The treatment
program is intended for patients with stage IV melanoma who have undergone
surgery to remove one or more tumors, and who are free of the disease for the
present. The removed tumor is taken to the laboratory, where the melanoma
cells are isolated and irradiated to render it live, but unable to reproduce. These
cells are mixed with proteins that will enhance the immune system s response. The
patient receives low-level chemotherapy to alert the immune system to the
cancer, and then the vaccine is injected once a month for eight months
Currently, in
about half of the patients receiving the vaccine the disease will not recur.
This more than doubles the current rate of non-recurrence, but still falls
below the levels researchers expect will be achieved as the research
continues. The melanoma vaccine is considered to be a foundation for a total
treatment package that can include other traditional treatments.
The cost of this
treatment is approximately $17,000.
Hand in Hand can
help you to apply for this treatment! Click on Contact Us and get the
process started now!
