I recently asked a cardiologist his estimate of how recent science has improved the treatment of heart disease. His answer was “immeasurably”. He further said, “just the last ten years has doubled our ability to treat heart disease”
Science continues its march to improving treatment of virtually all diseases, but none more than the use of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer.
There are two basic types of immunotherapy; one is the extraction of the person’s immune cells, altering them genetically to kill cancer, and then transfusing them back into the patient. The second is not nearly as invasive as it delivers it’s life saving therapy by infusion gene altering drugs into the patient to allow the patients own immune system to fight the disease.
Doctors can now develop a specific patient centered immunotherapy treatment. The results are simply amazing. Terminal patients are often given years more to live and some even a total remission. There can be side effects, but doctors are learning more every day how to deal with these.
Bottom line, immunotherapy appears to be working for 20 to 40 percent of patients. And, as our learning curve via research continues, this will increase.
Yes, immunotherapy is probably the most important medical breakthrough in the 21st century.
Read a comprehensive article on this subject at the July 31, 2016 New York Times
About First Care
Founded in 2012, our veteran-owned clinic is both patient-centered and knowledge-driven. For individuals who have non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, our urgent care center is a convenient and affordable alternative to overcrowded and expensive hospital emergency rooms. Additionally, because we also serve as a primary care provider, we believe in creating a meaningful, long-term relationship with each patient based upon open communication, shared understanding, and mutual respect. We are proud to provide the following services to the community:
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