Appendix B: Alternative Cancer Treatments
THERE HAS BEEN PROGRESS made in the fight against cancer, but it is slow, and often the side effects of the major treatments, which include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, are as feared — or even more feared — than the disease itself.
So it shouldn’t be surprising that alternative and complimentary treatments are now a billion dollar industry. But although there are hundreds and hundreds of different types of treatments, there exists little means of evaluating them.
Even the definitions are confusing, as discussed in chapter 4. Once there were two choices; people either chose conventional cancer treatment, which basically as surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation, or there was the alternative medicine route. But now there is a third choice, complementary, which is lumped under the acronym of “CAM.” There is also a fourth variation, Integrative Medicine.
Integrative Cancer Treatment Programs
One of the hottest trends in healthcare today is the adding of “Integrative Medicine” programs to hospitals and cancer care treatment centers.
In one sense, this can be seen as smart marketing, and a way to capitalize on the $1 billion alternative medicine field. But on the other hand, this trend also benefits patients, who no longer have to go outside their cancer medical team to find these additional types of therapies, as discussed in chapter 4.
An example of this trend is the Integrative Cancer Program is the one offered at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
All of the complementary therapies offered have been selected because they have been demonstrated to have some scientific validity, said Ashwin Mehta, M.D., who directs the program.
Within the integrative Medicine program, newly diagnosed cancer patients are schooled in how to follow a low-glycemic diet, which is low in sugar, as well as recommended to eat foods to strengthen the immune system, like fruits and vegetables, and to steer clear of fatty foods that could aggravate the body’s inflammation response.
In addition, patients are screened for depression, sleep problems, and given an exercise prescription as well as recommendations on vitamins and supplements.
Also, patients (and their oncologist) have the added assurance the therapies provided won’t not run counter to their recommendations, by recommending herbs, for instance, that could work counter to chemotherapy.
Alternative Health Systems
Some doctors and practitioners have developed their own specific remedies on curing cancer, but most fall under the umbrella of the following alternative healthcare systems and can be a handy way of investigating them further.
Ayurveda Medicine — A system of medicine that originated in ancient India, which is based on the principle that health depends on a balance between body, mind and spirit. This system also holds that people are comprised of elements, which, in determine how their bodies work. These include ata dosha (space and air); Pitta dosha (fire and water) and Kapha dosha (water and earth), and that good health depends on keeping these elements in balance.
Native American Healing — Native American (NA) traditional healing is identified as a whole medical system that encompasses a range of holistic treatments used by indigenous healers for a multitude of acute and chronic conditions or to promote health and wellbeing. Includes the belief in a spiritual being as well as ceremonial beliefs; the importance of being in harmony and nature; and a focus on the importance of family and community.
Naturopathy — An alternative healthcare system that is based on a belief of innate energy forces of the body that can be marshaled by natural means such as herbs, air, water, and physical means such as tissue manipulation and electrotherapy. Doctors who practice naturopathy are known as naturopathic physicians and can be recognized by the abbreviation N.D or N.M.D.
Homeopathy — Homeopathy is based on the idea that “like cures like,” so medicines are comprised of substances that ordinarily could cause illness but are distilled into minute amounts that are believed to provide protection.
Holistic Medicine — Therapies intended to treat the person as a whole, rather than focus on the disease itself. Holistic medicine is intended to treat the mind, body and spirit. Treatments may include detoxification, such as colon cleansing; vitamins, body movement techniques such as tai chi
Traditional Chinese Medicine — A system of medical care that developed in China over thousands of years, which looks at the interaction between mind, body and environment, as a way of curing disease and maintaining health. Basic concepts include the Yin-yang theory, which is the concept of two opposing but complementary forces that shape the world and all life; Qi, the energy or vital life force flowing through the body; and the 5 elements (fire, earth, metal and wood), which correspond to particular organs and tissues in the body.
Diet-Based Alternative Cancer Treatments — These are treatments that hold that specific food or combinations of food can cure or treat cancer because of their particular properties. There are very many variations, but popular types include the following:
- • Alkaline diet — A restrictive diet based on the theory that eliminating foods like meat, wheat and sugar will change the body’s pH levels, putting it in an alkaline stat that will help eliminate cancer.
- • Macrobiotic diet — Eating only unrefined foods and grains, supplemented by small amounts of vegetables.
- • Superfoods — The idea that certain foods have the ability to cure or prevent cancer.
Electromagnetic and Energy Based Protocols
Electromagnetic therapy is form of alternative medicine that claims to treat disease by applying or pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) to the body. Examples include Polarity Therapy, which is based on the theory that a negative or positive charge in a person’s electromagnetic field affects their health; Magnetic therapy, which involves putting magnets on and around the body to cure disease; and Bioresonance therapy, in which electromagnetic waves are used to diagnose and treat illness.
What about Marijuana?
Marijuana has long been viewed as an alterative cancer treatment, but, although there is some clinical research that has found that cannabis (the scientific name for marijuana) may have cancer-fighting powers, it’s use for this purpose remains illegal in the U.S.
However, a growing number of states — 23 as of this writing, including the District of Columbia — have approved it for use as a treatment to lessen cancer treatment-related side effects, and there are two FDA-approved drugs, dronabinol and nabilone, that are commercially made for the purpose of helping cancer patients deal with the side effects of cancer treatment.
Clinical studies have found that medical marijuana can help relieve vomiting and nausea from chemotherapy treatment, as well as stimulate appetite, relieve pain and promote better sleep.
The National Conference of State Legislators maintains a current list of the states that approve medical marijuana. For more information, see www.ncsl.org.
The National Conference of State Legislatures provides a current list of states that allow the use of medical marijuana. See www.ncsl.org.
Alternative Experts and Treatment Centers
The number of experts, treatments and clinics that offer alternative and complementary is beyond the scope of this chapter, but here is a listing of some of the most prominent, including those who offer consultation services and other that maintain highly informative websites on alternative treatments.
For an extensive state-by-state listing alternative cancer doctors, see www.cancure.org
DAVID BROWNSTEIN, M.D.
David Brownstein, M.D. is a board-certified family physician, one of the foremost practitioners of holistic medicine, and the medical director of the Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield, Mich. He is also the author of several books, along with a monthly newsletter. Dr. Brownstein believes that nutritional deficiencies, especially those involving iodine, are a chief cause of adenocarinomas, which arise from the body’s glands, and are the most common form of cancer. They include breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer.
He also believes that iodine is one of the most important nutrients, a key part of the immune system and the body’s first defense against cancer, and that many people who have cancer are iodine-deficient.
RUSSELL BLAYLOCK
Russell Blaylock is a neurosurgeon who is the author of three books, including over 30 scientific papers on varies topics, and three books dealing with his views on natural health, Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients, in which he discusses the ways to defeat cancer, enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments and prevent complications associated with these treatments. He also writes Blaylock Wellness Report newsletter for Newsmax.com. He believes that conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can damage the immune system, as well as DNA, leaving patients at risk for a second cancer. On the other hand, nonconventional treatments, especially those that deal with diet and nutrition, can fight off and prevent cancer. www.russelblaylockmd.com
DR. JOHANNA BUDWIG
Dr. Johanna Budwig of was a German biochemist, pharmacist and author who created Budwig diet o (also known as the Budwig protocol), an anti-cancer diet popularized in the 1950’s. The diet, which is lacto-vegetarian, has as its cornerstone flaxseed oil combined with cottage cheese, but it also emphasizes meals rich in fiber, vegetables and fruits, and meats, while animal fats, sugar, butter and, in particular, margarine, are to be avoided. She based her diet on the theory that changing the type of fat in the diet could kill cancer cells. She died in 2003 at the age of 95, but her work is carried on at the Budwig Center in Spain, which also offers treatments.
BURTON GOLDBERG
Burton Goldberg is the author of the book “Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide to Cancer,” as well as 17 other books and five films, including “Cancer Conquest.” Goldberg treated his own bladder cancer with Chinese herbs and enzymes, and he now has early stage kidney cancer, which is in remission. He believes cancer can be put into remission using a non-sugar diet as well as non-toxic substances to bolster the immune system. He offers telephone consultations.
JOE BROWN, N.M.D.
Dr. Brown was on track to become a conventional doctor when he was diagnosed with advanced melanoma. Believing that alternative therapies saved his life, he decided to become a naturopathic doctor and open his own clinic, where he offers a large variety of alternative therapies that can be used alone or in an integrative manner with conventional cancer treatments. His array of options is broad. On one hand, he has a large network of oncologists available for referral, and, on the other side of the spectrum, he is well-versed and can discuss alternative cancer therapies not available in the U.S.
STANISLAW BURZYNSKI, M.D., PH.D.
Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski is a both pioneer in alternative cancer treatment as well as being highly controversial. Since he founded his Houston clinic in 1977, Dr. Burzynski claims to have successfully treated some different 50 types of cancers, including many that are deadly, such as malignant brain tumors. The cornerstone of his treatment is a substance called “antieoplastins,” which are biologically active peptides that, when inserted into the patient’s genes, can cure cancer. He also uses personalized genetic testing, and, in some cases, low-dose chemotherapy. Dr. Burzynski offers a string of testimonials but he has also been the target of numerous actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as criticism from the National Cancer Institute, which takes issue with his claims that they are effective and also do not cause side effects.
JAMES FORSYTHE, M.D.
Dr. James Forsythe is both a board-certified oncologist as well as a homeopath, which is a field of alterative medicine. While he offers conventional treatment, Dr. Forsyth offers a fuller array of alternative options than do traditional cancer centers with integrative programs. Among his treatments is the Forsythe Anti-Cancer diet, which is an anti-sugar diet, along with a number of supplements, antioxidants, herbs, and vitamins. He utilizes both genetic and chemical sensitivity tests, and also believes in the value of wellness, including stress reduction, yoga, meditation, daily prayer, message and acupuncture.
NICOLAS GONZALEZ, M.D.
Since his graduation from Cornell Medical School, Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez has spent much of his career working on the treatment for inoperable pancreatic cancer, but, working with Dr. Linda L. Isaacs, he also devised a treatment plan for a variety of other cancers as well. His plan includes a customized diet, supplements, and detoxification, as well as enzyme therapy in the form of a specially created pancreas product that is the cornerstone of his program. Although Dr. Gonzalez recently passed away, Dr. Isaacs is handling inquiries.
JOSEPH MERCOLA, M.D.
Dr. Mercola is an osteopathic physician and best selling book author who markets a number of dietary supplements and medical devices through his website. He is a leader in alternative health with a hugely influential and popular website. He no longer operates a wellness center, but his website is an excellent place to search for information on alternative practitioners thanks to the scores of interviews he has done over the years.
RALPH MOSS, PHD.
Robert Moss, Ph.D., is a scientific writer who is also a proponent of complementary and alternative medicine. He is the author or editor of 12 books and three documentaries on topics related to cancer research and treatment, including “The Cancer Industry”, “Questioning Chemotherapy,” and “Customized Cancer Treatment.” He currently directs the Moss Reports, which detailed reports on the 25 most common cancer diagnoses, and he also edits a monthly newsletter, ADVANCES in Cancer Treatment. He offers telephone consultations with patients not designed to replace your physician but instead to help evaluate conventional treatments, warn of scams, and offer information on credible alternatives.
JACOB TEITELBAUM, M.D.
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, known also as “Dr. T,” is a board-certified internist and medical director of the National Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers and Chronicity. He is the author of several books including “Real Cause, Real Cure,” which discusses natural cure for cancer. He believes in a “comprehensive” approach to treating cancer, which incorporates both natural medicine as well as scientific based therapies. He also offers a free app entitled “Cures A-Z” that is available for both the iPhone and Android models. Check your phone’s “App” store. See chapter 4 for more on “Dr. T.”
ANDREW WEIL, M.D.
Dr. Weil is the world-renowned guru of the natural medicine. He has appeared on the cover of Time magazine twice, and he has written many books and sold over 10 million copies. Like many alternative medicine leaders, Weil’s interests are wide-ranging, and cancer is included among them. His website contains a “Cancer” channel that contains a mix of articles on conventional, integrative and alternative treatments, and he writes an informative Q&A column in which he addresses many questions on alternative cancer treatment.
JULIAN WHITAKER
Dr. Julian Whitaker is one of the foremost alternative practitioners in the U.S. He is a longstanding proponent of alternative medicine who sells a number of vitamin, supplements and other alternative cures online. He also runs the Whitaker Wellness Institute medical clinic and wellness center, which offers a number of noninvasive therapies designed to bolster the immune system and wellbeing of cancer patients during their treatment. He also publishes a monthly health newsletter.
JUERGEN WINKLER, M.D.
Dr. Juergen Winkler’s believes toxic overload is the root cause of much disease. For cancer, his approach uses a wide variety of programs, includes detoxification, nutrition, and treatments to balance and support the immune system, and also using reducing blood flow to tumors (inhibiting angiogenesis). He is also proponent of Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT), a therapy that combines insulin and chemotherapy. Proponents of IPT say it uses less of the chemotherapy drug, which means fewer side effects, but in a way that makes it more effective.
DONALD R. YANCE JR., CN, MH, RH (AHG)
Donald R. Yance Jr. is the author of several books including “Herbal Medicine Healing & Cancer” and “Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering Stress, Aging and Chronic Disease,” which is designed for health practitioners. He has devised a proprietary and therapeutic approach to healing called the Ecletic Triphasic Medical System, which is a comprehensive program that uses the fullest degree of botanical, nutritional and biomedical principals to aid in the treatment of chronic disease, including cancer. He also runs the non-profit Mederi Foundation, which personal, integrative and nutritional strategies for people living with cancer.