My wife Nancy

Great advice, tamara - and welcome.

Scientists find key to 'turbo-charging' immune system to kill all cancers - Telegraph

By Sarah Knapton, Science Editor
7:00PM BST 16 Apr 2015
Imperial College scientists are developing a gene therapy designed to boost immune cells

A protein which ‘turbo-charges’ the immune system so that it can fight off any cancer or virus has been discovered by scientists.

In a breakthrough described as a ‘game-changer’ for cancer treatment, researchers at Imperial College found a previously unknown molecule which boosts the body’s ability to fight off chronic illnesses.

Scientists at Imperial College London, who led the study, are now developing a gene therapy based on the protein and hope to begin human trials in three years.

“This is exciting because we have found a completely different way to use the immune system to fight cancer,” said Professor Philip Ashton-Rickardt, from the Section of Immunobiology in the Department of Medicine at Imperial, who led the study.

“It could be a game-changer for treating a number of different cancers and viruses.

“This is a completely unknown protein. Nobody had ever seen it before or was even aware that it existed. It looks and acts like no other protein.”


The protein – named lymphocyte expansion molecule, or LEM, promotes the spread of cancer killing ‘T cells’ by generating large amounts of energy.

Normally when the immune system detects cancer it goes into overdrive trying to fight the disease, flooding the body with T cells. But it quickly runs out of steam.

However the new protein causes a massive energy boost which makes T cells in such great numbers that the cancer cannot fight them off.

It also causes a boost of immune memory cells which are able to recognise tumours and viruses they have encountered previously so there is less chance that they will return.

The team made the discovery while screening mice with genetic mutations. They found one type produced ten times the number of cancer-fighting T cells, suppressing infections and becoming resistant to cancer.

Researchers found that the mice with enhanced immunity produced high levels of the unknown protein which is also found in humans.

They are hoping to produce a gene therapy whereby T cells of cancer patients could be enhanced with the protein and then injected back into the body. It could end the need for harsh chemotherapies as the body itself would be fighting the disease, rather than toxic drugs.

Dr Mike Turner, Head of Infection and Immunobiology at The Wellcome Trust, said: “The discovery of a protein that could boost the immune response to not only cancer, but also to viruses, is a fascinating one.

“Further investigation in animal models is needed before human trials can commence, but there is potential for a new type of treatment that capitalises on the immune system’s innate ability to detect and kill abnormal cells.”

Charities said the protein showed 'great promise' and were eager to see if it could be translated into humans.

Dr Alan Worsley, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: “This exciting work in mice is still at an early stage and only looked at one type of cancer.

“Cancer often finds a way to suppress the immune system, but drugs that overcome this and allow immune cells to target cancer show great promise. Research into the biology of the immune system could help develop more effective treatments by increasing the number of cancer-killing immune cells.

“The researchers now need to figure out how to develop drugs that target this molecule, and whether doing so would be safe and effective in cancer patients.”

The research was published in the journal Science.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11542544/Scientists-find-key-to-turbo-charging-immune-system-to-kill-all-cancers.html

Wow, what a find, Oneflu!  I would go for the trials myself.  As the protein is already found in the body, the possibility of adverse reactions is lower.  I really hope they push for human trials soonest.  

Albert and all,this discussion forum may turn out to be the most important thing that you have done. I have a question to. There is new product(at least to me) called 4-MU. It has been shown to stop the spread of prostate CA and a possible cure for prostate CA. This 4-MU is an over the counter in some countries,but I can not seem to find it for sell. I learned of 4-MU from the evening FOX NEWS from their medical expert. I know that is not a good source,but what he said was good.

Do any of you know where I can legally buy 4-MU? Even though 4-MU is not meant for Endometrial Papillary Carcinoma. This is the only product that I have ever seen on a National TV network that let this be announced. So I am thinking that there are other over the counter products in some countries that could help her. I want to know how I can buy 4-MU legally for myself. Because we all know that any man who dies of any thing but Prostate CA.has died a premature death.

I would appreciate any help on how to legally buy 4-MU?I would take it myself and also give it to my wife,because I have never seen a product that was suppose to CURE any kind of Cancer.

Please every one continue your prayers and also let me know what you know of 4-MU and any other cancer cure products.?Johnray1

I do not know why I am being posted as a quest,when I am not a quest,I have been on this board for years as Johnray1.Johnray1

rickster 58,Thank you.Johnray1

JR, if you've forgotten your password then any of the Mods can email a temporary one to you. As Jen said, perhaps you cleared your password memory. If I don't just stick to my three favorite ones then I always always forget them.

Jen147,Nancy is having her first good day since her Oncologist stopped the Chemo. I hope that they continue.Johnray1

Jen 147, The one good day did not last. Hopefully,there will be more good days in the future.

I do not know what is wrong with my sign in? Johnray1

To All, I am asking for all of your prayers again. My wife Nancy is having severe G.I. problems,I think that it is damage from the Radiation treatments. If she not improve by tomorrow or the next day,I am going to have to take her back to the hospital and she will probably end up with a colostomy. This is the last thing in the world that she wants. She has even said that she will refuse it.

I am asking for all of your prayers for my wife and for me. Johnray1

Technophobe,thank you, I will tell her.Johnray1

John I'm sorry I'm just now seeing this.  We have been crazy busy this weekend.  My son was lucky enough to be invited to American Legion Boys State all last week & this weekend were closing ceremonies.  So proud of him!

Jen 147.everything that you say here is correct. Plus the best looking 8 point Buck that I have seen in years was standing in my drive way,against the garage doors the other night.

Plus,my fearless dog laid in the house on his butt all last summer and the deer eat basically all of my beans and he did not bark one time any night and I live in a small town.Johnray1

Truthfully, Johnray, a lot of people drop off from your life when illness strikes. I had it happen when I had my health dxs. Nothing is fatal/terminal, but they start to see you as a burden. I just think, well the ones I still have in my life are the ones that really matter. A person I know left their terminally ill mate twice because they went together again out of pity, and then that person backed down again. People don't realize the effect that kind of thing has on a person. I am very glad you are sticking by your wife. I hope she finds many good days, even if it's a small triumph, that still means a lot. :)

Continued prayers and blessings to you and Nancy Johnray1

Jen147,My wife is doing very bad. I expect her to die today because of 2 dreams that I had last night.In one of the dreams,Nancy told me that she was leaving and she turned her back to me and walked off,she has not been able to walk for weeks now. In the other dream,I saw two balls of light and they left toward the sky,but one seemed to be leading the other.But no one knows for sure. 2 of our 3 kids are here.My youngest daughter came about a week ago and she has basically taken over Nancy's care. I was on my last legs.I was more worn out than I thought.I have slept a lot since she got here.She has not eaten or drank anything in days.It does not look good.Johnray1

Thinking about you and praying for your family Johnray.

Good God.  Terrible my friend. 

To All, My wife Nancy,died at about 0330 last night.Johnray1

Dear Johnray, I'm so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. A very sad day for you all. 

Sincerest condolences Dr Johnray, my families prayers go out to you and your family during this most difficult time.

Johnray

Condolences, JohnRay. I wish your family many blessings.