 866 758-3016

Give him a call or e-mail him.

Thank you very much for contacting our clinic through our blog!

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institute

Please notify me by email.

I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and had surgery in Dec 07. I changed my life and started eating healthfully and take vitamins, minerals and supplements. I also take a FIR Sauna several times a week. I recently found that I have metastasies to the liver and lungs. Can Hyperthermia help cancer in these areas? I am also taking High Dose Vit C IVs 3X per week and am considering taking it daily. Would Hyperthermia work well with the Vit C? I am also looking into Insulin Potation Therapy. Does Hyperthermia work well with IPT? I live in Indianapolis. Do you know of a practitioner for Hyperthermia in Central Indiana that you would recommend? Thank you for your time.

admin Reply:
April 1st, 2009 at 2:21 pm

Dear Dave Henthorn,

Hyperthermia and low-dose radiation therapy can be effective in treating metastasis to liver and lung. Can have additional benefit with high dose Vitamin C. Do not advise IPT treatment. No other centers available in mid west to treat with hyperthermia.

Nazar Al-Bussam, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G.S,, F.A.A.C.

Director of Radiation Oncology

I want to know if hyperthermia in combination with low radiation dose is an effective therapy treatment for inflammatory breast cancer (ibc).

Does hyperthermia controls the rapid growth of ibc? How ibc responds to hyperthermia alone? and how does it respond to the combination of hyperthermia and low dose radiation?

Thanks

admin Reply:
April 2nd, 2009 at 1:57 pm

Dear George,

We are very proud to report that the combination of hyperthermia and low-dose radiation therapy can be very effective in the treatment of inflammatory breast cancer. The synergy between the two modalities controls the rapid growth of cancer cells.

Please feel free to contact us at (310) 398-0013 and please ask for Nash.

Nazar Al-Bussam, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G.S,, F.A.A.C.

Director of Medical Oncology

Doc,
Although I do not have cancer, over the past several years I have developed cirrhosis of the liver as a result of iron overload. (Previous doctor visits only ever checked for hepatitus and did not do follow on diagnostics…)
Last year (2008) I had a shunt put in since I was wasting away to nothing as a result of the asites that had developed. Since the shunt was installed I have gained back weight and much needed energy. However, I understand that the shunt provides only symptomatic relief. Therefore, I have been researching alternative treatments including adult stem cell growth/replacement, liver resectioning, liver regeneration, etc…

Here are a couple of questions you may be able to help me with:
1. Do you know if I could benefit from hyperthermia? If so, how and maybe in what combination of treatments?
2. Can you direct me in some of the top liver treatment centers that focus on healing of the patients own liver and not necessarily liver transplant?

Thank you for your hard work.
G.Dorazio

admin Reply:
April 8th, 2009 at 6:46 pm

Dear G. Dorazio

We do not advise hyperthermia for liver cirrhosis treatment. You can seek consultation with UCLA for further treatment.

Nazar Al-Bussam, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G.S., F.A.A.C.
Director of Medical Oncology

In your earlier message you mentioned that you do not recommend IPT. Can you elaborate?
Thanks,
Dave

admin Reply:
April 8th, 2009 at 6:47 pm

Dear Dave Henthorn

In our experience we do not see any good results with IPT treatment.

Nazar Al-Bussam, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G.S., F.A.A.C.
Director of Medical Oncology

Do you treat muscle invasive bladder cancer? What type of Hyperthermia is effective with this diagnosis?

admin Reply:
April 8th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

Dear Rosa

Yes, hyperthermia and low-dose radiation can be very effective. The type of Hyperthermia that we recommend for this case is local Hyperthermia combined with low dose IMRT Radiation.

Nazar Al-Bussam, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G.S., F.A.A.C.
Director of Medical Oncology

Hi: A recent CT scan showed a 1cm mass in my right lung. I am on the Budwig protocol and am doing hyperthermia by raising my body temp to 103.8 and holding it there for 25 minutes. Am I going high enough with my temperature and have you found it helpful with lung lesions. I feel a needle biopsy will leave a trail of cells upon exiting and have not allowed a biopsy so do not know for sure what the lesion consists of but do know nothing good grows in a lung.
Thank you.

admin Reply:
April 8th, 2009 at 6:49 pm

Dear Ted Stephens,

We advise fine needle biopsy.

Nazar Al-Bussam, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G.S., F.A.A.C.
Director of Medical Oncology

I have a lump in one breast that my doctor believes in malignant. I have refused to have it biopsied because I didn’t want to take the chance of spreading the cancer cells. The site is discolored and very hard. Three cancer markers were over normal in test taken about a month ago. I am drinking herb teas that are supposed to help and taking other herbs, but don’t know if this will get it. Can you help me with this situation?

admin Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 10:55 am

Dear CS:

We understand your concern about the spread of cancer cells, but in this instance, a biopsy is most necessary to confirm suspected malignancy. There is no evidence that a biopsy has triggered the spread of cancer. Please be aware that no doctor or clinic can provide treatment for cancer unless there is a confirmed biopsy.

We can most definitely help you in our facility. Please feel free to contact Nash at (310) 398-0013 if you have other concerns.

I was recently diagnosed with triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. I’ve had a lumpectomy, and I’m stage 2, grade 3, and have clear sentinel lymph nodes. Because I’m triple negative, will having a mastecomy improve my survival rate rather than chemo & radiation?

Cheri

admin Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 7:34 pm

Dear Cheri:

There was no mention of the margin and the size, but clearly, your best option is to receive hyperthermia and low radiation dose therapy. Not only will you save your breast, but said protocol has been proven effective in killing and destroying cancer cells with minimal or no adverse side effects.

Hyperthermia and radiation therapies kill cancer cells at different stages of growth, often stopping the uncontrolled cell division that characterizes cancer. Radiation is most damaging to tumor cells that have high oxygen supply, while hyperthermia does the most harm to tumor cells with low oxygen supply. If radiation and hyperthermia are combined, more tumor cells will be killed. There is also evidence that hyperthermia makes it very difficult for cancer cells to repair damage caused by radiation. If a patient receives both low dose of radiation and hyperthermia treatments, the cancer cells that ordinarily would have been able to recover from the radiation damage will not be able to do so, and will die. Accordingly, with said protocol the survival rate of a breast cancer patient has a greater chance of being improved.

You can see scientific statistics of this treatment on this web page:

http://www.vci.org/cancer_treatments_miscell/latest-breastcancer-prostatecancer-headandneckcancer-treatment-results.htm

Thank you for your question and we really think we can help you.

Please feel free to contact Nash at (310) 398-0013 if you have more questions.

Your opt-out email page does not work. I no longer need to receive your emails. Thanks. But you should have your webmaster look at this problem. It is a 404 error which means “page not found”. This happens when making a selection to opt-out of an email notification…

Dear Doctor,
My 35 yo brother was diagnosed with peripheral t cell lymphoma about 2 years ago. It was first detected in his lungs, then found in his brain, left optic nerve and 1 kidney. He received the following treatments:
- MTX, Leucovorin, Cytarabine (2 rounds)
- Cisplastin, Cytarabine, Decadron (1 round)
- Cytoxan, Prednisone, Mesna (4 rounds)
plus, intrathecal MTX x 2, intrathecal Cytarabine x 2
plus 12 whole-brain radiation treatments.
He was determined to be in remission 12/07. The lymphom has now apparently returned to his brain. We have been told that further chemo and/or radiation is not an option due to the brain damage it would cause. The rest of his body is functioning strongly. There is no recurrence of the lymphoma to his lungs or kidney. His CBC and CMP are WNL, aside from an elevated creatinine of 1.3 (he has renal insuffiency secondary to toxic chemo effects). Would your treatments be of benefit to him in hopes of inducing remission or possibly as a cure?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

Sue

admin Reply:
April 29th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

Dear Sue,

Low dose radiation with Hyperthermia has been used in similar cases, but obviously this is a difficult situation. We would like to know more about the radiation dose used.

If you are still interested, please feel free to contact Nash at (310) 398-0013 if you have more questions.

Valley Cancer Institute
Oncology

Hi,

My mom was diagnosed with Small cell lung cancer in Sept 08. She had back surgery to remove a tumor on her T9 and underwent chemo and radiation. The cancer was found in her spine, lungs and a few tumors on her liver. She was recently told that it was growing again and we are doing chemo again. I was wondering if hyperthermia is an option for her now? Has Small cell lung cancer been treated especially in the extensive form? What do you recommend?

Thank you for you time,

Emily

admin Reply:
April 29th, 2009 at 3:21 pm

Dear Emily,

Small cell cancer respond well to thermoradiotherapy (Hyperthermia- heat treatment- combined with low radiation dose), when in locations that can be properly treated.

Your mom’s tumors are disseminated. She can be helped, but probably not cured. This is called palliation. Best you arrange for a phone conversation with one of our oncologists by calling Nash at 310-398-0013

Valley Cancer Institute
Oncology

Could you please elaborate on benefits of hyperthermia vs radiation alone treatment?

Thanks

admin Reply:
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:43 pm

Hyperthermia increases the effectiveness of radiation, without adding side effects

Dear Doctors,

why hyperthermia is so effective and successful on prostate cancer treatment? why is more successful than radiation alone and chemotherapy?

Thank you very much for answering all these questions; it means a lot for all of us!

Geroge

admin Reply:
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm

Hyperthermia both clinically and experimentally doubles the effectiveness of Radiation or chemotherapy, without adding toxicity. This increases the therapeutic index, leading to better results.

Do you use hyperthermia to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy at your institution?

Thank you!

admin Reply:
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:34 pm

Dear Dr Odom,

Yes, we do.

Valley Cancer Oncology

I want to UNSUBSCRIBE. You will not let me do it by your instructions. Please do it now.
cmdkatz@comcast.net

admin Reply:
May 11th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Carol,

I’m sorry about that, but I couldn’t do it either. I posted the problem in a forum, and hope to get the solution soon. I’m taking care of it.

Carlos
webmaster

unsubscribe me
cmdkatz@comcast.net

My mother last week had surgery to remove cancer from her tonsil and the roof of her mouth. It is early stage squamous cell carcinoma. The doctor biopsied three other (what he thought was) only moderately suspicious areas and they also came back as early stage cancer, I believe they are on her epiglottis and her espophagus. Her doctor said there is nothing they can do because she has COPD (oxygen levels sometimes drop to 80s) and could not tolerate radiation and/or the feeding tube she may likely need if she has radiation….and that she would never eat again. He has reviewed the case with an oncologist and radiologist and they agree that she could not tolerate the treatment. I’m not ready to give up. Would hyperthermia be an option for her? Would it affect her eating and swallowing? Could she have the hyperthermia treatment without the accompanying radiation to at least delay the development of the cancer? May be worthy to mention that she has only one kidney and it functions poorly…not on dialysis but borderline. Please help, don’t want to lose my Mom!!!

admin Reply:
May 20th, 2009 at 4:42 pm

Dear Katy,

Hyperthermia plus radiation therapy is very gentle treatment. None of our patients have needed feeding tube on ay long term toxicity. There will be temporary loss of taste and probably dryness during treatment course. There need be no concern regarding tolerance of treatment, totally unlike radiation therapy treatment with or without chemotherapy, which have minimal chance for cure, whereas we always expect cure and achieve it in over 80% of patients. We will be happy to send you more comprehensive information. Hyperthermia with accompanying radiation therapy is necessary to contain and control the development of cancer.

Please feel free to contact Nash at (310) 398-0013 if you have questions.
Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

My 91 year old mother has been diagnosed with a malignant 3 cm tumor in her left lung lobe and malignant lymph glands on both the right and left sides of the chest. She has not had a biopsy to define the cell type because the Drs fear the invasiveness of the test and potential complications will cause more problems than help. She is considering a
“half course” of radiation (15 treatments over 3 weeks) to destroy the tumor and two glands. Then she would just do palliative care.

She is frail and weak, so full chemo and radiation don’t make sense.
Would your treament provide additional help?

Is your treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy substantially the same as is done by Dr Douwes and company at Klinik St Georg in Bad Aibling, Germany?

admin Reply:
May 29th, 2009 at 5:14 pm

Dear Dr Odom,

Both treatments are the same in the sense that Hyperthermia (rising tissue temperature to control cancer and certain forms of benign disease) is used. However, the German method involves whole body Hyperthermia or using unfocused heating, which can cause more side effects than directed regional treatment (local Hyperthermia), which avoid the heating (and potential damage) to central organs (liver, brain) sensitive to heat. Local Hyperthermia, as we use at Valley Cancer Institute, heats only the tumor tissue.

Thank you for your question.

Valley Cancer institute Oncology

Doctor, I have one isolated lympth node in the same breast. How does that condition apply? Does it qualify as as ‘deep’ condition? There is no evidence it having spread.

Thank you very much,
Annette Williams

Hi,
I did a PET scan on May 20th. It shows a tumor in my right tonsillar pillar and metastisis to the neck lymph nodes and some muscle tissue. No other symptoms in my body. Because I am going through the financial aid process with MD Anderson here in Houston, I still have not seen a pathologist and oncologist.
I have no other symptoms of cancer. I feel fine.
Would hyperthermia help with me?

I looked at St. George Hospital in Germany. They do radio hyperthermia combined with low dose chemo. How does your institute compare to this because it is claimed on their website that other places do microwave hyperthermia which they say is just like doing radiation. Do you do radio hyperthermia?
Thank you so much!!

Adrian

admin Reply:
June 11th, 2009 at 3:47 pm

Dear Adrian,

Hyperthermia and low radiation dose radiation is by far the best treatment for your problem: 80% cure vs 25% on any other cancer treatment.

The treatment course is over 3 months, minimal side effects and no permanent toxicity. Radio hyperthermia is not as good and chemotherapy is not needed.

We use low radiation dose and Hyperthermia, either microwave or ultrasound hyperthermia; no side effects at all on normal tissue. Not at all, like standard radiation!

Valley Cancer Institute
Oncology Department

Please call Nash at 310-398-0013 if you have any further questions

Hi,
My husband, actually posted the original entry, and the question posted was hard to understand. I have breast cancer (NOT IBC) in my right breast. Found large lump in Jan 2008, had it biopsied in Mar 2008….the radiologist tried to “remove the solid tumor with the biopsy needle”, and while trying to do this, actually ran into the nerve in my nipple! The pain was so severe, he stopped, saying he “didn’t get it all, but there was enough for the pathologist”. The tumor was not in “pieces”, but the results came back benign.

I wanted the lump removed and scheduled it. On the day of surgery, they were unable to locate the tumor with ultra sound, in order to put in a “wire locate” for the surgeon, and told me “I must be healed” and sent me home.

Within 4-6 wks, I had developed a vary large lump again…went back for ultra sound. Although it was palpable, they could not see it on a screem…however now they saw an enlarged lymph node and suggested I get breast MRI.

MRI showed 3 possible tumors in the breast, plus the enlarged lymph node…recommended biopsies…all came back malignant cancer. Was recommended to have 4 months full-strength chemo, surgery, and 6 wks full-strength radiation every day. I opted out for this and started looking elsewhere. I wish I had known about you then!!!!!

I had IPT in CA for about 6 wks. When I had PET scan after 2 weeks, it revealed only one tumor (other 2 were gone) and the lymph node. Lymph node was 2.5cm and tumor was 2.3cm. Lymph node SUV was 3.0 and tumor was 2.1. After 6 wks, next PET showed I was in remission..lymph node was normal and the tumor was gone. I continued with follow-up IPT treatments thru April 2009. I also continued with the PET scans every 3 months. In March, the lymph node was 7 mm, with an SUV of 1.1. The tumor was still gone.

A couple of weeks ago, I could feel the lump coming back, in the same place. I had my quarterly PET and got the bad news. The lymph node had doubled in size to 14mm, and it had an SUV of 9! The tumor had an SUV of 6 and, although it was definitely growing, they could not give me a size, as the clip that was placed in the biopsy was blocking their view.

I was originally told that I was stage 2-3 (the “3″ was because it was in a lymph node) It has not spread anywhere else to date. I think my husband’s question was directed at: because it is in a lymph node, is this considered “deep”, as opposed to close to the surface? As such, can you stop the cancer, or is it too late, because it is in the lymph node? My IPT doctor seems to think that the cancer must be treated with chemo drugs because it is in the lymph node, in order to make it stop…and that your treatment will not be enough to rid me of the cancer now. Please tell me he is wrong? I was planning on coming to your clinic next week for treatment. I feel like, if I do more of the IPT, I will end up the same way, but worse, as the cancer will have mutated and will continue to do so whenever it can, developing immunities to the drugs!!!!

Thank you for your advice,
Annette Williams

admin Reply:
June 11th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

Dear Annette,

We routinely cure Stage 3 breast cancer, wherever the lymph nodes are. Chemo, including IPT, is never curative. The 5 years disease free survival, reports: 81%.

Side effects are minimal and the breast remains entirely normal.

The only downside is it takes at least 3 months of treatment, about 2hrs 5 days a week. Patient can take a one week break after 4 weeks of treatment, every 4 weeks.

WE can not exactly tell the length of treatment since the regression of disease is quite variable. The treatment is so gentle that we can continue as long as needed to achieve the goal of eliminating the disease.

(so I am telling you: “he is wrong”!)

Dr R. Wolfstein
Valley Cancer Institute
Oncology Department

Hi, thank you so much for your reply above about your treatment being very good for tonsil cancer metastasis to the lymph node.

I have a different question: I see a lot of great info on your site about hyperthermia and low-dose radiation; what about nutrition? What nutritional treatments do you give and is this included in the price of an individual’s treatment? I’m asking more and more questions now that I’m gravitating toward your institution!!

Thanks again,
Adrian

admin Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 1:30 pm

Adrian,

I will tell you my personal experience regarding nutrition, as well a personal research I did over 20 years talking to patients at our clinic.

“Is not much what you eat, but what you don’t eat!” All diets are good; some work for certain people and others for different people, because we all are different!

But this is the million dollars question and answer!

What is tho only common thing on ALL diets?

That all of them eliminate junk food! As simple as that!

If you watch our video testimonies, http://www.vci.org/cancer_treatments_miscell/patient-video-testimonies.htm,
when I interview those patients, they all told me they did not follow any special diet, but they eliminated sugars, because cancer cells feed on sugar (junk food #1).

They also said “I just to eat well” what ever that means for each one of them, “I try to cut on dairies” (other not too good food, believe it or not!)

They also said “I exercise, do my walks, go to the gym, run, to the beach (we are just 4 miles from the beach), and drink a lot of water.

I can also tell you that the three women with breast cnacer who turned into a raw food diet, got cured!

I’m my self vegetarian (red meat and too much meat is not advisable either) since I was 19 years old. I became vegan ten years ago, and for the last 2+ years I’m following a raw food diet with my wife; not 100% but a great percentage of green vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, sprouted bread, and the best chocolate deserts in town made by my wife!!!

The benefits of the raw food are just incredible:

- I don’t get sick during the holidays season any longer
- I don’t get sick during flu season either
- have more energy
- look 10 years younger, and probably my body is younger than people who follow the SAD (Standard American Diet)

Summarizing, you have to be and informed person (as you are, because you found us and you are considering this less toxic treatment as an alternative to conventional therapies!) and keep researching for what it is best for you.

We do not recommend any special diet in particular, but we can guide you to local practitioners in the area, like Dr. Dana Churchill, N.M.D., Holistic, Naturopathic, Homeopathic; you can get more information on his web site:
http://www.heartfeltmedicine.com/. I highly recommend Dr Churchill; you can even call him now and he will give you some advice.

Hoping you got some value from this answer, and you make the best decision for you,

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institute

I had a double lumpectomy removing 3 tumors in the same breast & sentinel lymph nodes removed. My mother & 1st cousin have both had breast cancer & they have BRCA1. I have not yet been tested. I seen a medical oncologist & they recommend aggresive chemo & radiation. It is a triple negative, metaplastic carcinoma. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Dear Doctor,

My mom was diagonised having Breast cancer (IDC) - Stage 2-A last year in feb’08 & she has undergone the chemotherapy treatment. Now she has a regular dose of pills (as advised by physichian) to be take on a routine basis for the period of next (05) years & she has a quarterly check up too.

I am curious to know if the treatment she has undergone has been beneficial or not & what is the survival rate after having taken the chemotherapy treatment. Also, does she need to take any precautions as regards to her diet. Kindly advise.

Will be very grateful to receive your advise.

Yours sincerely,
SN

admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm

Dear SN we need more information to know weather she is potentially curable, meaning up to stage 3.

I don’t know weather chemo was “beneficial” since I don’t know if the cancer regresses; however, chemotherapy is never curative except for leukemia and lymphoma.

I will be happy to discuss this on the phone and send you an information package. Also check our website; there are some fantastic video testimonials from patients that just left the clinic, and others who left several years ago, and still doing great.

http://www.vci.org/cancer_treatments_miscell/patient-video-testimonies.htm

Ralph Wolfstein
Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

What type of hyperthermia units are you using, microwave based or infrared?

admin Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 10:17 am

Shelly, we use microwaves (radio frequency) and ultra sound.

Clinics in Europe, specially in Germany, use infrared. Those clinics in Germany do whole body hyperthermia using infrared.

We do local Hyperthermia, that means we heat just the tumor which is localized in certain area.

Whole body hyperthermia is not approved by the FDA in the US; this the reason we can not use it.

Thanks for your question,

Carlos Caridad
Administrator/Chief Engineer
Valley Cancer Institute

PLEASE SEND INFORMATION REGARDING PANCREATIC CANCER AND FAMILY ACCOMODATIONS AS WELL

Hi,
I did observations about hyperthermia effect on the human health, over 15 years, and I got a lot of good results. I would like to share my ideas with you medical staff. My idea is emhancing the immune system to fight infections and cancer cells. I would like to visit your institution and to present to your medical stuff my ideas and if those ideas would make sens to experiment them.
David Muresan

admin Reply:
July 6th, 2009 at 9:42 am

Hello David,

I like very much what you have to say and show us. Doctor Bicher, director of Valley Cancer institute, is out of town, and he will be the person to talk to about your offer.

In the mean time I would like to know If you are in Los Angeles area, or you are planning to come some time to the west coast.

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institite

What is the temperature created within tumor?

admin Reply:
July 8th, 2009 at 11:36 am

David, the temperature created within the tumor is about 42.5 Celsius degrees, which is equivalent to about 108.5 Fahrenheit degrees.

This is the Hyperthermia temperature for cancer treatment

I have lung cancer for over two years (three tumors + a mass) - have not and will not do chemo - have done Bicarb of soda/ Vita C/ and other IV’s - and also tried a form of Hypertherapy in Mexico - but I knew more about it that they did - - it may have slowed the growth but as of last catscan - they are still growing and another has joined them. It has mestatisized to my left rear rib cage and it is just now beginning to bother me (affects my twice weekly golf game). My prayer is that I could come to your clinic - and also that Medicare will pay for most of the treatment as I am unable to work (76 years old) and we survive on SS income.
Love the testimonies and obviously, you are doing a great service to your fellow man.
Troy Watson
972 200 7089

Hi,
I was for one week in vacation. Now I am back in my Camano Island house and I wish to be contacted by your director to speak about my offer.
My telephone is 360-387-0571 email davidmuresan@wavecable.com
David Muresan

Hello,
I am considering alternative therapies for stage 2 breast cancer. Is your hyperthermia treatment via far-infrared rays or regular heat? And how do you administer the hyperthermia heat? Does this make the tumor larger at first? How many months / weeks/ days of treatment are necessary (tumor is 2-3 cm)? Would you consider hyperthermia without radiation? Do you feel that removing tumors through surgery may be connected with increased chance of the cancer spreading? Are there any indications that hyperthermia should not be done if the patient has breast implants? Thanks for your answers,
Suz

admin Reply:
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:38 pm

Dear Suz,

Hyperthermia in our clinic is provided using microwaves or ultrasound with specialized regional applicators for local hyperthermia treatment (FDA approved).

Tumors like yours usually respond with a minimum amount of swelling. the treatment usually last 16 to 30 weeks, but we treat until the tumor disappear as confirmed by radiology and nominal tumor markers.

We use a decreased dose of radiation but not heat alone. Breast implants are not a problem. Surgery is an accepted treatment. There are scientific papers suggesting surgery may spread tumors.

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

Hi, I am waiting for Dr. Bicher to contact me about my offering for cancer treatment. Over several years I developed a body insulation which raise the body temperature to 102 without any external heat . I am curious if you may be interested to see if my idea may help for people with cancer. I consider as preparatory phase for your procedure and inbetween treatments.
My telephone is 360-387-0571 email davidmuresan@wavecable.com
David Muresan

admin Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 10:57 am

David,

Dr Bicher read your messages; he is really busy now, and he told me he will contact you as soon as he is available.

Thanks,

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institite

admin Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am

David,
I just talked with Dr Bicher and he told me when he did research on Hyperthermia on Roswell Park Memorial Hospital, in 1975, the head of the department used a space suit to insulate patients bodies and to rise their temperature. He said that idea is very good, but is not practical for our patients because the way we treat.

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institite

I am thinking about coming to vci and cannot find out to much info. about your treatment of ovarian cancer. Do you treat many patients, and how is the outcome? I have stage 3c and have been on chemo for 3 years.

Hi,
The diference is that I do not use a space suit to insulate the body. I use normal clothe arranged in a certain order and certain materials.
The advantage is that the body is dried and warm and could be used 24 hours per day without any inconvinience.
David Muresan

Hi,
Is it any possibility to test my idea on one of your patient? When I solved my ex-wife joints pain she said that I am too advanced for this time and people cannot understand me. My idea can help in any health condition because what happens is just an improvement of immune system.
I am sure this idea slows aging, prevent illnesses, and cure infections. This idea may help women to get pregnant preventing or illuminating infections which may be responsible for temporary sterility. I use this idea for several years and I do not have any infections at all, like flue or cold. At my 64 I am in college for my RN certification.

Hello I was recently looking at your website my fatehr has been diagnosed with scrotum cancer . I read the article on the BSD hyperthermia machine is that the machine that your hospital administrates the hyperthermia treatment with.

admin Reply:
July 31st, 2009 at 2:52 pm

Jeff, yes, we use a BSD 1000, which is a radio-frequencies (or microwave) Hyperthermia machine.

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institute

Has anybody tried or been helped with pain and nausea associated with cancer - - by inhaling vaporized marijuana?
Would the clinic consider prescribing it??

admin Reply:
August 7th, 2009 at 1:14 pm

Troy, we deal with pain with standard medications and prescriptions. I have personally heard about what you asked, but we do not prescribe marijuana as a pain killer, or any other use of it.

Thanks for your inquire.

Valley Cancer Institute

I forgot to make sure that I was “NOT” advocating the use of ’smoking a joint’. I know it is available in pill form and that was what I had reference to.
My question, Is the low-dose radiation considered ‘IMAGE GUIDED’?
I’m looking forward to getting there in early to mid Sept.

admin Reply:
August 13th, 2009 at 9:48 am

Troy, unfortunatelly we can not help you on that either. We do not work with any kind or form of medical marijuana.

If you are planning to come, please contact Nash at 310-398-0013.

Valley Cancer Institute
Oncology

admin Reply:
August 13th, 2009 at 9:59 am

Troy, regarding your question: “Is the low-dose radiation considered ‘IMAGE GUIDED”, the answer is no.

Low-dose radiation means that we use radiation doses lower than conventional or standard “Radiation Alone” treatments. In that way we still have the benefits of radiation, which is to kill cancer cells, but with the great advantage of not having the horrible side effects of conventional radiation alone treatments: burning of the healthy tissue, lowering the immune system and so on.

Our patients have very little or no side effects at all. You can see it by watching any of our Patients Video Testimonies” following this link:

http://www.vci.org/cancer_treatments_miscell/patient-video-testimonies.htm

Thank you for your questions Troy!

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institute

I had surgery to remove colon cancer in Dec 07. I have metastasis to the liver and lungs. I have been using IPT and have seen reductions in the lumps in the lungs and a lymph node that they have been watching. We have not yet seen as good of results for the liver metastasis. Have you used Hyperthermia and low dose radiation for liver metastasis? What type of results have been experienced?

admin Reply:
August 13th, 2009 at 1:57 pm

Dear Dave,

Treating liver metastasis is one of the most common problems we deal with. Tumor Marker regression has occurred in all but one patient. When coming, symptoms they are gone with a few days to 3 weeks. The same is true for lung metastasis.

Please read and watch some of the video testimonies from some of our patients on this page:

http://www.vci.org/cancer_treatments_miscell/patient-video-testimonies.htm

If you have any further questions, please call Nash at 310-398-0013

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

Dear sirs,
How I wish I had found your website 6 months ago. I finished standard chemo radiation therapy for late stage t-4 throat cancer 2 months ago and although my tumors are gone, the side affects have dramatically lowered my quality of life. During treatment eating became impossible. Without nutrition my immune system was depleted and I had a serious infection. Hospitalized for a week and the doctors wanted me to get out of bed to continue radiation and chemo. I declined until stronger. A feeding tube was put in and I could at least ingest Ensure which is a nutrient drink high in sugar. After the hospital I regrouped for a week before going back for 4 more weeks of treatment where my throat was radiated until it was raw. The side effects of Chemo where bad enough, but the radiation is much worse for me because of the time it is taking to heal. Now here I am two months after 8 chemo and 45 radiation treatments and I have hardly any taste buds, and no saliva. In these months I got another infection that required antibiotics and hospital stays. I dealt with a month of the worst phlegm and now dry mouth that requires drinking fluids constantly. I can’t eat anything that is dry like bread or cookies. Everything must be moist to get it down. On top of it I have a morphine patch and pills for the past four months and am addicted to where I get withdrawal symptoms if I don’t take the pills. I have to have a special doctor next week to wind me off the stuff. I just packed away boxes of drugs and paraphernalia I have been using to get me through all this. I lost 50 lbs which is 25% of my body weight and only put 5 lbs back on in the past two months. Everyone thinks it is a miracle that I am doing so well, including others who have gone through similar treatments and fared worse than I.
I met a radiologist who was visiting our resort last week. When I shared with her that I just finished treatment for base of tongue cancer, she put her arm around me and said, “this is the most difficult cancer to deal with for the patient, and has the longest recuperation time. Half of my patients quit before the treatment is complete because it is so difficult. You deserve a badge of courage for making it through.” I would much rather have found this alternative and not have to wear the badge of courage! I go in next week for body scans and pray I am clear.

I wanted to share my experience with standard treatment so anyone considering this alternative can hear from someone who did not hear about it in time. I would definitely have come to your clinic and taken this alternative and less aggressive treatment to avoid all that I have had to endure.

admin Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 12:53 pm

Dear Mr Taliaferro,

We are really and deeply appreciate you sharing your story with us! We are very sorry you did not know about hyperthermia when you were diagnosed.

The success rate of Hyperthermia combined with low radiation is really promising for neck, base of tongue cancers, and the side effects are minimum.

This video testimony of a base of tongue patient speaks for it self very clear about it:

Part I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9KHtv5Roeo

Part II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxTZGW2w6sI

We so wish you were treated with Hyperthermia too!

Thank so much for having the courage to tell your story, and I promise your testimony won’t be in vane. Many, many people will read it and will be saved from the ancient standard cancer care treatments!

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institute

I just recently was informed on Aug. 6, 09 that I have squamous cell carcinoma
inside base of tongue, stage four T2 N1. I’ve gotten two second opinions with
radiation oncologist and two second opinions with ENT surgeons.

I prefer the second surgeon over the first, he was in agreement to start treatments
first, eight weeks. He said if the treatments didn’t get rid of the cancer then basically
the surgery he would perform will save my life.

What chances of your hypertermia and radiation combined differ curerate vs
standard treatments? How long would a patient need to be at your clinic, time
wise in weeks or days? Where can I write or talk to some one to get more information
on what to do to be seen at your facility? I live in the Kansas City, Missouri area.
Thank you so much, Diana L. Harrison 816-699-2619

admin Reply:
August 19th, 2009 at 11:27 am

Dear Diana,

I will forward your request to the doctors today. I will quickly answer some of your questions.

Regarding the Hyperthermia treatment results for base of tongue, please read this page:

http://www.vci.org/neckcancertreatment.htm

that has a table with treatment results in the last 5 years. Hyperthermia combined with low radiation dose cancer treatment results are at least 4 times more effective than any and all of the standard care treatment (radiation, followed by chemotherapy and surgery).

Side effects of Hyperthermia and low dose of radiation are very low or none. Regarding the side effects we really encourage you to please watch the two video testimonies on the same page. There is anothe very important Neck Cancer Survivor video testimony on this page (the video number 8):

http://www.vci.org/cancer_treatments_miscell/patient-video-testimonies.htm

The treatment is about 8 to 12 weeks long, but please watch the video testimonies before you make any decision.

Please, contact Nash at 310-398-0013 for more and any other questions you might have.

Thank you very much for your inquire Diana.

Carlos Caridad
Administrator/Webmaster
Valley Cancer Institute

admin Reply:
August 20th, 2009 at 3:39 pm

Dear Mrs Harrison,

Hyperthermia plus low dose radiation is by far the best treatment for head and neck cancer; 87% disease free 5 years survival over all, with no long term side effects vs 25% with any other treatment.
All types and primary sites respond equally well. Tongue or tonsils has less than average results.

Please, contact Nash at 310-398-0013 if you have any questions.

Thank you for your question.

Ralph Wolfstein, MD
Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

Mt doctor contacted me with my ct scan results and the radiologist felt strongly that I have a neoplasm on my left kidney. My doctor suggested that we wait 4 to 6 months and check the growth of it again. He stated that if he went in to surgically remove it now, that he may not find it because it is only about 1/2 inch in size (13 mm). Is this good acvice? Would hyperthermia work on the kidney? I have BlueCross/Blueshiled PPO. Would my medical insurance cover this treatment?

admin Reply:
August 26th, 2009 at 11:24 am

Dear Linda,

I wonder how a tiny kidney tumor caused any symptoms leading to this remarkable early diagnosis. While me could treat you, it would take over 3 months.
You need:
1 See another doctor.
2 You need a stage work up (PET/CT Scan) and MRI to better delineate the tumor.
3 Assuming this is a localized cancer (likely!), surgery should be done soon, within a month or two.

Please, contact Nash at 310-398-0013 if you have any questions.

Thank you for your question.

Ralph Wolfstein, MD
Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

hello dr,

My brother has stage IV GBM in his third ventricle.he has 2 growths roughly 3.3cm each. Have you worked with patients with this kind of cancer. Because the tumors are so deep in the brain will the hyperthermia and low dose radiation be effective?

thank you,
Melody

admin Reply:
August 26th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

Dear Melody,

Has he had radiation treatment? If so how much and how extensive.

We have had just chance to treat this rotten disease: about 5 years ago a patient who had had about half the tolerable radiation dose, came to us. He had severe problems related to initial surgery which progressed.

Our treatment plan was was 90% done when we had to send him home; but the scan showed no evidence of disease. Unfortunatelly he had recurrence elsewhere in the brain and died about 3 years later.

Thank you for your question.

Ralph Wolfstein, MD
Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

My sister was diagnosed with Inflammatory breast cancer this past February. Her treatments have consisted of two different chemo - neither of which have been successful. She is currently undergoing radiation but was informed today that it too is not working. Further options did not sound promising.
We live in Canada and so am wondering if there are any clinics in Canada that provide the Hyperthermia treatment. If not, do you treat those from outside the US?

admin Reply:
August 26th, 2009 at 1:40 pm

Dear Carol,

Stop radiation immediately! It can not eliminate any adenocarcinoma. Chemo is also never curative.

Only Hyperthermia plus low radiation dose can be curative, and almost surely will be if it is not yet stage 4. As you unfortunatelly know the rapid grow of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is scary. I want you here next Monday, 08/31.

The treatment course is 3 months or until it’s gone, 2 -3 hours every day.
No side effects, or very low ones. If it proves to be stage 4, symptoms are gone within 6-8 weeks. If it is stage 3 and we get rid of it, it is quite unusual for it to recur or become stage 4.

If you have any further questions, please call Nash at (310)398-0013.

Thank you for your question.

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

As to your wonder of how a tiny tumor (Neoplasm) was found, I had an abdominal x-ray in June of 2008. I had a very bad UTI that did not clear up after a round of antibiotics, and I also had a large amount of microscopic blood in my urine. It was discovered that I had an adrenal adenoma (3 cm) on my left adrenal gland, as well as several complex cysts on both kidneys. When my primary doctor sent me to an Urologist for follow up care, the Urologist wasn’t concerned and said that kidney cysts were common. He basically blew me off. My primary doctor suggested another ct scan a year later. The last scan done this month (Aug. 2009)showed that both kidneys were covered with complex cysts and the left with the Neoplasm. My current Urologist said that this still doesn’t explain my Hematuria that has been consistant over the last year, so I am having a Cystoscopy in early Spetember because he suspects that I may have a bladder tumor.

So you have suggested that I have the Neoplasm removed in the next month or two, but what about the complex cyst on my adrenal gland? Does this possess any threat to me and should it be removed as well?

Dear doctors,
My mom has just been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma stage 4 and is currently recieving chemotherapy. My siter and I know that there are many other treatments available such as hyperthermia which does not have many side effects as chemotherapy. We would like to pick the best treatment for our mom. She is 71 year old, has high blood pressure, is dibetic, has stomach problem; hietal hernia. Her tumor is not localized. According to the oncologost it stated from her ovaries, spread in her pelvis, lymph nodes and in the abdomen. We would like to know if hyperthermia is for our mom. Please let us know so we can help our mom as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Tigran

admin Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 10:34 pm

Dear Tigran,

I’ll have a doctor answer your question by tomorrow. We apologize for the delay.

Valley Cancer Institute

Hello
I’m a stage 4 colon cancer patient. After 6 1/2 years of chemo they have run out of treatments for me. The cancer has metastizied to both lungs where there are still several tumors and to several bones, ribs and vertebrae.
Can whole body hyperthermia help me?
Thanks
Paul Robinson

admin Reply:
September 14th, 2009 at 6:49 pm

Dear Paul,

We do not do whole body Hyperthermia since it is not approved by the FDA in the US. Hyperthermia to the whole of each lung with very low radiation has always proved effective. Each lung takes 4 weeks, 2 hrs a day, 5 days a week of treatment. Shortness of breath does not occurs until both lungs are covered by 90% of cancer tumors, so there is no urgency.

You mention no chemotherapy, but bone pain almost always is relieved by radiation alone.

Valley Cancer Institute oncology

Hello,
I was looking for a US site where hyperthermia is done for cancer treatment, having read something about success rates in Germany for treating cancers. Apparently there, they put a patient under some sort of anesthesia and then raise body temperature to a high level, as high as 107 degrees for serious cancers.

My questions:
1. Does this high heat input cause brain damage, as can happen
with any high fever over 104 degrees?

2. Are there mental or emotional or other neurologic changes which
can occur later? I have heard that radiation to the brain can lead to cell die off and decreased mental functions after a year or so. Can hyperthermia lead to such long term changes of mental and neurologic status which can show up later on after treatment?

3. If one has Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance which covers patient selection of any licensed MD in the country, are your doctor visits covered by this? What about the treatment sessions, are these also covered?

4. I am writing on behalf of a friend who has lung cancer non small cell with metastases to breastbone, base of spine and one rib area. Does hyperthermia work for these tumors located relatively deep with the body. Patient hass a 5 cm tumor on one lung and several smaller nodules on the other.

Many thanks,
sacha

admin Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 10:35 pm

Dear Sacha,

One of our doctors will answer all your questions soon. We apologize for the delay.

VCI staff

admin Reply:
September 14th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

Dear Sacha,

We do not have experience on whole body Hyperthermia. Clinics in Germany do whole body Hyperthyermia, which is not FDA approved in the US. We do local Hyperthermia, in which only the tumor is heated at 42.5 Celsius degrees, or about 108 Fahrenheit degrees.

Bone pain can be reveled by radiation alone. Regional (or local) Hyperthermia plus low radiation dose is the best treatment for lung metastases, but shortness of breath only occurs when both lungs are 90% full of cancer.

Blue Cross Blue Shield usually cover treatment, but please call Nash at (310)398-0013 to confirm this.Treatment takes about 4 weeks.

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

Dear Dr., I have free floating breast cancer cells in my blood stream. My first occurance with breast cancer was 3+ years ago. I then had 3 BC tumors in my left breast and in my bone marrow. I just had a PET scan that did not show tumor activity. However, my 27/29 markers are at 160. Can your therapy help me?

admin Reply:
September 16th, 2009 at 12:20 pm

Dear Linda,

We treat localized tumors. With high tumor markers ther must be more than “cells in the blood”.

We need more information, like, please send PET report and the CD images.
Then I’ll call you.

Dr. Ralph S. Wolfstein
Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

I am glad that I found out about Valley Cancer Institute before getting treatment elsewhere. The prospects for good quality of life during and after “conventional” treatment and the likelihood of a cure were not good. I am packing now to come to VCI for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma at the base of my tongue. Most of the medical doctors that I have consulted since the beginning of this year have told me that I am wasting time and my money in trying to maintain a raw/organic diet and only drinking high alkaline ionized water as a means to help my body fight the cancer. Further, I was told that I should eat the SAD way like most people and stop the ionized water if I expected any benefit from standard chemo/radiation treatment plan. They said that the diet and the water were way too anti-oxidizing and would be counter-productive to the treatment. Do you think that alkaline diet and water would interfere with or compliment the treatment at VCI. Should I bring my water ionizer with me or not?

admin Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 10:24 pm

Dear Jim,

I apologize to answering a week later. You are not only not wasting your time, money and efforts on a raw/organic diet and drinking high alkaline ionized water, but you are investing your time, money, and efforts on the best investment a human being can do: your health!

I not only encourage you to keep the diet program you are doing, raw/organic and drinking high alkaline ionized water, but keep being an informed and pro-active person! because that is the key of a healthy life, physical, mental, and spiritual. As you know a SAD diet (Standard American Diet) produce also SAD results.

Please, stop by my office, I love to talk to you about healthy raw food dishes and diet! I know the best raw food places in town! (actually I know them all!)

In the same way, I have to say each person is different, and each individual has to chose whatever is best for them, and that comes from inside.

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institute

I was wondering if you are aware of BSD Medical’s HUD for their BSD2000?
If they are able to receive the HDE will it help establish Hyperthermia recognition in the US?

admin Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 10:32 pm

Dear Eric,

BSD has not yet gotten the IDE (Investigational Device Exemption) in the USA.

Weather that Hyperthermia machine gets the approval or not, does not take any credibility or recognition from Hyperthermia in the US, although it would improve it. We are in the process of building a website with interviews to worldwide Hyperthermia experts, from Europe and the US.
This site will help enormously to improve the credibility and recognition that Hypeerthermia deserves in the world, not just the US.

Thank you very much for your thoughtful question. I will personally let you know about this website that is coming up.

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institute

For Dr Wolfstein,
I spoke with you a couple of days ago, but I am unclear about one thing we discussed.
I have several tumors in both of my lungs. You said I needed to be there for at least 4 weeks to treat these. My question is: Will we treat each lung daily or just one lung during my 4 weeks there?
Thanks
Paul Robinson

Hi Dr. Bicher,
May I have the doctor Bicher answer some questions about his July 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am.
1) For what was used the suit mentioned below?
2) How the experiment was conducted?
3) What was the result?

For 15 years I used my high insulation clothing and I reduced very much the aging of my body. I am 64 and able to do school (RN), to build houses and to do new inventions. For me the flu, cold season, and pain of any kind are history.
___________________________
David,
I just talked with Dr Bicher and he told me when he did research on Hyperthermia on Roswell Park Memorial Hospital, in 1975, the head of the department used a space suit to insulate patients bodies and to rise their temperature

admin Reply:
September 16th, 2009 at 12:52 pm

David,

Dr Bicher is out of town, and I was on vacations. I will give your questions to him when he is back.

I personally much agree on the results you had using your high (thermal) insulation clothing because you are stimulating the immune system by producing that “artificial fever”. This is a technique used in some clinics that use whole body hyperthermia in Europe. Unfortunatelly whole body Hyperthermia is not allowed (FDA approved) in the US.

Please fell free to tell us more about the results you had been having with your high (thermal) insulation clothing; you are more than welcome to share your successful experiences whit that.

Carlos Caridad
Administrator / Blog Moderator
Valley Cancer Institute

@Jim Vincent
Hi Jim,

I saw your post and wanted to share with you. I too had the same cancer as you and went the normal radiochecmo route much to my regret. Even though I have apparently beaten the cancer the side effects are horrendous and I will have to live with them the rest of my life. If you have had a biopsy you should find out if the cancer is HPV related. Why? Recent studies show that HPV base of tongue cancers are more receptive to treatment. Mine was HPV which is one of the reason the standard treatment was effective. I only wish I had known about the hyperthermia treatment and avoided the misery of side effects.
Stay on the raw foods and alkaline diet too.
Best wishes to you

Sam Taliaferro

admin Reply:
September 14th, 2009 at 9:32 am

Thank you Sam for your support. You told me in your blog that “I don’t think of Courage when I write about my health experience. I think of the real adverse health issues caused by the treatment and would love to spare even one person this traumatic experience”, but I know you are humble. Still I think not many people have the courage to speak out and share experiences like yours, after going through a non ideal situation like the standard care treatment you and others have received.

I’ll contact you as soon as I catch up with some work!

Carlos Caridad
Administrator
Valley Cancer Institute

It sounds to me like the hyperthermia treatments are most helpful if they are used first.
What would you have to offer a patient with IBC that has had bilateral mastectomies, but IBC still attacked the skin of the unaffected side. Also mets to the brain and bone (Currently no new lesions on the pet scan), but a spot on the liver and lung. Anything to offer her?
Thank you.
Bev

admin Reply:
September 16th, 2009 at 12:24 pm

Dear Beverly,

We can relieve symptoms, which you don’t describe, usually related to the extensive regional disease on the chest wall. Depending on the extent of lesions, the treatment will take 6 to 12 weeks. No side effects. No other treatment can help.

Unfortunatelly with stage 4 disease, we can’t offer possible cure.

Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

I read about whole body hyperthermia used in Germany and I found that the temperature used is 103. I measured under arm the temperature on my body and I found that it is 102. When I work or exercise I have 104. The advantage using just special layers of clothing is that you get 24 hours per day elevated temperature and you do not feel it at all, just you do not feel cool.
I may write you details how I got this idea but is too long for this kind of communication. If you’ll give me an email I will place their more materials.
I think this temperature may help in some phase of cancer.
I may ask permission from FDA. They may not refuse such a simple idea. I wrote them and they wrote me to find a doctor to apply my idea.
I think your institute may be proper for collaboration, because you already use the advantage of heat to treat cancer. Your institute may just benefit using my idea.
David Muresan

admin Reply:
September 17th, 2009 at 9:45 am

David, I love the results of your experiments, truly! Please use my e-mail: carlosdc@vci.org. I heard from one of our current patients something very similar. This lady told me how much sense made Hyperthermia for her, since she “perspires” every day by exercising, which is a form of elevating body temperature naturally.

Carlos Caridad
Administrator/Webmaster/Blog Moderator
Valley Cancer Institute

Hi Mr. Carlos,
Over 15 years of intense observations allowed me to come with a health theory. I will attach here the whole theory, which explain many health problems, I presented my own observation and the quotes from science books supporting my point.

For a healthy life we need three elements:
1) Proper foods.
2) Exercise, and
3) Energy preservation.

Three quotes are the base for my theory:
1) Body tissues exposed at 33 C instead of 37 may get infections.
2) Elevated body temperature enhances the immune system to heal infections.
3) Body temperature is the measure of energy (heat) produced by the body minus the losses of heat to the environment.

People eat proper foods. Exercise is not available in sufficient amount at any age. Exercise produce more heat and the body temperature will raise. Energy preservation means to reduce the body heat losses and the temperature will raise naturally.

Fever is unpleasant because generally is associated with infections and the infection is unpleasant. Temperature increased by exercise and preservation is pleasant because not infection is present.

The lady in your example felt better because during exercise the temperature raised and infections were low. But using preservation during the night would be enormous beneficial.

In Dr. Bicher example with space costume used for heat preservation, the inconvenience is the costume. My insulation used simple materials and the number of layers and the specific material in each layer make the insulation perfect. My idea is very simple and I wish to patent it.

If you’ll express any interest in my theory I would be glad to do a plan of collaboration with you.

Hello - can one have hyperthermia treatment if they already had radiation? In April 2009 my mom finished 3 months of radiation/chemo for Stage 4A base of tongue cancer (unresectable), and it did not get rid of it all. It still exists throughout the structures of her neck area and in the lymph nodes in the neck. Her oncologist now has her on weekly Erbitux infusions to delay growth. We don’t want to give up fighting for a cure. Is hyperthermia even an option for her at ths point? She also has a secondary primary cancer…lung cancer stage 1 which we have not addressed because the tongue cancer was more pressing. Thanks!

admin Reply:
September 29th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

Dear Collen,

We can certainly help. Using extremely low dose of radiation, relaying almost entirely on Hyperthermia we has completely relieved symptoms in all but one patient after previous high dose radiation treatment. The one failure had extremely extensive disease. Too often patients come here with severe permanent toxicity from previous treatments, and remain free of disease after 8 and 10 years.

You will not have any change in toxicity related to previous treatment and no side effects during treatment.

Let us know if you, or your mother have any further questions. We apologize to answer after a week; we are really busy lately.

You can also call to 310-398-0013 and ask for Nash. She will be more then happy to answer your questions about our treatment, accommodations, insurance payments, and more.

Dr Ralph Wolfstein
Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

Aryana Itkis was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2004 and had the surgery in Feb, 2004. Since then she went through a number of chemotherapy every time when her CA125 was above normal. It came to the point that she cannot take the chemo any more. It has destroyed her stomach, she lost a lot of weit etc,etc…….
We are looking for alternative treatments to make her life a bit easier.
Is your method applicable for ovarian cancer treatment?
Thank you in advance for your response.

Does Dr. Bitcher know of any institution in the US that offers Laser-Induced Interstitial Thermotherapy (LITT) - this is another hyperthermia treatment which the Germans report to have excellent results for breast cancer metastases in the liver - see paper below …

radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/reprint/233/2/400.pdf

Thank you!

Hve you heard of this study and the reults presented this week?
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idCNLM1342620090922?rpc=44

admin Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:55 pm

Dear Eric,

We are aware of those studies in Germany. We also have extensive experience using local Hyperthermia in combination with low radiation dose. You can see the results in the scientific paper wrote by Dr James Bicher, Valley Cancer Institute director, and published in the German Journal Of Oncology on June 2006, by following this link:

http://vci.org/thermoradiotherapy.htm

and also on this linkk too:

http://vci.org/cancer_treatments_miscell/latest-breastcancer-prostatecancer-headandneckcancer-treatment-results.htm

Thank you very much for your very interesting and informative inquire!

Carlos Caridad
Administrator/Webmaster/Blog Moderator
Valley Cancer Institute

admin Reply:
September 24th, 2009 at 4:57 pm

Dear Eric,

We know the improvement on treatment results (at least double) of chemotherapy when is administered with local Hyperthermia.

We have been using the same enhancing effects of Hyperthermia to treat cancer, but combined with low doses of radiation, for over 30 years. Dr. Bicher is a pioneer on the use of Hyperthermia and low radiation dose. All Dr Bicher’s papers published over the years show the effectiveness of Hyperthermia as well as prove that his work in clinical use of Hyperthermia dates from the ‘70.

We are very happy that the results obtained by the University of Munich in Germany, concord with what we have been doing in the last 30 years, and actually the German trials and successful results confirm what we have doing at the Valley Cancer Institute since 1984.

Again, this is a link to Dr Bicher’s paper published in the German Journal of Oncology, in which he presents to the scientific community treatment results on breast cancer, prostate cancer, head and neck (base of tongue) cancer, as well as 5 years survival rate. You can see that treatment results are 3 to four times better than conventional surgery, chemotherapy and radiation alone. Survival rates are also much higher.

This is the link: http://vci.org/thermoradiotherapy.htm , where thermoradiotherapy is une of the scientific.medical ways to name “Hyperthermia in combination with (low dose) radiation”

We really appreciate questions like yours because it shows we have very informed readers and writers in our blog. To be educated and proactive on health issues, or any other issue for that matter, is the foundation of a successful decision, which eventually will lead to the best treatment choice for your particular case (or a relative or friend).

Carlos Caridad
Administrator/Webmaster/Blog Moderator
Valley Cancer Institute

Dear staff,

Searching on the internet about hyperthermia, I met the website of VCI.
I am a student of the Delft technical university and the Rotterdam Erasmus Medical centre, both in the Netherlands.
My assignment now is look at the deep hyperthermia Head & Neck treatments, as is performed in your clinic as well.

Can I contact some of the staff working on this specific part? I am mainly interested in the tools that are used for this setting,
I hope you can help me (with the right contact?) and maybe we can share some insights,

Hi Carlos,

This news report came across my desk this morning and I believe it is very important for those with head and neck cancer to read. If you are a none smoker and have this cancer chances are good that it is HPV related and therefore more successfully treated. Having been there and done that I would encourage anyone with this cancer to carefully look into hyperthermia and low dose radiation. Chance are very good you will come out whole.

DNA test could be key to targeting treatments for head and neck cancer
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-10/uol-dtc100509.php

I have been diagnosed with colereal cancer, which is about 4 centimeters from my anis and circles the colon completely. I have in my possesion the results for all the scans, blood tests, etc. that have been taken except the P.E.T. scan which was taken for a spot on my liver, suspected to be non cancerous.
I am scheduled to begin radiation on Monday, Oct. 19 which will be combined with Xeloda.
My treatment is in coperation with Duke, where the planning for radiation and the surgeon and oncologist work together to have the perscribed treatment.
Is it possible to use the hyperthermia treatment in this area of my anatomy. I also have had a stage one cancer removed from my bladder 4 years and have been undergoing regular removal of the new growths that keep appearing.
I would appreciate your recommendation.

Dr. I have been to Bio-med Clinic in Germany ,Dr. HAGER,Dr Migeod and had deep and wholebody hperthermia 3 times sinceOct 2008, do you offer treatment with lo dose chemo,and treat immune system as part of your treatment.I was looking for a clinic in USA that could treat with out the high doses of drugs and radiation.

Hello, can you advise if you can help me. I am in the UK and been told about your treatment. I have just had my breast removed and been told that there are 3 lymph nodes infected. Can your treatment clear the cells from the lymph nodes so that it will not spread to the rest of my body. My hospital wanted to take all my lymph nodes from one of my armpits to ensure this does not travel. So far I have declined as I only had surgery last week. Many thanks Gale

Hello Doctor,
I’m from India. One of my cousine delveloped throat cancer(Stage4) for which he treated(surgery) couple of weeks back at cancer institute(Adyar) in chennai.
I got a chance to read your website. Doctors are not giving any guranteed answer. In this scenario, can u suggest us to take hyperthermia treatment?
If possible can you tell us the centers availble in in India(preferably south).

Awaiting your response.

Thnaks in advance.

Sivakumar

admin Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:35 pm

Dear Sivakumar,

Your cousin is most definitely a candicate for our protocol, hyperthermia with low-dose radiation therapy. It is important that a CT scan or PET scan is obtained to ascertain that there is no remaining microscopic disease or at best, if malignancy is completely controlled, We know that hyperthermia is already offered in India but we are not certain as to the whereabouts of he clinics.. You may try googling. You can also try to look for Dr. Nagraj Huilgol; he practice Hyperthermia in India.

If you have other questions, please feel free to contact us at 310 398-0013 and please ask for Nash.

Sincerely,
Valley Cancer Institute Oncology

Hello I have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Would your treatment protocol have an impact against my disease?
thank you
Michael

Hello,

my husband has metastisis squamous cell on a site where they removed bone of the skull. A flap is now there covering the area. The cancer is now infiltrating the brain on the surface. The treatment will be high dose radiation to the area. I have learned of hyperthermia and low dose radiation, but this is not performed in the UK. Can you advise me? I know it is done in the Netherlands and Germany. What are the costs with your clinic and where are you located?
Your help is so much appreciated. Regards, Em Burritt

admin Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

Dear Emmeline Burritt:

Hyperthermia plus radiation therapy is far mor effective than radiation
therapy;however sqamous cell carcinoma does respond well enough to probably
control the problem, probably eliminate disease in the region. Using
hyperthermia and radiation therapy we quite likely eliminate disease in the
region.

I am sure you understand that he has stage 4 disease, so a decision
regarding huyperthermia and radiation therapy for palliation might depend on how extensive the disease is. It may be that we would need to treat other areas, such as liver or lung, where hyperthermia plus radiation therapy is the only treatment that can help once chemotherapy has proved ineffective.

Ralph S. Wolfstein, M.D.
Director of Radiation Oncology

My husband has squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue and throat.
He also has bilateral involement of the lympth (1st. or 2nd. lympth.)
He is in his 5th week of chemo and low dose radiation. (It was determined because of his hearing tests that he was not eligible for cisplaton (sp?) and has had an allergic reaction to Erbatux(sp?). Therefore, his chemo treatment is Carbo…(sp?) At the 4th week check up, it was determined that his lympth nidus were not regressing quickly enough. (However, the radiologist indicated that it may be due to scar tissue that has formed and not the cancer itself.)
Would it be too late to start adjunctive hyperthermia and drop the chemo at this point? Can you recommend a clinic near San Francisco as he is getting his radiation at UCSF. His last chemo is scheduled for January 6th. He now has 7 more low dose radiation treatments.

Doctor,

Are there any treatments for Lung Cancer with hyperthermia treatments

admin Reply:
December 28th, 2009 at 6:06 pm

YES, hyperthermia plus radiation therapy is quite effective for lung cancer,
often leading to cure if not Stage 4.

Ralph S. Wolfstein, M.D.
Director of Radiation Oncology

Can you let me know if your treatment will work on preventing breast cancer coming back or occuring in another place. I have had one lump removed last year which was a Triple negative tumor. Then I had my breast removed this year following another Triple negative tumor. Both Grade 3.
Lymph nodes are fine. Had bone a blood scan last year OK. Blood OK this year. Have been told there is no particular chemo for this type of breast cancer so not had any treatment. thank you

I have been diagnosed with Stage III Squamous Cell Cancer on back of tongue. Never smoking, chewing, drinking etc. I am baffled. Do y’all have an alternative to Radiation Therapy?

I am fit, 54 years old - I am an active guy. Can y’all work some miracle on me?

512-715-0262
J

admin Reply:
March 15th, 2010 at 5:44 pm

Dear J. Stone-Pierce:

We have had great success in treating said disease. Hyperthermia with
low-dose radiation therapy is the best option for this type of ailment. We
administer fractionated or low-dose radiation which is potentiated by
hyperthermia. The patient will have the advantage of receiving a fraction
of the conventional dose, with the same effectivity as the conventional or
classic dose, without the usual adverse side effects. Radiation is to be
delivered thru IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) targeting
precisely only the tumor avoiding all healthy or non-malignant tissues.

If you have other questions, please feel free to contact us at 310 397-8654
and please ask for Nash.

Sincerely,
Valley Cancer Institute

J - I read your post and thought I might put my two cents in. Three years ago (can’t believe it has been that long)I was diagnosed with the same (on back of tongue and tonsils)I was 51 years old, had two young boys and a loving wife. The news of my cancer couldn’t have come at a worse time. I could have gone to any facility in the country and others internationally. You know what all the doctors said (say it with me!), “CHEMO, SURGERY, RADIATION.” It is how they have been trained (brainwashed if you ask me). Well, I spent months researching alternatives. I came to VCI scared to death, not knowing what to expect.

In the first few weeks my tumors seemed to grow larger. That did not make me happy at all. With the guidance of their staff and a little patience — they were gone. Done, caput, finito. I don’t believe in miracles per se but I will say that their treatment is as close as humanely possible to one.

These guy’s have been doing this for quite some time, they are very good at what they do (except for that torturous Manny [just kidding!). Have faith, have some patience, enjoy the California sun and the beach, and chances are — you will reap the same benefits and results as I did. By the way, I was diagnosed Stage IV. Go figure.

Hi to all my friends; Sylvia (the angel saint), Gigi, Manny, Nash, Carlos and everyone else there. By the way feel free to Email me and I think my interview is still up on the site, you can view it at your leisure.

Best wishes J –

Larry Kanter
Survivor . . . . Booya!

admin Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 11:23 am

Thank you very much Larry for your kind words and support!!!

Your wonderful interview can be watched here:

http://vci.org/cancer_treatments_miscell/patient-video-testimonies.htm

As you said, having faith and patience are important for a full recovery, but you also have to be a very informed person and strong enough to stand before conventional medicine and doctors!

Thank you again Larry!

Carlos

Dear Doctors and Staff, I have been in contact with your staff and have my home up for sale, but so far there are no takers. I must sell my home to allow me to move to California to receive your treatment.
I have Colon and Bladder cancer and I feel your treatment is the best that is offered in this country, but unfortunately I live in North Carolina.
I have researched and discovered that enriching my blood with oxygen while starving it from glucose will allow me time to sell.
I have followed the treatments of local hospitals using hypothermia, but they do not offer the complete treatment that your facility uses.
At Duke (Duke University Hospital) they are experimenting with hypothermia and chemo with some success but not for colon cancer. It seems that when heated the chemo or medicine will be absorbed better therefore destroying the cancer and at Wake Forest they are using hypothermia only after surgery, both facilities are in the experimental stage only.
It seems others are slowly following your lead, for myself I am only hoping I can survive until I can sell my home and make the move to the west coast.

admin Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 12:53 pm

Dear Mr Warwick,

Thank you so much for your kind words and support.

We indeed are pioneer on cancer treatment using hyperthermia and low-dose-radiation. This cancer therapy is the most effective and low side effects available world wide. You are also right when you said, “others are slowly following your lead”.

We really hope you will be able to sell your house and come to California, where the sun shines 355 days a year, and the weather is magnificent!

Thank you again for your comment!

Carlos Caridad
Administrator/Webmaster/Blog moderator
Valley Cancer Institute

I want to remove my email from this site and your website doesn’t allow it.
Please do so for me or write me and tell me how. E.B.