When we meet long term cancer survivors, we learn clearly how they have utilized various therapy modalities to fight their disease and achieve ultimate recovery. Based on such evidence, more and more patients are now asking to be treated by an integrative approach for their cancer. A universal cure for cancer is still a dream and complete remission is rare. In fact, the recurrence chances are likely to be higher after radiation and chemotherapy in many cases. The Healers community need to come to terms with the fact that scientific and evidence-based knowledge need to be integrated in the best interests of our cancer patients.
The integrative approach in the treatment of cancer has opened a whole new chapter in multidisciplinary cancer treatment. Mixed protocols are being used which combine conventional as well as alternative cancer therapies.Many fields of medicine, including conventional, naturopathic, homeopathic, and eastern medicine have remedies to offer which either destroy or shrink the tumour size or enhance the patient’s own immune system to fight the cancer or detoxify and cleanse the organs. Complementary medicine has also been shown to enhance chemotherapy and radiation, decrease side effects of these base therapies, and dramatically increase survival times in virtually all stages of most cancers.
Some of these therapies include:
Targeted Low Dose Chemotherapy
Conventional chemotherapeutic drugs can be used in low dosage to achieve desirable results by targeting them specifically to cancer cells or selectively enhancing their availability to cancer cells. This can be done by adding Hyaluronic Acid, Insulin Potentiation Therapy and/or other intravenous therapies such as high dose Vitamin C, Hydrogen Peroxide and Alpha Lipoic Acid or Poly MVA. Chemosensitivity helps to choose the best effective drug in a specific cancer. If the chemotherapy drug was more effective, and more directed, a significantly smaller dosage could be used, thus achieving a better result with less toxicity. Supplementary therapies given to detoxify, unblock, or enhance the immune system, will enable the patient’s natural defences to work most efficiently.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is found in red meat, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, yams, carrots, beets, and yeast. It is also made in small amounts in the human body. Alpha Lipoic Acid has been found to have a number of positive impacts in relation to cancer:
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It protects a complex called NF kappa B which is involved in controlling cell division and is often damaged in cancer cells due to free radicals. Free radical-induced damage to NF kappa B activates the oncogenes which may disrupt the cell cycle, resulting in uncontrollable growth.
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Early studies of cells grown in the laboratory have suggested that Lipoic Acid may cause cancer cells to commit suicide, a process known as apoptosis.
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ALA can regenerate antioxidants, such as glutathione, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.
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ALA in conjunction with N-Acetyl Cysteine has been found to repair functional defects in the immune system of cancer. Several studies since the mid- 1980’s have shown it to increase natural killer (NK) cell activity and exhibit anti-tumour activity.
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Lipoic Acid plays an important role in metabolism or the way that cells process chemicals in the body. Recent research has shown it to be helpful in treating nerve damage in diabetics. These properties also help fight some of the side effects of chemotherapy. It is available as pills, capsules, and intravenous injection. Most studies have used 300 to 600 milligrams (mg) daily.
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Occasionally, patients may complain of upset stomachs or skin rashes.
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High doses of Lipoic Acid may lower blood sugar levels.
Poly MVA or Palladium Lipoic Acid Complex (LaPd)
Poly MVA is a non toxic substance with the unique property of being water and fat soluble. Such dual solubility makes penetration into the cells easy. It also crosses the blood-brain barrier with ease. Therefore, the most remarkable results using Poly MVA were documented in brain tumours. Poly MVA denatures cancer cell proteins due to unique respiratory features of cancer cells such as low oxygen demand and free electron release at the mitochondrial level. It also releases cytochrome C and forms an apoptotic complex which activates a cascade of enzymes resulting in malignant cell death. It is a powerful antioxidant and provides additional energy to cells via mitochondrial electron transfer. For these reasons it is widely used as a health supplement for prevention. Professor Rudy Falk from Toronto, Ontario was the first doctor to use Poly MVA in cancer patients in 1991. Therapy was combined with low-dose chemotherapy and occasionally, radiation. In 2004, Dr. Forsythe from Reno, Nevada presented a clinical study of 212 patients and reported a 77% response in stage 4 cancer patients who were treated using intravenous PolyMVA.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA is a naturally occurring substance abundantly found in the cellular matrix. It has clinical and cosmetic applications in various fields of medicine, including dermatology, orthopedics, and ophthalmology.
Every normal cell has HA receptors on its surface. Cancer cells have thousands of such receptors, which allow free transport of HA across the cell membrane. Logically speaking, any drug which is bound to HA will be delivered in high concentration to the cancer cells. Therefore, it is used here at our centre to target low dose chemotherapy and all other drugs to the cancer cell.
Anti-Antiogenic Drugs
Angiogenesis is a natural dynamic process of new blood Bessel formation and growth. The process is triggered by hypoxia or low O2, inflammation, and stress at certain sites. It is regulated at the cellular level through a balance between proteins, growth factors (vascular endothelium derived growth factor-VEGF) and anti-antigenic factors. In healthy adults, angiogenesis is limited to reproduction and wound healing. Angiogenesis also occurs in rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.
The blood vessels formed in healthy individuals are orderly, mature, uniform and stable. Cancer cells need quick angiogenesis to meet their demands for rapid growth. Blood vessels formed in cancer are disorganized, immature, with irregular lumens and leaky walls. Such differences in the blood supply help target chemotherapies specifically to the cancer cell.
One such natural substance is Liquid Cartilage Extract (LCE), which is frozen marine animal extract. It inhibits signals to the endothelium, inhibiting its proliferation and matrix formation.
There are other natural substances which have similar properties such as garlic, ginseng, green tea, turmeric, milk thistle, and soy. Avastin has also shown similar results.
High Dose Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an old-time antioxidant which has shown anti-tumoral activity in higher doses. The effect is potentiated by combining it with hyaluronic acid. Magnesium and Vitamin B6 are added to inhibit oxalate stone formation. Doses as high as 100 grams, given intravenously, can be tolerated without side effects.
Vitamin C is known to induce haemolysis in G6PD-deficient patients. Therefore, the G6PD status of the patient is checked prior to using the higher doses.
Oxygenation Therapy
Hydrogen peroxide, hyperbaric oxygen, and ozone therapy are used to give an oxygen burst to cancer cells.
Immunotherapies
Dendritic Cell Vaccine: Cancer is possibly the result of a failing immune system. The dendritic cell plays a crucial role in this failure. Dendritic cells pass the tumor cell information to the natural killer cells, so the immune system can destroy the tumor. In cancer patients, these cells are in and around the tumor and in an immature form, which make them less likely to migrate to lymph nodes to pass along the information.
Based on this information, a comprehensive cancer vaccine could be prepared, either from cancer tissue, or from urine of the patient. The vaccine is comprised of:
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tumor-specific antigen injections
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cytokine injections to stimulate dendritic cell maturation
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heat shock protein/tumor specific antigen injections that act as “antigen chaperones” to the dendritic cells
Clinical responses were reported in greater than 40% of breast cancer patients of all stages, 63% in melanoma, and a 67% response in non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patients. Other cancers including colorectal, lung mesothelioma, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and thyroid have also shown significant clinical responses to the immunotherapy.
Natural Killer Cell Stimulants
These include: AHCC, MGN III, IP6, NK Immune, etc.
Iscador
Mistletoe contains a catatonic lectin, viscumin, which is both catatonic and immunostimulatory. It induces tumor necrosis, increases natural killer cell activity, increases production of interleukins 1 and 6, activates macrophages, induces programmed cell death (apoptosis), and protects DNA in normal cells during chemotherapy. A German study done by Dr. Ronald Grossarth-Maticek of the Institiute for Preventive Medicine in Heidelberg shows that, when used as adjunctive treatment in patients with a variety of cancers, Iscador can increase survival time by as much as 40%. Research indicates that mistletoe extract is most effective when used in conjunction with conventional medical care for the treatment of solid tumors such as breast cancer.
Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy
A cancer cell is coated with a protein cover that prevents the body’s normal defences from getting to it. If we can dissolve that protein cover from around the cancer cell, the body’s leukocytes or white blood cells will be able to destroy the cancer cell. One such enzyme is Wobenzym, which was designed in 1960 in Germany. It contains the plant-based enzymes Bromelain and Papain. It has natural anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombolytic, and anti-arrhythmic properties. Wobenzym helps dissolve the protein coat around cancer cells, making them frail and unstable. It also supports a healthy immune system. A sister product of Wobenzym called Wobe Mugos has been approved for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma.
Detoxification, Life Style and Diet Changes
Removal of toxins (heavy metals, xenoestrogens, pesticides) from the body is a very important part of treatment. A variety of approaches are used, which include colon cleansing, fasting, chelation, water therapy, heat therapy, and nutritional, herbal, and homeopathic methods. This helps the liver to release stored toxins into the digestive system to be eliminated. Increasing water intake is another excellent way to get rid of toxins in the body.
It is also very important to implement good nutrition, exercise, and maintain emotional balance. Avoid preservatives, chemicals, coffee, cigarettes, excessive alcohol, red meats, and some sugar-containing fruits.
Body, Mind and Energy Therapies
These therapies are to support behavioural patterns during recovery. Many patients with chronic illness are satisfied with that low level of function. This may be the cause of a patient’s poor response to biological treatment. It can block the immune response. Meditation, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch are some of the available techniques that help balance physical, mental and emotional energy flows. Reflexology stimulates healing using pressure points on feet and hands.
