Podcast Summary: I AM HealingStrong
Episode 112: Healing Advanced Cancer Through Holistic Approaches | Dr. Francisco Contreras
Release Date: December 17, 2024
Introduction to Dr. Francisco Contreras and Oasis of Hope Hospital
In this episode of the I AM HealingStrong podcast, host Jim Mann engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Francisco Contreras, the director, president, and chairman of Oasis of Hope Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico. Dr. Contreras brings over six decades of experience to the discussion, offering a holistic approach to cancer treatment that integrates traditional medical therapies with spiritual and emotional support.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Francisco Contreras (00:00):
“Every outcome, from better results to complete remission, is a miracle, and miracles need to be maintained.”
Philosophical Foundations of Treatment
Dr. Contreras explains that Oasis of Hope Hospital was established on two foundational principles. The first is derived from Hippocrates’ directive to "do no harm," emphasizing minimal side effects in cancer treatments. The second principle is inspired by the Biblical commandment to "Love your neighbor as yourself," ensuring compassionate and personalized patient care.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Francisco Contreras (03:18):
“We say here at the hospital, love your patient as you love yourself. And the impact of that is that we will never do something to a patient that we wouldn't do ourselves.”
Innovative Cancer Treatments: Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy
Dr. Contreras delves into the hospital's advanced use of immunotherapy, particularly checkpoint inhibitors like Opdivo and Yerboy, which have shown significant effectiveness in treating melanomas and other tumors. He contrasts this with traditional chemotherapy, acknowledging its role in treating aggressive cancers and enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapies.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Francisco Contreras (05:50):
“Checkpoint inhibitors have proven to be very effective in several kinds of tumors, especially in melanomas.”
He further explains the innovative use of dendritic cell vaccines, likening checkpoint inhibitors to releasing the brake pedal and immunotherapy to putting the foot on the accelerator. This synergistic approach aims to maximize the immune system's ability to combat cancer.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Francisco Contreras (06:43):
“Our immune therapy is like putting the foot on the accelerator... we reduce the amount of T regulating cells so that the immune system can be more forceful in fighting the tumor.”
Patient-Centric Approach and Success Stories
Oasis of Hope Hospital treats all types of cancers, tailoring therapies based on the tumor's aggressiveness and the patient's specific condition. Dr. Contreras shares inspiring success stories, highlighting the hospital's ability to turn dire prognoses into complete remissions.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Francisco Contreras (15:18):
“We saw a patient that was sent home to die in three months. We just saw him for their fifth year of revision, completely tumor-free.”
These miracles are attributed not only to medical interventions but also to the hospital's emphasis on maintaining a positive mental attitude and providing spiritual support.
The Role of Mental Attitude and Spirituality in Healing
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the mental and spiritual aspects of healing. Dr. Contreras emphasizes that a patient’s mindset is pivotal, often determining the success of treatment. He criticizes the traditional medical approach that may instill fear, advocating instead for emotional and spiritual support to foster a positive outlook.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Francisco Contreras (22:48):
“In most cases, the biggest enemy is the patient itself, your own mind. ... life is about responses, and we respond emotionally.”
Jim Mann shares his personal experience with melanoma, illustrating how a shift in mindset and spiritual assurance contributed to his seven-year remission. Dr. Contreras supports this view with scientific backing, citing studies that demonstrate better outcomes for patients with a positive attitude.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Francisco Contreras (26:11):
“Studies have shown that positive patients are going to fare much better than negative ones.”
Future Innovations in Cancer Treatment
Looking ahead, Dr. Contreras discusses forthcoming advancements in cancer therapy, particularly the development of CAR T-cell therapy. Currently prohibitively expensive in the United States, Oasis of Hope Hospital aims to produce CAR T-cells at a reduced cost of approximately $50,000 per treatment, making this cutting-edge therapy more accessible.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Francisco Contreras (27:10):
“We'll be ready to produce CAR T cells in our laboratory at a cost of around $50,000 per therapy.”
Additionally, the hospital plans to enhance the production of dendritic cell vaccines, allowing for more frequent vaccinations at a lower cost, thereby improving patient response rates.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Francisco Contreras (28:43):
“We're going to be able to vaccinate our patients just about every month at a very reasonable cost.”
Comprehensive Care: Medical and Spiritual Integration
Dr. Contreras outlines what patients can expect when seeking treatment at Oasis of Hope Hospital. Beyond medical treatments, the hospital provides robust spiritual and emotional resources, including daily devotionals, music, prayers, and testimonies. This holistic care model is designed to address the multifaceted needs of cancer patients, fostering an environment conducive to healing.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Francisco Contreras (18:29):
“We provide our patients with spiritual and emotional resources on a daily basis where unashamedly we present the person of Jesus Christ to them.”
Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic Healing Journey
The episode concludes with Dr. Contreras reiterating the hospital's commitment to blending advanced medical treatments with spiritual support, resulting in superior patient outcomes. He encourages listeners to explore the resources available at oasisofhope.com for more information and support.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Francisco Contreras (30:29):
“Thank you very much, and God bless you.”
Final Thoughts
Jim Mann wraps up the episode by highlighting the importance of taking control of one's healing journey with hope and faith, inspired by the stories and insights shared by Dr. Contreras. He encourages listeners to rate the podcast and join the Healing Strong community for ongoing support.
Notable Quote:
Jim Mann (30:27):
“We hope you found encouragement in this episode, as well as the confidence to take control of your healing journey, knowing that God will guide you on this path.”
This episode offers a comprehensive look into Oasis of Hope Hospital’s innovative and compassionate approach to cancer treatment, blending cutting-edge medical therapies with profound spiritual support to foster healing and hope.