Cancer Management
and Alternative Medicine

 Cancer Treatment
Conventional Medicine's Approach

Conventional medicine's approach to the treatment of cancer, in place for many years, has been limited to the traditional methods of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. While these methods have been successful in some cases, the over-all long-term results have been disappointing to both patient and physician. Every year we have been assured by the American medical establishment that great strides are being made in cancer research, and while huge amounts of money continue to be thrown at the problem, the incidence and mortality rates for the major cancers continue to climb alarmingly. Something is obviously wrong with this picture.

In the past, the accepted view has been that cancer is a foreign invader of the body that must be destroyed at all costs. The emerging view~and our view~is that cancer is not really foreign to the human body, and that each one of us produces many thousands of cancer cells every day. Whether or not we develop clinical cancer depends to a great extent upon the ability of our immune systems to destroy malignant cells as promptly as they are formed. 

More and more physicians and other health professionals are coming to realize that the long-held concepts regarding cancer should be seriously questioned. It is our view that cancer is a systemic disease and not a localized tumor that just happens to appear in a particular part of the body. Many cancers have been found to have "metastasized" or spread to distant sites by the time they are first diagnosed, even in patients who have had the benefit of "early detection". Cancer thrives in the presence of a deficient immune system, as is now being increasingly recognized even in conventional circles. It is further being recognized that the old traditional methods of treating this disease have failed to a great extent. Even establishment publications, such as the New England Journal of Medicine have published studies demonstrating that, in spite of all the effort and all of the money that have been poured into cancer research and therapeutic systems, the ultimate result of conventional treatment of cancer has been a "qualified failure". The term "qualified", of course, is in reference to those cases of cancer which are amenable to, and respond favorably to, orthodox therapy.

Alternative / Integrative Medicine
Our Approach to Cancer Care

Because the long-standing assumptions regarding cancer are proving to be flawed, and because traditional methods of treatment have proven to be so frequently ineffective and at the same time so destructive to the immune system, more and more patients are seeking alternative methods. Our approach to this disease is to support and enhance the body's natural defenses against cancer through optimum nutrition, supplements, and certain special non-toxic substances. We use a number of immune enhancing substances called "Biological Response Modifiers".

The following program outline, including diet, vitamins, supplements, and special immune enhancing substances, is designed to provide maximum augmentation of the body's natural response to disease. The supplements and non-toxic substances briefly listed in this section have been gleaned from the best of the various metabolic programs around the world, along with information derived from many years of practice in the field of preventive and health-oriented medicine. Our objective has been to find those natural substances that most effectively enhance the immune system, particularly in its battle against cancer. These materials are dispensed or prescribed on an individual basis and are tailored to the particular needs of each patient.

We do not seek to replace or eliminate traditional methods and, in fact, often incorporate such methods into our program. We have found that the various alternative modalities quite consistently complement and enhance most of the conventional treatment programs. So rather than being in competition with the orthodox therapy of cancer, our methods can and should be complementary to it. Our office has had the privilege of working with several outstanding oncologists who have an understanding of the importance of the immune system in fighting cancer. Combining the two methodologies often results in not only a better outcome for the patient, but also the elimination or reduction of undesirable side effects.

DIET

Our dietary habits have been found to play a very important role in determining whether or not we develop cancer. Studies conducted by such mainstream organizations as the National Cancer Institute have shown a definite connection between diet and cancer. More specifically, a diet that is high in animal fat and low in fiber, such as the standard American diet (SAD), leads to a higher incidence of cancer, especially that of breast, colon, pancreas, and prostate. It is a well known fact that vegetarians have a significantly lower susceptibility to cancer. Most of the alternative cancer clinics around the world now include diet as an important part of their programs. We help our patients to follow a dietary program that is most beneficial to their particular condition. The emphasis is on raw and unprocessed foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans, with avoidance of refined sugar, white flour, red meat, caffeine, and chemically preserved foods. These, of course, are generalities, and the diet is often modified to satisfy individual requirements.

INITIAL PROGRAM

As previously mentioned, it is our view that cancer develops in the presence of a deficient immune system. Immune dysfunction results, at least in part, from deficiencies of specific nutrients. In fact, most cancer patients are so deficient nutritionally that they require relatively high doses of many nutrients. Because of this, and because cancer patients also appear to have problems with the absorption of these nutrients, we have found that these patients respond best when these special nutrients are initially given intravenously. Our usual procedure is to administer IV (intravenous) infusions initially over a 3 week period, with high doses of immune enhancing vitamins and minerals, along with intramuscular injections of thymus peptides and/or other biological response modifiers. This program is accompanied by certain detoxification procedures to help the body rid itself of toxins which may be inhibiting the immune system and impairing its ability to attack cancer cells. The initial IV program is then followed by a less intensive oral program at home. Some of the important oral substances are listed below, with a brief rationale for the use of each. For those who choose to follow this program, it is suggested that they print out this section as a reminder of the importance of continuing these supplements and the reasons for taking them. One of the serious problems we have had with some of our patients has been that, after months or years of successfully subduing their cancer, they become lulled into a false sense of security, stop taking their supplements, and return to their old dietary and other habits, with disastrous results. More often than not, the cancer comes back with a vengeance.

EXERCISE

No discussion of life-style would be complete without including exercise. All body systems function better in the presence of adequate oxygen supply, which exercise promotes. Cancer operates in an oxygen-poor environment. Exercise also assists in the enhancement of the immune system and has a highly beneficial effect on a positive state of mind, so important in fighting this disease. Of course we do not expect cancer patients to exert physically until their condition permits.

ORAL SUPPLEMENTS

1. VITAMIN A. This vitamin has long been recognized as essential to a healthy immune system. It helps to provide a strong resistance to cancer as well as infection. This vitamin is essential to the development of thymic lymphocytes or T cells, which are among the front line troops fighting cancer, viruses, and many other diseases including AIDS. Studies in Germany and in the U.S. have shown that vitamin A provides protection from certain specific cancers, particularly those involving lung, bronchial lining, skin, and other epithelial surfaces. Squamous metaplasia, or conversion of normal surface cells to pre-cancerous cells can be reversed by vitamin A and/or its precursors, called carotenoids. Many of us in the health care field now believe vitamin A to be indispensable in the prevention and management of cancer.

2. VITAMIN C. Most Americans are now aware of Linus Pauling's work regarding vitamin C and the common cold. Many, however, may not be aware of the research carried out by Pauling and Cameron showing the effects of vitamin C against cancer, demonstrating that this essential nutrient extends the lives of even terminal cancer patients, and consistently improves the quality of life in such patients as well. The findings of these researchers indicate that vitamin C in high doses has a cytotoxic or killing effect on cancer cells, especially when given intravenously. This vitamin has also been shown to inhibit the invasiveness of cancer cells by neutralizing collagenases and other spreading enzymes produced by cancer cells.

Vitamin C also improves over-all immune function, and is virtually indispensable to tissue repair and regeneration.

Furthermore, ascorbic acid may be the most important single nutrient in controlling the effects of stress on the immune system. People who are under a high level of stress and/or those who are sick, whether it be from cancer or some other disease, have a much higher requirement for vitamin C than those not under such stress or illness. It has been shown to protect against the carcinogenic effect of over 50 carcinogenic substances, and probably against many more such toxic substances not yet tested.

Ascorbic acid protects the body's immune system from the harmful effects of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as enhancing the effectiveness of these conventional methods of cancer therapy. We have found these attributes of vitamin C to consistently hold true in our clinical practice.

Most metabolic programs now utilize vitamin C in large doses intravenously, along with other nutrients. Cancer patients not supplementing with vitamin C consistently show very low levels of vitamin C being excreted in the urine, an indication that the body is deficient in this nutrient. Ascorbic acid given in high doses intravenously, along with other supplements, brings about an almost immediate improvement in the feeling of well-being in these patients along with reduction of pain and discomfort. After the initial series of intravenous infusions, vitamin C is continued orally in more modest doses.

3. THYMUS. The thymus gland is increasingly recognized as an important regulator of the immune system. T-lymphocytes, deriving their name from their dependence upon the thymus, are an essential part of the body's front line of defense against cancer and various viral infections. Studies in Germany and in the U.S. have shown the importance of thymus extracts in restoring the immunological deficits consistently encountered in cancer patients. The thymus produces some 60 different hormone-like proteins called peptides or polypeptides which act as chemical messengers. These messengers instruct the T-cells, including "killer T-cells", to do their thing, namely to seek and destroy cancer cells as well as viruses and other disease-causing organisms. Without thymus hormones, T-cells cannot be active, and without active T-cells our bodies cannot fight cancer. As we get older our thymus glands grow smaller and less effective in producing these substances. Cancer patients appear to be particularly deficient in this area. The thymus gland is adversely affected by stress and by severe or prolonged illness. We use these thymus factors and other polypeptides, in various combinations, in our clinic to enhance the cancer-fighting part of the immune system to the maximum extent possible.

4. DIGESTIVE ENZYMES. These are protein-digesting or proteolytic enzymes, produced by the pancreas, thus also called pancreatic enzymes. These enzymes are essential to the body's fight against cancer because they are able to digest away the protective fibrin coating which surrounds cancer cells. When cancer cells  become established in "clumps" or small tumors, they are somehow able to surround themselves with a shield of protective armor which keeps the body's defenders at bay. Under normal conditions and when all defense systems are functioning properly, cancer is not allowed to gain a "foot-hold". Cancer cells become attached to body tissues by means of fibrin, a protein component necessary for the clotting of blood. Pancreatic and other enzymes digest away this fibrin, preventing the attachment of pre-cancerous cells to body tissues, thus releasing these cells into the circulating blood where they are normally destroyed. Enzymes also exist in raw, uncooked vegetables, of course, and several vegetable enzymes are used in our program as well.

These proteolytic enzymes have other anti-tumor actions, such as stimulating production of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) which helps the body destroy tumors. Papain from papaya is particularly effective in this area. Another way that enzymes help the body attack cancer is by increasing the production and activity of cancer-fighting cells, such as macrophages, T-cells, and especially natural killer (NK) cells, which may be increased by as much as 1000% by these enzymes.

Enzymes also possess the ability to increase the response to radiation and chemotherapy, as well as to protect against the adverse side effects of these treatment modalities.

5. LAETRILE. Many alternative clinics treating cancer continue to incorporate this nutrient, given first intravenously and later by mouth. This substance has been greatly maligned by the cancer establishment as being both "highly toxic" and "worthless." After years of observing patients using Laetrile or amygdalin, I can say with complete assurance that it is neither toxic nor worthless. Nor do I find it to be a cure or a panacea for cancer. The experience of our clinic, as well as that of many clinics around the world, has been that amygdalin has the ability to relieve the pain of cancer rather consistently and/or reduce the requirement for pain medication. Its use is also usually accompanied by an improvement in the cancer patient's feeling of well being. Amygdalin, particularly when used in conjunction with other nutritional substances such as vitamin A and enzymes, has been demonstrated to have significant anti-cancer effects. It is one of several natural substances called nitrilosides which occur in some 1200 edible plants, including many different sprouts, seeds, fruits, beans and nuts. These nutrients are particularly abundant in the apricot kernel and bitter almond. Considerable evidence has now accumulated which indicates that the nitrilosides play an important role in the management and prevention of cancer.

6. GERMANIUM. This element has the ability to facilitate the transport and utilization of oxygen. Cancer, as well as other degenerative diseases, thrives in an oxygen poor environment, so that anything providing more oxygen to the tissues is of help in eliminating cancer. Each molecule of organic Germanium occurs in nature in combination with 12 atoms of oxygen. Thus this element has some anticancer effect, along with its antioxidant properties.

Germanium has also been shown to enhance the production of interferon and the interleukins the body. These naturally occurring substances have been shown to be effective against cancer and are now used extensively in orthodox treatment programs.

7. ANTIOXIDANTS. These act as scavengers of free radicals which are free floating electrons released from time to time in the course of the thousands of oxidation reactions going on in the body every hour of every day. Free radicals are especially prevalent following exposure to toxic chemicals and are thought to play an important role in the conversion of normal cells to cancer cells. Anti-oxidants protect the DNA of the cell from free radical damage, thus preserving normal cell reproduction. Some of the more common antioxidants are: Vitamin E, selenium, pycnogenol, glutathione, cysteine, methionine, zinc, vitamin C, and beta carotene or vitamin A, discussed previously. Vitamin E, an important antioxidant, also has the ability to improve the integrity of blood vessels and interfere with aggregation or clumping of platelets (clotting cells), a factor in cancer spread or metastasis. This vitamin has been shown to reduce cancer mortality by 59%. Selenium has also been shown to be a particularly important antioxidant in the prevention and control of cancer. One study reported in the AMA Journal showed that selenium supplementation reduced over-all cancer mortality risk by 50%. Pycnogenol is a more recently discovered member of this family, and has been found to be a more powerful antioxidant than all the rest. It should be a part of any anti-cancer program. Glutathione is another more recently recognized antioxidant having anti-tumor properties. Another substance recognized recently as an antioxidant is melatonin. This has been used extensively as an aid to natural sleep, but has also been found to be effective as an anti-cancer agent. Many of these substances also have a positive effect on the condition of the immune system, such as enhancing T-cell activity.

8. B-COMPLEX VITAMINS. It should be clear from the brief discussion of nutrients thus far that no one vitamin or other supplement functions by itself, and that many vitamins help other vitamins, acting more or less as catalysts. Many of the B vitamins act in this way. A deficiency of vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, along with other deficiencies, results in defective T-lymphocyte formation and thus inadequate immune responses to diseases such as cancer. Vitamin B6 is also essential, along with other nutrients, to the production of prostaglandin E1 which is necessary for normal thymus function and regulation of T-cells. A deficiency of folic acid, another member of the B-complex family, also results in depressed immune function.

9. SHARK AND BOVINE CARTILAGE. Considerable attention has recently been directed toward the use of shark cartilage against cancer. Most of the early work on this material was carried out by the Japanese, who based their work upon the observation that the shark is about the only animal on earth not subject to cancer and in which cancer cannot be induced. The scientific basis for this phenomenon appears to be that certain substances in the cartilage of the shark are able to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels which feed tumors.

Every malignant tumor produces a substance which causes blood vessels feeding that tumor to grow and proliferate, helping to meet the nutritive requirements of the growing tumor. This is known as angiogenesis. It has been shown in animal studies that under the influence of shark cartilage, tumors actually shrink as their blood supply diminishes. In no way should shark cartilage be considered a cure for cancer, or by itself to be sufficient to control cancer, but combined with other immune-enhancing factors, it has been a welcome addition to our arsenal. We also use bovine cartilage, which may prove to be equally efficacious while being considerably less expensive and requiring much smaller dosages than the shark material. The bovine cartilage, derived from the tracheas or wind-pipes of cattle, causes a general activation of all of the body's natural defense mechanisms and has been shown to directly inhibit the multiplication of cancer cells.

10. PHYTOCHEMICALS. A number of plant chemicals have been found to have immunostimulating and anti-cancer effects. These natural chemicals, or phytochemicals, are found in many edible plants but are considered non-nutritive since they contain no actual food value. However, they provide protection against a wide range of diseases. The most potent source of these chemicals discovered thus far is the soybean. Soybeans contain, among many other disease-preventing substances, a group of chemicals called isoflavones. These substances appear to be extremely effective in helping the body fight cancer, particularly the hormonally influenced cancers, such as breast and prostate. Another component of the soybean, called genistein, appears to inhibit angiogenesis, or blood vessel growth, possibly as effectively as shark cartilage. These substances appear to be so promising that even the traditional National Cancer Institute has begun to study them.

The list of phytochemicals is too long to enumerate in this limited space, but one group of these chemicals is worth mentioning, namely the indoles. These disease-protecting substances are contained in cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and brussel sprouts, and have been shown to prevent stomach and colon cancer. The indoles have also been shown to have a protective effect against the harmful effects of radiation.

11. MODIFIED CITRUS PECTIN. A component of plant fiber from citrus fruit, citrus pectin, modified as to pH for better assimilation, has been shown to inhibit metastatic spread by "coating" cancer cells. This natural food substance accomplishes this by interfering with the adhesive characteristics of neoplastic cells, thus preventing their adherance to target organs and surfaces. Citrus pectin has also been shown to enhance the immune system at various levels, such as increasing the cancer-killing ability of NK (Natural Killer) cells, and increasing macrophage activity. It has been shown to specifically inhibit prostate cancer metastasis by interfering with certain carbohydrate-binding substances called galectins.

12. COENZYME Q10. CoQ10 enhances ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate), the substance required for fueling all the energy requirements of every cell in the body, thus providing cellular energy for a multitude of functions. Coenzyme Q10 has the ability to enhance the immune system in a number of ways, including the increased production of immunoglobulin G. It has been shown to bring about proven reduction of tumor mass in breast cancer patients when given in doses of 390 mg. per day, and has been shown to be effective against liver metastasis.

Coenzyme Q10 levels in the body have been shown to decrease with age, while the body's requirements for this nutrient have been shown to increase with many of the chronic illnesses, including cancer. Because of its essential role in energy production, a deficiency of this coenzyme may aggravate or accelerate the development of cancer or other degenerative diseases. Most of the statements being made here regarding this and other special nutrients are based upon scientific studies and references are available upon request. Our clinical experience with these substances closely parallels that found in the literature.

13. BETA 1,3-GLUCAN. A naturally-occurring substance isolated from the cell-wall of yeast organisms, beta 1,3-glucan has been found to be a primary immune activator with tumorcidal (tumor-killing) properties. It has the ability to initiate immunity where it starts, in the macrophage, releasing IL-1 and IL-2 from the macrophage and triggering other immune cells such as T-cells, increasing their activity and production. Beta l,3-glucan is unequaled by any other substance in the activating of macrophages. It provides a broad spectrum of immune activation, stimulating non-specific immunity, releasing colony-stimulating factors, and  boosting bone marrow production of white blood cells. This substance offers strong protection against the damaging effects of radiation.

14. IP-6 or INOSITOL HEXAPHOSPHATE. This is a ubiquitous, naturally occurring substance which is present in every cell of the human body. This and other phosphorylated forms of inositol are important in regulating cell growth. This nutrient is abundant in rice (especially husks), other grains and legumes. It has unique and specific anti-tumor activity. IP-6 has the ability to affect cell-regulatory genes, oncogenes and possibly tumor suppressor genes to bring about antineoplastic action. This anti-cancer action has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. This substance has been shown to cause re-differentiation of tumor cells and to inhibit abnormal cellular mitosis (division).

IP-6 has been shown to inhibit carcinogenesis (new cancer growth), as well as having anti-cancer effects against cancers of the colon, breast, lung, prostate, brain, skin, as sell as lymphomas and leukemias. This natural substance has been shown to potentiate the effects of radiation and chemotherapy in animal studies. This natural substance has become an essential part of our cancer-fighting arsenal.

15. CALCIUM D-GLUCARATE. A naturally occurring non-toxic compound, calcium D-glucarate is also a normal constituent of human tissues and body fluids. It is found in green vegetables such as spinach, also in carrots and apples. This compound has been shown to exhibit significant anti-proliferative properties and to have a protective effect against cancer, particularly breast cancer. It has been shown to reduce serum estrogen levels by conjugation with glucuronic acid, and does so without the carcinogenic and other side effects associated with the conventional estrogen blocker, Tamoxifen. It has been found to be able to bring about re-differentiation of cancer cells, and has reduced breast tumor formation by 50-70% in laboratory animals. Calcium D-glucarate acts as an effective prevention in women at high risk for breast cancer.

16. PC-SPES. This is a combination of extracts from 7 Chinese herbs and 1 North American herb, having anti-proliferative and anti-tumor activity, particularly against prostate cancer. This preparation has become an indispensable ingredient in many alternative cancer care clinics, including my own. PC-SPES induces cytotoxic (cell-killing) effects in tumor cells of several different tumor cell lines, both in vitro and in vivo.

It is clinically effective against prostate cancer, consistently and often dramatically lowering the PSA, a blood test indicating the level of activity of prostate cancer. It also rather consistently reduces the size of cancerous nodules in the prostate. PC-SPES exerts an anti-hormone effect in prostate cancer patients with less resistance and longer effectiveness than conventional hormone inhibitors.

17. POLYPEPTIDES.  Polypeptides are protein substances or chains of amino acids which are synthesized by various organs of the body and which have an activating or enhancing effect on the cellular elements of the immune system. Some of these peptides are produced by the thymus gland, some by the spleen, some by the brain, and some are made by the white blood cells themselves. Specialized white blood cells, called T-lymphocytes, as we have seen, receive their instructions from the thymus gland. The messengers carrying those instructions are the peptides or polypeptides. Thus these substances are essential to a normally functioning immune system. Some of the well-known examples of these peptides are interferon and interleuken-II, both of which are manufactured by white blood cells, and both of which are used in the conventional treatment of cancer. There are literally thousands of these chemical messengers in the body, many of which are essential to the body's immune response to disease, including cancer.

Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, after years of meticulous research into these substances, has found a number of peptides which have proved to be effective in controlling the growth of certain types of cancer, especially that of the brain. He calls these compounds "Antineoplastons" and continues to use them successfully in his Houston clinic, over the objections of the establishment and in spite of concerted efforts by the FDA to interfere and obstruct his efforts. We have found the peptides to be a very useful weapons against cancer. As we have noted, there are a great many substances participating in the body's response to cancer. In designing each treatment program, we try to to find the combination of substances which best meets the needs of each individual immune system. No two patients are exactly alike immunologically, or in any other respect, for that matter.

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is an old and respected medical discipline which has regard for the wisdom of the body. It utilizes medicines which stimulate the immune system to bring about healing. Some of modern medical methodologies are based upon the principles of homeopathy. An example of this is the present day treatment of allergies with minute doses of the offending substance or the substance to which the patient is allergic. Also, today's vaccines given against infectious diseases use diluted preparations of killed bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. These treatments stimulate the production of antibodies which are specific antagonists to the particular disease being protected against. In homeopathy this principle is referred to as the "Law of Similars." Drugs or natural substances which in high doses produce a specific set of symptoms are used in minute doses or high dilutions to bring about resolution of not only the symptoms but the underlying condition. This system depends upon the stimulation of the body's defenses and brings about basic healing rather than simply the suppression of symptoms, such as is brought about by steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs, for example. Because of the small doses and/or high dilutions used, homeopathic medicines are far safer than the potent drugs used in current allopathic (conventional) medical practice. We do not claim this or any modality discussed here to be a cure for cancer or any other disease. However, some homeopathic preparations have been useful in ridding the body of toxic substances or underlying conditions which compromise the immune system and delay healing.

OTHER MODALITIES

A number of other modalities have been developed in recent years, and more continue to be developed. Unfortunately most of these developments have originated outside of the U.S. because of the restrictive attitude of the FDA toward natural and non-toxic methods in this country.

Psychological Maintenance

There are psychological aspects and influences which affect virtually every disease known to man, and cancer is certainly no exception. How one deals with stress has been shown to be an important factor in the development of illness and the body's response to that illness. This subject is discussed in detail under "Cancer Personality."

In our facility, we try to help each patient cope with his/her disease in all of these areas and to replace hopelessness with hope. This must be done, of course,  without holding out false hope to the patient. To assist in this process, professional psychological counseling is available in our office on a daily basis.

Conventional medicine has just recently begun to recognize the connection between the mind and the immune system. This field of study has been termed psychoneuroimmunology. It is an extremely important aspect of a healthy immune system and freedom from disease.

Unfortunately, the knowledge discussed here regarding stress, attitude, emotional and spiritual factors does not lend itself to FDA-mandated NCI-sponsored, double-blinded, placebo-controlled scientific studies. Hence, this lack of understanding on the part of the cancer establishment, whether deliberate or through oversight (I hardly think it to be through stupidity), has contributed hugely to the establishment's shortage of positive results. Only when Cancer Inc. is willing to take into consideration all aspects of this multifaceted disease will they begin to make real progress in its eradication.

 

For More Information Call: 775-829-1009
FAX: 775-829-9330

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W. Douglas Brodie, MD
601 West Moana Lane, Ste. 3
Reno, NV 89509

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