MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Re: Please Reply to This.
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Re: Please Reply to This.

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Please Reply to This. › Re: Please Reply to This.

    • August 19, 2010 at 12:08 pm
    jim Breitfeller
    Participant

      Kevin,

      Melanoma is not a death sentence. Your oncologist is using Chemotherapy to shed tumor-specific  antigens for presentation on the Dendritic Cells (DCs). Scientists have recently identified a population of DCs (merocytic DCs [mcDCs]) that potently primes both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells to cell-associated Ags upon uptake of apoptotic cells.(dying cells). If activation of these T cells don't occur, it may be due to the surpressive function of the Tregs and the tumor microenviroment.  Ipilimumab (Anti-CTLA-4) surpresses the Tregs fuction by blocking the B7 receptors. It is the "spark" needed to jumpstart you immune system to reconognize  the Melanoma.

      Yes, there is hope. We are near a major breakthrough, but we first have to verify the protocol.

      if you want to read about a success story of a stage IV patient, please read "Melanoma and the Magic Bullet". The story starts on page 16. It is my story. It can be found at Meanoma Missionary site.

      http://melanomamissionary.blogspot.com/

      http://www.box.net/shared/kjgr6dkztj

       "Melanoma and the Magic Bullet"

      "Today might be the worst day of your life…but tomorrow could be the best. You just have to get there."

      ~Unknown~

      Take care

      Jimmy B

    About the MRF Patient Forum

    The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

    The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

    Popular Topics