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Cancer: Clinics Offering Alternative Therapies
Updated: 06/16/2004
This protocol profiles many (but not all) prominent cancer clinics staffed
by individuals who are considered to be capable of piloting an alternative
approach against cancer. Descriptions are detailed in the hope that patients
may find physical, emotional, and geographic links with a particular clinic
or natural therapy.
When describing the various complementary cancer clinics, it is not possible
to endorse one treatment or physician over another. We have provided as
much evidence as space allows assisting patients and their physicians
in the evaluation of what approach may be suited for the individual situation.
A great deal of effort has been made to identify therapies that have
some substantiation in the published scientific literature and provide
the cancer patient with the opportunity to experiment with cutting edge
treatment strategies. The focus of our effort has been to identify potential
life-saving therapies that are not part of mainstream oncology.
The Life Extension Foundation can assume no responsibility for treatment
or outcome, apart from a self-assigned duty to stay abreast of the most
promising of therapies and to share the data with members. No warranties
(expressed or implied) accompany the material; neither is the information
intended to replace medical advice. As always, each reader is urged to
consult professional help for medical problems, especially those involving
cancer. All clinics are listed in alphabetical order and not in order
of importance. Before choosing any alternative cancer clinic, we suggest
logging on to a special website (www.lefcancer.org) to obtain updated
positive or negative information about a particular clinic.
ALOE VERA, A GLYCONUTRIENT
Dr. H.R. McDaniel, M.D., an affiliate of Mannatech Inc., has spent 16
years exploring the therapeutic nature of Aloe vera. In 2000, McDaniel
addressed Comprehensive Cancer Care, a conference highlighting the latest
and most promising of current techniques converging upon cancer therapy.
As a result of this appearance, Dr. McDaniel was invited (August 28, 2001)
to present the glyconutrient principle before the Royal Society of Medicine
(London, England) and the United Nations-sponsored 17th International
Conference on Nutrition. The following material (excerpted from these
presentations) should be viewed as part of an integrated approach to treat
cancer, not as an independent therapy.
The virtues of the aloe plant (chronicled in the writings of Hippocrates)
have evolved to include a strong anticancer connection (Corsi et al. 1998).
It was determined that aloe juice reduced tumor mass and the frequency
of metastasis in rats (Gribel et al. 1986). Aloe protected individuals
with weakened immune systems against infection (Klein et al. 1988). Random
scientific papers, plus scores of anecdotal reports relating to cancer
regressions, spurred a group of physicians and scientists to study the
nature and role of carbohydrates in biological events; a science referred
to as glycobiology emerged.
The active ingredients in aloe are eight chains of mannose sugars, (glucose,
galactose, mannose, fructose, xylose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine,
and N-acetylneuraminic acid). Scientists determined that the eight sugars
(super carbohydrates), frequently missing in the diet, are important to
intercellular communication (Reynolds et al. 1999).
Glycoproteins (on the surface of every cell) serve as signals to tell
other cells who they are and what they need. If the cells do not have
enough of the right sugars, they cannot make the correct glycoproteins,
and the cell-to-cell messages become disrupted. Subsequently, the immune
system cannot effectively wage an offensive against bacterial and viral
pathogens or rapidly dividing cancer cells. The sugars of aloe ensure
that internal networking (cell-to-cell communication) is swift and accurate.
Note: The
reader should not confuse the natural sugars of Aloe vera with sucrose,
that is, common table sugar. The sugars contained in glyconutrients are
naturally occurring sugars (not sweet to the taste) that elicit no blood
glucose rise or insulin rush.
A number of enzymes (endonucleases, hydrolases, esterases, and lipases)
are produced from the sugars of aloe. Enzymatic reactions power up lymphocytes,
white blood cells (about a trillion in number) that bear the major responsibility
of immune surveillance. When white blood cells phagocytose (envelop and
destroy) bacteria, virus, and cancer, enzymes produced on the mannose
system optimize the cell's performance.
Aloe vera has an extraordinary antioxidant profile, with much of its
activity gained by increasing reduced glutathione levels (Hu et al. 2003).
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals produced as a result of aggressive
cancer treatments, as well as those produced naturally through biological
events. For example, as the mitochondria produce energy to fuel cellular
functions, a plethora of free radicals results. A cell deprived of reduced
glutathione is unprotected and subject to free-radical damage (a precursor
to cancer) (Toyokuni 1998). Reduced glutathione can independently protect
against free radicals or increase the efficiency of vitamin E (a lipid-soluble
antioxidant), vitamin C (a water-soluble antioxidant), and superoxide
dismutase (an enzyme that converts superoxide radicals into less toxic
agents). Many patients may be able to complete aggressive courses of chemotherapy
when aloe accompanies treatment (Nersesian et al.1990; Wang et al. 2001).
Dr. Glen Hyland, a Mayo trained oncologist, reviewed the health histories
of 100 cancer patients (extracted from a three-state analysis) who used
glyconutrient therapy as a part of their cancer treatment. Dr. Highland
marveled at the speed at which patients receiving glyconutrients experienced
a reduction in the size of squamous cell carcinomas (lung) and oat cell
carcinomas (usually originating in the bronchi or lungs). Numbers of erythrocytes
(red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and thrombocytes (platelets)
did not diminish when glyconutrients were a part of cytotoxic therapies.
Dr. Hyland commented that normal cells appeared protected and abnormal
cells appeared more sensitive to treatment, when Aloe vera was a part
of an integrated approach.
Various cancer patients have experienced remarkable reversals in health
status after adding aloe to their protocol. It was, in fact, triumphant
accounts of Aloe vera enhancing the efficacy of previously failed treatments
that spurred the glyconutrient movement. From the files of Dr. McDaniel,
a few case studies have been extrapolated to illustrate the value of Aloe
vera as an adjunct in cancer therapy.
- A male (68 years old) presented the symptoms of obstructive urinary
symptoms, elevated PSA, and more than 100 nodules of metastatic lesions
in the lungs. Dreadfully ill and having failed other therapies, polymannose,
a first-generation glyconutrient discovered in the early 1980s, was
added to the protocol. After an additional year of conventional therapy
(that included Aloe vera), the lungs were cleared of nodules, energy
levels rebounded, and quality of life returned. He appears quite healthy
as he approaches the 10th anniversary of being told his condition was
terminal.
- A researcher, trained under a NIH cancer fellowship and hostile toward
the carbohydrate/cancer theory, reluctantly entered into a trial to
determine the value of glyconutrients in cancer treatment. Laboratory
mice were injected with Norman's Sarcoma, a type of cancer carrying
a 100% death rate; half of the test animals were also injected with
1 mg/kg of the glyconutrient polymannose. About 1 month into the trial,
all control animals were dead; conversely, all animals receiving one
injection of polymannose were alive, and at the 2-month interval, 40%
had survived. Amazed with the results, the researcher repeated the test,
but doubled the concentration of the carcinogen. The results were, nonetheless,
the same. The odds improved when the therapeutic injections were increased:
52% were alive when receiving 1 injection per week, and 67% survived
when the complete formula (all monosaccharides required for glycoprotein
synthesis) was injected.
- A 38-year-old breast cancer patient presented with 10 lytic skeletal
bone lesions and a mass appearing on the neck. The patient also had
liver involvement and ascites (an intraperitoneal accumulation of water
and electrolytes) making her appear 8 months pregnant. Having failed
earlier courses of chemotherapy, the treatment was repeated, but this
time glyconutrients were a part of the protocol. At 1 year, the ascites
had cleared, and no evidence of cancer was detected. She survived approximately
7 years after being advised by her oncologist that she had less than
6 months to live.
Reports of Aloe vera being life-saving to cancer patients are not scarce.
Dr. Julian Whitaker reported that a 10-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare
brain tumor (a meningioma) went into total remission after drinking 8
oz of whole-leaf Aloe vera concentrate a day for 3 months. Because surgeons
were unable to remove the entire tumor, its continued growth rendered
an uncertain prognosis. At the time of the Whitaker report, the child
was living a normal life and participating in sports but drinking Aloe
vera juice every day (Whitaker 1995).
The following animal trials are included to add additional strength to
human studies. Acemannan, a polysaccharide (carbohydrate) isolated from
aloe rind, was administered intraperitoneally and intralesionally to 43
dogs and cats with spontaneous tumors. Twenty-six of the animals showed
histopathological evidence of immunological attack, evidenced by marked
necrosis or lymphocytic infiltration. Twelve animals experienced obvious
clinical improvement as assessed by tumor shrinkage, tumor necrosis, and
prolonged survival (Harris et al. 1991).
Feline leukemia is a disease induced by an oncornavirus infection that
inevitably causes death to clinically affected cats. It has been estimated
that 40% of cats are dead within 4 weeks and 70% are dead within 8 weeks
of the onset of symptoms. Administering acemannan for 6 weeks intraperitoneally
to clinically symptomatic cats significantly improved quality of life
and survival rates: 12 weeks after initiation of treatment, 71% of treated
cats were alive and in good health. This study joins a medley of others,
affirming Aloe vera's worth in veterinary settings (Sheets et al. 1991).
Oral administration of Aloe vera is remarkably safe. It is, in fact,
difficult to estimate lethal dose ranges via animal studies (Ikeno et
al. 2002).
Suggested dosage: Begin
with 2 tsp of glyconutrient powder 3 or 4 times a day. Some find they
must slowly increase the dosage to achieve maximum benefits.
Mannatech Aloe vera products may be purchased at (800) 287-8373 (without
an account) and at (800) 281-4469 (with an account). Complete documents
relating to the material presented are available from the Fisher Institute
for Medical Research, helen@fisherinstitute.org , Fax: (972) 660-1245,
or Telephone: (972) 660-1733). In addition, readers may be privy to information
presented before the Royal Society of Medicine and the United Nations-sponsored
17th International Conference on Nutrition by purchasing tapes of Dr.
McDaniel's Comprehensive Cancer Care 2000 lecture from the Conference
Recording Service Inc. or by calling (800) 647-1110.
BINDWEED (AN ANGIOGENESIS INHIBITOR)
Examples of Patient Reports From The
Center
The RECNAC team (CANCER spelled backwards) is located in Wichita, KS,
at The Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning International.
A breast cancer survivor of 14 years, who used the Center's approach to
fight her disease, altered the name to counter the grim aura that frequently
hovers over cancer. Dr. Hugh D. Riordan, RECNAC Project Director, says
the key to finding successful treatments for cancer is identifying where
to look and being willing to search in unusual places. Dr. Riordan emphasizes
the importance of finding ways to nurture and soothe the spirit of the
cancer patient as well as the body. The Center, referred to as the Bright
Spot for Health, has welcomed thousands of people from all 50 states,
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 40 foreign countries. A hopeful,
confident clinical environment tends to assure patients and expedite recovery.
Impressive cancer research is emanating from the Midwest, more specifically
Wichita and physician/researcher Hugh Riordan, M.D., and his corroborating
team of scientists. The following narrative illustrates why many in the
scientific community are excited about their work.
A survivor of ovarian cancer entered the clinic relaying a hopeful story
concerning her recovery. Following diagnosis, the woman, concerned with
orthodox therapies, independently sought an alternative treatment. The
decision to look elsewhere was not difficult because the woman's mother
had died 7 years earlier with the same disease and doctors felt the daughter's
chances of survival equally bleak.
The woman traveled to Oklahoma where a shaman gave her a tincture of
Bindweed (Convolulus arvensis) with instructions to use the substance
daily. (Bindweed, a common garden weed, is a bane to farmers.) The woman
testified that after using Bindweed for 1 year, her abdomen returned to
a normal size. Asymptomatic, she returned to her physician, who after
a battery of tests pronounced her cancer-free.
The Riordan team began assays to determine the beneficial properties
of Bindweed. Its mode of operation was puzzling because it appeared ineffective
at killing tumor cells and only modestly efficient at improving immune
function. After nearly 4 years of searching, it was determined that Bindweed
bestows its antitumor advantage by inhibiting angiogenesis, a process
that restrains (tumor) blood vessel formation. A chaotic vascular system
is a common property of malignant tissue. So important is the blood vessel
network, tumor cells participate in their own survival by secreting cytokines
that develop and sustain the vascular pipeline. Tumor growth requires
an adequate supply of blood vessels; robbed of its vascular system, the
tumor starves and shrinks and, in some cases, completely disappears. It
was determined that Bindweed was about 100 times more effective than shark
cartilage (by weight) at inhibiting angiogenesis (Meng et al. 2002).
After identifying proteoglycan molecules (PGMs) as the antitumor property
in Bindweed, the chicken egg chorio-allantoic membrane model was used
to determine the extent of Bindweed's antiangiogenic activity. About 200
fertilized chicken eggs were prepared to allow a working surface inside
the egg. Tumor cells were added that secrete cytokines, eliciting new
tumor blood vessel growth. The angiogenesis inhibiting substance was then
added and the rate and degree of angiogenesis observed. Scientists concluded
that proteoglycan molecules inhibited new tumor blood vessels in a dose
dependent manner, that is, results were 18%, 55%, and 73% inhibition at
concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mcg, respectively (Meng et al. 2002).
PGMs were then tested in animal models. B16 melanoma, LS180 (a colon
adenocarcinoma), and Lewis Lung carcinoma all showed from 70%-99.5% inhibition
of growth. The RECNAC team classed Bindweed as an all-tumor inhibitor,
meaning it appears equally effective in inhibiting the progression of
all tumors.
The RECNAC team found that when Bindweed was used with an immune stimulant,
that is, a nontoxic purified extract of the bacterial cell wall of Gram-positive
bacteria and beta 1, 3-glucan, the results were even more remarkable.
The combination, referred to as a Muramyl Polysaccharide-Glycan Complex
(MPGC), stimulates the immune system in a fashion not unlike that observed
when Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), inactivated tuberculosis germ, is
used to combat cancer. The muramyl peptides are recognized by the immune
system as belonging to a bacterial invader; subsequently, the immune system
is activated, mustering a nonspecific attack against bacteria, viruses,
fungi, and cancerous cells (Pabst et al.1999). To increase the response,
the peptides are linked to mannose-rich polysaccharides, which make it
easier for the macrophages to engulf the cell wall for identification
and immune activation.
The macrophages are also sensitized to phosphatidylserine and muramic
acid, both of which are found preferentially on tumor cells. In essence,
the immune system becomes flagged by the identifiable characteristics
of the cancer cells and subsequently eliminates the cancer cells.
Muramyl peptides increase tumor destroying mechanisms and up-regulate
monocyte cytokine genes (IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor,
and IL-12) (Allison 1997). Although IL-12 is an immune stimulator, it
is one of the most potent angiogenesis inhibitors known (Morini et al.
2004;
Strasly et al. 2001).
Note: Pro-inflammatory
cytokines are observed in a number of different cancers, even proving
predictive of survival. This raises questions regarding safe usage of
natural agents that elicit production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory
cytokines.
According to Dr. C.A. Dinarello (University of Colorado), most of our
knowledge regarding pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1 or TNF) is
derived from experiments in which humans or animals have been injected
with either a single or a combination of inflammatory cytokines (Dinarello
1997). However, in models of inflammation where several cytokines are
produced, specific blockade of either IL-1 or TNF (or both) results in
a reduction in the severity of inflammation. This may explain the success
of agents that lift expression of many of the family of cytokines, both
pro- and anti-inflammatory in nature. Please refer to the section entitled
Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in the protocol on Cancer
Treatment: The Critical Factors, to learn about the role of cytokines
in malignancies.
In addition, MPGC results in the maturation of immature dendritic cells.
This is significant because immature dendritic cells initiate the immune
response by engulfing abnormal cells. After identifying the foreign antigen,
dendritic cells mature to present the information to T-cells to initiate
the fight. Unfortunately, cancer cells possess a survival wit, that is,
they can hide from the immune system by lacking identifiable antigens
on their cell surfaces; the task becomes doubly difficult as some cancers
can suppress dendritic cell maturation. Please consult the Cancer
Vaccines protocol to learn how dendritic cells can be trained to identify
cancer cells and gear up an attack. The other component of MPGC is beta
1,3-glucan (made from fungus cell walls). Beta 1,3 D-glucan is independently
able to increase the activity of macrophage, potentiating detoxification,
internal hygiene, and defense against cancer cells.
EXAMPLES OF PATIENT REPORTS FROM THE CENTER:
- Pancreatic cancer: A woman presented at the clinic with a very large
pancreatic mass with metastasis to the liver. During earlier surgery,
a biopsy identified a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma at the head
of the pancreas. The liver was described as full of tumors, rock-hard,
and palpable at the level of the umbilicus (or navel). Dr. Riordan began
an IV of vitamin C and pancreatic enzymes. At the 2-month interval,
although the woman was alive, the tumors showed no signs of regression.
At that time, Bindweed was added to the protocol. Within 8 days, the
tumor felt softer to the touch, and within a couple of weeks, the tumor
shrinkage was dramatic. Simultaneously, laboratory values dramatically
improved. Bilirubin reduced from 18 mg/dL-1.2 mg/dL. Liver enzymes and
gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) became normal after being in the
thousands. The woman's edema disappeared and the tumorous mass showed
a 90% reduction. At last account, the woman continued to do well using
Bindweed, MPGC, and pancreatic enzymes.
- Colon cancer: A man with colon cancer, having a 5-cm perispinal and
a 6-cm pericervical metastasis, was scheduled for radiation therapy.
After using Bindweed and MPGC for 5 weeks, the large neck metastasis
disappeared.
Suggested dosage: As
therapy, Neil Riordan, scientist/spokesperson for the center, says that
it appears better to start with an initial high dose, that is, 6 capsules
a day of Bindweed (250 mg) and 6 of MPGC (containing 250 mg of lactobacillus
fermentum and 50 mg of beta 1,3 glucan). For maintenance, use 4 capsules
a day of both Bindweed and MPGC. A critical judgment has to be made in
regard to how long to keep a patient on the therapy and at what dosage.
Oral doses of Bindweed displayed no acute toxicity at 20,000 mg/kg (well
above the therapeutic range); MPGC showed no acute toxicity at amounts
> 5000 mg/kg. Although these products display extremely low toxicity
profiles, this regime should be used with the supervision of a physician.
In particular, pregnant and nursing women, as well as individuals with
active wounds or heart disease, should exercise caution. Various inflammatory
conditions, such as autoimmune problems, could possibly be made worse
by supplementation. It is suggested that patients discontinue Bindweed
2 weeks before and after surgery.
Warning: Field
bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) contains several alkaloids, including
pseudotropine, and lesser amounts of tropine, tropinone, and meso-cuscohygrine,
and is toxic to mice. Mice fed only field bindweed had severe hepatic
necrosis and gastritis with ulceration or erosions and eventually died.
Mice fed low doses of bindweed along with standard laboratory mouse diet
for 6 or 8 weeks had no clinical disease or gross lesions on necropsy
examination but did have histologic lesions of mild multifocal hepatitis
and gastritis (Schultheiss et al. 1995).
These products can be purchased from Aidan, Inc. by telephone at (800)
529-0269. Bindweed is sold as C-Statin and MPGC is sold as ImmKine. (A
tape authenticating material presented is available at Allergy Research,
[800] 545-9960.)
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