Coley's toxins

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Coley's Toxins

Coley's toxins (pronunciation: /ˈkoʊliːz ˈtɒksɪnz/) are a largely controversial cancer treatment consisting of a mixture of killed bacteria. Named after William B. Coley, an American oncologist, who first developed the treatment in the late 19th century.

Etymology

The term "Coley's toxins" is derived from the name of its developer, Dr. William B. Coley. The word "toxins" refers to the bacterial components of the treatment, which are believed to stimulate the body's immune response.

History

In the late 19th century, Dr. William B. Coley noticed that some cancer patients who developed postoperative infections showed improvement or even remission of their cancer. This observation led him to develop a treatment that involved injecting killed bacteria into tumors. Despite some initial success, Coley's toxins were largely overshadowed by the development of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in the 20th century.

Mechanism of Action

Coley's toxins are thought to work by stimulating the body's immune system. The killed bacteria in the mixture are believed to trigger an immune response, which then targets the cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood and is the subject of ongoing research.

Controversy and Current Use

The use of Coley's toxins is controversial. While some studies have reported positive results, others have found no benefit or even potential harm. As a result, the treatment is not widely accepted or used in modern medicine. However, some researchers and alternative medicine practitioners continue to advocate for its use, arguing that it could offer a natural, less toxic alternative to conventional cancer treatments.

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