Innovative Treatment for Glioblastoma in Germany: Dendritic Cell Therapy for Cancer
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- Traditional vs. Innovative: Comparing Glioblastoma Treatment Approaches
- Who is eligible for the treatment of glioblastoma with dendritic cells
- Step-by-Step Process of Dendritic Cell Therapy for Glioblastoma
- Results of DC therapy for glioblastoma
- From Diagnosis to Hope: Patient Testimonials
- Undergoing vaccination with dendritic cells for glioblastoma abroad
- Frequently asked questions of our patients
Standard therapy for glioblastoma includes surgical removal of the tumor in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. With standard treatment, the average life expectancy after diagnosing the pathology is 15-17 months, and the 5-year survival rate does not exceed 3-5%. Supplementing the standard protocol with the dendritic cell vaccine is the most promising approach, the effectiveness of which exceeds all therapies currently used in neurooncology. According to the results of clinical trials, 60% of patients who received immunotherapy live longer than the average expected period, and every third patient is completely cured. You can undergo dendritic cell glioblastoma treatment in Germany. You will find a full list of specialized clinics, prices for medical services, and approximate dates of admission on the Booking Health website.
Traditional vs. Innovative: Comparing Glioblastoma Treatment Approaches
With brain tumors, traditional approaches begin with surgical intervention. Despite advanced imaging guidance and sophisticated mapping techniques that help preserve critical brain functions, surgery faces a fundamental challenge: GBM tumors are surrounded by infiltrating cancer cells, which makes complete removal impossible. Even with the most skilled surgical team, some tumor cells invariably remain behind, leading to frequent brain tumor recurrence.
Following surgery, patients typically undergo radiation therapy, delivered in carefully measured doses over several weeks. While radiation can effectively damage cancer cells, it also affects healthy brain tissue, requiring a delicate balance between treatment effectiveness and side effects. The standard protocol of 10 to 30 treatments can be physically and emotionally demanding for patients. Similarly, chemotherapy, while standard practice, faces a significant obstacle in the blood-brain barrier and is connected with severe side effects.
This is where dendritic cell therapy for glioblastoma emerges as a groundbreaking alternative. This innovative treatment uses the patient's cells, which act as the "officers" of the immune system. These cells are specially processed in the laboratory to recognize and target brain tumor cells, offering several distinct advantages over conventional treatments:
- Precision targeting. Unlike traditional treatments that can damage healthy tissue, dendritic cell-based medications harness the body's immune system to target cancer cells. This approach minimizes collateral damage to healthy brain tissue.
- Adaptive response. Dendritic vaccines create a dynamic immune response that can adapt to mutations in the brain tumor, potentially addressing the challenge of tumor evolution that often leads to the lack of response to conventional methods.
- Long-term protection. While traditional treatments work only during their administration, dendritic vaccines offer longer-term protection against recurrence.
- Minimal side effects. Compared to the often severe side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, dendritic vaccines show excellent tolerability, allowing patients to maintain a better quality of life during treatment.
- Crossing blood-brain barrier. Unlike chemotherapy drugs that are stopped by the blood-brain barrier, immune cells activated by dendritic vaccines can naturally traverse it to reach a brain tumor.
A landmark 2023 study published in Translational Cancer Research marks the first Phase III controlled report showing improved overall survival in glioblastoma patients using dendritic cell vaccination. The study revealed particularly strong results in patients with MGMT promoter-methylated GBM, demonstrating a significant reduction in mortality risk compared to standard treatment. Most notably, when dendritic cell therapy was combined with tumor treating fields (TTF) in relapsed patients, outcomes were especially promising, suggesting the potential for even greater effectiveness when used as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.
For deeper insights into dendritic cell therapy and its applications in glioblastoma treatment, Professor Frank Gansauge shares his expert perspective, drawing from over 22 years of experience in immunotherapy. His clinic has been at the forefront of developing and implementing dendritic cell treatments, achieving significant results in various types of cancer, including glioblastoma. In this exclusive interview, Prof. Gansauge discusses the nuances of this innovative therapeutic approach.
Prof. Frank Gansauge's Revolutionary Approach: Combining Classical Treatments and Dendritic Cell Therapy
Who is eligible for the treatment of glioblastoma with dendritic cells
The use of dendritic cells in treatment of glioblastoma is a part of a comprehensive therapeutic regimen, but not an independent technique. In most cases it is carried out:
- After the surgical tumor removal, sometimes also after the completion of the postoperative chemotherapy. This is the best treatment option: during surgery, the doctor removes malignant tissue from the brain as much as possible, and vaccination stimulates anti-cancer immunity and prevents recurrence in the future. Another advantage of this option is the ability to use the removed tumor tissue for manufacturing an individual cancer vaccine.
- In case of the glioblastoma recurrence after successful completion of the initial treatment. In this clinical situation, doctors may repeat the surgical treatment or go straight to systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy with dendritic cells. In the second case, standard glioblastoma antigens are used to make the vaccine (these are proteins that are present in the tumors of all patients).
The course of immunization for glioblastoma involves the introduction of the vaccine on days 0, 10, and 20 after surgery. After the initial course, the drug is administered again after 2, 4, and 8 months. After that, if necessary, revaccination is carried out every 6 months. The procedure does not require admission to the hospital, it is performed on an outpatient basis or in a day hospital. During the entire course of treatment, the patient remains under the supervision of a general practitioner, neurologist, and oncologist. In addition to clinical examinations, imaging diagnostics may be required – in this case, computed tomography (CT) is performed.
Experience in administering glioblastoma vaccine in children is currently limited. Doctors are conducting additional clinical studies to more accurately assess the safety and success rates of this type of treatment in pediatrics.
Step-by-Step Process of Dendritic Cell Therapy for Glioblastoma
Dendritic cell therapy for glioblastoma in German clinics follows a precise protocol divided into six main stages:
- The process starts with a thorough consultation at the clinic. During the initial medical assessment, your doctor will perform a complete examination and order laboratory tests. These results serve as a baseline for monitoring your treatment progress.
- The second stage involves a minimally invasive procedure called leukapheresis for immune cell collection. A small amount of blood (about 200 ml) is collected from your peripheral vein. The procedure is quick, painless, and requires no recovery time. You can return to your normal activities immediately after the collection.
- Your blood cells then undergo laboratory processing in a GMP-certified laboratory under strict European quality standards. The lab specialists separate your blood components and isolate specific immune cells (monocytes) needed for the vaccine. The remaining blood components are safely returned to your body. Advanced processing techniques ensure sufficient cellular material even from a small blood sample.
- The dendritic vaccine creation stage takes a week and involves training dendritic cells to recognize and fight glioblastoma. The specialists can use liquid biopsy to find brain tumor components in blood, use standard glioblastoma antigens, or fragments of the removed tumor tissue. The method is chosen based on your specific case.
- The treatment may be enhanced with an optional week-long inpatient rehabilitation program. The program includes oxygen therapy, extensive infusion therapy with vitamins and specialized compounds, personalized nutrition guidance, and physiotherapy. These supportive treatments enhance overall outcomes, although dendritic cell therapy remains effective as a standalone treatment.
- The final stage involves the administration of the LANEX-DC dendritic cell vaccine. This outpatient procedure is completed in one day and includes the vaccination itself, along with any necessary symptomatic treatment and consultations with related specialists if indicated. The medical team provides full nursing support throughout the procedure.
Throughout your treatment, you'll receive ongoing monitoring and support from a medical team including a general practitioner, neurologist, and oncologist. Regular clinical examinations and imaging diagnostics help track your progress, and doctors adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal results.
This systematic approach prioritizes both treatment effectiveness and comprehensive patient care. While most procedures are outpatient, the week-long inpatient phase ensures intensive therapeutic support and monitoring. The total cost of treatment ranges from 20,000 to 38,000 euros, depending on the combination of additional services included in the program.
Results of DC therapy for glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is a fairly aggressive type of cancer. With standard treatment, the average life expectancy after diagnosing the pathology is 15-17 months, and the 5-year survival rate does not exceed 3-5%. Clinical studies demonstrate that after the vaccination with dendritic cells, 60% of patients live longer than the average expected time period, and every third patient is completely cured. Given the excellent tolerability of the drug, vaccination is indicated for almost all people with glioblastoma as an additional treatment method.
The main practical results of the dendritic cell vaccines administration:
- Prevention of glioblastoma recurrence after surgical removal of the primary tumor and a course of chemotherapy. During the operation, the surgeon cannot distinguish microscopic tumor metastases from healthy tissues, so some of the malignant cells remain in the body. Chemotherapy, which is used to suppress these cells, acts only during the course of treatment. Enhancing this standard regimen with GBM immunotherapy makes it possible to create a stable anti-cancer immunity that will control the development of new cancer cells for months and destroy them.
- Treatment of recurrent tumors. In many cases, people with recurrent glioblastoma are not candidates for surgical treatment. Also, recurrent tumors are often resistant to chemotherapy. In such cases, GBM immunotherapy using dendritic cells can inhibit the growth of the primary tumor and its metastases.
In all cases, GBM immunotherapy demonstrates excellent results due to the ability of immune cells to freely move into the brain tissue and destroy infiltrating tumor cells. Where surgical intervention is associated with a high risk of complications, and chemotherapeutic drugs are unable to cross the blood-brain barrier, vaccination with dendritic cells is still effective.
From Diagnosis to Hope: Patient Testimonials
The true measure of any medical treatment lies in the experiences of those who have undergone it. Two remarkable stories from patients who received dendritic cell therapy for glioblastoma depict both the treatment's effectiveness and the seamless nature of receiving care abroad.
After her initial diagnosis, Daria Rogers and her husband Maurice actively sought alternative treatments, eventually discovering dendritic cell therapy in Germany. Their decision to pursue treatment abroad proved life-changing, with remarkable results appearing just three months after therapy. Her follow-up MRI scans showed significant improvement, which her medical team attributed directly to the dendritic cell treatment.
"The treatment process itself was surprisingly simple," Daria shares. "What struck me most was not just the effectiveness of the therapy, but the comprehensive care and support we received throughout our time in Germany." She emphasizes the importance of acting quickly after diagnosis, noting that early intervention with dendritic cell therapy can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Patient Daria Rogers, Ireland: "Dendritic Cell Therapy Gave Me Hope After Glioblastoma Diagnosis"
Similarly inspiring is Aaron Nahani's experience with dendritic cell therapy. His case demonstrated notable brain tumor shrinkage following the innovative procedure, validating the treatment's effectiveness.
Both patients highlight the seamless treatment abroad, crediting the support they received in navigating the international healthcare system. From initial consultation to follow-up care, their experiences reflect the high standards of German medical facilities and the dedication of their healthcare teams. Perhaps most importantly, both stories underscore a crucial message for other GBM patients: innovative treatments like dendritic cell therapy can offer new hope and possibilities, especially when conventional approaches alone may not be sufficient.
Modern Cancer Treatment: Dendritic Cell Therapy with Booking Health
Undergoing vaccination with dendritic cells for glioblastoma abroad
Dendritic cell therapy offers an alternative approach to treating glioblastoma in Germany, potentially providing benefits such as reduced symptoms and pain management through immune system stimulation. This innovative treatment plays a crucial role in harnessing the body's natural defenses by activating dendritic cells to recognize and target tumor cells, potentially leading to antibody production against the cancer.
Several specialized German medical centers have established themselves as leaders in dendritic cell therapy, including LDG - Laboratories Dr. Gansauge (the pioneer in this field), Praxisgemeinschaft für Zelltherapie Duderstadt GmbH & Co. KG, and the IOZK Immuno-Oncology Center in Cologne, Germany. In addition, ongoing research is exploring the potential of combining dendritic cell therapy with stem cell treatments to increase its efficacy in the fight against this aggressive brain cancer.
Treatment of glioblastoma with dendritic cells has not been included in the standard therapeutic protocol yet. The use of this method is limited due to the lack of relevant experience among healthcare professionals and the lack of equipment for manufacturing vaccines in hospitals. If doctors in your country are not ready to offer you this effective type of treatment, then you can contact one of the specialized German clinics. Doctors in Germany offer patients with glioblastoma both complex treatment (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy) and postoperative vaccination.
Booking Health, an international medical tourism operator with over 12 years of experience, provides comprehensive support for patients seeking dendritic cell therapy in Germany. The company offers three key advantages: professional consultation with detailed clinic selection based on your specific case, urgent access to treatment without long waiting, and the most favorable pricing options available in the German market.
The Booking Health team will help you:
- Find reliable information about German oncology centers that offer DCT for cancer and choose the most suitable one
- Arrange a preliminary distant consultation with the attending physician
- Make an appointment without a long wait
- Explore the preliminary diagnostic or treatment program – you will be able to estimate its duration and cost
- Receive medical care at a fair price, exclude taxes for foreign patients (save up to 50%)
- Purchase medicines to continue treatment in your country
- Communicate with medical staff: in the clinic, you will be accompanied by an interpreter
- Undergo additional examinations or rehabilitation, if necessary
- Double-check invoices from the hospital, and keep in touch with the healthcare facility after the treatment completion
- Obtain a visa, come to the clinic, choose the appropriate accommodation for the patient and an accompanying person
Booking Health doctors will control every stage of your treatment, and a personal coordinator will always be in touch with you via messengers. To start treatment in Germany, fill out the "Need help" form or contact Booking Health by phone.
Frequently asked questions of our patients
Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer. Dendritic cell therapy involves using the patient's dendritic cells, modified to target glioblastoma, to stimulate the immune system to attack the tumor, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
Benefits include a personalized treatment approach, minimal side effects, and the potential to slow tumor progression. This therapy can offer hope to patients with glioblastoma, particularly when traditional treatments have limited effectiveness.
Effectiveness is monitored through regular imaging tests, such as MRI, and clinical evaluations. Doctors assess tumor size, growth rate, and patient symptoms to determine the therapy's impact and make any necessary adjustments.
While generally safe, risks include mild side effects like fever and fatigue. In rare cases, more severe immune reactions can occur. Patients are closely monitored to manage any adverse effects promptly.
Dendritic cell therapy offers a targeted approach, potentially reducing the side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can be used alongside traditional treatments to enhance their effectiveness and provide a comprehensive cancer care plan.
Advanced immunotherapy approaches for GBM include dendritic cell vaccines which are personalized using the patient's tumor antigens, along with checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy.
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:
Journal of Translational Medicine
Read:
Dendritic cell therapy in cancer treatment in Germany - Vaccination against cancer
Glioblastoma immunotherapy: treatment of brain tumours in Germany
