Remission (definition of)

Cancer is said to be in remission when the disease and its symptoms begin to disappear. Although there have been documented cases of this happening for no known cause, it is usually because treatments have begun to have their intended effect.

If there is any chance of cancer going into remission, it must be treated before the malignancy begins to spread, or metastasize. Malignant mesothelioma, known to be one of the most aggressive types of cancer, often quickly metastasizes from its origin into the lungs, abdominal cavity, and lymph nodes but if treated properly and early enough, many patients have been able to extend survival rates long beyond initial expectations.

A recent issue of the Medical Journalist Report of Innovative Biologics reports that some cancer patients have responded well to treatment with a "metallovitamin" derivative of a complex containing lipolic acid and palladium. Known as Poly-MVA, the substance act like as an electrical "transistor" improves the generation and flow of electrical energy in the body's cell membranes to the mitochondria - the organelle that provides energy for the cell. This appears to correct the defect that prevents cells from dying off in a normal manner when used as an adjuvant treatment with immunotherapy and detoxification.

Another cancer vaccine currently being studied is made from patient's own tumor cells, and is showing some potential in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Tailored to the individual patient, this therapy actually "trains" the patient's own immune system to recognize cancer cells as a pathogen. However, clinical trials are still several years off.