“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease”. Can we accuse this 18th century philosopher of magical thinking….or prescience? (ha pre-science). Shall we say, a little bit of both?
Of course as a Radiation Oncologist, my work is to intercept, intervene and interfere with this natural state instead of allowing cancer or the body to both have free reign. We know too well what chaos they cause when left to their own devices. The concept that the body can cure itself isn’t new and exists for many abnormalities (the liver can regenerate, infection subside, new blood vessels grow about (collateralization) a blocked artery in the heart, etc) . Do we ever see cancers disappear without treatment? Actually, yes but rarely. A few good examples is follicular low grade non hodgkins lymphoma. This can wax and wane for a few decades without coverting to more aggressive types. Also, but rare, is the finding of abscopal effect of metastatic kidney cancer…. if the primary kidney with the cancer is removed, we may actually find metastatic lesions in lung disappear.
Why then is Voltaire’s statement now possible? Because for the past years, and especially with mRNA vaccines borrowing from the covid vaccine, more treatments, and now, even vaccines are being developed. These help the body or ….”nature to cure itself”.
Newest this week is vaccine for melanoma. Once a disease with little hope, at least 50% respond to immuntherapies and completely “erase” even widely metastatic tumors. Now new trials in England are exploring a vaccine which may even shrink melanoma or limit metastatic disease. For most cancers, even pancreatic and aggressive types of breast cancers, immunotherapies are offered, if not up front at the beginning of treatment, then upon recurrent disease. Vaccines are in the works for breast, lung and pancreas.
“We’re getting something to work. Now we need to get it to work better”, Dr. James Gulley lead at NCI immune therapies. The vaccines teach the body’s T cells to hunt down danger. Clever. The advancements are fast and furious and we hope they are ready as those of us age and get into all sorts of mischief with these cancers.
For now, yes, it’s surgery, chemo, radiation, immunotherapy. There is already vaccine for human papilloma virus known to cause oropharynx (head and neck), anal and cervix cancers. So hope. For today, research your concerns, seek out trials and protocols, and keep your own immune system strong. Limit alcohol, eat nutritously, exercise for mind and body strength, avoid sun (but take immune boosting Vit D3) and be assured that you will be ready for the fight. Our bodies are amazing.
Voltaire was right at least on this point. Soon slash, burn, poison therapies will take a back seat to your own internal force. Get ready to put your mitts up!