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Cancer Adjuvant Therapy

For the past several years, researchers at Johns Hopkins University have urged the inclusion of broccoli sprouts in the diet. According to Dr. Paul Talalay, broccoli sprouts have 20-50 times more anticancer sulphoraphanes than grown vegetables (Fahey et al. 1997). Eating a few tablespoons of sprouts daily can supply the same amount of chemoprotection as 1-2 pounds of broccoli eaten weekly (Talalay 1997).

Broccoli sprouts contain a chemical that kills H. pylori, even in antibiotic-resistant conditions. The release of anticarcinogenic chemicals from Brassica vegetables is a sequential process that occurs as the plant tissue is broken down. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a product of cruciferous metabolism, is referred to as a secondary metabolite, meaning it is not found in a preformed state in the vegetables. Rather, I3C is formed after myrosinase (an enzyme inherent to the plant) is exposed to a phytochemical in the vegetable (glucobrassicin), a glucosinolate that subsequently delivers indole-3-carbinol. This occurs only when vegetable cells are crushed or eaten, a process known as enzymatic hydrolysis. I3C, thus formed, is then broken down in the presence of stomach acid to various byproducts including diindolylmethane (DIM), another powerful defense against cancer (Lukaczer 2001). It appears highly possible that the breakdown products of I3C may be delivering as much protection as I3C itself (Katchamart et al. 2001; Lukaczer 2001; Lord et al. 2002).

An undesirable effect is the conversion of estrone to a carcinogenic material called 16-alpha hydroxyestrone that damages DNA and inhibits apoptosis. The ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16-hydroxyestrone indicates a woman's risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer. Levels of 2-hydroxyestrone are typically higher in women who do not get cancer; 16-hydroxyestrone is higher in women with cancer. When breast cancer cells are treated with I3C (in vitro) 90% of cells undergo growth inhibition, whether the cells are estrogen positive or negative (Galland 2000).

Broccoli (500 grams for 12 days) increased the average 2-alpha-hydroxyestrone:16- alpha-hydroxyestrone ratio (Kall et al. 1997). Hence, consuming vegetables rich in indole-3-carbinol gives hope that as 2-hydroxyestrone increases, cancers will be decreased in both men and women. The ability of I3C to neutralize estrogen metabolites as well as to block aflatoxin (a mycotoxin that promotes prostate cancer) makes cruciferous vegetables equally important to men.

By inhibiting protein kinases and other growth factors, restoring p21 activity, and encouraging apoptosis, I3C appears an effective chemopreventive/therapeutic agent against many types of malignancies (Chinni et al. 2001; Roman-Gomez et al. 2002). Evidencing its benefits, I3C reduced the incidence of cervical cancer from 76 to 8% in laboratory mice (Jin et al. 1999), and administered together with tamoxifen, I3C inhibited the growth of estrogen-dependent human MCF-7 breast cancer more effectively than either agent used alone (Cover et al. 1999).

If vegetables providing I3C are in short supply in the diet, indole-3-carbinol capsules are available. For those under 120 pounds, one 200-mg capsule taken 2 times a day is suggested; those between 120-180 pounds could take 200 mg 3 times a day, while those over 180 pounds could take four 200 mg a day. If the diet generally lacks adequate amounts of vegetables, powdered vegetable extracts are available, an example is PhytoFood; a suggested dosage for cancer patients is 1-2 tbsp daily (with food).

Cholesterol (Can It Be Too Low?)
Hypocholesterolemia (abnormally low levels of cholesterol) has been shown in several epidemiological studies to be related to increased mortality from human cancer. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels in 135 patients with squamous cell and small cell lung carcinoma were evaluated. All lung cancer patients had higher rates of hypocholesterolemia as well as lower triglyceride levels compared to a healthy control group. Total cholesterol concentrations were lower in both histological types, but triglyceride levels were lower only in patients with squamous cell lung cancer (Siemianowicz et al. 2000).

An article in Hematology and Oncology reported that 90% of 83 patients with acute myeloid leukemia were hypocholesterolemic (Zyada et al. 1990). Additionally, another article in the European Journal of Haemtology reported that remission in acute myelogenous leukemia was associated with a significant increase in cholesterol levels in those patients with low cholesterol concentrations or high leukocyte counts at diagnosis (Reverter et al. 1988).

Various reports have emerged showing that low cholesterol levels are associated with higher death rates (particularly among elderly people), from cancer and infection (Weverling-Rijnsburger et al. 1997; Schatz et al. 2001). These findings raise concerns regarding hypocholesterolemic drug therapy and diet manipulation to drastically lower cholesterol levels in a subset of the population.

STRESS AND CANCER

Few events are as stressful as a diagnosis of cancer. As the stress level increases, the outpouring of the adrenal cortex hormone (cortisol) also increases. Women with breast cancer who had abnormal cortisol rhythms survived an average of 3.2 years, while those with normal rhythms survived an average of 4.5 years (more than a year longer). The difference in survival times began to emerge about 1 year after the cortisol testing and continued for at least 6 additional years (Richter 2000).

Animal studies, mostly involving rats, demonstrated stress as a causal factor in cancer. The onset of cancer appears similarly allied in humans, with the immune system highly responsive to emotional pitfalls. It is well established that when the individual is emotionally challenged, cancer has a significant advantage (Levy et al. 1987).

Psychobiologist Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu, Ph.D., has been working for the past decade on stress, tumor development, and the activity of NK cells (Ben-Eliyahu et al. 2000). Considering all immune system cells, NK cells show the strongest activity in preventing metastasis and the strongest response to stress. Even short-term stress decreases NK cell activity in laboratory animals, significantly increasing the risk of certain types of cancer and metastasis. Gender plays a significant role in the NK cell response to stress, with men more adversely affected than women (Irwin 2000). The stress of abdominal surgery promotes the growth of cancerous tumors in rats, a sequence thought orchestrated by NK cell suppression (Ben-Eliyahu et al. 1999).

High levels of neuropeptide-gamma are observed in the bloodstream of depressed individuals, an elevation synonymous with immune suppression (Ader et al. 1981; Scanlan et al. 2001). Macrophages (pathogen scavengers) have receptor sites that attract endorphins (mood enhancers with analgesic traits). With the right emotional programming, white blood cells swim through the bloodstream with determination; conversely, under stress, immune competence falters, and the immune attack becomes lethargic.

Breast cancer patients with the most anxiety had a weaker immune response and were less equipped to fight the disease. The following stress-associated situations and personality types are associated with breast cancer: (1) the use of denial or repression as a coping strategy, (2) an experience of separation or loss, (3) a history of stressful life experiences, (4) a tendency toward melancholy and hopelessness (this trait has, since antiquity, been associated with uterine and breast cancers), and (5) a personality type characterized by conflict avoidance. It is theorized that the genes that cause one to avoid conflict are the same genes that increase susceptibility to cancer (Goodkin et al. 1986; Darmon 1993).

Also, psychological stress induces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 (Maes et al. 2000). Please refer to the protocol Cancer: Gene Therapies, Stem Cells, Telomeres, and Cytokines for a full discussion regarding pro-inflammatory cytokine's role in malignancies.

The effect of chronic stress on the immune system of 116 recently treated breast cancer patients found (reproducibly) that stress levels significantly predicted (1) lower NK cell activity, (2) diminished response of NK cells to interferon-gamma, and (3) decreased proliferation of lymphocytes, white blood cells considered the army of the immune system (Andersen et al. 1998). Oncologists often suggest stress management, such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises, guided imagery, or spirituality, to help bring about calm.

Because the cells responsible for cancer surveillance work best in an environment favoring confidence and calm, it is important that the message springing from our thoughts and transmitted to cells is commensurate with healing. Fright, pessimism, and melancholy send uncertain instructions and the cells respond with a feeble effort. The enduring message (fear or assurance, despair or hopefulness, laughter or tears) reflects our hour-to-hour psyche and sets the tone for health victories or failures. Expect little more from your body than the quality of your thoughts at this very moment: "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).

SUMMARY

The drugs, hormones, and nutrients discussed in this protocol have documented mechanisms of action that may benefit the cancer patient. The objective of implementing an adjuvant regimen consisting of multiple agents is to increase the odds of achieving a long remission. Once a remission is achieved, preventing recurrence and secondary cancers becomes a lifetime commitment.

Few oncologists aggressively seek to prevent recurrence once the primary disease appears to have been eradicated. However, the regrettable facts are that colonies of cancer cells can remain dormant in the body for years or decades before reappearing as full-blown disease that is highly resistant to treatment. This has been documented in autopsy studies of people who died of diseases other than cancer but nonetheless showed significant residual metastatic tumors in their bodies.

In too many cases, a breast, melanoma, or other cancer reemerges that was supposed to have been cured. Scientists speculate that the body has natural anticancer control mechanisms that may diminish with age and exposure to physical and emotional stress factors. It is thus important for cancer patients to be vigilant in maintaining an inhospitable environment for cancer cells to propagate and protecting against age-associated immune dysfunction.

We have prepared the chart above to summarize recommendations on the basic dietary supplements and suggested doses for cancer prevention and adjuvant treatment. In addition to the agents listed here, a number of other potential adjuvant approaches are discussed in this protocol. For long-term control of cancer, some cancer patients attempt to incorporate as many of these adjuvant approaches as are tolerable and affordable. Others pick and choose which drugs, hormones, and supplements they want to consume over the long term.

Patients should read the other cancer protocols in this book, with special attention given to Cancer: Should Patients Take Dietary Supplements? and Cancer Treatment: The Critical Factors. If surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy is being considered, please refer to these specific protocols: Cancer Surgery, Cancer Radiation, and Cancer Chemotherapy.

Note: While it would be wholly inappropriate for the Life Extension Foundation to steer individuals in decisions of omission or commission regarding therapies, it would be equally improper to shun responsibility. Because we are challenged by a professional and moral commitment to assist in overcoming appalling statistics, we have discussed some controversial issues in this protocol. We look forward to new findings to better substantiate optimal therapeutic approaches.

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

R-dyhydro-lipoic acid, alpha-tocopherol succinate, L-arginine, buffered ascorbic acid, Bio Pro Thymic Protein A, biotin, calcium, Cell Forte with IP-6, Chloroplex, coenzyme Q10, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), flaxseed oil, Gamma-E-Tocopherol/w Sesame Lignans, glutathione, goldenseal, grape seed-skin extract, green tea bags (organic), Kyolic Reserve Garlic, indole-3-carbinol w/Broccoli Extract, lactoferrin, L-glutamine, Life Extension Mix (caps, powder, or tablets), Super EPA/DHA w/Sesame Lignans, Mega GLA w/Sesame Lignans, melatonin, N-acetyl-cysteine, Pecta-Sol, perilla oil, Phyto-Food, Super Curcumin, selenium, Silibinin Plus, Ultra Soy Extract, Mega Green Tea Extract, Indole 3 Carbinol w/Resveratrol, theanine, tocotrienol w/Sesame Lignans, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin E are available by calling (800) 544-4440 or by ordering online.

STAYING INFORMED

The information published in this protocol is only as current as the day the book was sent to the printer. This cancer protocol raises many issues that are subject to change as new data emerge. Furthermore, cancer is still a disease with unacceptably high mortality rates, and none of our suggested treatment regimens can guarantee a cure.

The Life Extension Foundation is constantly uncovering information to provide the cancer patient with more ammunition to battle their disease. A special website has been established for the purpose of updating patients on new findings that directly pertain to the cancer protocols published in this book. Whenever Life Extension discovers information that points to a better way of treating cancer, it will be posted on the website www.lefcancer.org.

Before utilizing the cancer protocols in this book, we suggest that you log on to www.lefcancer.org to see if any substantive changes have been made to the recommendations described in this protocol. Based on the sheer number of newly published findings, there could be significant alterations to the information you have just read.
Alternatively, call 1-800-226-2370 and ask a Health Advisor if your topic of interest has been updated on the website - www.lefcancer.org