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Preventing immune-related conditions is crucial, and exposure to factors like allergens plays a significant role in their development. However, it is important to acknowledge that many immune-related conditions can be serious, even life-threatening, necessitating the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of Wellbeing Practitioners. The approach to managing these conditions will vary depending on the specific diagnosis and its severity. Regardless of your body's immune conditions, a diverse range of Wellbeing Practitioners, including specialists in highly specialized fields, collaborate to safeguard and promote your immune health and overall well-being. 

Immunologists are medical doctors who specialize in the immune system and immune-related disorders. They are medical professionals who specialize in the field of immunology, which is the study of the immune system. They play a crucial role in diagnosing, managing, and treating immune-related issues and disorders.

Immunologists are trained to identify and diagnose various immune-related conditions. They use a combination of clinical assessments, medical history, and laboratory tests to determine the nature and extent of immune system dysfunction. Once a diagnosis is made, immunologists develop treatment plans tailored to the specific condition. This may include prescribing medications, immunotherapies, or other interventions to modulate the immune response and manage symptoms. They often collaborate with Wellbeing Practitioners, including rheumatologists, allergists, infectious disease specialists, and haematologists, to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex immune-related issues.

American Association of Immunologists (AAI)

European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS)

British Society for Immunology (BSI)

International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS)

Clinical Immunology Society (CIS)​

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)

International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research (ISICR)

Society for Mucosal Immunology (SMI)

Immunologists

An allergist (also known as an allergist-immunologist) is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies and disorders of the immune system. These healthcare professionals have specialized training and expertise in identifying and addressing various types of allergies, as well as immunological conditions.
 

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI)

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)

European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)

British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI)

Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI)

Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI)

The World Allergy Organization (WAO)

Allergists

Over The Counter Immune Support

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections by targeting various aspects of bacterial growth and survival. Antiviral medications specifically target viruses to aid the immune system in controlling viral infections, while antibiotics target bacteria to eliminate bacterial infections, indirectly supporting the immune response. The choice of medication depends on the type of pathogen causing the infection.

Penicillin
Cephalosporins
Macrolides
Tetracyclines

Fluoroquinolones
Sulfonamides
Aminoglycosides
Carbapenems

Clindamycin
Vancomycin
Metronidazole
Nitrofurantoin
Rifampin
Linezolid
Clarithromycin
Daptomycin
Fosfomycin
Polymyxins
Cefoxitin
Rifaximin
Mupirocin

Antibacterial Medication

Immunosuppressants are a class of drugs that suppress or reduce the activity of the immune system. They are primarily used in medical practice to dampen or modulate the immune response. These medications work by inhibiting various immune system components, such as T cells, B cells, or cytokines, to reduce immune responses. Immunosuppressants are used in conditions like organ transplantation, autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease), severe allergies, and to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in stem cell or bone marrow transplants. Their use requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects and the increased risk of infections.

Corticosteroids:

Prednisone

Methylprednisolone

Dexamethasone

Calcineurin Inhibitors:

Cyclosporine

Tacrolimus (FK506)

Antimetabolites:

Methotrexate

Azathioprine

Mycophenolate mofetil

Biologic Response Modifiers:

Etanercept

Adalimumab

Infliximab

Certolizumab pegol

Golimumab

Monoclonal Antibodies:

Basiliximab

Daclizumab

Alemtuzumab

Rituximab

mTOR Inhibitors:

Sirolimus (Rapamycin)

Everolimus

Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors:

Tofacitinib

Baricitinib

Interleukin Inhibitors:

Anakinra

Canakinumab

Rilonacept

Other Immunosuppressants:

Leflunomide

Hydroxychloroquine

Thalidomide

Dapsone

Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulators (Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists):
Vamorolone

Abatacept
Belatacept
Efalizumab
Cyclophosphamide
Fingolimod
Teriflunomide
Ruxolitinib
Apremilast
Oclacitinib
Dupilumab

Adalimumab
Infliximab
Golimumab
Tocilizumab
Siponimod
Methotrexate
Sirolimus
Tacrolimus
Pimecrolimus
Mycophenolate

Immunosuppressants

Immunomodulators are substances or agents that can modify, regulate, or modulate the functioning of the immune system. Unlike immunosuppressants, which suppress the immune response, immunomodulators work to balance or enhance the immune system's activity.

Thalidomide
Lenalidomide
Pomalidomide
Interferons
Interleukin-2 (IL-2)
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitors
Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs)

Immunosuppressive Agents
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors
B-Cell Depleting Agents

Alemtuzumab
Abatacept
Ustekinumab
Belimumab
Ocrelizumab
Secukinumab
Apremilast
Certolizumab Pegol
Eculizumab

Immunomodulators

Anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)) are a class of medications used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and lower fever. They work by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that promote inflammation and pain. NSAIDs are commonly used to treat various conditions. It is important to note that while NSAIDs are effective in managing pain and inflammation, they can have side effects, including stomach irritation, ulcers, and an increased risk of bleeding.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen (Aleve)
Aspirin
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Meloxicam (Mobic)
Indomethacin (Indocin)

Ketoprofen (Orudis)
Etodolac (Lodine)
Nabumetone (Relafen)

Prednisone (Deltasone)
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Triamcinolone (Kenalog)
Hydrocortisone
Dexamethasone (Decadron)
Colchicine
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
Leflunomide (Arava)
Adalimumab (Humira)
Infliximab (Remicade)
Piroxicam (Feldene)

Etanercept (Enbrel)
Anakinra (Kineret)
Tocilizumab (Actemra)
Naproxen (Aleve)
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Diclofenac (Voltaren)
Piroxicam (Feldene)
Meclofenamate (Meclomen)
Tolmetin (Tolectin)

Anti-Inflammatories

There are several medications available for the treatment of allergies. These medications can help alleviate allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and congestion. Here are some common types of allergy medications:

  • Antihistamines

  • Decongestants

  • Nasal Corticosteroids

  • Leukotriene Inhibitors

  • Cromolyn Sodiu

  • Allergy Eye Drops

  • Immunotherapy

  • Anticholinergic Nasal Sprays

  • Combination Medications

  • Anti-IgE Monoclonal Antibody

  • Topical Corticosteroids

Allergy Medications

Immunotherapy (allergy shots or allergen immunotherapy) is a medical treatment designed to alleviate or eliminate allergic reactions in individuals with allergies. It works by modifying the immune system's response to allergens, which trigger allergic reactions. Immunotherapy involves exposing the patient to small, controlled amounts of the allergens they are allergic to. This exposure can be through injections (subcutaneous immunotherapy), oral tablets, or drops (sublingual immunotherapy). Over time, exposure to small amounts of allergens helps the immune system become less sensitive to those allergens. This process gradually reduces the severity of allergic reactions.
 

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)
Epicutaneous Immunotherapy (EPIT)
Nasal Immunotherapy

Bronchial Immunotherapy
Modified Allergen Immunotherapy
Cluster Immunotherapy
Rush Immunotherapy
Ultra-Rush Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy

The patient receives healthy bone marrow from a compatible donor to treat conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, and some autoimmune diseases. The donor's bone marrow contains hematopoietic stem cells responsible for producing blood cells.

Bone Marrow Transplant

Are a broader category that includes both bone marrow transplants and transplants using peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs). SCTs can be categorized based on the source of stem cells: autologous (from the patient), allogeneic (from a donor), or syngeneic (from an identical twin).

Stem Cell Transplant

Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSCs) are collected from the donor's bloodstream through a process called apheresis.

Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSCs)

Bone marrow or stem cell transplants are medical procedures used to treat various conditions, including cancers, blood disorders, and certain immune system diseases. These treatments involve replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow or blood-forming stem cells with healthy ones. These procedures can be considered for severe cases of immune-related disorders, particularly when there are issues with blood cell production or severe immunodeficiencies

Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Transplants

the stem cells are obtained from a donor whose tissue type closely matches that of the recipient for treating leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. The goal is to replace the recipient's immune system with the donor's healthy immune cells.

Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant

The patient's own stem cells are collected before undergoing high-dose chemotherapy or radiation. After the treatment, the preserved stem cells are returned to the patient's body to help regenerate healthy blood cells. Autologous transplants are often used in multiple myeloma and some lymphomas.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant

Syngeneic Stem Cell Transplan: involves using stem cells from an identical twin, ensuring a perfect tissue match.

Syngenic Stem Cell Transplant

Cord blood, collected from the umbilical cord and placenta after childbirth, contains stem cells that can be used for transplantation. Cord blood transplants are an option when suitable adult donors are unavailable. They are commonly used in paediatric cases and for some adult patients.

Cord Blood Transplant

Bone marrow and stem cell transplants are complex procedures that require careful matching of donors and recipients, as well as close monitoring during and after the transplant. They can offer a chance for a cure or long-term remission in many conditions but also carry risks and require significant medical expertise.

Specialised Cancer Treatment

Cutting-edge cancer treatments are in a constant state of evolution as dedicated researchers and healthcare professionals forge new pathways to enhance the well-being of cancer patients. At the forefront of cancer therapeutics is chemotherapy, a cornerstone in the battle against malignancies. Chemotherapy employs various delivery methods, including oral pills, intravenous (IV) injections, and topical creams, to deliver powerful drugs that target and dismantle cancer cells or impede their unbridled growth.

In tandem with chemotherapy, the realm of radiation therapy has also witnessed significant advancements. Techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and proton therapy have ushered in an era of precision in cancer treatment, minimizing collateral damage while maximizing therapeutic impact.

Immunotherapy, another trailblazing approach to cancer care, has been garnering well-deserved attention. Immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines, harness the inherent power of the body's immune system. They train the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells with remarkable success, transforming the landscape of cancer treatment across various malignancies like melanoma, lung cancer, and specific types of leukemia.

Furthermore, targeted therapies have emerged as a beacon of hope. These therapies are meticulously tailored to the genetic fingerprint of a patient's cancer, aiming to disrupt specific molecules or pathways pivotal to cancer's uncontrolled growth. They have proven their mettle in addressing a spectrum of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal tumours.

In addition to these remarkable strides in cancer therapeutics, innovative approaches like proton therapy, liquid biopsies, CRISPR technology, and cancer immunogenomics are pushing the boundaries of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Yet, the true game-changers in this arena are the synergistic forces of artificial intelligence (AI) and nanotechnology. AI and machine learning, driven by the colossal amount of medical data at their disposal, play pivotal roles in early cancer detection, tailoring treatment strategies, and predicting treatment outcomes with unprecedented accuracy. Simultaneously, nanotechnology holds the promise of a paradigm shift in cancer care. It envisions the delivery of therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells in nanoparticle form, enhancing drug efficacy while sparing healthy tissues from harm.

The future of cancer treatment is an exciting frontier where these transformative innovations offer new avenues of hope and healing. Ongoing research and development are set to continue reshaping the landscape of cancer care, ultimately improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.

 

Precision Medicine

As with nearly all chapters of the Wellness Revolution, this chapter will come full swing from medication treatments to demonstrating some of the more ‘personalised ‘or ‘individualistic’ treatments we have available for cancer. Precision medicine is transforming healthcare, revolutionising how we diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. It centres on the profound understanding that each patient is unique, with their distinct genetic, molecular, and lifestyle characteristics.

In the realm of cancer, precision medicine stands as a beacon of hope, shining light on more effective and personalized treatments finely tuned to an individual's genetic makeup. By harnessing the power of genomic profiling, precision medicine can identify specific genetic mutations or alterations within cancer cells, opening doors to a new era of targeted therapies designed to halt cancer's growth and thwart its spread.

One of the most remarkable advancements in precision medicine is CAR T-cell therapy, a groundbreaking form of immunotherapy that epitomizes the marriage of cutting-edge science and personalized care. CAR T-cell therapy is a symphony of precision. It begins by extracting a patient's immune cells, known as T cells, and then orchestrates a genetic modification, equipping these cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). These genetically engineered CAR T cells become an elite force uniquely tailored to recognize and eliminate cancer cells with unparalleled precision. This therapy, deeply personal in nature, reprograms a patient's immune system to wage a relentless war against cancer. CAR T-cell therapy's astonishing success has been most prominently showcased in its triumph over certain types of leukemia and lymphoma, marking it as a powerful testament to the potential of precision medicine in the field of oncology.

Beyond its role in treatment, precision medicine offers a proactive approach to healthcare. It enables the identification of genetic and environmental factors that elevate an individual's risk for specific diseases, laying the foundation for personalized preventative strategies and early interventions. As the journey of precision medicine continues to unfold, it promises a future marked by treatments that are exquisitely tailored to the unique biology of each patient, reducing the need for the traditional trial-and-error approach that has long characterized medical practice.

In summary, precision medicine is not merely a medical revolution; it is a profound transformation that brings the promise of optimized care, early disease prevention, and a future where treatments are precisely tailored to the individual. Within the realm of cancer, it stands as a beacon of hope, guiding us toward more effective therapies that target the very essence of the disease. In essence, precision medicine is not just a shift in healthcare; it is the future of health and wellbeing.

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Management & Treatment of Immune-Related Conditions

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