Helping me recover from melanoma

Dendritic Cell Therapy is not yet available in the UK, privately or through the NHS (National Health Service). There are private clinics in Spain, Germany, Mexico and New York. I chose Germany because of its relatively easy access, the reputation of the clinic and its track record. £35,000 sounds a large sum – and it is a lot of money – but when the fees and costs are broken down, it is relatively modest compared to some other clinics.

The treatment will last from late May 2022 to September/October. The initial treatment took eight days because I had to undertake leukapheresis (extraction of white blood cells) and then wait while my cells were cultured and treated and the remainder stored in a freezer. Six days later, I was vaccinated and then had LDI (low dose immunotherapy). It reduces the likelihood of my immune system reacting against these antigens by exposing the body to extremely diluted antigens, many times less potent than regular doses used in allergy and vaccine therapy. I return for several more vaccinations with my own cells, with LDI, but we won’t know how many until the initial results are investigated.

A great majority of the donations will be spent on clinical fees, medicines, cryostorage of my white cells and treatments. Some will cover other expenses like travel and accommodation, although we will pay for those ourselves where we can. You can see more details of treatment and costs here.