Dendritic Cell Therapy in Germany

Why does Germany Stand Out in Dendritic Cell Therapy (DCT)?

Germany has always been at the forefront of medical advancements, especially in regard to immunotherapy.

One of the latest approaches is dendritic cell therapy (DCT), which offers new hope against various deadly diseases.

• While, DCT is still considered experimental in many countries such as the US, Iraq, UAE, but, in Germany, these treatments have gained more traction and are offered at specialised clinics, as part of clinical trials or individualised treatment plans for advanced cancer.
• The best hospitals in Germany frequently incorporate dendritic cell therapy with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, or checkpoint inhibitors, to enhance the overall effectiveness of the immune response.

With this approach, Germany ranks 12th in the Global Medical Tourism Index (2020-21). It is one of the top medical tourism destinations in Europe, attracting more than thousands of individuals each year who seek top-quality medical care.

What is Dendritic Cell Therapy (DCT)?

In the mid-1990s, dendritic cells were first used in clinical trials as cellular mediators for therapeutic cancer vaccinations. These professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) play a crucial role in various immune functions and are present throughout the body.

Programmed to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, DCT emerges as a highly specialised form of immunotherapy.

But what are dendritic cells and how does it function? Let’s first understand this.

Often referred to as the “sentinels” of the immune system, dendritic cells play a crucial role in initiating and regulating the body’s immune response against foreign invaders and infectious pathogens.

However, when it comes to disease as complicated as cancer, the immune system faces several challenges in identification and elimination of cancerous cells. This is due to following reasons:

• Cancer cells produce SETDB1, Myc, and PGE2 and other proteins that suppress the body’s immune response.
• Many cancer cells closely resemble normal cells in terms of gene expression, making it difficult for the immune system to differentiate between them.
• Rapid mutations in cancer cells also lead to changes in gene expression, after which the immune system is unable to recognise them as a foreign body.
• Sometimes, tumour environments create immunosuppressive conditions by involving immune cells that protect the tumour.

This is where dendritic cell therapy (DCT) comes into play. In the lab, scientists work on dendritic cells and activate them by exposing them to specific cancer cells, allowing the antigen to recognize and destroy the cancer cells as a threat.

How does Dendritic Cell Therapy (DCT) Works?

We already know that dendritic cells serve as “messengers” that connect the immune system with the body’s defences.

In Dendritic Cell Therapy (DCT), these cells are taken from the patient, modified in a laboratory to carry cancer-specific antigens.

Let’s get into the brief of dendritic cell therapy (DCT).

• It begins with the collection of the dendritic cells from the patient. This may involve separating white blood cells (WBCs) from the blood components, via a process known as leukapheresis.
• The collected blood cells are then processed in a laboratory to isolate dendritic cells.
• Further, these isolated dendritic cells are cultured in specific growth media to promote their proliferation as well as maturation.
• Then, it can be loaded with cancer-specific antigens.
• After the cancer antigens are loaded in the dendritic cells, they mature further using cytokines or other agents to enhance their ability to stimulate T- cells in the body. 

Once the generated dendritic cells undergo quality control and specific standards are met, the dendritic cells are reintroduced into the patient’s body, typically via an injection.

Types of Cancer Treated with Dendritic Cell Therapy

Dendritic cell therapy (DCT) is often used for the treatment of stage 4 cancer in Germany. Some of the cancers that can be treated with DCT are listed below.

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Sarcoma
• Pancreatic cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Melanoma
• Prostate cancer
• Intestinal cancer
• Renal cancer
• Glioblastoma

In metastatic cancer, when the surgical removal of the tumour is not possible, DCT helps improve the quality of life and increases the patient's life expectancy. 

However, some medical cases have suggested that more than 1 cycle may be required when the disease has progressed to the end stage.

What is the Dendritic Cell Treatment Cost in Germany?

Whether you’ve tried traditional treatments without success or are exploring options to boost your immune system’s ability to fight cancer, dendritic cell therapy could be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.

The cost of dendritic cell treatment in Germany ranges from USD 23,500 to USD 36,500. The price includes diagnostic tests, consultation and laboratory charges, cost of dendritic cell therapy, hospital stay, and follow-up costs.

Leading Dendritic Cell Treatment Centres in Germany

Germany is one of the most sought after destinations for advanced cancer treatments such as dendritic cell therapy. The best oncology hospitals in the country have all the technologically advanced machinery, thus promising to be a high-quality DCT along with comprehensive cancer care.

Some of the reasons why the German hospitals stand out in cancer treatment are listed below.

International Accreditations for Quality & Patient Safety
Many cancer hospitals in Germany hold international accreditations such as JCI, as well as national certifications like:

• Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN)
• Testing, Evaluation, Monitoring, and Optimization of Services (TEMOS)
• Kooperationsgemeinschaft für Transparenz und Qualität im Gesundheitswesen (KTQ-GmBH)

Rigorous Quality Control and Monitoring
Germany’s legal framework mandates hospitals to participate in government-supervised quality surveillance programs. These programs involve regular inspections, quality tracking, and benchmarking to ensure top-tier performance in cancer treatment.

Here are some of the top dendritic cell therapy centres in Germany:

• University Hospital Heidelberg: Established in 1388, this renowned medical centre treats nearly 1 million outpatients and 65,000 inpatients annually. In partnership with the German Cancer Research Center, it offers cutting-edge cancer treatments like DCT and TACE.
• Charité University Hospital: Founded in 1710, the Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center is a research-focused institution that provides innovative cancer therapies, including DCT.
• University Hospital Rechts der Isar: Established in 1834, this hospital houses the Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich (CCCM), providing holistic care and advanced treatments like DCT for cancer patients.
• University Hospital Düsseldorf: Founded in 1907, this hospital's Düsseldorf University Tumour Centre is certified by the German Cancer Society. The hospital’s oncologists offer structured cancer treatment plans, incorporating the latest therapies like DCT.

Looking for Dendritic Cell Therapy in Germany? Vaidam can assist you!

With a promise of helping you with the best dendritic cell therapy in Germany at an affordable cost, we are continuously making efforts to make your cancer treatment hassle-free by offering following services:

• Providing list of top cancer doctors in Germany and setting up the appointment 
• Comprehensive outline of treatment costs
• Language translation services
• Assistance with planning travel to Germany
• Flight tickets, visa processing and other arrangements
• Airport pick up and accommodation 
• Post-therapy follow-ups

At Vaidam Health, we are dedicated to facilitating your cancer treatment. We offer full support throughout your dendritic cell therapy, ensuring you receive comprehensive care. You can focus entirely on your recovery while we take care of all the logistics of your medical treatment in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dendritic Cell Therapy in Germany

What is the success rate of dendritic cell therapy in Germany?

Success rates for dendritic cell therapy in Germany vary with the type and stage of cancer, as well as with the individual response of the patient. Many dendritic cell clinics in Germany report positive responses, though final success rates are still emerging.

How much does dendritic cell therapy cost in Germany?

The cost of dendritic cell therapy in Germany ranges from $ 23,500 to $ 36,500. 

Is dendritic cell therapy FDA-approved for cancer treatment?

To date, the only dendritic cell vaccine approved by the U.S. FDA is Dendreon's Provenge, granted in 2010 specifically for prostate cancer treatment while other forms of dendritic cell therapy remain in clinical trial phases.

Is dendritic cell therapy available in Germany for glioblastoma?

Some specialised dendritic cell clinics in Germany offer such therapy within the integrative approach that will help manage glioblastoma, many of the time as an adjunctive treatment to surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.