Cancer is associated with chronic
inflammation and disruption to normal immune function. As such, the ability to thrive in a chronically inflamed microenvironment is regarded as a hallmark of
cancer. Therefore, targeting
inflammation and/or correction of aberrant immunity has been a therapeutic aim. The aim of the present study was to describe the use of a novel
immunotherapy, called
IMM-101, which is a naturally occurring, heat-killed whole cell mycobacterium, used in combination with conventional treatments in patients with
prostate cancer. The present study analysed and presented data from six patients diagnosed with
prostate cancer, some of whom have metastatic disease. Treatment regimens included the use of
IMM-101, the correction of
vitamin D3 levels, and combination with other agents that have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory abilities, such as
bromelain and low-dose
naltrexone (LDN). Clinical responses were detected in the patients when
IMM-101 was commenced and further improvements were seen when an
anti-inflammatory agent was used in unison. Combination
therapy quickly led to a reduction in
prostate-specific antigen levels, and stabilisation of disease was often achieved as indicated by repeat MRI and PET scans. Few side effects of any kind were observed when using these combination treatments. In conclusion,
IMM-101 treatment alongside an
anti-inflammatory agent, such as
bromelain and/or LDN, may be considered an active and safe
drug combination, and is a regimen that should be considered for treating patients with
prostate cancer.