ALTERNATIVE CANCER THERAPIES

A growing number of people with cancer are now turning to alternative means of cancer treatment. Some of the available alternative therapies provide help by strengthening the body and controlling the side effects of conventional treatments. Other approaches, because of their gentle non-invasive nature, may in come cases be preferred over, or used in tandem with , more orthodox treatments.

Although there are a large number of different alternative therapies, most of them do have common themes. For instance, many of them are based on the belief that a truly healthy body is less vulnerable to cancer. The emphasize that cancer develops as the result of a problem with the immune system or an imbalance in the body, either or both of which may allow the cancer to develop. Thus, they tray to reduce or eliminate the underlying problem that allowed the cancer to take hold, and to activate the body's own inherent healing processes so that the body can heal itself.

Usually alternative treatments are holistic in approach. This means that the goal is to treat the whole body, rather than just the area seemingly affected by the cancer. Cancer is seen as a systemic disease and treatment is individualized, depending on the particular person. Many alternative approaches also aim to treat the individual on a number of different levels, including physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional.

Types Of Alternative Treatments

Most of the alternative treatments used in cancer therapy fall into one of the following categories: biologic and pharmacologic therapies. Although there is a certain amount of overlapping between categories – an immunologic therapy, for instance, may have nutritional components – these categories do serve to highlight the central focus of the many treatments and regimens that fall within them.

 Be aware though, that the following discussion by no means mentions all of the individual therapies available. It is meant to familiarize you with the various approaches that may be used. Nor should this be seen as a recommendation for any of the following methods of treatment. The choice to seek alternative approaches of treatment for any illness must be made by the individual after a great deal of research and soul-searching.

Biologic and Pharmacologic Therapies

These therapies use biologic substances or non-toxic pharmacologic agents – non-toxic medications usually derived from biological sources, such as plants or human cells. Each of these treatments works in a different way. Antineoplaston therapy, for instance, uses amino acid derivatives to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski maintains that antineoplastons are part of the body's defense system and appear to be absent in people with cancer. He has been able to construct synthetic antineoplastons and administer them to cancer   patients. Another such treatment, shark cartilage therapy, is thought to work by blocking angiogenesis, the creation of new blood vessels required for tumour growth, and thus starve the tumour of needed nourishment.

Russian immunologist Dr. Valentin Govallo's VG-1000 theory, developed in the 1960's, is based on the belief that cancer results when a tumour evades and suppresses the immune system. Dr. Govallo believes that placenta extracts allow the immune system to readjust and attack the tumour that had escaped its attention in the first place. This methods of treatment is called immuno-placental therapy.

The Revici method, developed by Dr. Emanuel Revici, is based on the premise that tumours are a result of an imbalance of lipids in the cells. After analysis of the tumour, the doctor delivers a compound into the tumour to establish the proper balance within the cells.

French physician Dr. Gaston Naessens developed a system of treatment known as 714-X treatment, which consists of injections of nitrogen-rich camphor and organic salts directly into the lymphatic system. The theory behind this treatment is that cancer cells excrete a poison our compound that shuts down the immune system. The 714-X allow the immune system to re-establish itself and fight the cancer.

Herbal Therapies

In these therapies, herbal remedies – probably the oldest form of treatment in the world – are used to strengthen the body's ability to eliminate cancer cells. Hoxsey therapy, for instance, first tested in the 1020's emplys internal and external herbal preparations, along with diet, vitamin and mineral supplements, and psychological counselling, to strengthen the body and fight the cancer. Hoxsey's treatment proved to be too controversial for America however, and the Hoxley formula is continuing in Mexico.

Immunologic Therapies

Immunologic therapies are based on the belief that cancer develops because of a breakdown of the immune system. The aim of these therapies is to bolster those parts of the immune system that combat and destroy cancer cells. An example of the treatments in this category is Dr. Josef Isssels' whole-body programs, which use detoxifying diets, uncontaminated water, and vitamins.

Metabolic Therapies

These therapies are based on the idea that many factors cause the occurrence of cancer and that a multifaceted healing approach is required to eliminate the disorder. The therapies use detoxification, including colon cleansing, to flush out toxins; anticancer diets based on whole foods; and vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, which further cleanse the body, repair damaged tissues, and stimulate immune function. Dr. Max Gerson's therapy – which is based on a diet of organically grown fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nutritional supplements – is one such regimen. Gerson's treatment was developed in the 1940's and is based on a theory of detoxification. William B. Coley developed Coley toxins in the 1890's. This treatment uses bacterial vaccines to enhance the immune system. This system is still being used today but with some adaptations. It is normally used as an adjunct to conventional treatment.

Mind-Body Therapies

These treatments focus on the role that emotions, behaviour and faith play in recovery from illness. In the case of some therapies, counselling, hypnosis, biofeedback, or other techniques are used to promote greater emotional and spiritual well-being. In other therapies, the aim is to used mind-body techniques to actually change the course of the illness, possibly bringing the person into remission. For instance, Dr O. Carl Simonton and Stephanie Matthews-Simonton, based in California, have developed an imagery and visualization technique to help patients increase the effectiveness of their immune systems. Yoga has become popular as part of this type of treatment. Dr. Barrie Cassileth of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York has designed a series of complementary treatments for cancer patients. These include massage therapy, meditation, music therapy, imagery, and relaxation techniques.

Nutritional Therapies

Therapies that focus on nutrition are perhaps the most popular alternative approach to cancer, especially since research began showing the link between diet and health. Almost every alternative therapy includes an emphasis on diet as an important component of both prevention and, possibly, cure. For instance, studies have indicated that a high-fat diet increases the risk of cancer, while a low-fat diet that is rich in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains actually helps the body to fight cancer. Three of the therapies that fall into this category are wheatgrass therapy, a diet based on wheatgrass and other raw foods; the macrobiotic diet, a traditional Japanese diet high in whole grains and vegetables; and the Moerman regimen, a meat-less high-fiber diet that includes nutritional supplements.

CHOOSING AN ALTERNATIVE THERAPY

Unless you already have a specific therapy in mind, the first step in choosing one is to learn more about those that are available. By visiting libraries and bookstores and contacting health organizations that focus on cancer, you should be able to find a number of comprehensive, up-to date books that provide additional information about alternative treatments.

Once you have a better idea of the therapy or therapies that would best serve your needs, contact educational organizations and patient-referral services that provide information on these treatments. See Part Three, REMEDIES AND THERAPIES, for further information about alternative treatments.

When researching a particular therapy, try to get information from other people who have used that treatment. Some information organisations and some alternative clinics will provide lists of recovered patients who you can call or write to.

Focus on those people who have the same kind of cancer you have, and ask them what specific treatments they found helpful.

When screening alternative practitioners and clinics, ask what their success has been in treating your specific form of cancer. Keep in mind that a therapy that is effective against another. Ask to seep supportive studies, documented cases, and patients' testimonials, and view all information with a healthy dose of scepticism. As much as possible, pin the practitioner down regarding what you can expect from the treatment – short-term improvement or long-term survival, for instance. Finally, consider whether the therapy fits in with your lifestyle, personality, and belief system.

Be honest with yourself. Some therapies require a degree of commitment that you may not be willing to make. Others may require too much time, too much travel, or too much money to truly be feasible. However, if you have the fortitude and resources to follow an alternative method of treatment too overcome an illness, the rewards are priceless.

It is worth checking to see if your health insurance will cover any part of your alternative medicine. Conventional and alternative (or secondary) treatments may be used together – one method of treatment does not necessarily preclude the other.

Testicular Cancer Self Test

With the fingers of both hands, gently roll each testicle between the thumb and the fingers, checking for hard lumps or nodules. Be sure to include the epididymis (the rope-like portion) in your examination. Normally, testicles feel smooth and a little spongy. A mass will feel smooth and A little spongy. A mass will feel firm but not painful when pressed, unless there is bleeding inside the tumour. If you find a suspicious lump, see your physician. You will be able to feel for lumps if you check for them after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotal skin is relaxed.

HERBS

q     Alternate the following in your cancer prevention or cancer therapy program: astragalus, birch, burdock root, cat's claw, chaparral, chuchulhuasi (a rainforest herb), cranberry, dandelion, Echinacea, fennel, green tea, licorice, macela, milk thistle, parsley, au d'arco, red clover, and suma.

q     Spices such as cardamom, cayenne pepper, ginger, rosemary, sage, thyme, and turmeric have anti-cancer properties.

q     Cat's claw enhances immune function and has antitumou9r properties. Cats Claw Defense Complex from Source Naturals is a combination of cat's claw and other herbs, plus antioxidant nutrients such as beta-carotene, N-acetylcysteine, vitamin C, and zinc. Caution: Do not use cat's claw during pregnancy.

q     Many people with external cancers, such as skin cancers, have responded well to poultices made from comfrey, pau d'arco, ragwort, and wood sage.

q     Curcumin, an extract from the spice turmeric, is gaining attention for its antioxidant properties and its ability to protect against cancer. Laboratory studies indicate that curcumin has the ability to guard against many carcinogenic substances, and that it may inhibit the rapid cell division characteristic of cancer cells.

q     Essiac herbal tea from Resperin Corporation has a long tradition of use for many types of cancer..

q     Green tea, which as gained a lot of attention for its cancer-fighting properties, contains a substance known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (or EGCg), which has been found by a Swedish research team to cut off blood vessels that feed cancerous tumours.

q     Modified citrus pectin has been shown to substantially inhibit the growth of cancer cells and is especially effective in combating skin and prostate cancers.

q     Noni is a fruit resembling the pineapple. Research suggests it may be effective not only in blocking tumour growth, but also in inducing cancer cells to return to normal.

q     Ojibwa Herbal Tea, a Native American Indian herbal tea composed of sheep sorrel, burdock root, slippery elm bark, and turkey rhubarb root, reportedly has healing powers for battling cancer.

q     Olive leaf extract enhances the immune system and has shown good results in fighting cancer. Note: Comfrey is recommended for external use only.

q     Rosemary is currently being studied as a form of cancer therapy due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and carcinogen-blocking effects.

q     Ayurvedic herbs said to protect against cancer include boswellia (Boswellia serrata), green tea (Camellia sienensis), and haldi (Curcuma longa, known in English as turmeric).

q     The Chinese patent medicine Dang Gui Longhui Wan (a traditional mixture of eleven herbs that is customarily prescribed for chronic myelocytic leukaemia) contains indirubin, which is currently under study for its possible ability to control the division of cancer cells.

RECOMMENDATIONS

q     Eat a diet that includes grains, nuts, seeds, and unpolished brown rice. Millet cereal is a good source of protein. Eat wheat, oat, and bran.

q     Eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach. Also consume yellow and deep-orange vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, squash and yams. Apples, berries (including blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries), Brazil nuts, cantaloupes, cherries, grapes, legumes (including chick peas, lentils, and red beans), oranges, and plums all help to fight cancer. Berries protect DNA from damage. Many of the plant pigments in red, yellow, orange, and blue fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants. Green plants contain chlorophyll, which has been studied as a cancer fighter.

q     Cook all sprouts slightly (except for alfalfa sprouts, which should be washed thoroughly and eaten raw).

q     Eat onions and use garlic liberally, as it enhances the immune system and is a good cancer-fighter. Crushing garlic and then leaving it to rest for ten minutes before use seems to raise the levels of its cancer-fighting component, allyl sulfide. If you do not like the taste of garlic, take it in supplement form.

q     Try eat seven servings of whole-grain foods in your diet each week.

q     Eat ten raw almonds every day. They contain laetrile, which has anticancer properties.

q     Eat as many tomatoes and tomato-based products as you can. Lycopene, an antioxidant agent in tomatoes, protects cells from oxidants associated with cancer. Eating a diet that includes plenty of tomatoes cuts the risk of cervical, lung, stomach, and prostrate cancers. Preliminary reports suggest it may also prevent breast, colorectal, oesophagus, mouth, and pancreatic cancers.

q     Eat a lot of tart cherries, both fresh and in pies, jams, and sugar-free juice. The contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that may help prevent cancer and heart disease.

q     Drink beet juice (from roots and greens), carrot juice (a source of beta-carotene), fresh cabbage juice, and asparagus juice often. Grape, black cherry, and all dark-coloured juices are good, as are black currants. Also beneficial is apple juice, if it is fresh. Fruit juices are best taken in the morning, vegetable juices in the afternoon.

q     Drink spring or steam-distilled water only, not tap water. Increased levels of radium in pubic water has been associated with an increased rate of lung, bladder, and breast cancers, as well as leukaemia. Also, soaking in a bath of chlorinated water exposes you to as much chorine as drinking two quarts of chlorinated water does due to the rate at which this chemical is absorbed through the skin. If possible filter your water, and take showers instead of baths.

q     Limit your consumption of dairy products; a little yogurt, kefir, or raw cheese occasionally is sufficient.

q     Do not consume any of the following: peanuts, junk foods, processed refined foods, saturated fats, salt, sugar, or white flour. Instead of salt, use sea salt, kelp, or a potassium substitute, if necessary, a small amount of blackstrap molasses or pure maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar. Use whole wheat or rye instead of white flour. Do not consume anything containing alcohol or caffeine. Avoid all teas except for herbal teas.

q     Do not eat any animal protein- never eat luncheon meat, hot dogs, or smoked or cured meats. As your condition improves, eat broiled fish three times a week.

q     See FASTING in Part Three, and follow the program.

q     A green drink that is a good master cleanser combines the juice of 2 organic lemons, 2 tablespoons pure grad-C maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 ounce fresh wheatgrass juice, and 1 quart of distilled water, If fresh wheatgrass is not available, powdered Sweet Wheat from Sweet Wheat, Inc. is a good substitute.

q     Take coffee enemas alternated with enemas made by adding 1 ounce of fresh wheatgrass juice to 1 cup of water. Do this daily to help the body eliminate toxins. Wheatgrass enemas contain many nutrients and enzymes, and are used in many alternative clinics for cancer treatment. Also use cleansing enemas with lemon and eater or garlic (Kyolic liquid) and water two or three times weekly (See ENEMAS in Part Three.)

q     Do not take supplemental iron. The body naturally withholds iron from cancer cells to inhibit their growth. People with excessive iron in their blood have an increased risk of developing cancer. Excess iron may suppress the cancer-killing action of macrophages (cells that engulf and devour bacteria and other foreign invaders) and interfere with the activity of lymphocytes.

q     Use only glass or stainless steel cookware and wooden cooking utensils.

q     Get regular exercise. Cancer is less prevalent in physically active people. Exercise also helps to stave off depression and promotes oxygenation in the tissues.

q     Check the radon level in your home. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally within the earth's crust that has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a know carcinogen. Radon test kits are easy to find at hardware stores and are relatively inexpensive. If radon is found, sealing cracks and improving ventilation in the basement will usually improve the situation.

q     Because of potential low-level radiation leakage, avoid microwave ovens. Do not sit close to television sets – sit at least eight feet away. Also avoid x-rays.

q     Avoid chemicals such as hair sprays, cleaning compounds, waxes, fresh paints, and garden pesticides. Many chemicals promote the formation of free radicals in the body, which may lead to cancer. People with cancer can further weaken the immune systems by coming into contact with chemicals. The body then must expend energy trying to protect itself from the damaging chemicals instead of fighting the cancer.

q     Use a shower head that removes the chlorine from your water. A product called Showerwise from Waterwise will do this (See MANUFACTURER AND DISTRIBUTOR INFORMATION in the Appendix.)

q     Remove known and suspected carcinogens from your life and from your home. The Safe Shoppers Bible By David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. (Macmillan, 1995) provides information on the safety of many different types of products, including cleaning products, paints, pesticides, pet supplies, auto products, art and craft supplies, cosmetics, personal care products, as well as foods and beverages. Another good source of information is Mary Kerney Levenstein's Everyday Cancer Risks and How to Avoid Them (Avery Publishing Group, 1992).

q     Do not take any drugs except for those prescribed by your physician.

q     As much as possible, avoid stress. Learn relaxation and stress management techniques (such as meditation, visualization, deep breathing, and support groups) to help you deal with those stresses you cannot avoid. See STRESS in Part Two.

CONSIDERATIONS

q     Many people with cancer have achieved good results with a macrobiotic diet.

q     German physician and cancer specialist Dr. Hans Nieper used fresh raw cabbage and carrot juice with excellent results. Dr Nieper also used Carnivora, a substance derived from a South American plant, to fight cancer.

q     New York-based immunologist Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez has developed a cancer treatment regimen under study by the National Institutes of Health that incorporates changes in diet, nutritional supplementation, and toxin-removal systems, including coffee enemas.

q     Various types of mushrooms can be good sources of vitamin D, B₁ (riboflavin), B₃ (niacin), minerals, and amino acids. They have the ability to enhance the body's immune system T cells that seek and destroy cancer cells. Shiitake, zhu ling, enoki, reishi, and maitake mushrooms have all been reported to have anti-cancer properties.

q     Exceptionally low cholesterol levels have been associated with an increased risk of dying from cancer, possibly because people with lower cholesterol levels tend to consume more polyunsaturated fats, which may increase cancer risk.

q     People in Japan and Iceland have low rates of both goitre and breast cancer. In fact, breast cancer is almost nonexistent in Japanese women. Colon cancer rates in Japan are also low. Breast cancer has been linked to iodine deficiency, and selenium. Japanese people also consume large amount so fish, vegetables, and green tea, which may be a factor. The Cancer control Convention in Japan has reported that germanium bay be important in the prevention and cure of cancer.

q     A daily dose of seven to ten servings of fruits and vegetables can reduce cancer risk by about 30 percent. Many phytochemicals found in plant foods are currently being studied for anticancer properties, including:

o        Lutein, one of the carotenoids, is under investigation as a possible anticancer nutrient. Good sources of lutein include dark, leafy greens and broccoli.

o        Genistein and diadzein, two isoflavones found in soy, act as antioxidants and may protect against most forms of cancer, especially prostate cancer, breast cancer, leukaemia, glioblastoma multiforme, and bladder cancer. Mega Soy Formula from Prolongevity is a good supplement that contains a substantial amount of genistein and other isoflavones that help to fight cancer.

o        D-gluaric acid, a phytochemical found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, has shown evidence in several clinical studies of reducing the incidence of cancers of the breast, lung, liver, and skin. D-glucaric acid is also available in supplement form combined with calcium (calcium d-glucarate).

q     A four-year study conducted at the University of Illinois College of Medicine showed that high levels of antioxidants have a protective effect against cancerous tumours.

q     Calcium may prevent precancerous cells from becoming cancerous.

q     Inositol hexaphosphate (IP₆), a form of the B vitamin inositol, is gaining attention for its ability to aid in the prevention and treatment of cancer. It is found naturally in whole grains, beans, lentils, port, veal, citrus fruits, and nuts. Evidence has shown that it may not only shrink tumours, but also prevent tumour growth.

q     Niacin may play a major role in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

q     Low levels of selenium have been associated with greater risk of several types of cancer, including leukaemia, oesophageal, lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, an ovarian cancers. However, a total daily intake of over 800 micrograms is toxic to the body. Selenium supplementation should be discussed with a physician. Dietary sources of selenium include brazil nuts, tuna, flounder, pork, turkey, pasta, bagels, pinto beans, and navy beans.

q     Studies have shown that supplementation of vitamins A, C, and E can decrease the effect of lipid peroxidation, or the oxidation of body fats, which leads to the creation of free radicals in the body.

q     Research is underway o determine the effects of vitamins D on cancer. Early findings suggest that daily exposure to a limited amount of sunlight (a good source of vitamin D) may reduce the risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancers.

q     Gamma R Tocopherol Formula from prolongevity is a vitamin E supplement containing gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-tocopherol – all natural forms of vitamin E. This product offers powerful protection against dangerous free radicals.

q     Nutritional supplements and better dietary habits offer great support to cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy and / or radiation, or who are in remission. Taking shark liver oil prior to radiation therapy has been show to protect healthy tissue against injury from the procedure. Shark liver oil contains alkylglycerols (AKGs), vitamins a and E, omega-3 fatty acids, trace minerals, and squalene. A study published in the European Journal of Cancer in 1997 reported that glutamine can reduce adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy.