Getting a cancer diagnosis is a daunting and scary task that can lead to more questions than answers. However, it is important to realize that no one person’s journey is the same and that chemotherapy might not work for everyone. Dr. Clifford Fetters can help you understand your diagnosis and find the right treatment for you. Our office services Carmel, Indianapolis, and Noblesville, IN areas. Schedule a consultation today with Health and Wellness of Carmel in Carmel, IN to learn more about how our office can help you.

What is immune support therapy?

Immune support therapy is an immunotherapeutic approach to the treatment of cancer. Researchers have been looking for immunological treatments for cancer for decades with little progress until recently. They have been looking for a way to fight against inoperable solid malignancies, and immune support therapy is a promising new approach to this problem. Immune support therapy with Dr. Fetters can be used in any stage of cancer.

How does immune support therapy work?

Immune support therapy is an autologous process, meaning it uses your own blood to fight the cancerous cells. This treatment involves getting peripheral blood mononuclear cells from your blood by leukapheresis. The cells are then cultured with immune-stimulatory agents and matured into dendritic cells. This happens when the cells and immune agent are exposed to your inactivated tumor cells. The dendritic cells are infused into your body through an IV to boost your immune system. This helps give your immune system a shock that helps it to fight your cancer. The main part of this process is the dendritic cells. For these cells to be successful, they must be exposed to inactivated cancer cells. These tumor cells have specific proteins that attach to the cells and help produce T-cells. These cells then make and secrete cytokines, or immune stimulatory agents, which are specifically made for your body. This can make this method more effective than traditional ones because it is tailor-made with your cells for your body.

What are dendritic cells?

Dendritic cells are immune cells that are a part of every person’s tissues. They are mainly in the skin and inner lining of the nose, lungs, stomach, and intestines. Their main function is to identify any foreign substances in your body, including incorrectly formed cells, like cancer cells. This boosts your immune system by alerting your body to the invaders. Once the immune system is activated, it migrates to your lymphoid tissues. Here, they interact with T-cells and B-cells to start and shape the adaptive immune response. Together, all of these functions can help activate your immune system and fight off the cancerous cells.

Where can I get immune support therapy in Carmel, IN?

Immune support therapy helps treat cancer by giving your immune system a jump start and helping to target specific cancer cells in your body. While this is a relatively new type of immunotherapy, the results so far have been extremely promising. Dr. Clifford Fetters can help to guide you through your diagnosis and show you all the different treatment options you have. We understand that chemotherapy does not work for everyone, and we are dedicated to offering multiple services to help you throughout your journey. Our office services patients near the Carmel, Noblesville, and Indianapolis IN areas. Contact Health and Wellness of Carmel in Carmel, IN for a full consultation on the state of your overall health.