Complementary Alternative Medicine and Cancer

The standard or mainstream medical treatment for the over 200 forms of cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These approaches are used in combination in some in stances and as stand-alone care on other occasions. Chemotherapy treatments and radiation therapy are incapable of discriminating between healthy cells and cancer cells, meaning that they are capable of eradicating both while generating side-effects that can be disconcerting and even debilitating. It is not surprising, therefore, that many patients with cancer are now beginning to look for alternative therapies geared to complement these conventional treatments; therapies that either reduce their exposure to these cell-killing treatments or ones which reduce the side-effects or which work in lock-step with the conventional treatments without increasing these side-effects.

Introduction to CAM

Complementary alternative medicine or CAM includes such things as herbal drugs, vitamin and nutritional supplements, plus psychological and physical interventions like relaxation, massage, acupuncture, exercise and sometimes meditation or prayer. The use of these modalities as part of an integrated regimen for cancer is typically aimed at helping reduce side-effects that are associated with standard or conventional cancer treatments, in addition to enhancing immune function, alleviating symptoms, providing a better quality of life, and also (and probably most importantly) restoring a patient’s sense of having some degree of control over their biological destiny.

More than 72 million cancer patients used some kind of CAM treatment or product within the last year alone. In the United States, as many as ninety-one percent of all cancer patients have utilized at least one CAM modality or approach as an addendum or add-on to their standard cancer treatment. The most common forms of CAM therapies employed are exercise, prayer and relaxation.

While many physicians acknowledge that there are benefits seen in patients who utilize physical and psychological Cam techniques and therapies, there is also considerable controversy surrounding their suitability for use with radiation therapy and chemotherapy, especially nutritional, herbal and mineral supplements.

Dietary Supplements and Antioxidants used by Cancer patients while undergoing standard care

In what follows below we will look at some findings gleamed from a number of published studies that point to the fact that certain dietary supplements are capable of influencing the clinical outcome and long term survival rate patients with certain types of cancer.

1. A number of clinical studies have shown that using antioxidants during chemotherapy does not compromise the treatment in any way. These were conducted on patients suffering from lung cancer who took vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene. In fact, in one telltale study subjects who used antioxidants in tandem with their particular form of chemotherapy had better overall results than those who had chemotherapy alone.

2. In a study on non-small cell lung cancer patients aged sixty years and older who had undergone surgical procedures to remove primary tumors, researchers compared the survival rate in vitamin users versus that of vitamin nonusers. To do this they measured the blood folate levels in. The average survival time for nonusers came out to about eleven months, compared to as many as forty one months for those who used a multi-vitamin including folate.

3. Another study looked at the cancer recurrence rate patients with transitional cell bladder cancer. These patients were divided up into two treatment groups: One was given the BCG vaccine (for tuberculosis), in addition to immune-augmentation therapy and the recommended daily allowance or RDA for vitamins. The second was given BCG, and in addition to the traditional RDA of vitamins took an additional 40,000 IU of Vitamin A, 2000 mg of Vitamin C, 400 IU of Vitamin E, 100 mg of Vitamin B6, and 90 mg of Zinc. Five years into the study it was found that the recurrence rate for cancer was 91 percent in the group that had only received the recommended daily allowance of vitamins. On the other hand, the recurrence rate in the 2^nd (higher dose) treated group was only 41 percent.

4. Many studies conducted on patients with breast cancer have shown that those who use antioxidants are much less likely to suffer recurrence, or to die from the disease.

5. The effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil or 5-FU in treating breast cancer has been significantly improved when given with folic acid. This chemotherapy drug is also commonly used to treat cancers of the pancreas, liver and colon, however it has not shown a high enough level of effectiveness. In one study, patients suffering from metastatic colorectal carcinoma participated in a randomized trial comparing the effects of 5-FU given alone, and 5-FU used in conjunction with folic acid. Patients who were given 5-FU and folic acid experienced 76% reduction of their tumors.

Table 1: The effect of Folic acid on Chemotherapy with 5-FU

One especially good slow release form of folic acid is found in the multivitamin NUTRACENE

While all of the studies cited above indicate benefits for cancer patients using dietary supplements who are undergoing standard treatments for their disease, there have also been a number of studies that failed to show any benefit, or that have revealed mixed effect.

Prescription Antioxidants and National Antioxidants

Critics have argued that the use of antioxidants shouldn't take place when it come to  patients undergoing standard cancer therapies that generate free radicals, because this could actually soften the impact of them on cancer cells. However, synthetic versions of antioxidants available as prescription drugs have not been shown to reduce the toxicity associated with these cancer treatments. Amifostine, for example, is a synthetic type of L-cysteine that has been shown to reduce the toxicity associated with standard anti-cancer treatments without having a negative effect on their effectiveness. Another synthetic antioxidant, Mesna, improves the efficacy of the anti-tumor drug ifosfamide.

Naturally occurring antioxidants and enzymes tend to be depleted in patients with cancer who are undergoing aggressive standard therapies. This leaves healthy cells less able to fend off damage caused by treatment spawned free-radicals. In light of this, those who advocate use of antioxidant supplementation by cancer patients underscore the fact that this approach replaces natural substances that are lost due to standard anti-cancer treatments. Supplementation to bolster the body's natural levels of antioxidants can also reduce the adverse side effects associated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy in some instances. It may also significantly improve treatment outcomes for some patients.

Physical and Psychological CAM Treatments

Acupuncture is capable of improving cancer-related symptoms as well as side effects of treatment like nausea, hot flashes, pain and breathlessness. The American Cancer Society has even recommended using acupuncture on cancer patients.

Hypnosis has been shown to improve the overall quality of life of breast cancer patients by reducing the insomnia and anxiety. It has also been recommended as a part of palliative care or symptomatic relief due to its demonstrated role in reducing pain and shortness of breath. Hypnosis also has been shown to improve the mental health and the overall well being of those who have been treated with radiotherapy.

Aromatherapy and massage appears to improve the psychological health of cancer patients by virtue of its demonstrated ability to help reduce pain, nausea and anxiety. For example, women with breast cancer who received massage therapy showed improved immune system function, and felt less angry and depressed about their prognosis. A combination of foot soaking and massage with aromatherapy has been shown to improve the fatigue that cancer patients often experience.

Humor, too, has long been recognized as a great way to get people, especially sick ones to relax and thus cope better with their particular challenges. Studies have shown that anxiety and physical discomfort can be significantly reduced when cancer patients laugh a great deal.

Yoga meditation like Kundalini yoga has proven effective in alleviating anger, depression, fear and anxiety. This type of yoga is also capable of allowing cancer patients to feel more positive about their condition.

Also, various forms of exercise like Tai Chi have been shown to improve the quality of life of cancer patients, especially when recovering from treatment or surgery.

Nutrition and Cancer Treatments

Cancer patients often have a compromised nutritional status resulting from the standard anti-cancer treatment they are undergoing, or as a manifest symptom of the cancer itself. A significant numbers of cancer patients are malnourished or have suffered an appreciable amount of weight loss due to their treatment or cancer-induced cachexia (“wasting away”).

Nutritional intervention during cancer treatment often takes the form of eating healthful foods, use of specific supplement, and in some instances the administering of nutrient enriched formulas directly through feeding tubes into the gastrointestinal tract, or injected directly into the veins as an IV drip.

Not surprisingly, cancer patients who are malnourished were found to be much more likely to experience longer periods of hospitalization, much lower survival rates and higher incidences of medical complications then those who are better nourished.

In addition, impaired nutritional status in cancer patients has been associated with reduced numbers of neutropenia and other white blood cells, as well as anemia. Various studies have shown that administration of specialized formulas enriched with nutrients like L-arginine and omega-3 fatty acids before surgery reduced the time spent in hospitals due to the occurrence of post-operative infections. Because L-arginine has immunomodulatory properties, it can help to restore the immune system especially in patients who’ve just had surgery.

Complementary Alternative Cancer Therapies

Bolstering resistance to Cancer

Among the many natural things that have been known to prevent both the progression and the development of cancer are:

- Calcium

- Carotenoids

- Curcumin

- Garlic

- Green and black teas

- Folic acid

- Vitamin A

- Vitamin C

- Vitamin D

- Vitamin E

- Vitamin K

- Calcium: Calcium supplements have been shown to lower the risk of recurrence of colorectal cancer in clinical studies involving more than 1000 patients. Other studies indicate that the risk of developing this form of cancer is sharply reduced in persons using calcium supplements.

- Carotenoids: The use of lycopene has been shown to protect against prostate, pancreas, ovaries, bladder and breast cancer. Studies have shown that lutein rich foods have also helped to provide cancer prevention in the colon. Foods rich in lutein include spinach, lettuce, oranges, celery, greens, carrots, tomatoes and broccoli.

- Curcumin: This comes from the culinary spice turmeric and has been known to stop the growth of prostate, colon and breast cancers in lab experiments. Clinical studies conducted in the past have shown daily dose of curcumin 10 grams had no adverse effects but was able to significantly reduce the risk of cancer.

- Garlic: Garlic appears to protect against a wide variety of cancers including stomach, mammary gland, cervix and colon. Garlic derived allicin and ajoene have especially demonstrated both cancer therapeutic and preventative properties.

- Green and black teas: Clinical studies indicate that consuming as few as five cups a day of these teas can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers, and can also help to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, especially when it comes to breast cancer. Green tea has also been shown to improve survival rates for ovarian cancer.

- Folic acid: The use of folic acid as a dietary supplement has been associated with a reduction in the risk of developing certain forms of cancer, especially colorectal and lung cancer. Folic acid intake has also been thought to protect against cancer of the breast, because folic acid is capable of guarding against damage to DNA. NUTRACENE

- Vitamin A:  Derivatives of vitamin A, which are referred to as retinoids, have been known to protect against developing certain cancers including those of the skin, lung and breast. Vitamin A derivatives are also capable of strongly impacting acute promyelocytic leukemia.

- Vitamin C:  Long term studies have shown that when vitamin C is combined with other antioxidants, it is capable of reducing the risk of cancer development, including lung and prostate cancer.

- Vitamin D:  It is estimated that 30,000 cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented every single year with the right levels of sun exposure to stimulate the production of vitamin D (without incurring skin damage). Scientists contend that folks are just not getting enough of the right exposure. A deficiency of Vitamin D has been linked to an increase in the risk of developing prostate, breast and colon cancer.

- Vitamin E:  Vitamin E has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of lung and prostate cancer, especially when it is combined with selenium. Use of supplemental vitamin E for a period of three years or more has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

- Vitamin K2: This vitamin supplement has demonstrated anti-cancer properties. Small clinical studies have indicated that women with viral forms of liver cirrhosis may be protected from developing liver cancer by taking vitamin K in supplement form. One of the most biologically active isomers of vitamin K2 is menaquinone 7 which is found in BONEGENESIS. To learn more check out Health Benefits of Vitamin K2 by Larry M. Howard & Dr. Anthony G. Payne 

Preventing the Spread of Tumors

There are a number of natural strategies that appear to thwart the spread of tumors, including:

- Alpha Tocopherol: Supplementation with D-alpha-tocopherol has been known to reduce the levels of VEGF or Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, a growth factor in tumors that plays a critical role in new blood vessel formation.

- Curcumin: There is evidence that this Tumeric-derived compound slows the growth of established cancers, because it interferes with the production of angiogenic growth factors that are needed for cancer cells to invade organs.

- Green Tea: The epigallocatechin component of green tea has been known to fight cancer by interfering with angiogenesis (Formation of new blood vessels by tumors)

- Pomegranate Extracts: Pomegranate fruit extracts have been shown to prevent prostate tumor cells from invading other tissues.

- Soy: Genistein, which is present in soy, prevents cancer cells from engrafting into new organs after surgery. This potential is linked to the ability to reduce the production of VEGF, a growth factor that is vital to the spread of cancer.

Immune System Enhancement

There are a range of CAM therapies that have proven the ability to boost function in the immune system of patients with cancer. These include all of the following:

- Fermented wheat germ: Fermented wheat germ (Avemar) has been shown to prevent the occurrence of a low white blood cell count condition called neutrophilia. Neutrophilia is a side-effect of chemotherapy that can leave cancer patients susceptible to a large number of different infections.

- Garlic: Garlic appears to improves the function of lymphocytes and natural killer cells.

- Herbal Medicines: There are a number of herbal medicines and herbal blends like HEARTROL, Astragalus, and various species of ginseng that can strengthen the immune system, and thus may be beneficial to cancer patient.

- Mushroom Extracts: These increase the activity of natural killer cells, especially in gynecological cancers.

- Melatonin: Various studies suggest that melatonin enhances the anti-tumor compounds interleukin-12 and interleukin-2.

- Probiotic Bacteria: Cancer patients who are immune-compromised might benefit from use of a probiotic formula such as BIOOPTIMA. Probiotics provide the gut with friendly microorganisms which can reduce infection from disease-causing bacteria.

CAM Cancer Therapies

Alleviation of Cancer Symptoms

Ameliorating Stress, Anxiety and Depression:  Anxiety management and the warding off of depression are vital to the immune function and quality of life of cancer patients. A number of studies involving massage, aromatherapy and acupuncture have demonstrated improvements in patients’ quality of life.  For example, in one study three times weekly (30 minute) massage sessions significantly reduced hostility and anger in cancer patients, and produced an overall improvement in patient mood.  Acupuncture, hypnosis, and exercise have been shown to positively impact cancer patient stress and anxiety.

Acupuncture has also demonstrated a certain degree of effectiveness in alleviating cancer-related fatigue

Laughter too is of value when it comes to cancer. The psychological impact of laughter and humor improves mood and helps cancer patients’ combat. This mood modulation is reflected by improvements in hormonal and immune system factors, which helps reduce swelling and nausea and other side effects of cancer treatment. 

Counteracting Vomiting, Nausea and Related Gastrointestinal Side Effects:

Acupuncture has been shown to offset nausea and vomiting symptoms, even the nausea brought about by chemotherapy. The herb ginger is also of value in some instances.

Cachexia (Muscle wasting from poor appetite). Late stage cancer is often accompanied by muscle or catabolic wasting due to appetite-dulling metabolic dysregulation caused by the disease. The use of supplemental omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) appears to help counter this.

Water Retention And Swelling: Excessive swelling and retention of water (lymph edema) can arise in cancer patients, and by so doing interferes with radiation therapy and surgical procedures.  A number of alternative treatments such as compression bandaging, and manual massage to drain the lymph nodes has been reputed to help.

Sexual Dysfunction & Quality Of Life. Many male cancer patients suffer from compromised blood flow and hormonal output, plus variations in mood that can combine to create erectile dysfunction.  This can be exacerbated by many standard treatments particularly in prostate cancer patients. Can this be helped by natural medicine? Yes it can. Just click this link to read all about Natural Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Nutritional Supplements & Cancer

The following nutritional supplements have known palliative effects when used to remediate the symptoms and side-effects of conventional cancer treatments.

Diarrhea, neuropathy, heart complications, mucositis: Glutamine

Radiation-induced cell damage: Vitamin A

Neuropathy (nerve damage): Vitamin E

Nausea and vomiting: Ginger

Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage): Silibinin

Heart damage: CoQ10 CARDIUM

Cancer patients are advised to consult with their oncologists or primary care physician before using any herbal, vitamin or other type of natural remedy, or undergoing any nonstandard CAM treatment or therapy.