Immune Augmentation Therapy
Caution: Some complementary agents or therapies may be useful for cancer patients; however, some may be harmful in certain situations. MD Anderson Cancer Center cautions patients to consult with their oncologist before attempting to use any agents or therapies referenced on these pages. Inclusion of an agent, therapy or resource on this CIMER Web site does not imply endorsement by MD Anderson Cancer Center.
- Summary is based upon articles published as of 05/15/2007
- A more detailed review is available in the Detailed Scientific Review
Description
The immune augmentation therapy of Lawrence Burton, a zoologist, is based upon his theory concerning four factors within the immune system that fail to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The therapy that he developed involves daily self-injections of these four factors derived from the blood of healthy human donors and patients with cancer.
Dose
Unknown at this time.
How it is taken
This therapy is given by injection, but is currently illegal in the United States. It is provided by the Immunology Researching Center in Freeport, Bahamas.
Side effects
The clinic in the Bahamas has described side effects of fatigue, malaise, pain at the site of injection or at bony metastases, flu-like symptoms, drowsiness.
Possible risks
As with any human blood products, risks exist of infection such as hepatitis or HIV from viruses within the donated blood and/or bacterial contamination during storage. Appropriate donor screening and processing procedures can minimize these risks, but the current standards employed are not known.
Important Advice
To avoid potential interactions, be sure to let your health care provider know if you use this or any other type of complementary therapy.