Every day, cancer cells develop in each of our bodies.  Our immune system is held with the responsibility of seeking out and destroying these abnormal cells.  This is called cancer surveillance.  These abnormal cells are caused by mutations in genes controlling cell growth, infection by viruses that can cause cancer, expression or conversion into oncogenes (genes programmed to cause the expression of cancer) and environmental factors (such as chemicals, radiation and electromagnetic fields) which can contribute to cancer by generating gene mutations.

Usually by the time cancer is identified, the immune system is seriously compromised.  Cancer treatments are designed to destroy the abnormal cancer cells.  However, in addition, these treatments can also harm normal cells including those of the immune system.   Once the cancer cells are destroyed, the body and the normal cells of the immune system need to rebuild.  Cancer surveillance must resume at a heightened level in order to prevent a recurrence of the cancer.  The rebuilding of the body and immune system is often difficult due to the potent treatments necessary to kill the abnormal cancer cells.

The CSI Cancer Immunology Wellness Program is designed to help you rebuild your body and enhance your immune response through an integrated medical approach.  Our team of multi-disciplinary experts can help scientifically guide you in your recovery and subsequent overall health and well-being.

CSI Cancer Immunology Wellness Program

Initial 60-minute consultation with physician specializing in wellness who will evaluate and optimize the immune system to help fight cancer:

• Comprehensive immune system lab evaluation
• Lab assessment of hormonal levels
• Lab assessment of occult infections

• Comprehensive nutritional assessment:
  • Computer analysis of diet
  • Lab assessment of vitamin and antioxidant levels in the blood
  • Lab assessment of fatty acid levels in the blood (“good” fatty acids vs. “bad” fatty acids)
  • Body composition assessment to include muscle mass, body fat content and bone mineral density
  • Meeting with registered dietitian (RD) who will design an individualized nutrition and exercise program (in collaboration with physical therapist)
  • Meeting with physician who will recommend specific oral or intravenous supplements based upon your own specific nutritional panels and recommendations from the RD
    
    
• Comprehensive psychosocial assessment:
  • Quality of Life Assessment
  • Psycho-Social and Cognitive function (memory/cognition) testing and treatments
  • Evaluation session with therapist who will design an individual treatment program, which may include psychotherapy, stress reduction techniques, imagery, biofeedback, or behavior modification
  • Spiritual guidance and referral also available
    
    
• Follow-up appointment with a physician specialist who will review all the evaluations and implement an individualized treatment program to include complimentary medical therapies:
  • A full report summarizing findings and recommendations for your wellness program will be forwarded to your oncologist for approval
  • CSI physician specialists and staff will work in collaboration with your oncologist to implement your wellness program with follow-up visits to be scheduled depending upon individual needs

Potential Wellness Therapies

• Nutrition and exercise (physical therapy)
• Restorative sleep, stress reduction and meditation
• Hormonal replacement therapy
• Antivirals, antifungals or antibacterials
• Oral or intravenous (IV) vitamin supplements and
• anti-oxidants
• Immune system enhancement:
• Natural Killer (NK) cell function
• B-cells and antibodies
• Immunomodulators
• Spiritual connections
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Complimentary medical therapies (for example: acupuncture, structural integration, etc.)

Patients who may benefit from the program

Patients who may benefit from the program are those who are completing or have completed treatment for their cancer and are experiencing:

• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Trouble with memory or concentration
• Anxiety or depression
• Loss of hope
• Weakness
• Pain

Additionally, cancer patients in remission may benefit from a holistic approach to wellness and remaining cancer-free.

Our Goals

• To augment cancer treatments and improve clinical outcomes of cancer survivors through optimization of the patients’ own immune response
• Incorporate holistic and complementary medical therapies to enhance wellness
• Minimize the side-effects and consequences of cancer therapies through proactive and alternative interventions
• Enhance quality of life (decrease pain, increase sense of well-being, decrease fatigue, and improve cognitive function)
• Life plan development