Cancer
is probably the most feared of all of diseases. This is in part because the
approach using only chemotherapy, surgery and radiation have failed to
guarantee a successful outcome. One of
the common misconceptions of choosing a therapy is defining success in terms of
response rate. Response rates does not
mean cure. It does not mean improved
quality of life, a disease-free state, or prolonged lifespan. In fact, response rate is often a poor way
to judge the merit of a particular therapy.
Our approach is not to replace these standard modalities, but to harness
and augment the body's own healing capacity.
MECHANISMS OF CANCER DEVELOPMENT
A
few comments about cancer are worth noting.
First of all, the disease always arises not from an alien germ but from
formerly normal cell of your body.
Cancer cells are more primitive that their healthy precursors. The simpler the cells, the faster they grow
and the harder they are to treat, whereas a tumor that still resembles its
tissue of origin is less malignant. The
second observation is that cancer cells multiply wildy and chaotically compared
to the slow, carefully controlled mitosis of normal cells. Lack of control of the structural arrangement
of cells causes their membranes to not line up in the normal functional
way. As a result they form a jumbled
mass instead of normal useful architecture.
As a result, the laws of boundaries are not observed and pieces can
constantly break off and metastasize through the body. The last observation about cancer is that
they take metabolic priority over normal tissue.
It is well
recognized most cancers are promoted in substantial part to environmental
factors. Three categories of cancer promoting agents (carcinogens) have been
identified:
- Chemicals
- Radiation
- Viruses
Of
course genetics and hormones play a major role in setting the stage for cancer
to develop. Once the cancer has developed, it is another story altogether. The
best protection against cancer is not early detection, although pap smears,
mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate checks and PSA levels play an important
role in early intervention. These should not be cornerstone of your cancer
avoidance program. The fact is that they aren't even the best tools for finding
cancer early. Cancer actually starts showing tell-tale signs about 10-20 years
before these tests even suggest trouble. The signs of cancer predilection show
up in minute, abnormal reactions at the cellular level. Just as we monitor
blood levels of cholesterol, etc. for heart disease, the same is now available
for cancer. In addition the anabolic environment (see discussion below) that
promotes cancer development can been seen for years before the cancer reaches a
critical size. Computerized Regulatory Thermography may tell if your autonomic
nervous system responds to stress appropriately. Since your nervous system
directs your biochemistry, this can be a tremendous insight into your future.
Other labwork now available include measuring cellular DNA adducts that have
bound to DNA and mutate its expression. protein adducts, DNA repair enzymes,
lipid damage, anti-oxidant levels, NK immune cell function, programmed cell
death, etc. are also indicators of the tendency toward cancer development.
While
these are triggers, there are many theories about how cancer and why cancer
develops. One theory proposed by Donald Kelley, DDS is that cancer is a result
a misplaced germ cell that has change into a misplaced trophoblastic cell due
to an excess of or sensitivity to estrogen. Just as an embryo (germ cells)
develops a placenta that invades into the wall of the uterus (trophoblast), the
process is hormone dependent. When the fetus begins to produce pancreatic
enzymes the placental trophoblast stop invading the uterus and remain stable.
Thus the malignancy is in part a disorder of protein metabolism due to
inadequate production or utilization of enzymes. This then becomes an avenue to
consider when managing an individual with cancer.
The
National Academy of Sciences estimates 60% of women's cancers and 40% of men's
cancers are related to nutritional factors. The cancers most closely associated
with nutritional factors are breast and endometrial cancers in women and
prostate cancer in men, and gastrointestinal cancer. Cancer, like many diseases,
is a collision between environmental insult and genetic vulnerability. There is
strong evidence that cancer prevention and treatment approaches must include
nutrition.
The term
cancer, neoplasia, and malignancy are usually used interchangeably and are defined
by four characteristics that differentiate cancer cells from their normal
counterparts.
1. Clonality:
In most cases, cancer originates from a single stem cell that proliferates to
form a clone of malignant cells.
2. Autonomy:
Growth is not properly regulated by the normal biochemical and physical
influences in the environment.
3. Anaplasia:
There is a lack of normal, coordinated cell differentiation.
4. Metastasis:
Cancer cells develop the capacity for discontinuous growth and dissemination.
Obviously,
a successful approach will address each of these issues as well as establishing
a strong and healthy mind and body. At least 40% of cancer patients will die
from malnutrition and not the cancer itself. There are multiple studies showing
a guided nutrition program for cancer patients improves the quantity of life by
12 - 21 fold as well as improving the chance for complete remission. The RDAs
are not designed for cancer patients. Determining specific imbalances and
remedies to improve your overall health requires an individualized assessment.
As
an analogy to cancer, a fungus grows on a tree because of warmth, moisture, and
darkness. You can cut (surgery), burn (radiation) and poison (chemotherapy) the
fungus off the tree, but the fungus will return as long as the tree condition
is favorable. There are conditions that favor the growth of cancer - changing
those conditions are the focus of our approach. For example, the lack of
assimilatable unsaturated fat and an anaerobic cellular metabolic state are
common findings in patients with cancer. Impaired protein metabolism is found
in patients with solid tumors. Correcting these factors is a must. In addition,
maintaining a positive nitrogen balance, strengthening liver and kidney
detoxication functions, ingesting adequate amounts of negative valence
sulfurated proteins (I believe the reason for this is because negative
sulfurated proteins aid in the body’s manufacture of glutathione), and
optimizing immunologic competency are management goals.
Because
we can learn from all information related to cancer, looking at preventive
measures could be useful for the patient who already has cancer. There is
evidence that certain pre-cancerous changes may be reversible with
supplementation. Cervical dysplasia, for example, may be reversed by folic acid
supplementation, especially if folic acid is deficient. Calcium supplementation
may reduce the number of rapidly proliferating cells in colonic epithelium in
patients with family histories of colon cancer. Vitamin A and beta-carotene
reduce the percentage of genetically-damaged cells inside the cheek when betel
liquid, a tobacco-like mixture, is chewed regularly. Vitamin A supplements
provided complete or partial remission in patients with benign breast disease.
Nitrosamine levels in the stomach are reduced with 1 gram of vitamin C given
daily. Calcium D-glucarate and indole-3-carbinol show great promise for breast
cancer by reducing serum estrogen and by enhancing detoxication of potentially
damaging chemicals. Components of green tea appear to inhibit the formation of
breast, skin, and esophageal cancers. There is a long-standing well-accepted
link between elevated insulin levels and risk of cancer. This suggests that
excess sugar and carbohydrates with a high glycemic index contribute to the
development of cancer. You must go on a sugarless diet. Information like this
may help provide clues for managing specific type of cancers…
CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PATIENT WITH A
MALIGNANCY
It
should be clear I am not claiming or implying any anti-cancer effect or any
part of my care substitutes for conventional or investigational anti-cancer
regimens. Furthermore, I am not advising you against seeking other qualified
medical opinions with regard to your cancer care. I do not and will not give any advice on
conventional treatments. My role is to
support you and let the cancer specialist treat the cancer.
GENERAL DIETARY SUGGESTIONS
Specific Foods: In addition to the anti-oxidants, research
shows there are additional cancer-fighting substances in fruits and vegetables.
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts)
contain indole-3-carbinol (13C) which increases the de-activation of estrogen
and in animals reduces breast cancer. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane (one
of a group of chemicals called isothiocyanates), which increases the activity
of enzymes that detoxify cancer-causing agents. Foods high in glucaric acid
include broccoli, oranges, carrots, spinach, and apples. Soybeans and red
clover contain genistein, a substance that interferes with the formation of new
blood vessels. Genistein also acts as an anti-oxidant. Other substances found
in soybeans are phytoestrogens that act as partial antagonists/agonists to
estrogen. Tomatoes contain a variety of carotenes, including lycopenes, which
are anti-oxidants thought to deter cancer formation.
Sugarless Diet: Nobel Prize winning Otto Warburg, Ph.D.
demonstrated that all cancer cells live in an oxygen-free environment for which
sugar is the primary fuel. An Israeli study confirmed that cancer cells have
three times the amount of insulin and take up glucose 3-5 times more than
normal cells, supporting the concept of a sugar-based metabolism. Without the
sugar, the diet becomes richer in fats and proteins. Furthermore, sugar intake
has been shown to suppress you immune response from 30% by white blood cells
and up to 50% by lymphocytes for at least 6 hours. It is important to realize
that processed carbohydrates like white flour, sugar, fruit juices, corn and
rice syrups, etc. all are sugar! The type of fat needs to be carefully chosen
because of the profound effects certain types of fats have on cancer and on the
immune system. With regard to protein, a key issue is that cooking or heating
protein destroys much of its value and actually creates a cancer-promoting
food. The type of protein depends on the type of cancer.
Protein Consumption: Based on the work of Donald Kelley,
DDS, protein consumption must be carefully chosen. It was his theory that the pancreas
could not manufacture enough enzymes to digest the large amount of processed
protein we consume (dairy, meat, and peanuts). He claimed that 83% of the solid
tumor cancers in America
would be eliminated if we would stop eating protein after 1pm. This would allow the body time to
regenerate the enzymes needed for digestion as well as the metabolic cleanup.
While certainly this is not what the American Cancer Society would endorse, Dr.
Kelley reportedly had over 22,000 cancer patients with an envious track record
of success. This alone warrants examining his observations. For patients with
solid tumors (other than myelomas, lymphomas) we recommend no red meat (beef,
pork, lamb, venison, etc) at all, only small amounts of organic fowl (without
use of hormones or arsenic), no dairy products except for unpasteurized yogurt
and cottage cheese in the morning, and no peanuts. Peanuts are high in protein
and are commonly contaminated with a fungus that produces and aflatoxin, which
is used in research to stimulate cancer. Raw almonds, raw vegetables, and whole
grains are the preferred source of food proteins. Kelley recommended 10 almonds
at breakfast and 10 for lunch. The vegetables were best consumed as raw juices
along with enough fruit to make palatable. The grains were organic and soaked
overnight to make a Muesli-like cereal.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PATIENT WITH A
MALIGNANCY
There
are specific suggestions associated with each type of cancer. For
example, melanomas and glioblastoma multiforme consume excessive amounts of
phenylalanine and tyrosine. Other cancers have different characteristics.
There are
eight general goals when using nutrition in an individual who has
cancer.
1. Prevent malnutrition: It is estimated that
40% or more of cancer patients actually die from malnutrition, not from the
cancer. One of the most important blood tests to assess nutritional status is
the serum albumin level. This protein represents the liver’s ability to make
new proteins, and albumin serves as an important buffer in keeping the blood
from become too acidic. High quality foods are a must – both in terms of their
vitamin and mineral content but also their protein and fat quality. The type of
fat that is consumed plays a huge role in the metabolism of cancer cells. Pay
close attention to the fats to avoid! Sugar and processed carbohydrates, red
meat and alcohol should be avoided unless specifically allowed in your case.
As
I have mentioned already, one of the great discoveries about cancer was made by
Otto Warburg, who received a Nobel Prize for showing that the difference
between normal cells and cancer cells was the ability to use oxygen. The normal
cell requires oxygen to produce energy from glucose, but the cancer cell does
not. Glucose metabolism when oxygen is used creates 30 units of energy (ATP)
per molecule of glucose. Glucose metabolism without oxygen, as is the case in
cancer cells, only produces 2 units of energy per molecule of glucose. As a
result of this anaerobic (without oxygen) metabolism of glucose, the cancer
cells build up lactic acid. Lactic acid is what you feel in your muscles after
a work-out. The liver and to some extent the kidneys can convert the lactic
acid back into glucose. Since the cancer cell is so inefficient in making
energy from glucose (2 units compared to 30), it takes a large amount of
glucose to quench the energy demands of the growing cancer. The cancer
ultimately starts to steal the glucose supply from the body and the
malnutrition begins. Finally the weight loss and fatigue sets in and the
cachexia becomes more dangerous than the cancer itself. As you can see sugar
and simple carbohydrates should be avoided unless specifically allowed in your
case.
Lactic
acid build-up induces an acid build-up within the cell, which now causes
changes in the DNA of the cell to promote unlimited reproduction. In other
words, the cancer feeds itself in an acid environment. This is one reason that
your program will include alkalizing or oxygenating nutrients - minerals like
calcium, magnesium, oxygen, sodium, germanium, etc. found in vegetables. Some
specific cancer therapies like cesium can raise the pH (move it toward
alkalinity rather than acidity) and thereby reduce the cancer's growth
cycle…Cesium has been used at Texas Tech for sarcoma, Germany for lung cancer
with bone metastasis, and University of Wisconsin for colon cancer. The moral
of the story here is to have a diet rich in alkalizing minerals -
vegetables. One of the best ways to get
healthful vegetables is Beiler’s Broth, which is listed elsewhere on my
website. It is rich in nutrients that
supply vitamins and minerals and assists in liver detoxication. Another potential way to starve the cancer
then is to interfere with the liver's ability to produce glucose from lactic
acid (the enzyme is called phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) through hydrazine
sulfate. Again, the specific agent is
not the emphasis but rather the conceptual approach to altering the tissue
environment.
2. Bolster immune functions: A robust immune
system can provide additional weapons against cancer. Every successful regimen
using nutrition around the world includes immune support. In a study of 77 women with breast cancer,
95% of those whose immune system reacted to the cancerous tissue were alive at
12 years compared to only half of those whose immune system did not respond to
the cancer (J McCoy in Annals of NY Acad of Sci 1993). If chemotherapy and radiation are being
used, adding immune support will give you that much more firepower. There are
many claims made about how to bolster your immune system. Making yours function
optimally requires an individual approach.
It
is important not to confuse immune stimulation with immune support. Cancer seems to thrive and even induce
inflammation. For example, increased
levels of several small chemicals called cytokines, are associated with disease
activity, poorer outcomes, metastasis, etc.
A few relevant examples include Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-kB),
interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a), which all
promote inflammation. One strategy to
consider is to monitor and attempt to reduce the levels of these
pro-inflammatory cytokines.
3. Detoxification: Even if you have not received chemotherapy or
radiation, the detoxification pathways of the body with a cancer are under
strain. It is surprising how many
patients with cancer tell me that they “never get sick.” Because getting sick is an innate form of
defense and detoxication, perhaps those who never or rarely detoxify have
insufficient natural detoxification mechanisms.
Remember cells that transform into cancer have done so because of an
insult to their metabolism. A healthy
body has to expel not only the day-to-day byproducts of metabolism but also the
multiple toxins inhaled, absorbed, or eaten. Toxic trace minerals like cadmium,
mercury, arsenic, and lead all blunt the immune system. Chemicals used in modern industrialized
society no doubt contribute. Add the
burden of a rapidly dividing cancer cells with their metabolic waste – you
increase the demand for an efficient detoxification system. With chemotherapy and radiation, there is
added toxicity.
But
we must be certain that in an effort to improve detoxification, you are not
reducing the effectiveness of the treatment you have chosen. Many of the programs and products have been
studied for their influence on killing the cancer cells. Whenever possible we try to not get in the
way of other therapies but to support the healthy parts of the body as it deals
with the extra metabolic-toxic burden.
I
would be less than truthful with you if I did not tell you that the hardest and
most uncomfortable part of dealing with the patient with cancer is without
question, detoxication. In reality, because our patients should not die from
malnutrition, the biggest burden we will face is toxic waste products from the
either the cancer itself or the accumulated toxins that have never been
eliminated successfully. Repair and recovery only occurs when the body has
become purified. The liver is the major gland of detoxication and this is the
organ we will focus on in most cases. The colon is the primary avenue of
physical elimination and this too must be healthy.
4. Establish an optimum metabolic state: Cancer only develops
in a state of anabolic dominance. In other words the cells are in a
"build-up" phase. By the time you present to me, however, you may be
in a state of catabolism or rapid "break down." Through careful and
regular metabolic tests, Dr. Kaslow will monitor your metabolic state so that
you do not get into an extreme "break down" or wasting condition or
that you remain in a "build up" phase that promotes further cancer.
Credit must be given to Emmanuel Revici, M.D., a brilliant but persecuted
doctor in New York, who recently died at 101½ years. He pioneered this concept,
which unfortunately has not received the attention it deserves. Establishing a
cancer-unfavorable but health-promoting metabolic state as he teaches will be
emphasized and will demand you follow the precise program given for your specific
need.
The
autonomic nervous system must also be considered when balancing the
metabolism. Solid tumors that have originated from epithelium include the
liver, breast, lung, pancreas, colon, ovaries, prostate, and uterus seem to
occur only in individuals with an overly active sympathetic nervous system (and
therefore a weak parasympathetic nervous system). A vegetarian diet emphasizing
fresh fruits and vegetables (particularly leafy greens) contains large doses of
magnesium and potassium. It has been shown
in many studies that magnesium suppresses the sympathetic nervous system while
potassium strengthens the parasympathetic nervous system. In addition, fruits
and vegetables are alkalinizing, and this too has a balancing effect on the
autonomic nervous system by reducing sympathetic activity and increasing
parasympathetic activity. For these individuals, a diet largely vegetarian with
fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and seeds with occasional fish, eggs,
or yogurt with no other animal protein is suggested. On the other hand, blood
or immune based malignancies such as leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas do best
on a high animal protein, high fat diet because these seem to occur in
individuals with an overly active parasympathetic nervous system (and therefore
a weak sympathetic nervous system). Such a diet is rich in phosphates and
promotes acidity that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. The Nerve Express used in our office to
assess heart rate variability gives a scientifically valid profile of the
sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
5. Enhance the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapy: Whenever scientific
studies support it, nutritional agents that enhance either radiation or
chemotherapy will be suggested. For example, using vitamin C, vitamin E,
glutamine, whey protein, etc. seem to improve the response to radiation in
certain circumstances.
6. Improve
microcirculation: No program or procedure will work if the
blood supply is inadequate.
Chemotherapeutic agents can’t be delivered, waste products will not be
excreted, surgical wounds will not heal, etc.
This is not the same as the cancer developing new blood vessels to feed
itself (this has been an avenue of exploration for therapy called anti-angiogenesis). Rather it is to improve the body’s ability to
deliver and therefore regulate the tissues.
It is interesting to note that some of the most effective programs
contain products or procedures that improve circulation (ex – enzymes, heat, Coumadin,
alkalization, etc.)
7. Prevent cancer
spread: The preliminary studies from Matthias Rath,
M.D. and his research group show that cancer cells do not appear to be able to
spread past the local tissue when a combination of nutrients were added to the
culture medium. The basis of his work
was derived from his work with Linus Pauling in cardiovascular health. Ascorbic acid (a component of vitamin C)
plays a central role in this approach.
While there are limits to the conclusions that can be drawn from his
studies, it may be prudent to look more carefully at his observations as
another tool for the patient with cancer.
8. Emotional Release: One might not expect that emotional issues
are relevant to the discussion of nutritional issues and cancer. But emotions play a huge role. Emotional nourishment is as important as
vitamins and minerals. A common theme
documented in research studies is the failure of cancer patients to distinguish
self from non-self. It is often said
that cancer occurs in the nicest people.
Perhaps this trait is due to the inability to say “no” and thus to
distinguish self from non-self. An
interest concept since cancer in a metaphysical way is non-self. Along the same theme is letting go of that
which is not “you” in your life - things you’ve suppressed, situations that
raise your ire and yet you tolerate, etc.
The work of Bernie Siegal and Wayne Dyer are excellent on this subject
and worthy of reviewing. Addressing these can have a powerful impact on your
emotional state, which in turn influences the cancer. Many cancer specialists have made the
observation that the feisty ones do best.
Assert yourself and take charge!
In
a long term project begun in 1946 by Caroline Bedell Thomas at Johns Hopkins
School of Medicine charted students over decades of time to see what specific
psychologic indices were associated with the development of cancer – poor
relationship with parents, self-pity, self-deprecation, passivity, a compulsive
need to please. And above all an inability to rise from depression after some
traumatic event such as the death of a loved one or loss of a job.
As
a corollary to this is how you decide on your course of action. You no doubt will be bombarded by information
and suggestions by well-intentioned friends, family, etc. Whatever you decide, do it without
doubt. Do not reduce the power that
having control and a clear intent provides.
The mind is an extraordinarily powerful tool, let it work uninhibited
without doubt and uncertainty. That
doesn’t mean that new approaches and inquiry are to be avoided, rather that the
choices you made are be with all your heart and soul…
9. Micro-currents: The electrical potential of cancer is very
different from normal tissues. These micro-currents
play a powerful role in cellular function.
It is an area that I continue to explore and appears to be simple to
incorporate for nearly anyone. Time will
tell if this avenue is worthy of consideration.
10. Specific Organ/Tissue involvement: There are numerous studies reporting that
specific agents (some natural and some synthetically derived) have activity
against certain types of cells. Because
of the legal ramifications and the implication of a therapeutic use, the
discussion here is limited.
GENERAL BREAST CANCER PREVENTION
Cultural Diets: Traditional Oriental diets are associated
with very low risk, traditional Mediterranean with an intermediate risk, and
Western diets with a very high breast cancer risk. Of all of the literature I reviewed regarding
beneficial dietary substances, iodine seems to be a common denominator in
breast cancer. This is not surprising
given the fact that other than the thyroid gland, the breast tissue contains
the most iodine than any other tissue.
General Nutrients: Vegetables, fruit and fish provide
protection. Beans, whole grains, non-fat yogurt, and extra-virgin olive oil are
fine. High animal and/or saturated fat intake seems to be associated with
increased incidence of breast cancer due to increased estrogen exposure. EPA (from fish) and GLA (from black currant
seeds, primrose, borage) apparently alter the properties of tumor cell
membranes to make them more responsive to chemotherapeutic agents as well as
being selectively toxic to human breast cancer cells in vitro.
Avoiding estrogenic agents: Agents with estrogenic effects include
pesticides such as DDT, heptachlor, and atrazine, ingredients in plastic
(polycarbonates and polystyrenes), magnetic fields, and petroleum by-products.
Certain drugs have estrogenic effects such as cimetidine (Tagamet®) and
alcohol. In addition the metabolism of estrogen can take one of two paths, one
that promotes cancer (the 4 and 16 OH pathway) and the 2 estrone pathway that
reduces cancer potential. Specific
Chinese herbs have been shown to dramatically lower estradiol levels. Whether or not other estrogens are reduced or
the profile of estrogen metabolism is altered by these Chinese herbs has not
been reported.
One
study showed that EPA, an omega-3 oil found in fish, lowered the level of
estradiol in 25 women at risk for breast cancer.
IF YOU HAVE CANCER AND WOULD LIKE TO ADD A
NUTRITIONAL/METABOLIC PROGRAM
To
be successful, you must have a comprehensive and individualized approach. Winning the battle against cancer and then
losing the war to malnutrition and toxic build-up is all too common. I can not make generalized nutritional
recommendations in good conscience.
There is no other condition where careful monitoring is as crucial. The wrong supplements may actually promote
further cancer. If you would like to get
us to get involved in caring for you, call the office and we will make your
visit as soon as possible (top priority on our pending appointment list). Do not give up; we have many healthy
survivors of cancer in our practice.
