Cholera Vaccine Revisited

[PhilipSZacarias]

The following publication generated a considerable amount of interest several months ago in HU’s Advanced Prostate Group.

“Association between post-diagnostic use of cholera vaccine and risk of death in prostate cancer patients”, Jianguang Ji, Jan Sundquist, & Kristina Sundquist, Nat Commun. 2018; 9: 2367. 2018 Jun 18. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-04814-4

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

The paper describes the effect of the vaccine on mortality rates of men who took the Dukoral cholera vaccine before and after diagnosis for PCa. The authors found that there was a benefit for both groups. Importantly, the authors indicated that the HR for post diagnosis users was the lowest at 15 months and increased gradually thereafter. The paper discusses only the benefits of a single vaccination event – there is no mention of the effect of multiple vaccination events. I was considering contacting the authors to determine if they have the data for multiple vaccination events.

For first time users, the vaccine is taken in two parts, two weeks apart. According to the Dukoral literature the immunity imparted by the vaccine against enterotoxigenic E. Coli lasts about 3 months and about 2 years against Cholera. The immunity imparted by the vaccine declines with time and a booster vaccination with a single vial is necessary after 2 – 5 years.

It would appear that after the initial vaccination with two vials that the vaccine should be taken on a regular basis for the purposes of slowing the progression of PCa. Based on Figure 1 in the paper, I would say a booster vaccination should be taken every 12-15 months.

I hope this generates some discussion. Cheers, Phil

[henukit]

Similar effect was noticed for colorectal cancer:

Cholera vaccination may lower risk of death from colorectal cancer: consultant360.com/story/cho...

As we know correlation is not equal causation. Since those are just retrospective observational studies we can't isolate all other factors and conclude that overall survival benefit (disease specific) is attributed to the vaccination.

Biologically, it probably have some grounds, as in more quantitative studies it was noted that vaccines in general cause activation of cytotoxic T cells. For instance like these:

1. Cholera toxin activates nonconventional adjuvant pathways that induce protective CD8 T-cell responses after epicutaneous vaccination

pnas.org/content/109/6/2072

2. Cytotoxic T cell responses are enhanced by antigen design involving the presentation of MUC1 peptide on cholera toxin B subunit

oncotarget.com/index.php?jo...

3. Coupling of antigen to cholera toxin for dendritic cell vaccination promotes the induction of MHC class I‐restricted cytotoxic T cells and the rejection of a cognate antigen‐expressing model tumor

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

While preparing for Provenge treatment, I'm considering various options to boost immune system activity and T cells production. The cholera vaccine might be a good adjuvant way to do just that.

[PhilipSZacarias in reply to henukit]

Good list - you have investigated further. I am wondering whether taking Dukoral just before radiotherapy might prove beneficial, such as increasing the odds of an abscopal effect. Look at taking Cimetidine (Tagamet) to boost Th1 immune cells. Cheers, Phil

[henukit in reply to PhilipSZacarias]

Not sure about right order sequencing, but yeah, might be a good idea.

[D_Alden]

tinyurl.com/uydf7yb

tinyurl.com/yx4cmb6m

Several of us have taken the journey to Canada to get Dukoral, no prescription needed.

[JLS1 in reply to D_Alden]

Any way to tell if it's helping?

[D_Alden in reply to JLS1]

Nope, been doing many other things as well so will never know what one thing or things is of benefit or not. My PSA has been undetectable for a year now after I stopped ADT and finished 24 sessions of IMRT. It's just one of many things that may have benefit with few adverse consequences so worth the effort IMO.

[rocket09]

Thank You for that info!

[Kevinski65]

I am in NH. I have been doing well on lupron and xtandi 8 years out. I need a doctor's RX to get anything like this cholera vaccine. My oncologist won't deviate from standard practice. Right now I don't need it but am thinking of the eventual blow out. I do take pom/ blue juice and spice capsules I put together from the spice rack. Looking at alternatives.

[PhilipSZacarias in reply to Kevinski65]

I don’t how far you’re from the border, but you can get it in Canada without a prescription. I recommend taking Dukoral . Cheers, Phil

[Kevinski65 in reply to PhilipSZacarias]

Txs...not far