Immuno-Oncology

Immune-oncology treatment involves taking a detailed case of your past, present, medical, and family history, including your current emotional state.  You will be asked to complete a patient questionnaire and to note any conventional medication or supplements that you are currently taking which will enable your practitioner to assess your concerns and your personal goals. We can then discuss the desired treatment/s options.

What is Immuno-oncology?

The fight against cancer with the body’s own immune system has a surprisingly long history, with roots dating back over a century. The fascinating journey of immuno-oncology early pioneers’ dates back to1890’s.

Immuno-oncology has evolved from early observations to a rapidly growing field with significant breakthroughs.

Challenges remain, but the potential of harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer offers a promising future for cancer treatment.

Our immune system is constantly on guard against threats like viruses and bacteria. It has sophisticated mechanisms to identify and eliminate foreign invaders. Cancer cells, however, can develop ways to evade the immune system’s detection and attack. Immuno-oncology aims to overcome these evasion tactics and empower the immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells.

The primary focus of immune-oncology is to:

Modulate the body’s cancer-fighting ability to restore and maintains innate immunity.

Stimulate the natural defences of the immune system increasing the ability to eliminate viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other foreign particles from the body, reducing toxic load.

Enable the body to produce more cancer-fighting immune cells that effectively locate, attack and eliminate cancer cells known as cell apoptosis (cell death).

The Holistic approach

Alternative medicine integrated with conventional cancer treatment treats the person as a whole, rather than treating the specific diagnosis. This ‘holistic’ approach is one of the main differences between alternative medicine and conventional medicine. An immune-oncologist will consider all symptoms together as a whole (whether mental, emotional, or physical).

The mind-body link

Emotional stress, acceptance, major life-changes caused by illness such as cancer can lead to feeling drained, mental exhaustion even further illness. Stress has been linked to decreased functioning of the immune system and an increased risk of developing illness and diseases as well as cancer. Immuno-oncology stimulates the body’s own natural healing mechanism of the immune system.

Who administers Immuno-Oncology Treatments?

A highly sought after trained healthcare professional who complete a four-year naturopathic medical degree accredited by the General Council and Register of Naturopaths.

The naturopathic doctor is trained in natural therapies, but also have a foundation in conventional medical sciences like anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and differential diagnosis.

What will the treatment involve?

Your Immuno-oncology practitioner will ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire, including your medical and family history. You will be asked to list any conventional medications or supplements that you may currently be taking.

A confidential, in-depth consultation follows, which considers all aspects of your health, including past medical history, lifestyle, personality type and current health problems.

The initial consultations can take up to 60-90 minutes. Immuno-oncology remedies, therapies and specific treatment modalities are prescribed to you by your immune-oncology practitioner.

What treatment modalities does Immuno-Oncology utilise?

High-dose Vitamin C IV Drip Therapy

High-dose Vitamin C is administered intravenously via an IV drip directly into the bloodstream by a qualified IV Specialist.

IV Drip Therapy is the only way to deliver sufficient high doses of Vitamin C to the body to achieve the potent anti-cancer effects, as this is not achievable when vitamin C is taken orally.

Requests for IV Vitamin C Drip Therapy over 30gm require that you have an initial G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme) test. Results typically take up to two weeks – those with a G6PD deficiency cannot take high dose intravenous Vitamin C over 30gm.

Benefits may include:

Make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs

Reduces fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Reduces toxic side effects of chemotherapy & radiotherapy

Benefits patients with a range of different cancer type

Supports other chronic diseases & autoimmune diseases

Useful both as monotherapy and as an adjunctive to standard of care treatments.

All prescriptions are overseen by Dr Vasileiadis MD FRSM FRCP, Consultant Physician.

Tumour Treating Field (TTF) Electrical Cancer Therapy

Tumour Treating Field (TTF) therapy, emits low-intensity electrical fields into the body to suppress cancer-cell proliferation.

TTF is considered to have a similar effect to that of chemotherapy without the destruction of normal cells and the many known side-effects which are associated with chemotherapy treatment.

TTF provides a non-invasive treatment option compared to chemotherapy treatment. It is generally well tolerated with few side effects it does not have any problems in terms of drug resistance and accumulation of toxic load. Thus, TTF can be applied long term in comparison to chemotherapy treatment.

TTF therapy may also be used alongside conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Macrophage Activation Factor (MAF) Vitamin D MAF Series

MAF refers to any substance that stimulates macrophages, a type of immune cell that engulfs and destroys foreign invaders like cancer cells. The objective is that by activating macrophages you can enhance the body’s immune response to cancer.

The food, oral-based MAF series will help boost and activate the immune system directly at cellular level without side-effects, via the payers’ patches and gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT); the biggest macrophage pool in the body.

The MAF series are available capsules, powder and lolly forms.

The MAF Capsules / Triple Capsules are formulated in a special enteric capsule where the MAF reaches the intestine where it is most needed without dissolution.

The M-Powder is recommended for those with difficulties to swallow capsules. The powder is taken directly on the tongue without water. The M-Powder is delivered directly into blood vessels, then absorbed via the sublingual vein and pharyngeal mucosa. It is absorbed by the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, thus little loss which promotes macrophage activation more rapidly and effectively.

The MAF Lollies resemble a hard candy with a mild milky taste. Whilst enjoying this delicious lolly, the immune activating factor will be absorbed by lymphoid tissues, around the pharynx. This is called Waldeyer’s Ring which protects the body from viruses and bacteria’s entering via the nose and mouth.

Ideal for children who have difficulties to swallow capsules and/or need encouragement to take medications.

MAF may be prescribed as an adjuvant to any recommended naturopathic oncology support treatment protocol.

Mistletoe Therapy

Mistletoe therapy has a positive effect on the immune system and significantly reduced side-effects caused by chemotherapy targeted therapy, and radiotherapy.

The many benefits can include:

Reduced blood pressure

Increased apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells

Reduced insomnia

Alleviation of respiratory distress

Reduced size of tumours

Lowering of blood glucose levels

Elimination of inflammation amelioration of mucositis (mouth ulcers)

Mistletoe therapy is considered following an initial Naturopathic Oncology Support consultation, to ensure this is the right treatment for your cancer diagnosis, and of side-effects of chemotherapy or radiation.

Self-administration of subcutaneous injections will be required. Full instructions are given and the first injection administered for you in clinic, by our qualified phlebotomist or naturopath.

Diet & Lifestyle

Adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle habits are paramount to naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine involves recommendations for a balanced diet, exercise, stress management and sleeping strategies.

Nutritional supplements to include vitamins, minerals, herbs and other natural supplements, may be recommended to address deficiencies and support overall health and wellness.

Physical techniques, such as holistic massage therapy, lymphatic massage, and acupuncture, may be used to promote healing and address pain. Yoga and mindfulness can also play a positive role.

Why consider Immuno-Oncology Treatment?

An integrative approach can help empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare journey and can potentially benefit from a wider range of treatment options, tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

While conventional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy target cancer cells directly, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, or mind-body practices like yoga or meditation can help manage symptoms, alleviate side effects, and improve overall quality of life.

It helps you to understand and take control of how your body works

Collectively the conventional and alternative medicine integration bring with them broad clinical experience in treating cancer along with common side effects such as:

• Trauma, Stress & Depression
• Insomnia
• Hypertension
• Anxiety, Anticipation & Panic attacks
• Headaches & Migraines
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Other digestive dysfunctions

• Poor circulation
• Oedema

• Pain

• Allergies & other skin complaints

How many sessions do I need?

This depends very much on what type of cancer condition, its severity and the modality of treatment applied.

How quickly will I see the results?

You will see and feel results within your first course of therapies and progressively improve your health on a truly holistic level.

How long will the results last?

Once you have improved your physical health you should also notice an emotional shift. However, this all depends on the cancer regression or progression, on your lifestyle, stress levels and nutrition. Your immune-oncology practitioner will advise you with recommendations.

What are the side effects?

Immuno-oncology philosophies of vitalism (an innate intelligence of living organisms) and holism (the body is a complex adaptive system that exists as a unified whole), embrace every aspect of immuno-oncology care, ensuring minimal if any side-effects to treatment.

Immuno-oncology treatments can be more targeted than traditional therapies, potentially causing fewer side effects for healthy cells.

Is Immuno-Oncology safe?

It’s crucial that the immune-oncology integrative approach is guided by qualified healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about both conventional and alternative treatments. This ensures that treatments are safe, evidence-based, and effectively coordinated to optimise patient outcome.

Are there any other important considerations?

While immuno-oncology medicine can be beneficial for certain cancers, it’s important to consult a registered immuno-oncology practitioner who works alongside your primary care physician.

There is extensive scientific evidence for the effectiveness of some immuno-oncology treatments.

Some natural therapies may interact with medications you’re taking, so it’s crucial to disclose all.

Immuno-oncology treatments are not effective for all types of cancer, and some patients may not respond well to these therapies.

Due to the nature that immuno-oncology treatments rev up the immune system, they can sometimes trigger autoimmune reactions, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues.

Disclaimer

Any views or advice obtained via this website should not be taken as a substitute
for medical advice or treatment, especially if you are aware of, or suffer from, a specific health complaint.​
​
We recommend that you maintain your relationship with your GP, as naturopathy and conventional medicine can be integrated to provide complementary services. Your GP will also be able to arrange any diagnostic procedures you may need, and provide emergency cover.
The information on this website is written WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Your Naturopath will advise you on lifestyle and nutrition, empowering you with positive mind/body links. As a team you can work together to improve your health and wellbeing.

Health Strategy Call
15 mins – Free

Naturopathic Consultation
Oncology 90mins – £370

Naturopathic Follow-Up
Oncology 60mins – £185

Naturopathic Follow-Up
Oncology 30mins – £100

High-dose IV Vitamin C Therapy
-1hr 30gm start from £220

Tumour Treating Field (TTF)
Electrical Cancer Therapy £1950

Macrophage Activation Factor
(MAF) Vitamin D MAF Series £299

Mistletoe Therapy £495

Hope Spring Clinic Other Services:

Click on each service for full details.

Naturopathic Medicine
Functional Laboratory Testing
Women’s Health MOT
Women’s Fertility MOT
Men’s Health MOT
IV Drip Therapy
Medical Thermography
Nutritional Therapy
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Sports & Rehabilitation Therapy
Acupuncture

Hope Spring Clinic Practitioners:

Aliyyaa Spring-Charles BSc (Hons) ND MRN
Naturopathic Medicine, Immuno-Oncology,
Manual Lymphatic Massage, Nutritional Therapy
Functional Laboratory Testing

Maria Liberos
Infusions, Injections, Phlebotomy Services

Dr. Vasileiadis MD FRCP
Prescriptions

Katerina Burianek MSc, DCHAc, CCosD
Acupuncture

Loulla Antoniou ARH, CMA, IAMT, NAANT
Medical Thermography

Aaron Lewis BSc (Hons), mSTA
Sports & Rehabilitation Therapy

Ala Taylor DipCNM, mBANT, mCNHC
Nutitional Therapy, Clinic Administrator

Bonnie’s Story

“In September 2016 my 11-year-old son was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma; a type of brain tumour. The diagnosis was late and he underwent a round of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I wanted to find someone to help him transition to complementary medicine as by the time he had left the hospital he was on 10 different medications. I was so relieved when I found Aliyyaa as she was so experienced in Oncology and willing to help advise re natural treatments whereas many other doctors had refused to help.

My son has made amazing progress since seeing Aliyyaa and I have seen a massive change in him both physically and emotionally. Since coming off so many of the originally prescribed medicines from the hospital and introducing natural medicines into his daily life he has had a healthy and steady weight loss and amazing improvement in his energy levels and mobility.

Finding Aliyyaa was an answer to prayer, and we no longer felt alone during this challenging period of our lives. I was also so relieved that finding Aliyyaa has meant we have not had to travel abroad for treatment.”

Jessica’s Story*

“Having been diagnosed with lymphoma in my early 50s, I have very regularly been attending Aliyyaa’s clinic for naturopathy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).  I have found Aliyyaa professional, knowledgeable, caring and supportive. She is genuinely interested in the welfare of her patients and actively seeks to provide a comprehensive and bespoke programme of treatment tailored to individual’s needs. I always feel better for having seen Aliyyaa and would have no hesitation in recommending her to others.”

*not her real name

Dana’s Story

“Aliyyaa, I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done to improve Jacob’s health and wellbeing. You have impacted on all our lives in the most positive of ways.

We first came to see you at a very worrying and stressful time. Jacob was very unwell with stomach ache and migraines occurring daily. He had already missed a lot of school and there seemed to be no end in sight. Having taken him to our GP, to no avail, we were at our wit’s end.

Thankfully you were there to offer immediate good advice. Within a couple of weeks Jacob was feeling better and returned to school. It was a difficult journey but your care, knowledge, understanding, patience and practical advice, not to mention your kindness and good humour made a huge difference to all of us. You have an amazing ability to take your wealth of knowledge and make it accessible for not only adults but children alike.

Thank you. Everyone should have an Aliyyaa in their life! I don’t wish ill health on our family but I do look forward to seeing you again.”

Sylvie’s Story

“Just a quick note to say thank you Aliyyaa. I know we have a long way to go to get me back on track, but I have really been thinking about doing everything you have said and the advice you have given me and while things are still very tough at home, I am already learning to make small changes that have a big impact on how I feel in myself and my life.

In the past years, I have seen so many doctors, psychologists, physios, osteopaths etc., so many specialists and yet nobody listened to me as you do. You treat me like a person, not a number, and you help me where I need help as an individual and not as another person on the list who’ll end up with a one-size-fits-all treatment just to get me out of your treatment room until the next patient.

So I really wanted to email you to say thanks and let you know how I felt because I feel that for the first time in my life, I have come to the right place and found someone who really cares about helping me get back to a healthy state at every level, physically and mentally, and for that I am really grateful to you. I know there’s lots to look at and to be done but I do feel positive that your help is what I needed and feel like I can trust you.”

Sharon’s Story

“I was tired all the time, fatigued and debilitated. I didn’t know if I would be able to get through the day, from one day to the next. My GP wanted me to wait 3 months before doing any proper examinations and I simply could not go through 3 months of this before anyone was ready to take my symptoms seriously.

So I turned to Aliyyaa, and she was a lifesaver, she helped me at a time when no one else would. She took my symptoms seriously ­ even took note of small changes in the body that GPs usually dismiss. She sat and spoke to me at length about what I was going through and my medical history. She is warm and easy to talk to and enabled me to open up to her quickly.

It was such a relief to finally find someone who took me seriously and understood what I was going through. By reading the signs my body was giving out, Aliyyaa helped me in a way that no conventional GP could or would. She eased me gently into a different lifestyle and dietary changes ­ not pushing any change too quickly. She made sure to only give me changes that were manageable.

Three months later I am like a different person ­ energetic, happy and full of life. I look fresh and vital. Most importantly, I understand my body’s signals and how to respond to them. I have already recommended Aliyyaa to friends and family, and highly recommend her to anyone who wants to feel good and be in charge of their body.”

Jeyda’s Story

“Aliyyaa is treating me for a number of very complex autoimmune conditions: ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis, Crohn’s. We are currently looking into possible root causes or aggravating factors that may be driving my condition. She has advised me on how to reduce certain triggers and stressors that may be negatively impacting my health.

Aliyyaa has also really helped in giving me alternative treatments to counteract the negative effects that years of conventional medicine has had on my body paying particular attention to liver and eye health.

I feel extremely comfortable and confident under her care – she has been amazing in supporting me with all my health issues and in answering any questions I have with expertise and great knowledge. Aliyyaa is very easy to talk to and always gives effective advice and solutions to any problems.

It has been such a relief having Aliyyaa as my naturopathic practitioner. She was highly recommended to me by a friend and I am so grateful to Aliyyaa for doing such a wonderful job.”

Karen’s Story

“On first meeting Aliyyaa I felt instantly connected her aura and kindness. She listened to my issues and this was the first step towards a positive future. Aliyyaa was very thorough, and after extensive tests, knew how to treat my health issues.

I had malabsorption due to Morphine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories after being on them 5 years. With the vitamins prescribed, and Aliyyaa’s helpful advice, I now have a healed gut. Aliyyaa is an extremely clever Naturopath and most importantly, Aliyyaa listened to me.”

Hiroko’s Story

“Having been brought up with Eastern, holistic medicine, I immediately resonated with Aliyyaa’s approach to supporting my health issues. She displays a wonderful combination of extensive knowledge of the human body, pragmatism and compassion.

I found her sessions immensely supportive when I was going through a difficult time.  She provided me with practical, manageable advice at each time – be it supplements, dietary changes or changes in habit- which helped me to restore my own balance. Along with countless bits of small advice given along the way, and changes I could implement in my daily life, what I’ve learnt most from her is to listen to my body, so as to trust my own healing capacities within.”

Genoveva’s Story

“I meet Aliyyaa over a year ago and she helped me with my health condition more than I could ever express in words. Following her help and great advice, my life totally changed and my health improved considerably.

I tried for many years to understand and solve my health issues which affected my life in so many ways but nothing seemed to work. I almost gave up on living a proper life when God put her in my way and my life changed ever since. I feel blessed and so grateful for all her help and kindness. I feel healthier than ever in my life and it is all her input. She is intuitive, knowledgeable and truly understands the person in front of her.

I trust and recommend Aliyyaa’s services with all my heart. She’s incredible and I own my life to her! Thank you Aliyyaa for helping me through this complicated process and God bless you!”