ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

Ok, this is lengthy but worth looking over if you have cancer and have run out of options in the US. Nothing against my own country, but often politics and money are more important than human lives. When it is my life at stake, I take issue. Here are some alternative options that have been around and used for decades along with some new approaches. Good Luck, I hold these in reserve until my chemo craps out.

Coming off my sick week of chemo, feeling better. It amazes me how I can sleep  nearly 82 hours straight, only rising to sip some water or use facilities then wham.... back in bed. I suspect it is avoidance. I hate the nausea and metal mouth (looks like thrush on the tongue) so do not eat. I have subsequently learned the best way to lose weight is to not eat... duh.   I have dropped 12 pounds in five days.... need to eat.  Chemo makes it tough but I am trying.  Seek only positive pursuits and treat your body well. :)

AHCC (ImmPower™)

AHCC is a new hybrid of several species of medicinal mushrooms, each of which have been used in traditional healing in Asia for centuries. The resulting product is a powerful, single, hybridized mushroom. Developed in Japan, it is grown in a liquid medium containing rice bran, and then enzymatically modified to be readily absorbed and used by the body. AHCC is one of the world's most powerful immune system enhancers. Specifically, ImmPower™ helps maintain peak natural killer cell function, supports enhanced cytokine production and promotes optimal T-Cell and macrophage activity. Over 600 hospitals in Europe and Asia now routinely use AHCC in cancer care.

Antineoplastons

Antineoplastons are peptide fractions derived from human blood and urine. (Peptides are short-chain amino acids.) They were developed by Stanislaw Burzynski, a Polish biochemist and M.D. who emigrated to the US in 1970 and worked as a researcher and assistant professor at the Baylor College of Medicine until 1977. It was here that he developed these peptides, and formulated his theory that they are important components of the body’s biochemical defense system which repairs mis-programmed cells rather than kill them. He feels that these peptides can be useful against all diseases caused by mis-programming, not just cancer. He does not claim to cure cancer, but feels that antineoplastons can help treat it. Studies at the federal level are now underway.

Apricot pits

No question, this is a controversial therapy. Thousands of people worldwide for the last 50+ years have made use of a key ingredient in apricot pits, a form of organic cyanide in a tiny amount, to fight cancer. The official position of the FDA is that doing this is contrary to their rulings and therefore subject to prosecution. And indeed sometimes they do prosecute people for selling apricot pits! The story of Jason Vale is one instance. (Do an Internet search for more info) The value of the active ingredient, called nitrilosides has been effectively discredited by the government and major drug manufacturers for decades. Yet many people have pointed to this therapy as responsible for finally eliminating their cancers. Other names for nitrilosides over the years have been Laetrile, Amygdalin and Vitamin B-17. The same Nitrilosides are contained in over 1200 common fruits, nuts, grains and grasses. The trace of organic cyanide can effectively destroy cancer cells in earlier stages of the disease. One Mexican hospital has treated over 100,000 cancer patients in the last 35 years using nitriloside compounds for 90% of these people. Curiously the gov't has no problem with standard Vitamin B12, chemically called cyanocobalimin. Cyanide is used in processing natural B12 for use in foods and nutritional supplements.

Anvirzel®

A new weapon against cancer and AIDS from Ozelle Pharmaceuticals - a herbal extract which is nontoxic and causes no adverse side effects. Closed clinical trials are showing that the drug is especially effective against prostate and breast cancer. The materials of the company promoting Anvirzel. say that Dr Ozel treated 494 cancer patients with the extract, resulting in a high rate of success. The company has organized phase I and II trials in Ireland, and states that the trials confirmed the efficacy of the extract in cancer. They say the patients were improved in their quality of life as well as regression of cancer, while reporting no notable side effects. Best results were said to be in prostate, lung and brain cancers. Sarcomas showed stabilization.

Arginine (1-arginine)

Arginine, an amino acid essential for life, has been found to consistently inhibit the growth of tumors. Research has indicated that giving arginine in fairly large doses "led to virtually complete inhibition of the carcinogenic process." In 1980, National Cancer Institute scientists found that injections of arginine into tumor-bearing rats consistently inhibited the growth of tumors. Their reports stated, "within two weeks, tumor size was reduced to 80 percent of the initial size. Tumor-bearing animals showed no toxic effects from the arginine." Even more research exists now to document the excellent results gained from the use of arginine routinely in the care of the cancer patient. Why this simple, inexpensive approach is not used by every conventional cancer treatment center after all these years is a mystery.

Artemisinin

A Chinese herb, sweet wormwood (qinghao in Chinese). In test tube studies, breast cancer cell research resulted in a 28% reduction of breast cancer cells treated only with artemisinin, and an amazing 98% decrease in breast cancer cells within 16 hours that were treated with artemisinin and an iron-enhancing molecule, transferrin. These treatments had no significant effect on normal human breast cells. This research pointed to the involvement of free iron in the toxic effect of artemisinin toward cancer cells, while basically sparing healthy cells. ("Selective toxicity of dihydroartemisinin and holotransferrin toward human breast cancer cells," Life Sciences" 70 {2001) 49-56

Avemar

This well-documented cancer fighter is based on the work of the famous Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, best known for his 1937 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. Mixed with water and drank from a glass, studies done on this mild tasting product derived from wheat germ have caught the attention of cancer researchers worldwide. Avemar has been the subject of more than 100 published scientific reports since 1996 related to in vitro, in vivo and human research including more than 30 peer-reviewed publications demonstrating it's effectiveness against cancer. Publications about Avemar are available in the database of PubMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed). Available on the Internet, the biological cancer fighting and immune system enhancing mechanism of this product is almost unique in the therapeutic world. Avemar is today one of the most comprehensively studied products of plant origin and has shown that when used as an adjunct treatment, it enhances the effects of conventional cancer treatment agents.

Beta Glucans, 1, 3, 6

Beta glucans are biological defense modifiers (BDM) that nutritionally enhance, modify and balance the immune system. Glucans have been investigated for many years, particularly in light of their ability to activate macrophage immune cells and, in turn, the T-Cells, NK-Cells and B-Cells including selected cytokines and complement. The scientific literature is voluminous over many decades, including a considerable body of patent literature. Beta Glucan action nutritionally aids the body, particularly when the immune cell population is being reduced or limited by a disease condition, or such treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.

Bindweed extract

High molecular weight extracts of bindweed were shown to inhibit the growth of virulent tumors in mice. Extracts possess immune system boosting effects as evidenced by tumor infiltration by white blood cells in animals, plus increased lymphocytes. Further, they inhibit angiogenisis (the growth of cancer blood vessels that feed them with fresh blood). The method of extraction of the present bindweed and buckwheat extracts is very simple and requires a minimum of purification. The present bindweed and buckwheat extracts have utility as low-toxicity, anti-cancer therapy for humans and animals.

Bovine Cartilage

Despite much media hype over Shark Cartilage, Bovine Cartilage has been studied regarding cancer care for many years. Harvard trained physician John F. Prudden has been using it to treat human cancer since the early 1970's. Dr. Prudden has published a 31 patient case series in which he records some remarkable remissions in a wide variety of intractable malignancies including Pancreatic Cancer, Metastatic Breast Cancer, and Glioblastoma Multiforme. Some of these patients had been followed for more than five years at the time the case series was published in 1985. According to the National Cancer Institute, Bovine Cartilage, a type of tough, flexible connective tissue, has been studied and shown to "have some value" in cancer therapy. As indicated, various preparations of cartilage from sharks have been studied in the laboratory and in animals for their ability to kill cancer cells, stimulate the immune system, and block formation of new blood vessels feeding cancer cells. Nevertheless, NCI's official public position remains that scientific evidence to date has not proven cartilage to be an effective treatment for cancer. Several formal human clinical trials at NCI are now underway.

Budwig Flax Oil & Cottage Cheese diet

The Flax seed (Linseed) oil diet was originally proposed by Dr. Johanna Budwig, a German biochemist and expert on fats and oils in 1951. Her simple formula of two tablespoons of flaxseed oil to a quarter cup of low fat cottage cheese (or other foods containing sulfur) helps increase metabolism, boosts the immune system, reduces cholesterol levels, and for reasons not clear, helps inhibit cancer-cell growth. This unlikely but effective combination of products has been one of the most popular and successful alternative cancer therapies for decades. Dr. Budwig has various books on this subject.

Carctol®

A combination of natural herbs developed in India, Carctol is a well researched and tested cancer therapy. It treats all types of cancer including cancers of the esophagus, ear, nose throat, brain, breast, lymphoma, lungs, blood, kidney, cervix, stomach, colon/rectal, pancreas etc. Demonstrated to be non-toxic and side effect free, it has been used successfully in India and parts of Europe for 25 years. Besides successfully treating cancer, it also neutralizes toxic agents produced by chemotherapeutic drugs.

Carnivora (Venus Fly Trap extract)

Carnivora supplies essential nutrients to the immune system allowing it to operate at high efficiency. It allowing it to operate at maximum efficiency. In addition, it mimics the activities of the immune system itself in destroying defective or so-called primitive cells from a wide variety of pathogens (viruses and bacteria). Many laboratory studies worldwide have demonstrated its effectiveness against cancer and aids. Since 1981, over 2000 patients have been treated with Carnivora, including President Ronald Reagan.

Cesium Chloride

Cesium Chloride, one of earth's most alkaline elements, has been used to raise the pH of the body as an alternative or complementary cancer treatment for many years. In the 1930s, Dr. Otto Warburg of Germany won a Nobel Prize for showing that cancer thrives in anaerobic (without oxygen) or acidic, conditions. Research by Keith Brewer, PhD and H.E. Sartori has shown that raising the pH, or oxygen content of a cancer cell, to 8.0 creates a deadly environment within and it soon dies and is disposed of by the body. Today cesium chloride is typically used in combination with potassium.

Chelation Therapy

Mercury, nickel, lead, and aluminum are all considered heavy (toxic) metals. They can enter our bodies from many sources including automotive exhaust, cosmetics, paint, evaporated milk, infant formulas, baby powder, bleached white flour, pharmaceutical drugs, antacids, tooth paste, and aspirin. Heavy metals can block the natural detoxification processes. This can lead to fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, and numerous other health-related issues. Chelation therapy safely and effectively removes heavy metals from the body’s cells and tissues. The word “chelation” comes from the Greek work chele, which means claw. Chelation therapy can be administered orally (pills) or by injection. The therapy can be helpful in improving blood circulation and can be part of the Personalized Treatment Plan for patients with various conditions.

Coley's Toxins

Amazingly, in 1888 Dr. William B. Coley (1862-1936), Harvard Medical School graduate, eminent New York City surgeon and cancer researcher, stumbled across one of the most intriguing findings ever made in cancer research. Cancer cannot survive in an environment of temperatures more than 42 C (107.6 F). His discovery was first tolerated, then ridiculed, and finally suppressed. In recent years some new interest in his discovery has emerged among researchers. Dr. Coley, devised methods to safely create a fever in cancer patients with great success. Sadly, even after 100 years of knowing this, there is no trace of his simple heat therapy in conventional medical circles today.

Conjugated linoleic acid or CLA

Meats and dairy products do contain a remarkable cancer fighting nutrient called conjugated linoleic acid or CLA (Tonalin). However, a steady decline in the amount of CLA supplied by meats and dairy products in the diet through the past 50 years years can be attributed to modern farming practices. The meat of grass-fed cows contains up to four times as much CLA as cows fattened in feed lots. Today's dairy products have only about one third of the CLA content they used to have before 1960. CLA stimulates the immune system, inhibits cancer growth, improves insulin sensitivity (work with your physician here if diabetic), improves blood lipid levels, improves lean body mass to fat ratios, and has no known practical toxicity levels. Organic dairy products could be expected to have more CLA because there is a certification requirement to have adequate pasture available to the animals. CLA can be supplied in large controlled amounts though supplements. Although CLA may appear to be just another weight loss supplement, its anticancer properties appear to be real and should not be overlooked. Typical doses are 0.75 grams to 4 grams a day.

Curcumin

Curcumin (diferuloyl methane) is the active compound in the spice Tumeric. Curcumin has potent irreversible anti-proliferative effects against a variety of cancer cell lines in vitro (in test tube). Further, this compound demonstrates little in the way of toxicity in animals as well as in preliminary Phase I trials in humans. In fact, scientists have discovered even curry powder (turmeric is a principal ingredient in curry) helps stop the spread of breast cancer. Texas-based researchers found that curcumin inhibits the spread of breast cancer into the lungs and improves the effectiveness of current remedies. Bharat Aggarwal, professor of cancer medicine at Texas University, said: "We are excited about the study results and the possible implications for taking the findings into the clinic in the next few years." There have been numerous articles written on the effectiveness of this remarkable herb in the treatment of cancer. Curcumin is believed to directly induce cancer cell apoptosis (cell suicide).

d-Glucarate

Discovered by researchers at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, d-glucarates have been shown to decrease lung, skin, liver, breast and colon cancers by 60 percent or more (Walaszek, 1990). In addition, it has been found to have an inhibitor effect on cancers of the bladder and the prostate. In the breast, D-glucarate has been shown in more than 20 experimental animal and in vitro studies to significantly inhibit cancer. The primary mechanism of action of D-glucarate is through its ability to enhance detoxification of both chemical carcinogens from the environment and estrogenic tumor promoters produced by the body. Women who are at a higher risk for breast cancer have a lower detoxification capacity for carcinogens and estrogens. Likewise, D-glucarate has been found to effectively prevent the induction of prostate cancer in men. Non-prescription calcium d-glucarate tablets are readily available.

Detoxification procedures

One of the most important messages in this entire report. Removal of internal toxins and metabolic waste material, all of which builds up in the body over time, is essential to restoring health in any disease and a cornerstone of the most successful alternative treatment centers. The body must constantly devote enormous energy and resources protecting itself against the effects of internal toxins and waste products - resources that would be far better spent fighting cancer. Depending on who you read, estimates of the amount of man-made chemicals in our air, food and water today range from 38,000 to 95,000. These compounds never even existed in nature prior to the industrial revolution beginning in the late 1800s. Most alternative clinics and hospitals drain the lymph system using massage therapy and herbs. The kidneys, liver and digestive system are also cleaned out. Chelation therapy (oral or intravenous) will clear the arteries, the blood, and will remove toxic metals like mercury, cadmium and lead. An amazing amount of renewed energy, health, and disease fighting power can be gained by detoxification procedures alone. Detoxification procedures will eventually become routine in all sectors of health care, conventional and alternative. It has already started in the lay population.

Di-Indole Methane

Di-Indole Methane is the direct metabolite of I3C (Indole-3-Carbinol) and twice as strong. This naturally occurring extract of the cabbage (cruciferous) family vegetables has proven effective in studies worldwide against hormonal related cancers. It's mechanism is to decrease high estrogen levels in both men and women, an issue which usually leads to cancer or other illnesses often associated with aging. Included are prostate disease, breast and uterine cancers, and weight gain. Supplementing the diet with DIM and eating cruciferous vegetables increases the specific aerobic metabolism for estrogen, multiplying the chance for so-called bad estrogen to be broken down into beneficial, or good estrogen metabolites. These good estrogen metabolites are known as the 2-hydroxy estrogens.

DMSO

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has a wide range of therapeutic uses. Most physicians are unaware of its value in spite of over 3000 studies on over 500,000 patients (as of 1991!). DMSO binds with water and changes the structure of the water within the cell, which results in the healing of cellular damage. This also increases the permeability of the cell membrane, causing a flushing of toxins from the inside of the cell. DMSO also improves immune function, decreases allergic reactions, increases immunity to infections, prohibits cancer growth, and decreases the potency of toxins. DMSO crosses the blood-brain barrier, and is an excellent agent to help transport other substances throughout the body. When used in quantity though, it can produce an odd odor to the body. It continues to be ignored decade after decade by conventional medicine.

Ellagic Acid

The Hollings Cancer Institute at the University of South Carolina has conducted a double blind study on a group of 500 cervical cancer patients that excited all involved in the study. For years now, ongoing studies have shown that a natural product called Ellagic acid is causing so-called G-arrest within 48 hours (inhibiting and stopping mitosis-cancer cell division), and apoptosis (cell death) within 72 hours, for breast, pancreas, esophageal, skin, colon and prostate cancer cells. Ellagic Acid Clinical Tests on cultured human cells also show that it prevents the destruction of the p53 gene by cancer cells. Additional studies suggest that one of the mechanisms by which Ellagic acid inhibits mutagenesis and carcinogenesis is by forming adducts with DNA, thus masking binding sites to be occupied by a mutagen or carcinogenic substance. Ellagic acid can be found in different foods. it is especially effective for those with a genetic predisposition to cancer.

 Epican Forte®

Special mention here. Epican Forte™, developed by German physician Dr. Mathias Rath, one of this world's most accomplished MDs, uses four primary nutrients that work together synergistically to inhibit a certain type of enzymatic activity associated with cancer cells. It also strengthens connective tissues that contribute to normal cell growth. These nutrients are Vitamin C, Lysine, Proline, and high-potency standardized green tea extract containing 80% polyphenols. Cancer cells produce certain enzymes that temporarily digest connective tissue allowing these cells to move freely through the body. This specialized enzymatic process can be inhibited so that excessive movement of malignant cell and their growth does not occur.

Essiac tea

One of the oldest and most highly regarded of all alternative cancer treatments. Composed of Burdock, Indian Rhubarb, Sheep Sorrel, Slippery Elm, and occasionally other ingredients depending on the manufacturer. Note that some companies are substituting yellow dock herb or curly dock herb these days for the sheep sorrel. This is not acceptable. Essiac was used by a Canadian nurse, Rene Caisse (Essiac is her name spelled backward) to successfully treat thousands of cancer patients starting in the 1920s. Claiming the formula was given to her by Canadian Ojibway Indians, she worked tirelessly with cancer patients for decades never charging them a penny. Her reputation grew along with her success much to the displeasure of the Canadian medical profession, and they had her arrested and jailed many times for "practicing medicine without a license". At her funeral in 1978 at age 90, hundreds of former cancer patients attended and paid their last respects to her for saving their lives. The Chinese government has tested Essiac on hundreds of cancer patients, and now lists it as an effective "medicine", as they term it, to cure cancer. The Chinese get their herbs from Canadian sources where the best tea is brewed, bottled and sold around the world. See www.AllensClub.com. Allen has studied Essiac Tea for many years, and sells a definitive book on the subject called "Essiac Essentials -- The Remarkable Herbal Cancer Fighter" by Sheila Snow and Mali Klein. Sheila Snow was a close friend of Rene Caisse. Cessiac, the version the Chinese favored spelled with a C, and Yuccalive, another potent herbal blend, are available to the U.S. and Canada from MPS International Marketing, Inc., located in British Columbia.

Far Infrared therapy

Similar to Coley's Toxins and the success of Dr. Josef Issels (see both above), Far Infrared Heat actually helps kill cancer cells, increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduces the side effects of toxic conventional treatments. In this approach, heat caused by Far Infrared energy artificially raises the temperature of the whole body or specific body part. Far infrared heat energy penetrates deeply—four to five centimeters into the skin, the body’s largest detoxifying organ. Its molecular vibrations “jiggle” the tissues and speed up metabolic exchanges between cells. At the same time, it boosts the body’s regenerative abilities and decreases pain by increasing circulation. Vancouver naturopathic physician Jim Chan, who has treated about 5,000 cancer patients, explains that far infrared therapy has the ability to "break up the protective rings around harmful molecules" in the body so they’re no longer cancer causing. It also weakens the bonds between toxins and human tissues; so stored toxins can be flushed out of the system faster and in greater quantities through the skin via sweating, the liver and the bowels.

Flavonoids

The following came from a March 30, 2000 CNN news report. Written by Miriam Falco:

(CNN) -- A recent study shows that flavonoids, biological compounds found in more than 4,000 fruits and vegetables, seem to inhibit the growth of human cancer cells in laboratory tests. The preliminary findings were presented by KGK Synergize Inc. Thursday at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco. The study was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and focused on the 22 flavonoids found naturally in orange and tangerine juice. Dr. Najla Guthrie, president of the research company, said the results are "very encouraging" that these compounds could be effective against lung cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma cells. The study also found that synthetically produced flavonoids effectively inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells. Previous research conducted by Guthrie indicated that components found in citrus juices were shown to reduce the growth of human breast cancer cells in laboratory tests.

Fucoidan

For years, scientists and researchers puzzled as to why the people in Okinawa, Japan rarely get any kind of cancer. Not only that, they have the world's highest percentage of people over 100. Finally a long chain carbohydrate, called fucoidan, was discovered in a seaweed delicacy Okinawans love called Kombu. It appears to have an amazing array of health producing properties, including the fact that it is lethal to most types of cancer cells. Fucoidan is sometimes referred to as U-fucoidan. Today there are more than 600 scientific studies in the US National Library of Medicine's database regarding the medical use of this amazing substance.

GEIPE therapy

First reported in 1959 in Science magazine, Geipe is a gentle form of DC electrotherapy (commonly 2.4 milliamperes at less than 3 volts) administered for only a few days. Current experimental evidence suggests that this new therapy is best suited for treating solid cancers (tumors) such as bladder, bone, brain, breast, cervical, colon, esophageal, kidney, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, rectal, skin, stomach, testicular, throat and uterine. Geipe therapy deactivates the ribonucleotide reductase enzyme cancer cells use for their uncontrolled growth. In a perfect world, this is the ideal form of cancer therapy as it is simple to administer, virtually free and fast acting. As such this phenomena works against it - there is little profit anyone could make. So it remains ignored today by the conventional medical establishment.

Gerson's Diet

A rigorous but effective nutritional approach to fighting disease. Max Gerson (1881-1958) became a doctor in Germany in 1907. He developed his diet and detoxification treatments for cancers in a round-about way. He initially began experimenting with diet to treat his own recurrent migraine headaches, and it worked. Gerson began to treat other patients with skin tuberculosis and other chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, chronic sinusitis, ulcers, colitis, high blood pressure, and psoriasis. In 1928, a woman with cancer came to Gerson and asked him to treat her. Up to this time, Gerson had not treated any cancer patients and knew little about cancer. The woman insisted and Gerson instructed her on his diet regime. Her cancer responded well. Other cancer patients came to Gerson for treatments, some experiencing tumor reduction and/or cancer retardation until 1933 when Gerson was forced out of Germany by Hitler. Because he had observed that impaired liver function always predated the appearance of cancer, he believed that the key to recovery was to restore proper function of the liver. This was done through detoxification. Gerson also believed it important to restore a proper sodium/potassium balance as well as provide oxygen to the cells.

Germanium

A versatile, health-giving mineral that is found in high concentration in many medicinal plants. Germanium is a is an oxygen catalyst, antioxidant, electro­stimulant and immune enhancer. Researched heavily in both the United States and Europe, Germanium is capable of strengthening the body's immune system, enriching its oxygen supplies and freeing it from toxic substances. Treatment of human cancer patients over almost two decades has occurred in parallel with the careful scientific studies in animals, establishing its anticancer action and resulting in a wealth of documentation from the human side, as well as laboratory data. Putting together the cancer research studies of the three organic Germanium compounds, Ge-132, Sanumgerman and Spirogermanium, at the cellular level, the evidence for organic Germanium's anticancer properties is solid and reproducible. And, happily, it is inexpensive.

Graviola (See also N-Tense)

Nearly 25 years ago it was discovered that the leaf of the Peruvian Graviola tree contained natural compounds having exceptional cytotoxic activity. In other words, they had a very strong ability to prevent abnormal cellular division. In the early 1990s, extensive independent research--including research by one of today's leading drug companies and by the National Cancer Institute--confirms that the tree's chemical extracts attack and destroy cancer cells with lethal precision. Although not yet tested in wide scale human trials, Graviola has been studied in more than 20 laboratory tests since the 1970s, where it's been shown to effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 different types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Further it is shown to be 10,000 times stronger in killing colon cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. It exhibits the ability to selectively hunt down and kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells, much unlike chemotherapy. Today it is commonly available on the Internet in pill or liquid form.

Green Tea

Exciting research studies have been published on green tea and its anti-cancer qualities. A recent study from Japan demonstrates that green tea goes way beyond it's role as a well-known antioxidant. If the study is confirmed, it will propel the ancient beverage squarely into the middle of 21st century science. One of the factors that sets cancer cells apart from normal cells is that they have telomerase, an enzyme that maintains telomeres on the ends of DNA. Most normal cells do not have telomerase to maintain their telomeres. Every time a normal cell divides, telomeres are lost. When all the telomeres are gone, the cell dies. Cancer cells' ability to maintain their telomeres may be the secret to their immortality. Consequently, inhibiting telomerase and causing cancer cells' telomeres to shorten has become a focus of cancer therapy. The first natural telomerase inhibitor has been discovered: green tea. Japanese researchers have been able to show that green tea extract (ECGC) inhibits telomerase of cancer cells in two different types of cancers in the test tube: leukemia and the solid tumor type. Within a month of treatment, some of the cancer cells began dying. Within three months, most were dead. The experiment has been repeated several times with the same result. Curiously, the telomeres of normal cells will remain unaffected. Extracts of green tea in pill form are now available.

Haelan 951®

Haelan 951 is a promising and popular nutritional-based anti-cancer agent made from fermented liquid soy bean extract. Its array of benefits include blocking cancer-cell blood supplies, enzymatic activity, tumor reduction, and boosting of the immune system. It has also been found to help relieve the side-effects of toxic conventional therapies. Writing in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles say animal tests have shown that genistein, found in soy-based products such as this, stops cells from making stress proteins produced by cancer cells. Those proteins help cancer cells survive attacks by the body's immune system and anti-cancer therapies, researchers say.

HANSI therapy

HANSI is a general term Argentinean botanist Juan Hirschmann gave to his family of homeopathic based treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, AIDS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, arthritis, asthma, and hepatitis. Early experiments in the 1970's led to successful treatments for animal cancers. In July of 1990, he opened his first clinic in Buenos Aires and began treating human cancer patients with HANSI. Hirschmann and his team of physicians have now treated nearly 100,000 Argentineans in three Buenos Aires clinics, and they state that HANSI has produced positive results with every kind of cancer treated. Although the medical evidence from Argentina is largely derived from retrospective chart reviews and testimonials, it is massive, more than enough to justify serious consideration. HANSI International, Ltd., is a Bahamian company with production and worldwide distribution rights to all of Juan Hirschmann's homeopathics. It maintains its production facility in Freeport, Grand Bahamas, and imports its product under the FDA's personal use exemption rule. HANSI International, Ltd. has kept a relatively low profile while it completes requisite studies.

Hoxsey therapy

For over thirty years, Harry Hoxsey (1901-1974), a self-taught healer, cured many cancer patients using an herbal remedy reportedly handed down by his great-grandfather. By the 1950s, the Hoxsey Cancer Clinic in Dallas was the world's largest private cancer center, with branches in seventeen states. Born in Illinois, this practitioner of herbal folk medicine faced unrelenting opposition and harassment from a hostile medical establishment. Nevertheless, two federal courts upheld the therapeutic value of Hoxsey's internal tonic. Even his archenemies, the American Medical Association and the Food and Drug Administration, admitted that his treatment could cure some forms of cancer. A Dallas judge ruled in federal court that Hoxsey's therapy was "comparable to surgery, radium, and x-ray" in its effectiveness, without the destructive side effects of those treatments. But in the 1950s, at the tail end of the McCarthy era, Hoxsey's clinics were shut down. The AMA, NCI, and FDA organized to suppress Hoxsey's methods according to a 1953 federal report to Congress and Hoxsey's Dallas clinic had to close its doors in 1960. Three years later, at Hoxsey's request, Mildred Nelson, R.N., his long-time chief nurse, moved the operation to Tijuana, Mexico.

Hulda Clark's therapies

For decades, Hulda Clark has been a highly controversial healer. Although many people worldwide worship her as visionary inventor, therapist and humanitarian, just as many attack her as a quack. Parasite removal in the body is a cornerstone of her approach to almost all diseases. Patient screening for various disease conditions utilizes a frequency testing device she invented called a Syncrometer. This short write-up briefly mentioning her long history of medical research and patient treatment cannot possibly due her justice or decide her value in health and healing. Her principle book about cancer, which has sold many thousands of copies, is called "The Cure for All Cancers".

Hydrazine Sulphate

This is a common industrial chemical that was first proposed in the treatment of cancer in the 1970s by Joseph Gold, M.D., of the Syracuse Cancer Research Institute. Its use is based on the fact that a cancer cell is known to derive it's energy from fermenting sugar instead of by burning oxygen, as donormal cells. Gold reasoned that hydrazine sulfate would inhibit the liver's ability to deliver sugar to the tumor and, in that way, inhibit tumor growth. The advocates of hydrazine sulfate claim that it is also useful in combating cachexia, the extreme loss of weight that often is associated with the terminal stages of cancer. More info is at Syracuse Cancer Research Institute's website at http://scri.ngen.com/

Hypothermia therapy

A type of treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells, or in the case of conventional therapy, to make cancer cells more sensitive to the effects of radiation and certain anticancer drugs. Local hyperthermia treatment (heat applied to a very small area, such as a tumor) is a well-established cancer treatment method with a simple basic principle: If a rise in temperature to 106ºF can be obtained for one hour within a cancer tumor, the cancer cells will be destroyed. The area may be heated externally with high-frequency waves aimed at a tumor from a device outside the body. Ultrasound is more easily focused than other energy modalities, and can be applied to tumors located from the skin to 8 centimeters (approx. 3 in.) within the body. This allows the treatment of tumors unreachable by other external modalities. Whole-body heating is used to treat metastatic cancer that has spread throughout the body. It can be accomplished using warm-water blankets, hot wax, inductive coils (like those in electric blankets), or thermal chambers (similar to large incubators).

Immuno Therapies

This is generalized term which refers to the many ways and means there are today to boost the immune system. In other words, treatments to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. Immunotherapy is also used to lessen certain side effects that may be caused by cancer treatment. Also called biological therapy, biotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy. In general, the immune system declines with age and is the principle disease fighting mechanism of the body. Most chemotherapeutic drugs will seriously damage the strength of the immune system.

Immunocal®

IMMUNOCAL is manufactured and distributed by Immunotec Research Ltd., located in Canada. It is a patented 100% natural nutritional supplement, available without prescription. It is proven safe without any known negative side effects or toxicity. In experimental research and clinical trials, IMMUNOCAL has demonstrated positive results in the treatment of major diseases including AIDS, Cancer and Hepatitis, and against high-grade bacterial infections. Immunotec has been granted patents in Australia, USA and Canada. IMMUNOCAL also provides a powerful agent which delays the aging process attributed to free radical damage. Controlled studies in laboratory animals fed with IMMUNOCAL demonstrated an increase in life span of 30%-60% attributed mainly to increased resistance to disease.
IMMUNOCAL is the result of 18 years of research at McGill University. Clinical trials in North America and Japan are being conducted.

Indole 3 Carbinol (See also Di-indole methane)

I3C, as it is frequently called, has been tested and documented in humans and results are highly promising. Indole-3-carbinol reduced or halted the formation of precancerous lesions (papillomas) in 12 out of 18 people with recurrent respiratory tract papillomas. In addition, in a small double-blind trial, supplementation with 200 or 400 mg of indole-3-carbinol per day for 12 weeks reversed early-stage cervical cancer in 8 of 17 women. Preliminary studies have also shown indole-3-carbinol has significantly increased the conversion of estrogen from cancer-producing forms to nontoxic breakdown products. Indole-3-carbinol is found in highest concentrations in broccoli, but is also found in other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. This treatment would be indicated for those with hormonal related cancers. Note: Di-indole methane is considered a stronger metabolite of I3C.

IPT (Insulin Potentiated Therapy)

Special Note Here: Although this website is about alternative cancer therapies, not conventional, there is one little-known method of administering conventional chemotherapies that dramatically reduces their toxic dangers while increasing effectiveness. Yet it remains ignored within the conventional medical system ... except in Europe.

 PT is a non-diabetic use of the hormone insulin. Cancer treatment with IPT is far safer, more effective, and less expensive with virtually no side effects. Research has shown that most cancer cells have as many as 10-15 times more insulin receptors on their surface than normal healthy cells. With insulin present, these receptors open cell wall channels which allow nutrients to enter the cell. As cancer cells have far more of these receptors than normal cells, they can strongly compete with normal cells for many nutrients. When insulin is administered to a patient prior to chemotherapy, it opens the receptor channels of both the cancer cell as well as the normal cells. As a cancer cell can absorb over ten times the amount as a normal cell, only a small dose of chemotherapy need be used - usually 10% of the typical amount. The normal cell will be relatively unaffected by this small dose of the chemotherapeutic drugs. Not so with cancer cells - they are destroyed.

 IP6®

IP6 is a unique nutritional supplement containing the B complex vitamin inositol phosphate which is further bonded with inositol. IP6 with inositol is found naturally within every body cell, and according to AbulKalam M. Shamsuddin, MD, PhD., in his book " IP6 Nature's Revolutionary Cancer-fighter", the health effects of this combination are greater than that of each form alone. IP6 is also an effective antioxidant. It acts to neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals on body cells and has been shown to enhance immunity by boosting the activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Immune system cells (also called lymphocytes) are the body's first line of defense against a variety of diseases, viruses and other infecting organisms. IP6 has undergone extensive animal testing and human studies. No side effects have been found, either when IP6 is used on its own, or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Indeed, Dr. Shamsuddin states that IP-6 and Inositol can actually potentiate these treatments. According to the University of Maryland School of Medicine, IP6 holds great promise in the prevention and treatment of cancer. It enhances the anticancer effect of conventional chemotherapy, controls cancer metastases, and improves quality of life. There are no known drug-nutrient interactions. Dr. Shamsuddin states that he has proven by traditional scientific procedures that IP-6 prevents cancer and is highly effective as a therapy against all forms of human cancer.

Iscador^® (Mistletoe)

Iscador is registered brand name of a product containing an extract of the Mistletoe plant which grows naturally on the barks of various trees. First marketed in 1917 in Switzerland, and today in many parts of Europe, Iscador was brought to the public's attention in the USA by actress Susan Sommers. The manufacturer/distributor term Iscador a complementary medicine rather than an alternative medicine. It is prescribed in Europe by medical doctors including oncologists. This is in addition to the conventional cancer therapies radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. Its actions are many sided and complex, however it is now recognized that one side of its activity comes from stimulating parts of the immune system that can slow the growth of cancer cells. Many patients also report an improved quality of life such as feeling better and more positive, and also needing less pain relief. For these reasons, Iscador is often included with conventional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Iscador is available by prescription only under the brand name ISCAR in the USA

Issels Treatment

A 50 year old therapeutic system originating in Europe developed by Dr. Josef Issels. Therapy includes: detoxification, nutritional support, supplementation of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, chelation therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, counseling, oxygen/ozone therapy, vaccines, light therapy, and heat therapy. In short, a truly integrated approach to treating cancer. His approaches are not necessarily meant to replace conventional care, but can be used with it. With the Issels Treatment, so-called "incurable" cancer patients have led full cancer free lives, some for up to 45 years, and as follow-up to conventional treatment, the cure rate is as high as 87%. Known for his incredible successes in treating co-called incurable cases, Dr. Issels says this about heat therapy: “Artificially induced fever has the greatest potential in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer.”

 Kelley's Metabolic therapy

The Kelley Metabolic diet. Special mention is required here regarding Dr. Donald Kelley DDS, an under-appreciated dentist, scientist, researcher and humanitarian.

In the 1970s he pioneered a breakthrough diet system based on body types. His system, modified to include certain pancreatic enzymes, has proven amazingly successful against cancer. As his reputation spread, thousands of cancer sufferers sought him out. Despite his proven success, he endured endless harassment by a host of government agencies claiming he was practicing medicine without a license and guilty of "other charges". He was a dentist - not an MD they claimed. No matter his methods of curing cancer had an astonishing success rate of over 90% within 6 months for those that follow his program exactly. Meticulous records kept over the years back up that statistic. This wonderful man is still with us, but now retired. His breakthrough work is being continued by Dr. Nicolas Gonzalez in New York, complete with funding now from the U.S. government so that he may officially "research and develop" a system identical to Dr. Kelley's. Such is the politics of cancer in the USA. May God bless Dr. Kelley. It is indeed hoped he will live to get the long-overdue credit this pioneering genius and humanitarian deserves. You can read his book "One Answer to Cancer" online at no charge. See www.drkelley.com/CANLIVER55.html.

Laetrile (See also Apricot Pits)

There is no more controversial alternative cancer treatment than Laetrile.

This long standing, effective therapy still remains discredited and banned by the American government after 50+ years of continuous use in 17 other countries around the world. Laetrile, also called Amygdalin or vitamin B17, is a powerful cancer fighter when used in conjunction with other appropriate treatments. The book "Alive and Well", by Philip E. Binzel Jr. MD documents his many success stories using Laetrile. Injectable forms and pill forms are available today, but many people simply choose to eat apricot seeds - a rich natural source of Amygdalin the key ingredient. Some believe the seeds, which are contained within the pits, are superior to extracts as they contain other naturally occurring factors. Note: An Internet search will produce for various recommendations for eating apricot pits. The frequent recommendation is one pit for each 10 pounds of body weight taken throughout the day. A slow but steady build up to that amount is usually also recommended, along with cautions about taking too much too fast.

Lactoferrin

In healthy individuals Lactoferrin is a front-line defensive system that protects our body openings, such as eyes, mouth, nose and other orifices from infectious invasion. Lactoferrin has a unique ability to bind to iron, an essential mineral that a wide array of pathogens and tumors use for their reproduction and growth - especially cancer. Presented with an infectious challenge or tumor, a healthy body will respond by producing lactoferrin in copious quantities in the vicinity of the infection or tumor. Lactoferrin then binds with iron and renders it unavailable to the bacteria or the tumor, effectively starving the bacteria or the tumor. Individuals with cancer are almost uniformly immuno-suppressed and unfortunately, conventional cancer therapy doesn't tend to pay much attention to improving immune function. In fact, most conventional cancer therapies damage or suppress the immune system, the principal cancer fighting mechanism of the body. There are a many immune system boosting and restorative products available today that combine Lactoferrin with other proven ingredients.

Lymphotonic PF2

A little-known cancer treatment option, researched in Russia and the USA, with an unusual mechanism for destroying cancer cells. According to Russian-translated www.goodbyecancer.com [translation grammar corrected], "Cancer puts your immune system to sleep. Once asleep; it will start pirating on weaker cells. Proliferation and colonization of rebel cells begins, creating ever-increasing tumor colonies. As in a false alarm, Lymphotonic PF2 will pretend to "poison" your system with a herbal non-toxic drink. Your immune response will be immediate and alert to any such invasive attack. It will unleash its defense troops: the K-killer cells, T-cells, Leucocytes and Macrophage and others to repulse the invasion. Not finding any "poison" to fight, and since Lymphotonic PF2 is herbal and non-toxic, it will attack and destroy the malignant cancer cells. The above website contains a long list of cancers suitable for this type of therapy, as well as many patient testimonials and research studies.

MGN3

This supplement has been developed by Dr Mamdooh Ghoneum, an Egyptian immunologist at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles. This natural immune enhancer, marketed in the USA by Lane Labs, Inc., has increased the lifespan of terminally ill cancer patients by more than 60% according to a recent study. Over 200 patients with a variety of terminal cancers were evaluated for 18 months. Patients given MGN3 plus conventional therapies recorded a 59% survival rate, while those on conventional therapies alone recorded a 33.9% survival rate. (The study, conducted by Dr. Kihachiro Takahara, MD at Japan's respected Sano Surgical Clinic, was presented at the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Complementary & Alternative Medicine. The official abstract is available at www.lifeextensionmgn3.com.) MGN3 is made from the outer shell of rice bran which has been enzymatically treated with extracts from three different medicinal mushrooms: Shiitake, Kawaratake and Suehirotake. In Japan, these mushroom extracts in one form or another have become the leading prescription treatments for cancer. MGN3 can also be used to lessen the toxic side effects of conventional cancer treatment.

Modified Citrus Pectin

Dozens of published studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this little-known naturally occurring compound taken from the pulp of citrus fruits - especially grapefruit. Note that this is not the same pectin commonly available for use in cooking. MCP is thought to be useful in the prevention and treatment of metastatic (spreading) cancer, not as a curative therapy that destroys established cells/tumors. A key mechanism of it's action is to suppresses angiogenesis, the blood vessels that each cancer cell grows to obtain a steady input of blood (Note: see cancer cell photograph at the beginning of this document.) Without nourishment, cells stop metasticizing and die. MCP molecules bind to receptors on cancerous cells as well, thereby preventing these cells from penetrating into nearby healthy tissue. Once this has occurred, the cancer cells circulate in the blood stream until they die or are eliminated. By working to inhibit the spread of cancer, MCP keeps the body’s immune system from becoming overwhelmed by an increasing cancer cell load.

Mycosoft Gold®

Another excellent immune system enhancer based on a complex of medicinal mushrooms. Newly reformulated with thirteen species of polypore mushrooms (Ice Man Polypore, Agarikon, Artist Conk, Reishi, Oregon Polypore, Maitake, Chaga, Shiitake, Mesima, Birch Polypore, Zhu Ling, Suehirotake, and Yun Zhi), MycoSoft Gold is specifically designed to potentiate the immune system with a complex assortment of polysaccharides - precursor nutrients needed by the immune system. Recommended as an adjuvant to conventional therapies, any individual needing to boost their immune system may well benefit from MycoSoftGold. This product has been endorsed by Dr. Andrew Weil, the popular MD, author, TV personality and director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona's Health Sciences Center in Tucson. There he trains a new generation of MDs on how to use proven natural and alternative treatments.

N-Tense® (See also Graviola)

N-Tense is a potent cancer fighter which combines some of the South American rainforest's most powerful healing plants into one synergistic formula. This proprietary formula contains 50% Graviola combined with 7 other plants that have similar properties and actions as Graviola. Most people find this synergistic action to provide better results than Graviola alone. All of these plants been independently studied around the world for decades and have documented pharmacological actions. For more information about www.Rain-Tree.com's N-Tense formula, including contraindications, suggested dosages, etc. see www.rain-tree.com/n-tense.htm.

Naessen's 714X

714-X is a substance containing camphor, nitrogen, ammonium salts, sodium chloride, and ethanol, and was developed in Canada by French-born scientist Gaston Naessens. Early in his career, Naessens developed the somatoscope, a special microscope capable of examining the blood at extremely high magnifications. Using the somatoscope, he claimed to have discovered tiny living organisms called somatids in the blood of people with serious diseases, including cancer. He believed that these somatids were responsible for the development of disease, and he set out to find a way to eliminate or disable them. Proponents claim that 714-X is capable of curing cancer and AIDS by interfering with the flow of somatids through the bloodstream. It is further claimed that cancer cells produce a substance called co-cancerogenic K factor (CKF), which protects them from the immune system. 714-X supposedly strips CKF by supplying the body with nitrogen and leaves tumor cells vulnerable to attack by the immune system. Although used as an alternative method in Canada, Western Europe, and Mexico to treat cancer, AIDS, and other diseases for decades, it is not allowed to be used in the United States.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Researchers are studying the effects omega-3 fatty acids have on delaying or reducing tumor development in breast and prostate cancer. Since bodies cannot make omega-3 fatty acids, we must get them from food or supplements. The omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Sources and recommended servings of foods naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids include seafood, especially cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, halibut, stripped bass, tuna, and lake trout. Also, flaxseed oil and beans such as kidney, great northern, navy, and soybeans. If taking pharmaceutical drugs, consult with you health care practitioner about using these highly essential nutrients.

Oncolyn®

Less than a decade old, Oncolyn is an extract of edible plants containing 10+ ingredients combined with powerful antioxidants which have had documented success in treating cancer. This patented formula was created primarily by internationally known physician, Dr. Arthur D'Jang M.D. Ph.D. M.Ph. working in coordination with a team of physicians and scientists from various countries. Excessive free radicals cause cell injury and DNA damage, both of which are associated with the development of disease. Oncolyn targets free radicals and is a proven immune system enhancing supplement. Both approaches help regulating the body's physiology, enabling it to repair, regenerate and restore normal cell functions.

Oncotox®

In use for 25+ years, Oncotox is a liquid combination of five natural cancer inhibitors, all of which have extensive research studies documenting their effectiveness. Oncotox was developed by Dr. Donald Donsbach and it has been an essential part all these years of the holistic cancer therapy program at his Hospital Santa Monica in Mexico. The cancer inhibitors in Oncotox are Resveratrol, IP-6, Lactoferrin, Arginine and Curcumin.

  Oxygen therapies

Oxygen is frequently called a cancer cell's worst enemy, and a variety ways and means to increase the body's oxygen content have been developed over the decades worldwide. Many degenerative diseases of our time respond to oxygen therapy. The methods of delivering ozone/oxygen/peroxide into the body are too numerous to describe here. All use purified medical grade oxygen compounds of course. Examples are injection of oxygen bearing compounds, ear insufflation, rectal insufflation, autohematherapy, bagging/tenting, steam sauna, drinking ozonated water etc. Some eight thousand (8000) MDs and licensed health practitioners (including homeopathic physicians and naturopaths) in Germany use ozone in their practices, while some fifteen thousand European practitioners use ozone, either alone or as a complement to other therapies. Russian doctors have been utilizing ozone for the last 15 years. It is estimated that over 10 million ozone treatments have been given to over one million patients in Germany alone over the last forty years. The medical uses of ozone are well established in many of these countries. There are other approaches like Peroxide therapy, EWOT (Exercise With Oxygen therapy) and Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy. Despite all of this, the FDA still does not approve oxygen cancer therapy in the United States.

Pau-d-arco.com

This South American herb has been used for many illnesses for centuries and is a favorite in all health food stores. It is developing a reputation as an effective cancer fighter when taken daily as a tea over three months time. The taste is acceptable. It must be brewed correctly and a maintenance dose be consumed daily once the situation is under control. See www.pau-d-arco.com.

pH Balancing

The term pH refers to concentration of the Hydrogen proton. Or, some will claim percentage of Hydrogen. There are other definitions including acid/alkaline balance. In general chemistry, acidic compounds tend to expel oxygen, while alkaline or base compounds (opposite of acid) absorb oxygen. A glass of vinegar and water will not absorb oxygen from the air, while a glass of baking soda in water tends to do that. So, pH puts a number on the degree of acidity. Many are convinced our modern diet, rich in acid-forming processed foods, especially refined sugar (one of the worst things a cancer patient can eat), is one reason cancer rates have exploded in the last 100 years. Excessive acid conditions drive oxygen from the body. Many therapeutic diets are designed to counteract excess acidity. As a rule, all conventional foods are acid forming except vegetables and almost all fruits. Even whole grain breads, basic grains and cereals are acid forming. Alternative clinics and hospitals will use acid-neutralizing minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium to help correct acid/alkaline imbalances in the body. Excessive stress and highly negative emotions can even cause acid conditions.

Poly-MVA

Research conducted by the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at State University of New York reports that Poly-MVA clearly demonstrates a remarkable ability to kill tumor cells without toxic side effects. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant and nutritional supplement, it has also show to protect cell DNA and RNA. Further, it helps the body produce energy and supports the liver in removing harmful substances from the blood stream. While long term qualitative studies on it's effect in human nutrition and health have not yet been completed, early studies and anecdotal information show a wide range of benefits. What makes Poly-MVA unique is the proprietary manufacturing process by which lipoic acid is bonded to Palladium (LAPd). Poly-MVA is an exceptional product but still somewhat expensive.

Proteolytic enzymes

Proteolytic enzymes (or proteases) refer to the various enzymes that digest protein. Proteolytic enzymes have a long history of use in cancer treatment. In 1906, John Beard, a Scottish embryologist, reported on the successful treatment of cancer using a pancreatic extract in his book "The Enzyme Treatment of Cancer and its Scientific Basis". Proteolytic enzymes have been promoted by numerous alternative cancer practitioners for many years. They are currently under study by Nicholas Gonzalez, M.D. of New York, who is evaluating the benefit of proteolytic enzymes in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer in a large-scale study funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute. This larger trial is a follow-up to a smaller study that showed dramatic improvements in these patients. These enzymes include the pancreatic proteases chymotrypsin and trypsin, bromelain (pineapple enzyme), papain (papaya enzyme), fungal proteases, and Serrapeptase . Note: see also Kelley's Metabolic therapy above.

Protomorphogens

In his newsletter, Dr Bruce West (MD), describes Protomorphogens as the tiniest specks of life our bodies make specifically to grow each kind of tissue or organ. Later in life, they remain vitally necessary for the control factors involved in fighting disease. In theory, when an organ develops cancer, the PMG blueprint of it gets changed. Uncontrolled cell division starts to take place. Today there are over 75 patented PMGs for specific disease conditions created by Standard Process labs in Wisconsin, USA. In early studies, it has been shown that taking PMGs orally for a specific cancer initiated a healing of that organ. For lung cancer, there is Pneumotrophin, for liver cancer there is Hepatrophin, etc. The only place PMGs are available is from a distributor of Standard Process Lab' products. Dr Royal Lee, the lab's founder sells only to Health Care Professionals.

Psychotherapy

Research has shown that some form of psychotherapy may improve a patient's quality of life. It can help reduce anxiety and depression frequently occurring in people with cancer. Psychotherapy has not, however, been demonstrated to increase survival in people with cancer by itself. Psychotherapists believe that it can help people find the inner strength they need to improve their coping skills, allowing them to more fully enjoy their lives. It can also be useful in overcoming depression and anxiety, which are common in people with cancer. People may seek individual therapists, or those who work with couples and/or entire families in order to deal with the impact of the cancer and its diagnosis. Psychotherapy also may be practiced with groups, in which a number of people meet together to discuss common experiences and issues and to learn specific coping techniques. Unlike self-help groups, psychotherapy groups are offered and managed by a professional therapist.

Radiosensitization

This is a safe, new, effective alternative to conventional radiation treatment. Generally used only once a week, a radio isotope IV solution is administered followed by a simple x-ray. This 1, 2 punch causes cancer cells to die off, and many research centers in the United States are now using this approach. PET scans and MRI's in between treatments are used to track progress of the therapy. The low dose x-ray can be localized to the patient's particular cancerous area. Virtually no side effects are reported. Just like a CT scan, radioisotopes leave the body within half a day. Contact www.natural-oncology.org for more info. For what it is worth, this new therapy was featured on the network television news program 20/20.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a member of the bioflavonoid family of fruits and vegetables and has the property of inhibiting certain enzymes cancer cells use to achieve abnormal duplication and growth. In a recent issue, Science Magazine devoted an entire article to the effectiveness of Resveratrol in the treatment of cancer entitled "The Cancer Chemopreventive Activity of Resveratrol."

Rife Technology

An amazing story here. Royal Raymond Rife (1888 - 1971) was a brilliant scientist who developed technologies which are still in use today in the fields of optics, electronics, radiochemistry, biochemistry, ballistics and aviation. During the 66 years that Rife spent designing and building medical instruments, he worked for Zeiss Optics, the U.S. Government, and several private benefactors. Using a remarkable new microscope he designed and built, Rife identified what he termed Cryptocides primordiales - a extremely small virus which he was able to culture (grow). He identified it a the basic cause of all cancers and created 400 tumors in succession in laboratory animals from this same culture. Everything was documented with film, photographs and meticulous records. Next he was able to use a certain frequency of energy produced by a machine he developed that could destroyed these cancer causing viruses in the body without harming any normal cells. All of this was in the 1930s. Rife's work was vigorously discredited by the conventional medical establishment, and it remains so to this day. Many scientists and doctors have since confirmed Rife's discovery of the cancer virus and its pleomorphic nature, using darkfield techniques, the Naessens microscope, and laboratory experiments. There are now thousands of websites devoted this little-known genius and humanitarian, and his amazing contributions to the welfare of us all. Thank God for the Internet.

Selenium

Men and women taking selenium supplements for 10 years had 41 percent less total cancer than those taking a placebo, a new study by Cornell University and the University of Arizona shows. "Although more than a hundred of animal and dozens of epidemiological studies have linked high selenium status [in comparison to] cancer risk, this is the first double-blind, placebo-controlled cancer prevention study with humans that directly supports the thesis that a nutritional supplement of selenium, as a single agent, can reduce the risk of cancer," said Gerald F. Combs Jr., a nutritional biochemist and Cornell professor of nutritional sciences. Prostate, esophageal, colorectal and lung cancer rates were among the most dramatic: patients in the selenium group had 71 percent, 67 percent, 62 and 46 percent reductions in cancer rates, respectively, than the placebo group.

Shark Cartilage (See Bovine Cartilage above.)

Skin Cancers

There are two little known products that certainly deserve mention here. Curaderm BEC5 and PDQ. Curaderm is indicated for the treatment of cutaneous solar keratosis, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Since the introdcution iof P.D.Q. Herbal Skin Cream in late 2004, more than 15,000 people have seen excellent success with dangerous skin lesions. Website" www.pdqherbals.com. Curaderm, surprisingly, is available on Amazon.com. www.swansonvitamins.com has it as well.

Stabilized Aloe Vera

In laboratory studies, aloe vera gel inhibited angiogenesis - the production of new blood vessels to feed tumors. Studies in test tubes and animals suggest that active substances in aloe leaf extracts (which contain both aloe gel and aloe latex) may have immunostimulant and anti-cancer effects. Aloe improves wound healing and inhibits inflammation. This information has inspired the production of one commercial substance for people with cancer which combines aloe leaf, honey, and gin. However, studies of the use of this substance in people are lacking and, therefore, the safety and effectiveness of this product is not known. Thousands of websites and hundreds of commercial products may claim all kinds of things regarding the benefits of aloe, but common sense should prevail. One fact cannot be denied though, humanity has used aloe for health concerns of many types for thousands of years.

Tian Xian

A promising new cancer therapy from China, Tian Xian (pronounced "Dianne Sean") is a cocktail of 15 plant extracts, including ginseng and liquorice. It was invented by a young Chinese Professor named Wang Zhen Guo, described as having won many awards in China. The active herbal ingredients aims to control, inhibit and destroy cancer cells. It's function is complementary to that of western therapies. Testimonials of cancer survivors are from USA, Japan, Hong Kong, India, China, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Malaysia. Some can be found in this site, www.cancer-central.com. More than 20 books have been published detailing the development and effects of Tian Xian Liquid. The publications, beside English, are available in Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Indonesian. Tian Xian is available on the Internet, but still very expensive.

Transfer Factor Plus

A powerful immune system building complex sold through multi-level marketing. The Transfer Factor Plus advanced formula combines Transfer Factor E-XF™ with a proprietary formulation of innate and adaptive immune system enhancers such as Inositol Hexaphosphate, Cordyceps, Beta Glucans, Maitake and Shiitake Mushrooms. Clinical studies show that Transfer Factor Plus Advanced Formula can increase Natural Killer cell activity up to 437 percent above baseline. Natural Killer cells, or NK cells, are important immune cells that provide a crucial first defense against infectious agents and diseased cells - especially cancerous cells. Many studies have been conducted and published over the years on the effectiveness of this product.

Turmeric (See Curcumin)

Ukrain®

Ukrain® has been tested against 60 different human cancer cell lines at the National Cancer Institute in test tube experiments. In practically all cell lines a 100 percent growth inhibition was found. One possible mechanism is thought to be Ukrain® increasing the oxygen consumption of both normal and malignant cells. But while oxygen consumption normalizes in healthy cells within 15 minutes, it overwhelms cancer cells, effectively killing them. Ukrain® has also been shown to decrease DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in malignant cells. Although highly toxic to cancer cells, it shows little or no toxicity to non-cancerous cells in the test-tube. In mice, Ukrain® is also a powerful biological response modifier (BRM), or stimulator of the immune system. Most scientists believe that cancer is accompanied by some degree of breakdown of the immune system and can be influence by improving that system. Unfortunately, therapy utilizing Ukrain® is still very expensive.

Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UVBI)

UVBI is an inexpensive treatment involving a simple three-step process. A small amount of the patient’s blood is first withdrawn. Then it is exposed to a stream of ultraviolet light (UV). Finally, the blood is slowly returned to the bloodstream. The irradiated blood circulates throughout the body destroying bacteria, inactivating toxins and viruses, and enhancing the immune system. The reason for this phenomena is not clearly understood. UVBI can be used as part of a treatment plan for colds/influenza, acute and chronic sinusitis and bronchitis, cancer, emphysema, HIV, chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, tendonitis, and even heart disease. Another application of this blood withdrawing/returning procedure is called Autohemotherapy used successfully, mostly throughout Europe, for over 50 years. Blood is withdrawn from the arm, infused with Ozone, and then returned to the body. Autohemotherapy may help regulate the immune system and decrease inflammation. It too is effective against a variety of conditions.

Virginia Livingston therapy

Developed by Virginia Livingston-Wheeler, a U.S. medical doctor, this complex vaccine and nutrition-based cancer therapy assumes that cancer is caused by Progenitor cryptocides, a bacterium said to become active only when the body's immune system is weakened or stressed. Livingston-Wheeler discovered Progenitor cryptocides during the 1940s. In the following decade, she developed her theory that cancer is caused by this bacterium and then developed a vaccine against it. In 1969, she founded what is now the Livingston Foundation Medical Center in San Diego. In the years since then, this center claims to have treated more than 10,000 patients. Livingston-Wheeler died in 1990, but her clinic continues to offer the Livingston protocol to about 500 patients a year.

VG-1000

A specialized vaccine developed by Dr. Valentin I. Govallo, MD, PhD, which undermines a cancer cells defense mechanisms. This vaccine is most beneficial in treating carcinomas and melanomas, and it is also indicated for some sarcomas (cancers of muscle, bone, and connective tissue) and in leukemia. Those patients recently subjected to chemotherapy or radiation respond more slowly to VG-1000 as they have a depressed immune system. However, patients who have had neither radiation nor chemotherapy respond quite favorably. Thus VG-1000 is clearly indicated as a first-line treatment for persons with recently diagnosed cancers. Additionally, it helps prevent recurrence. This treatment is now available at two specialized facilities in North America, The Immuno-Augmentative Clinic in Freeport, Grand Bahamas, and also CHIPSA's - Center for Integrative Medicine in Baja California, Mexico.

Vitamin C (high dose)

Vitamin C - one of your body's all-time best friends. Due to a strange twist of fate in evolution, human beings along with a tiny handful of other mammals cannot make their own Vitamin C. All other mammals on earth can make it in any amount they require. We need to get our essential Vitamin C any way we can as it's uses within the body seem endless. Insofar as a cancer therapy, the following website lists 60 references to published studies showing it's importance : www.doctoryourself.com/biblio_cameron.html. The Nat. Institutes of Health is now actively sponsoring studies on intravenous High Dose Vitamin C therapy which has already shown to be successful in the natural health care community.

Vitamin D

Getting enough sun? Dr. Joseph Mercola, the man behind the world's most popular natural health website puts it very well:

"If you are facing cancer, I strongly recommend you seek the help of a knowledgeable natural health care practitioner experienced in cancer care who can help you use nutrition, emotional healing, and other alternative treatments to help you get well.

This should include a reliable screening of your vitamin D levels. Calcitriol, the most potent steroid hormone in your body, is produced in large amounts in your tissues when you have sufficient amounts of vitamin D. However, most cancer patients are vitamin D deficient. Calcitrol -- the activated form of vitamin D -- has been shown to protect against cancer by inducing cell differentiation and controlling cell proliferation. Optimized vitamin D levels will work synergistically with virtually every other cancer treatment. There are over 830 peer-reviewed scientific studies showing its effectiveness in the treatment of cancer! You'll want to elevate your levels of vitamin D to about 80-90 ng/ml, and continue to have them monitored throughout your treatment.

VIBE Machine

Healthy cells, according to Nobel prize winner Otto Warburg, have cell voltages of 70 to 90 millivolts. Due to the constant stresses of modern life and our toxic environment today, cell voltage tends to drop as we age or get sick. As the voltage drops, the cells are unable to maintain a healthy environment within themselves. If the electrical charge of a cell drops to 50mv, a person can become chronically fatigued and may get sick often. If cell voltage drops to 15mv, the cell becomes diseased. The Vibe Machine is a 4ft.x 2ft.x 2ft device that gives off frequencies of energy that restores our cells to healthy operational potential when used over time. A person simply sits in front of the device 2 to 10 minutes a day. Certain universities and federal government agencies are now conducting formal studies regarding it's unique ability to restore health. It has been effective for animals - even those with cancerous conditions, including large tumor formations.

Wigmore therapy (Anne Wigmore 1909-1993)

Wheatgrass juice and sprouts are the basis for the Anne Wigmore regimen, which she originally devised to cure her own cancer. For decades thereafter, she was successful in helping others using the same approach. The Wigmore diet focuses primarily on live foods. Wigmore felt that raw vegetables held more nutrition than when cooked and were without the chemical additives that processed foods hold. Her therapy is still practiced at the Hippocrates Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. It has also been adopted by a number of alternative health care practitioners as the basis for their treatment.