Born in South Africa during apartheid, Patrick Soon-Shiong's journey to becoming one of the world's wealthiest doctors and a leading figure in cancer research is nothing short of remarkable. After immigrating to the United States in 1980, Soon-Shiong quickly made a name for himself as a talented surgeon and medical researcher. His work on pancreatic islet cell transplants and the development of the cancer drug Abraxane catapulted him to the forefront of the biotech industry.
Soon-Shiong's entrepreneurial spirit led him to found and sell multiple pharmaceutical companies, amassing a fortune in the process. However, unlike many who might retire after such success, he has continued to pour his resources and energy into advancing medical science. In recent years, he has expanded his influence beyond the medical field, purchasing the Los Angeles Times and becoming a minority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.

At the heart of Dr. Soon-Shiong's latest innovation is a treatment he calls "BioShield." This therapy, which received FDA approval for bladder cancer in 2024, represents a paradigm shift in how we approach cancer treatment. Unlike traditional chemotherapy or even newer immunotherapies that focus on specific aspects of the immune system, BioShield aims to activate and enhance the body's natural killer (NK) cells – a crucial component of our innate immune defense.

"We have discovered not the missing link, but the awareness of this missing link and how to activate it," Soon-Shiong explained. "The idea is to activate the natural killer cell. It has 30,000 receptors on this cell."

What sets BioShield apart is its ability to stimulate these NK cells without the severe side effects associated with many cancer treatments. Patients receiving BioShield can be treated on an outpatient basis, potentially avoiding the debilitating impacts of traditional chemotherapy.

Dr. Soon-Shiong's research has led him to a profound conclusion about the nature of health and disease. "Your body functions, you live or you die by the immune system," he stated. This perspective extends far beyond cancer, encompassing a wide range of illnesses and even the aging process itself.

According to Soon-Shiong, the key to longevity and health lies in maintaining a robust immune system. He argues that many diseases, including cancer, stem from a weakened immune system and chronic inflammation. This holistic view of health represents a significant departure from the often compartmentalized approach of modern medicine.

While BioShield represents a cutting-edge medical intervention, Dr. Soon-Shiong also emphasized the importance of natural methods for enhancing immune function. He highlighted several key factors:

1. Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for the replenishment of NK cells.
2. Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight, particularly certain red wavelengths, stimulates immune function.
3. Diet: Avoiding processed foods and toxins that can suppress immune function is essential.

Soon-Shiong drew attention to the relationship between sunlight exposure and health, noting the higher rates of certain illnesses in regions with limited sunlight. "That's why Seattle has the highest suicide rate," he remarked, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental factors and health.

Perhaps most intriguingly, Dr. Soon-Shiong described his unique perspective on human biology, likening the body to a complex system of energy and information transfer. "At the end of the day, we are about neutrons, photons, and electrons. That's it. We as human beings are nothing else but a battery and end gate," he explained.

This quantum-inspired view of human physiology informs Soon-Shiong's approach to medical research and treatment development. By considering the body as an intricate network of energy exchanges, he hopes to unlock new pathways for healing and disease prevention.

As BioShield continues to show promise in clinical trials for various types of cancer, Dr. Soon-Shiong and his team are already looking to the future. They are developing what he describes as a "universal coronavirus vaccine" based on the same principles of immune activation that underpin BioShield.

However, Soon-Shiong faces challenges in bringing his innovations to a wider audience. He expressed frustration with the current state of medical research and drug approval processes, arguing that entrenched interests and outdated paradigms often hinder progress.

Despite these obstacles, Dr. Soon-Shiong remains optimistic about the potential for BioShield and related therapies to transform cancer treatment and our broader approach to health. As he prepares to present his findings at the upcoming American Urology Conference in Las Vegas, the medical community eagerly awaits further details on this potentially game-changing approach to immune system activation.

In a world where cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong's work with Immunity Bio offers a glimmer of hope. By returning to the fundamental principles of human biology and harnessing the power of our own immune systems, we may be on the cusp of a new era in medicine – one where the body's natural defenses lead the charge against disease.

Link to Immunity Bio's Clinic Trial Information Page:
https://immunitybio.com/find-a-trial/

Immunity Bio's 'Expanded Access' Information Page:
https://immunitybio.com/expanded-access/