Prostate cancer treatment with dendritic cells in Germany
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- Who may need dendritic cell vaccination?
- How Does Dendritic Cell Therapy for Prostate Cancer Work?
- Why is Dendritic Cell Therapy Effective for Prostate Cancer?
- Why is Germany a Leading Destination for Prostate Cancer Treatment?
- Frequently asked questions of our patients
Dendritic cell prostate cancer treatment represents a groundbreaking immunotherapy approach, recognized by the 2011 Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to Ralph Steinman. This innovative method can be prescribed to men of all ages and at any stage of prostate cancer, serving as an effective addition to standard treatment protocols. The therapy requires just a single injection to create lasting anticancer immunity. German hospitals produce these vaccines individually using the patient's own biological material, enabling the immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells independently after administration, without requiring additional injections for sustained therapeutic effect.
Who may need dendritic cell vaccination?
Dendritic cell therapy shows particular promise for men with early-stage prostate cancer, where it can significantly reduce the risk of disease progression. When administered in the initial phases of treatment, the vaccine helps establish strong immune responses against cancer cells, potentially preventing the future spread of the disease.
Another crucial group of candidates for this therapy are patients with post-surgery PSA elevation. For these men, rising PSA levels despite the absence of visible metastases on CT/MRI scans can signal residual tumor presence and heightened recurrence risk. Dendritic cell vaccination at this stage has proven particularly effective in preventing disease progression and maintaining long-term remission.
The efficacy of this approach was demonstrated in the "PROTECT Treatment and Early Cancer Treatment" clinical study, completed in 2015, which involved several hundred operated men with early-stage and recurrent prostate cancer. With participants ranging from 18 to 80 years, the study showed remarkable results. During the trial, participants received a single injection of the prostate cancer vaccine. As a result, most patients had their PSA levels decreased to normal levels, and the disease went into remission.
The second group of candidates for DCT for cancer treatment are men with metastatic and hormone-resistant tumors who have also undergone prostate removal surgery. At stage 3 and stage 4 of cancer, dendritic cell vaccines help the immune system cope with metastases of all locations and sizes. Although immunotherapy cannot completely cure cancer, it significantly prolongs a person's life.
"In clinics in Germany, dendritic cell vaccination can be carried out at any stage of cancer and in men of all ages. It provides high success rates even when chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone treatments fail to control the progression of the disease."
How Does Dendritic Cell Therapy for Prostate Cancer Work?
Step-by-Step Process of Dendritic Cell Therapy
Dendritic cell therapy is an advanced form of personalized immunotherapy that follows a precise, carefully structured treatment program. It consists of several key stages:
- Initial Consultation and Examination (Day 1). The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation where doctors review your medical history and perform a thorough clinical examination. During this visit, you'll undergo essential laboratory testing, including complete blood count and liver/kidney function assessments. The medical team will also collect the biological material needed for your personalized vaccine, typically through blood sampling or, when available, tumor tissue samples.
- Vaccine Development Period (7 Days). Following your initial visit, laboratory specialists begin the sophisticated process of preparing your personalized dendritic cell vaccine. During this week-long period, they carefully process your cells, transforming them into specialized dendritic cells that can effectively target prostate cancer foci.
- Vaccination Day (Day 8). Once your personalized vaccine is ready, you'll return to the clinic for the immunotherapy administration. This outpatient procedure includes the vaccination itself along with any necessary supportive treatments. The medical team provides comprehensive care during this visit, including symptomatic management if needed and access to specialist consultations when indicated. A single injection is enough to see the desired therapeutic result.
Throughout the entire process, you'll be under the care of experienced medical professionals who monitor your progress and ensure optimal treatment outcomes. The outpatient nature of the therapy allows you to maintain your normal daily activities between treatment steps, making it a convenient option for many patients.
Personalized Treatment Plans
One of the key advantages of dendritic cell therapy is its remarkable flexibility when combined with other treatment approaches. The vaccine can be effectively integrated into various treatment protocols at any stage of prostate cancer, working in harmony with other therapeutic methods to enhance overall treatment outcomes.
For patients undergoing active treatment, dendritic cell vaccination can be coordinated with surgery, radiation therapy, or systemic treatments. The timing of vaccination can be carefully planned to maximize its effectiveness while minimizing any potential interference with other ongoing treatments.
This personalized approach ensures that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective combination of treatments for their specific case. Below we compare various treatments available for prostate cancer patients, including their effectiveness, duration, and associated costs. This comparison helps illustrate why dendritic cell therapy has become an increasingly popular choice among patients and healthcare providers.
How Much Does Dendritic Cell Therapy for Prostate Cancer Cost in Germany?
| Toxicity | Therapy Duration | Early Stage Effectiveness (5-year survival rate) | Duration of treatment effect | Treatment Cost | |
| Chemotherapy | High (65-80%)
| Depending on the cancer stage, up to lifelong | 60-75%, with significant side effects | Short-term effect, limited to the course of treatment | €80,000 - €150,000 for the full course |
| Hormone therapy | Low (10-15%) | Given for several months, usually followed by chemotherapy | 60-70% for hormone-sensitive cases only | The effect is present only during treatment | €10,000 - €15,000 |
| Dendritic cell vaccines | Very low (about 1%) | Single injection and lifelong immunity | 85-95% with minimal impact on quality of life | Reliable long-term result, long-lasting remission | €20,000 - €38,000 |
| Targeted therapy | Low (15-20%) | Depending on the cancer stage, treatment may take about a year | 65-75% for matching mutations only | The effect is quite long-lasting in the presence of specific mutations in the tumor | €375,000 - €420,000 for the full course |
Booking Health data. Success rates vary depending on cancer type, stage, and individual patient factors.
Why is Dendritic Cell Therapy Effective for Prostate Cancer?
The main task of immunotherapy is to prolong a patient's life and reliably control the disease when other treatment methods are no longer able to do this (for example, a tumor has become insensitive to hormone therapy and chemotherapy drugs). Autologous dendritic cell vaccines are part of a comprehensive treatment protocol and can be used in parallel with prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and systemic drug administration.
In the early stages of prostate cancer, after radical prostatectomy as the only treatment, vaccination reduces the risk of recurrence. The components of the vaccine teach the male immune system to find and destroy malignant foci remaining in the body (for example, micrometastases), preventing them from developing into a full-fledged tumor.
"The treatment results in long-term immunological memory. In the future, the immune system will continue to fight the tumor on its own."
In the advanced stages of cancer, vaccination has become a way to control the disease better and prolong life. After completing a full course of vaccination, life expectancy increases by several months, even in stage 4 cancer. Given the good tolerability of dendritic cell therapy for stage 4 cancer, these preparations were initially intended specifically for men with advanced cancer, in whom other therapeutic methods had already exhausted themselves.
Leading immunotherapy specialist Professor Frank Gansauge brings over two decades of expertise in dendritic cell treatment to our discussion. His pioneering work has significantly advanced cancer therapy, particularly in treating prostate cancer. Here, Prof. Gansauge discusses the remarkable potential and proven results of this innovative treatment approach.
Prof. Frank Gansauge's Revolutionary Approach: Combining Classical Treatments and Dendritic Cell Therapy
Why is Germany a Leading Destination for Prostate Cancer Treatment?
Germany stands at the forefront of innovative cancer treatments, combining traditional therapeutic approaches with groundbreaking immunotherapy methods. The country's healthcare system is particularly renowned for its advanced dendritic cell therapy programs, offering hope to prostate cancer patients from around the world.
Advanced Treatment Facilities
- LDG - Laboratories Dr. Gansauge (Berg). Under the leadership of Prof. Frank Gansauge, this facility has established itself as a pioneer in dendritic cell therapy with over 22 years of experience. The laboratory has developed sophisticated protocols for vaccine production and achieved remarkable success rates in prostate cancer treatment, making it a preferred choice for patients worldwide.
- Praxisgemeinschaft für Zelltherapie (Duderstadt). This facility is recognized for its personalized approach to immunotherapy and comprehensive cancer treatment programs, offering individualized dendritic cell vaccines for prostate cancer patients.
- IOZK Immuno-Oncology Center (Cologne). Specializing in integrated immunotherapy approaches, IOZK combines dendritic cell therapy with other innovative treatment methods to achieve optimal outcomes for prostate cancer patients.
Accessing Dendritic Cell Vaccine Treatment in Germany
For international patients seeking dendritic cell therapy in Germany, Booking Health serves as a reliable medical tourism provider that simplifies the entire treatment process. The comprehensive service package includes:
- Expert selection of appropriate hospitals and specialized physicians
- Direct appointment scheduling without typical waiting periods
- Complete treatment program planning, including all necessary procedures
- Cost optimization with potential savings up to 50% on treatment fees
- Ongoing support with translation services and medical coordination
- Organization of all travel logistics, including accommodation and transfers
- Post-treatment communication with German hospitals and follow-up care arrangement
Working with Booking Health ensures a smooth treatment journey, allowing patients to focus entirely on their recovery while experienced coordinators handle all organizational aspects. Patients can begin their treatment journey by submitting a request through Booking Health's website, where medical advisors will provide detailed consultation and treatment planning.
Patient Experiences with Dendritic Cell Therapy
Frequently asked questions of our patients
Dendritic cell therapy for prostate cancer involves extracting dendritic cells from the patient, modifying them to target prostate cancer cells, and reintroducing them into the body. This process stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Benefits include a targeted immune response, reduced side effects compared to traditional treatments, and the potential for long-term remission. This therapy can be particularly beneficial for patients with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.
Effectiveness is monitored through regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, imaging studies, and clinical evaluations. These assessments help doctors determine the therapy's impact and make any necessary adjustments.
Yes, dendritic cell therapy can be used alongside traditional treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Combining therapies can enhance overall treatment effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.
Most side effects are mild, including fever and fatigue. Severe side effects are rare but can occur, necessitating close monitoring during treatment to manage any adverse reactions promptly.
Choose treatment abroad and you will for sure get the best results!
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova and Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Sources:
Read:
Dendritic cell therapy in cancer treatment in Germany - Vaccination against cancer
Immunotherapy for prostate cancer in Germany
NanoKnife® prostate cancer treatment
VTP TOOKAD®: prostate cancer treatment with a minimal risk of complications
