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Posts Tagged ‘radiation and cancer stem cells’

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Why Cancer Returns

In Affirmations, Alternative Cancer Therapies, Books for Cancer Patients, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, cancer stem cells, chemotherapy, Emotional Healing, Energy Healers, Epstein-Barr Virus, Healing Cancer Naturally, Mind Body Therapies for Cancer, Uncategorized on February 10, 2020 at 2:54 pm

Cancer returns because treating cancer typically does not resolve the reasons for the cancer. 

Cancer returns because often the treatments for cancer spread the cancer.

Cancer returns because your MIND could be making you sick or believes you want to be sick.

Cancer Treatment Does Not Resolve the Reasons for the Cancer

German scientist and physician R.G. Hamer, founder of Germanic New Medicine, did considerable research in the field of psychosomatic cancer therapy. He examined some 20,000 cancer patients with all types of cancer and discovered that every cancer in the body has a different emotional cause. He believed that cancer occurs when an individual suppresses for long periods toxic negative emotions (primarily anger, hate, resentment and grief). This creates cell changes within the body leading to cancer.  There is a strong correlation between emotional patterns and the progression of cancer.

     “Cancer does not begin in the body; cancer begins in the brain”  R.G.Hamer

The power of repressed emotions, anger, and resentment as well as a lack of self-love is not to be overlooked in the creating and healing of our cancer. Emotional challenges can develop into physical ones. Emotions not expressed in words or actions find expression in physical ailments.

When I discuss the past with my clients, there is always the ‘ah-ha’ moment when he or she looks at me and says “yep, that’s me”, and this applies to cancers across the board. So much of healing comes from inside, by healing past hurts. It is therefore critical to uncover and release these toxic negative emotions (or relationships) in order to heal  and reduce the risk of the return of cancer.

There are many ways to heal the mind. EFT tapping, EMDR, psychotherapy, the Emotion Code and the Healing Code are a few suggestions.

           Epstein Barr Reactivation and Cancer

Scientists now know how viruses such as Epstein Barr (EBV) reprogram healthy cells into cancer cells. It has become clear that EBV is involved with most cancers, especially for those who have impaired immune system (if you have cancer, that is likely the case). It seems that a protein component of the virus itself (Latent Membrane Protein 2A) promotes the development of cancer.[i] EBV infects the cell-signally mechanism of B cells. As a result, these cells have a greater chance of transforming into cancer cells.[ii]   

Thankfully, more and more oncologists are now testing for EBV reactivation. If yours has not, you might request it and follow the recommendations on my EBV page.

Cancer Treatments Spread Cancer

Cancer Surgery

Although surgical removal of tumors can reduce tumor load, it has long been acknowledged that the surgery itself may precipitate or accelerate tumor recurrence.

Cancer surgery can be curative in some cases, but other times it can actually activate tiny, distant tumors that had been held in check by the immune system. (Note: biopsies can also spread cancerous cells). In many cases micrometastases from a primary tumor have traveled long before that tumor was detected.

Therefore when your surgeon says “We got it all”, that might not be the case.

    “Surgery promotes the growth of micrometastatic and residual disease.”[vii]

Metastatic cancer cells that leave the primary tumor can form clinically undetectable micrometastases at distant sites. A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that “About 35% of women diagnosed with breast cancer already have thousands of micrometastases, but only half of them eventually develop metastatic, life-threatening cancer.”[iii] In those who do not go on to develop metastatic breast cancer, the body’s cell-killing white blood cells known as CD8+T cells have been able to eliminate the cancerous cells.  

The researchers found that “surgical wounding”, either through biopsy or surgery, can promote the growth of these metastasized cancer cells. The scientists labeled this as “surgery-driven interruption of dormancy in breast cancer.”[iv]They found that surgical wounding triggers a substantial increase in the outgrowth of previously immunologically restricted tumors. Their results indicate that systemic inflammation initiated as part of the wound-healing process contributes to distant recurrence.

The research, performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Department of Surgery, concluded that “Surgery which is intended to be a curative option to remove and reduce tumor mass, can paradoxically also augment development of metastases.”[vi]

As a cancer and wellness coach, I can not advocate for taking damaging NSAIDS or aspirin used in the study (aspirin being the lesser of the two evils, but taken routinely can damage the stomach lining). There are many non-toxic, safer ways to target inflammation and help prevent the immune system from letting down its anti-cancer guard (such as curcumin, but a comprehensive protocol would be optimal).

 Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

While doctors often recommend chemo and radiation to target stray cancer cells, they are toxic to healthy cells. Further, increasing evidence suggests that chemotherapy and radiation can promote cancer, fueling metastasis and making malignant cancer stem cells (CSCs) more aggressive.[viii]

Cancer stem cells are virtually resistant to chemo and radiation, and are often responsible for drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and the progression of cancer.

Normal stem cells are capable of self-renewal and multi-differentiation. Cancer stem cells are no different. They have the ability to reconstitute tumors and proliferate slowly. Cancer recurrence and progression are often due to the fact that therapies are aimed at the tumor bulk without targeting CSCs. [ix]  (For more information, including recommendations for targeting CSCs, see my articles on CSCs, links to which are in the footnotes below).

The Mind is the Healer, The Mind is the Killer   

No matter what you believe in, know this — the mind is powerful.

Having faith in your chosen therapy is very, very important. Whether it is chemo, radiation or any of the plethora of holistic remedies, you must believe in it and do it 100%. If you allow fear to get the better of you, if you are in a state of panic, it is almost impossible to make good choices. Importantly, if you remain in a state of panic, it will not matter what therapy you choose, the cancer may win.

The worst scenario is when there is doubt and becoming overwhelmed by all the choices. Choose something and just DO IT. People who jump from one thing to another just end up in a perpetual state of anxiety, and the result is rarely good.

The late Dr. Nicolas Gonzalez wrote an excellent article Four Reasons Why Cancer Patients Routinely Die. He spoke about how panic, inability to make a decision, the Myth of Authority, and the Myth of Credentials make it very difficult to survive.[x] I cannot stress how important it is to choose a treatment plan and believe in it.   

        “The Mind is the Healer, The Mind is the Killer”  Ze’ev Kolman  

The mind is more powerful than the body. The cancer may return because the mind believes you want to be sick.

The Mind is the Healer the Mind is the KillerHealer Ze’ev Kolman wrote the book, The Mind is the Healer, The Mind is the Killer. In it he details how the mind can heal you and how the mind can destroy you. Everything you think, say, and write makes a difference in your healing. Say and think only positive thoughts, affirm that you are happy, healthy, and worthy of love.

Even cancer lingo can hinder life. For example, the word ‘remission’ implies you are expecting the cancer to return. When you focus on recurrence, cancer has a better chance to revisit you. When you believe you can heal, or  have healed, you have a better chance of doing so. Conversely, if you believe you will not survive, likely you will not.

There are many reasons why cancer returns. Cancer is not a battle, we don’t ‘fight’ cancer or conquer it.  We heal from it. We make the necessary changes and correct the imbalances to alter the terrain to one inhospitable to cancer. 

As Albert Einstein so correctly said, you can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. Cleaning up our diet, detoxifying, and avoiding cancer-promoting substances and activities is critical. However, it is not always about what you are eating, but what is eating you. Emotional toxins, fear, and past traumas are often the issue and can be the biggest hurdle.

So what can you do about your mind, CSCs and mircomets from surgery? There are plenty of supplements and foods that improve immune function and target cancerous cells. Healers and therapists can help with the traumas (see the suggestions above). If you would like to discuss your options to reduce the risk of your cancer returning, please request a consult.

In your everlasting good health,

Elyn

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

ej portrait 150res for PrueElyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and holistic cancer strategist who helps people make healthier, less-toxic choices for their healing. She emphasizes the importance of not just surviving cancer, but surviving well and reducing the risk of recurrence. She is a Contributing Editor for The Truth About Cancer and is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn has written for numerous journals and publications. She was the former Executive Director of the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation and the creator and host of the Survive and Live Well Radio Show. To contact Elyn, visit www.elynjacobs.com. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone, or in-person. Elyn does not provide online advice.

 DISCLAIMER:
Elyn Jacobs does not provide medical advice. The information provided is for general information only. No online site should be used as a substitute for personal medical attention.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment.  This post is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease or condition. This post does not represent medical advice nor should it be considered to be medical advice or a replacement for medical advice.  I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist, naturopathic doctor, or conventional oncologist. The information provided is from my research and not to be taken as scientific evidence.

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

Some product links on some posts are affiliate links. This website is monetized in part through the use of affiliate links. This means that if you were to click on a link that is an affiliate link and purchase an item after clicking on that link, I may receive a small percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use often. Thank you for your support!

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[i] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180822131041.htm

[ii] https://elynjacobs.com/epstein-barr-management/

[iii] https://www.statnews.com/2018/04/11/cancer-tumor-cells-mice-metastasis-nsaid; https://stm.sciencemag.org/content/10/436/eaan3464

[iv] https://www.statnews.com/2018/04/11/cancer-tumor-cells-mice-metastasis-nsaid/

vi] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5380551/

[vii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5380551/

[viii] https://www.statnews.com/2018/04/11/cancer-tumor-cells-mice-metastasis-nsaid/; https://elynjacobs.com/2015/04/27/what-your-oncologist-neglected-to-tell-you-about-conventional-cancer-treatment/; https://elynjacobs.com/2015/07/08/cancer-stem-cells-and-progression-of-disease-what-you-need-to-know-now/

[ix] http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/33/3/747.full

[x] https://thegonzalezprotocol.com/four-reasons-cancer-patients-routinely-die-nicholas-gonzalez-m-d/

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Simple Solutions for EMF Radiation Protection

In Breast Cancer, Cancer, cancer stem cells and recurrence, Cell Phones, EMFs and Health Risks, Uncategorized on January 24, 2019 at 8:10 am

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible areas of energy, known by most of us as radiation, that have been found to cause great harm to the human body. I am not just talking about nuclear fallout, but importantly, cell phone use, WIFI technology, cordless phones, clock radios, hair dryers, X-rays, radiotherapy, air travel-associated radiation, and other exposures that pose day-to-day radiation toxicity. Sadly, we are all exposed to ionizing radiation and could be potentially at increased risk for adverse health effects.

Ionizing radiation causes damage by producing free radicals like reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can randomly react with lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids of cells causing oxidative stress and damage which can lead to molecular and cellular damage. Oxidative stress is considered one of the major factors connected with increased cancer risk and is implicated in cardiovascular events, osteoporosis, male infertility, and more.

Exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation can result in increased rates of genetic mutations. DNA damage caused by oxidative stress may lead to mutations that inactivate tumor suppressor genes and activate oncogenes.[i]

In addition to free radical production, another source of indirect post-irradiation toxicity is inflammatory processes. Radiation-induced damage initiates long-term pro-inflammatory reactions in the surrounding tissue. Exposure to large amounts of ionizing radiation could result in a severe inflammation reaction causing irreparable damage to various tissue and organs, particularly in the heart, lungs and kidneys.

In an attempt to minimize these effects, a small number of compounds in plants have been identified for use as agents that offer some protection against radiation-induced toxicities, and many more are being investigated. These effects are possibly due to free radical scavenging, antioxidant, metal chelating, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and enhancement of the DNA repair processes. Also likely is that certain substances are able to absorb strong energies such as EMFs and convert them into less reactive forms.

dragon-4The Role of Radioprotectants:

The need for protection against the toxic effects of ionizing radiation comes from many different directions: occupational exposure, nuclear accidents, environmental sources, the use of cell phones and other devices, and protection of normal tissue during the therapeutic irradiation of cancer. No matter the source, radioprotectants are important in protecting cells from deleterious radiation-induced side effects.

Radio-protectors are agents that protect the body’s cells and tissues from the undesirable effects of radiation by scavenging radiation-induced free radicals. In the past, synthetic radio-protectors were found to help mitigate or minimize the life-threatening effects of radiation, but they were not put clinical use due to undesirable side effects and inherent toxicity, such as hypotension, vomiting, nausea, sneezing, hot flashes, etc.[ii] Therefore, the exploration of radio-protectors with less toxicity became essential.

The first line of defense from the damaging effects of ROS is antioxidants, which convert strong oxidants to less reactive forms. Antioxidants can minimize the damaging effects of ROS by converting strong oxidants to less reactive forms. For example, the powerful antioxidant lycopene can protect and repair cellular damage from free-radicals, including those induced from ionizing radiation.[iii] This suggests that supplementation of lycopene might be useful in diminishing of negative effect of cancer radiotherapy or in mitigating the effects of possible radiation accidents and exposures on human health. Red fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes (especially when cooked), watermelons, red peppers, pink grapefruits, apricots, pink guavas, dragon fruit, and papaya contain lycopene.

Studies confirm that lycopene and other compounds in fruits, vegetables and associated dietary supplements reduce risk of cancer and inhibit the growth of tumors. Research also shows that nutraceuticals have protective effects against other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, male infertility. These results could be in part due to their protection against damage induced by ionizing radiation, offering yet another reason to consume them copiously.

N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) helps to replenish intracellular glutathione, a vital cellular antioxidant.  Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) also helps boost glutathione levels (see below for more substances that boost glutathione). For brand recommendations, click on the highlighted supplement of interest.

Another substance, melanin, has shown to offer radioprotective properties and is being studied. It is already well known for protecting human skin from UV radiation. While found in foods such as seaweed, eggs, cheese, fish (rich sources of tyrosine, an amino acid that aids in the production of melanin), it is most abundantly found in mushrooms, particularly Chaga mushrooms. Compounds in melanin absorb electromagnetic radiation and help deactivate radioactive isotopes, converting them into benign forms.[iv]

To keep this post short and sweet, I have referenced some studies rather than get into depth on them all, but have included some highlights below. This list is not inclusive, but rather illustrative of how eating a significant amount of fruits and vegetables, and at times supplements, throughout the day can be radio-protective (Click on the highlights for a few brand recommendations for supplements–widely available in most stores).

 Fun Facts:

  • Lycopene reduces the negative effect of cancer radiotherapy and other sources of radiation exposure, especially in advance of exposure.
  • Compounds in Chaga mushroom absorb electromagnetic radiation and help deactivate radioactive isotopes, converting them into benign forms.[xvii]
  • Flaxseed, already known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, works as both a mitigator and protector against radiation exposure, including regarding pneumopathy. It not only protects lung tissues before exposure to radiation, but can also significantly reduce damage after exposure occurs.[xviii]
  • The protection afforded by flaxseed may be attributed to the omega-3 essential fatty acids and phytoestrogenic lignans, which appear to play an important role in free radical scavenging.[xix]
  • Asparagus are high in glutathione and also selenium and zinc, which  also help you make glutathione are protective against EMFs.
  • Olive oil and cruciferous vegetables (in particular the sulfur/sulforophane in these veggies) boosts glutathione.
  • Blueberries contain delphinidin, which has strong antioxidant properties that scavenge radiation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), making them protective against a wide scope of radiation exposures.
  • Radioprotectors such as delphinidin used during cancer radiotherapy could offer some protection to normal tissues around a cancerous tumor, which are unintentionally exposed to radiation during traditional and proton radiotherapy[xx]
  • Blueberry anthocyanins inhibit cell apoptosis and reduce the radiation injury by decreasing gene and protein expression of p53 and other proteins that regulate cancer cell division, growth, and death.[xxi]
  • Apple pectin aids in removing radionuclides, with one study showing a 62% reduction in radionuclides in treated children from the Chernobyl area and another with a 28-39% reduction after just 16 days, improving cardiovascular health in the children.[xxii]
  • Flavonoids in fruits and vegetables offer a variety of beneficial properties including protection from ionizing radiation, DNA protection, immune system protection, hemopoietic system protection, scavenging of free radicals, antioxidant properties, antitumor properties, antiviral properties, antibacterial properties, and anti-inflammatory properties.[xxiii]
  • Intravenous administration of melanin-coated nanospheres has demonstrated protection of bone marrow against radiotoxicity during radioimmunotherapy of cancer. [xxiv]
  • Buckwheat flavonoid offer radio-protective mechanisms on the hematopoietic (bone marrow, spleen, tonsils, and lymph nodes) and immune systems[xxv]
  • Plant compounds offer substantial protection and do not appear to interfere with therapeutic radiotherapy.
  • DIM may protect against ionizing radiation taken before or up to 24 hours after radiation and does not protect breast cancer tumors against radiotherapy.[xxvi]

Importantly, many compounds, such as the antioxidants lycopene and delphinidin need to be taken before exposure, which means it is best to consume these on a regular basis.  Enjoy in abundance tomatoes (especially cooked), blueberries, dragon fruit, mint (fresh or tea), apples,  flax seed, green tea, and others. Buckwheat is quite versatile and is naturally gluten-free –try this delicious flatbread recipe.

Regarding Radiation Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy is a highly utilized therapy in the treatment of malignancies with up to 60% of cancer patients receiving radiation therapy as a part of their treatment regimen. However, the radiation-induced damage to the normal tissues often restricts the therapeutic doses of radiation that can be delivered to tumors and thereby limits the effectiveness of the treatment[xxvii] Notably, researchers have found that there are numerous substances that are radio-protective and yet do not interfere with therapeutic radiotherapy.[xxviii] Unfortunately, not all radiation oncologists recommend such substances, so it is imperative that you seek help from a qualified professional.

Radiation therapy does, however, cause a wide range of adverse effects that can be severe and cause permanent damage to the patient.[xxix] Radiotherapy also does not target cancer stem cells and can actually make them more aggressive.

Radio-protective Devices

UPDATE: STARTING TODAY AND RUNNING THROUGH MAY 1, 2022, THE CODE ELYNJ25 WILL GET YOU 25% OFF.  USE THIS LINK AND THE CODE ELYNJ25

If you don’t see yourself consuming radio-protective foods and supplements on a regular basis or feel that you are particularly exposed (aren’t we all?) you may want to take advantage of the plethora of devices that offer EMF protection.  There are also many lovely and inexpensive shungite pendants and bracelets available online that help balance energy, as well as other items that can be attached to your cell phone, hair dryer, clock, laptop, etc., and to your own jewelry. Please note that since my previous post, Aries Tech has discontinued their older generation Aires Black Crystal and Aires Defender and replaced them with more effective and powerful protection, all made in the EU.

Aires Shield Pro – Powerful enough for all devices from phones to large smart TVs. [Aries Shield Pro]

Aires Defender Pro – To be used on the person for full body protection. [Defender]

Aires Guardian – To be used in all areas of a typical home or office as an area protector. [Guardian]

Update: Two more reputable products that I have come across are SafeSleeve anti-radiation cases for your phone and Lambs radiation-proof and anti-EMF underwear to protect your privates and testosterone levels (as featured in Mens’s Health, Forbes, GQ, and more). You may laugh at that one, but it is important to protect your privates (and ladies, need I remind you to keep your phone out of your bra and pockets? Lambs for ladies coming soon).

In your good health,

Elyn

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

Elyn Jacobs is a holistic cancer strategist and speaker specializing in the prevention and treatment of cancer. She is a Contributing Editor for The Truth About Cancer and is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn has written for numerous journals and publications. She was the former Executive Director of the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation and the creator and host of the Survive and Live Well Radio Show. To contact Elyn, visit www.elynjacobs.com. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone, or in person.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment.  This post is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease or condition. This post does not represent medical advice nor should it be considered to be medical advice or a replacement for medical advice.  I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist, naturopathic doctor, or conventional oncologist. The information provided is from my research and not to be taken as scientific evidence.

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

Some product links on some posts are affiliate links. This website is monetized in part through the use of affiliate links. This means that if you were to click on a link that is an affiliate link, and purchase an item after clicking on that link, I may receive a small percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use often. Thank you for your support!

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[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655585/#CR40

[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4419622/#R13

[iii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4297477/

[iv] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28256187; https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110824/Melanin-also-protects-from-ionizing-radiation.aspx

[v]  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25526570

[vi] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28256187; https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110824/Melanin-also-protects-from-ionizing-radiation.aspx; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5039571/

[vii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17486687

[viii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5792255/

[viii] file:///C:/Users/elyn/Downloads/136380-365119-1-SM.pdf

[ix] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21119249

[x] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579918/

[xi] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586922/

[xii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4419622/#R13

[xiii] http://naturalsociety.com/malanin-fungi-compound-radioprotective-68349/#ixzz5dA4ds2Md
[xiv] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24127581

[xv] file:///C:/Users/elyn/Downloads/136380-365119-1-SM.pdf; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25361477

[xvi] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24820157

[xvii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28256187; https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110824/Melanin-also-protects-from-ionizing-radiation.aspx

[xviii] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809111821.htm

[xix] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17486687; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23106213; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2745149/

[xx] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5792255/

[xxi] file:///C:/Users/elyn/Downloads/136380-365119-1-SM.pdf

[xxii] http://naturalsociety.com/malanin-fungi-compound-radioprotective-68349/#ixzz5dA4ds2Md
[xxiii] http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v15i5.28

[xxiv] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20421152

[xxv] file:///C:/Users/elyn/Downloads/136380-365119-1-SM.pdf

[xxvi] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24127581

[xxvii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21119249

[xxviii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5039571/

[xxix] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809111821.htm

[xxx] https://elynjacobs.com/2015/01/09/cancer-stem-cells-could-they-be-the-key-to-metastasis/

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Cancer Stem Cells and Progression of Disease: What You Need to Know Now

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives Cancer Treatment, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, chemo and cancer stem cells, chemotherapy, Integrative Oncology, radiation and cancer stem cells, Radiotherapy for breast cancer, Uncategorized, what causes cancer stem cells, what causes cancer to spread on July 8, 2015 at 10:22 am

Could it be that oncologists are missing the key to cancer recurrence and progression?  Could this be why there are so many repeat customers?

For over forty years oncologists have considered tumor reduction and remission as measures of successful treatment.  Are they misguided in placing so much emphasis on this parameter?

During a recent episode of my radio show, Survive and Live Well, Dr Michael Schachter shared his views on Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs)–Cancer Stem Cells are at the forefront of the theory behind the reason conventional treatment often fails.  The following is a summary of the show. To replay the podcast, please visit Cancer Stem Cells.

Dr Schachter explained that the issue of cancer stem cells goes way back to around 1910, though the term wasn’t used then. John Beard MD, PhD, a brilliant Scottish embryologist, proposed the Trophoblastic Theory of Cancer at that time. According to Dr. Beard, during embryological development, 80% of the cells destined to become germ cells migrate to the gonads (male testes and female ovaries). About 20% of these totipotent (immature) germ cells migrate to different areas of the body and remain dormant. These are today’s modern day stem cells that are mobilized to repair damaged tissue.  However, when stem cells become dysregulated (impaired), they can become modern day cancer stem cells. This concept was further developed and brought up to date by cancer clinician and researcher, Nicholas Gonzalez MD, in his brilliant book, The Trophoblast and the Origins of Cancer, which was published in 2010.

Recent research on cancer stem cells has established some amazing facts. Although CSC’s constitute only 1 to 5% of the cancer cells within a tumor, they are the only cancer cells that metastasize to other parts of the body. CSC’s are resistant to radiation and chemotherapy and actually stimulated to grow faster and more vehemently when radiation and/or chemotherapy are used. It is believed that cancer mortality is directly related to cancer stem cell activity (proliferative and metastatic).

Don’t be misled into thinking that tumor reduction guarantees that you are making progress with respect to overcoming the disease, as you may not be. Shrinking a tumor by killing the less damaging cancer cells (the non-stem cells) with chemo and/or radiation may NOT improve long term survival and may increase the likelihood that these cancer stem cells will metastasize, allowing them to regenerate tumors elsewhere in the body. So although you may get an 80% reduction in tumor bulk, you are not targeting the most dangerous of the cells.

Another very important point covered was that CSCs are stimulated to grow by inflammatory factors related to various stressors on the body:

  • Various  psychological losses result in secretion of Interleukin 6, which stimulates the growth of CSCs
  • Trapped emotions can stimulate cancer stem cells to regroup, which is yet another reason emotional stress is undoubtedly a major cause of cancer and it recurrence (see below for remedies)
  • Dying cancer cells emit the cytokines, Interleukin 6 and Interleukin 8, which stimulates cancer stem cells to proliferate. They stimulate normal stem cells to repair tissue damage, but stimulate cancer stem cells to grow

Releasing trapped emotions and eliminating the bonds you have with events and people so you can leave such negative emotions in the past can play a major role in healing.  There are many ways to do this:

  • EFT tapping: a form of psychological acupressure that helps resolve emotional issues, cleaning out past traumas that contribute to dis-ease
  • Psychotherapy: an approach to wellness that recognizes the interconnection between mind, body and spirit
  • Energy work such as Qi Gong, Reiki, meditation, and distant energy healing such as the Oracle Method
  • Emotion Code: an energy technique that helps facilitate the release of trapped negative emotions

While the drug Celebrex, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (or NSAID), inhibits inflammation and reduces stimulation to cancer stem cells, it has many dangerous adverse side effects associated with its use. A similar drug, Vioxx, was taken off the market after causing thousands of heart attacks. Fortunately many relatively non-toxic natural substances block inflammatory stimulation of CSC’s and Dr. Schachter advocates the use of many of these substances for cancer patients. Some examples of anti-inflammatory substances which can be found in capsule or liquid extract form are:

  • Curcumin
  • Thymoquinone from black cumin seed
  • Sulforaphane and other glucosinolates and isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables
  • Vitamin D
  • Boswellia or Frankincense
  • Parent Essential Fatty Acids (Linoleic Acid and Alpha Linolenic Acid)
  • Stabilized Aloe Vera extract

For more natural substances that target cancer stem cells, Please read my article Cancer Stem Cells—Could They Be the Key to Metastasis 

 What Other Experts Have To Say

The interesting thing about the recent introduction of the modern Cancer Stem Cell Theory into an understanding of cancer is that it was not developed by the ‘alternative’ world, but by very traditional conventional cancer researchers.  For example, establishment oncologist and researcher Max Wicha MD (a former National Cancer Institute (NCI) researcher and the Founding Director Emeritus of the University of Michigan’s Comprehensive Cancer Center) is a pioneer in research on why cancers recur and spread to other parts of the body and has been a leader in the CSC theory. Dr Wicha has been doing research and conducting clinical trials that specifically target breast cancer stem cells, but he also has an interest in colon cancer and lung cancer as well. He has been involved in cancer research for 30 years and is currently involved with eight clinical trial involving CSCs.  Some of Dr. Wicha’s lectures can be found on YouTube and can be found by searching this site and via the links below. Some of the points made during his lectures are:

  • Standard cancer treatments not only often fail to eradicate cancer, but can sometimes make it worse
  • 30% of breast and prostate CA patients have bone marrow metastases at the time of diagnosis
  • Breast cancer is driven by cancer stem cells
  • Only certain breast cancer cells (CSCs) would develop into cancer in immune suppressed mice
  • Cancer stem cells are dysregulated adult stem cells
  • One approach he has taken in his research with breast cancer stem cells is to develop patentable drugs that block the Interleukin 8 receptors on stromal and cancer stem cells; he thus remains very much in the mainstream of conventional oncology, which is not particularly interested in researching non-patentable natural substances that my play a role in inhibiting cancer stem cells

In at least one newspaper article, the reporter said that Dr Wicha indicated that he hoped breast cancer could be treated without chemotherapy– just making use of medications that target the stem cells. However, he quickly retracted this view and said that breast cancer patients and all cancer patients should follow the conventional standard of care for conventional cancer treatment and then if necessary, look for clinical trials that target cancer stem cells.

At this point in time, Dr. Schachter has not heard much from his cancer patients regarding any discussion about cancer stem cells with their conventional oncologists, many of whom believe this area is at best considered experimental.

With my clients I have also found there to have been a complete omission of the discussion of cancer stem cells with respective oncologists.  I am always amazed that something so vital to successful outcome is not discussed along with a proposed treatment plan.

A few other researchers are doing research in cancer stem cells. One example is Maximilian Diehn MD, PhD of the Stanford University Medical Center who is an acclaimed researcher studying normal and cancer stem cell biology and its implications for cancer therapy.

Brad Weeks MD, who teaches other physicians about insulin potentiation therapy (IPT), a controversial treatment involving the use of insulin and low doses of chemotherapy, believes that no cancer patient should be treated without addressing cancer stem cells. He advocates the use of relatively non-toxic medications, such as Metformin and other anti-inflammatory strategies, such as non-inflammatory diets that avoid sugar and artificial chemicals in food. He also recommends various herbal supplements that are anti-inflammatory and that inhibit cancer stem cells.

Dr. Schachter is not an advocate of IPT at this time, but does utilize many of the anti-inflammatory strategies to inhibit cancer stem cells. He incorporates many relatively non-toxic substances to help the patient prevent and manage cancer without the use of toxic agents. During previous interviews on this program Dr. Schachter has discussed the use of Salvestrols, the use of  fat soluble vitamins (like vitamins D, A and K2 (MK4), a therapeutic diet, stress management, exercise and various other factors that a cancer patient should incorporate into his/her comprehensive program. Please visit the Radio Show Archives for past shows with Dr. Schachter.

Learn more:

  • Cancer stem cells are resistant to radiation (Baker, M Stem cells: Nature. 2009 Apr 23;458(7241):962-5.
  • For more information on energy healers, please visit Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Elyn

             ~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

 MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:  Reading the information in this post does not constitute a physician-patient relationship. The information included in this post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding a medical condition or any treatments.

Dr. Michael B. Schachter is a magna cum laude graduate of Columbia College and Columbia P&S Medical School in NYC. He is also a Board Certified Psychiatrist and a Certified Nutrition Specialist. Dr. Schachter has been involved with nutritional and integrative health care for 40 years. A leader in alternative cancer therapies, EDTA chelation and orthomolecular psychiatry, he is a past president of the American College of Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). He has authored numerous articles and was a major contributor to the large chapter about him in Burton Goldberg’s classic “Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide to Cancer”. His published 2010 paper “Integrative Oncology for Clinicians and Cancer Patients” helps to guide patients in developing a cancer treatment program. His latest article published in 2013 entitled “Integrating Nutrition and Selected Controversial Nutritional Supplements into a Cancer Treatment” is an abridged and updated version of his 2010 article. In 2010, Dr. Schachter received the Humanitarian Award from the Cancer Control Society in California. Dr. Schachter is the director of the Schachter Center for Complementary Medicine in Suffern, NY, which is located in Rockland County, about 45 minutes from New York City.

 More information about Dr. Schachter and the Center are available at the Schachter Center Website. Many articles by Dr Schachter can be accessed from this site, including the two articles mentioned above.

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer strategist, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and well-being. Elyn has been featured on CNN Money, Talk About Health, and Breast Cancer Answers, is a contributor to The Truth About Cancer, and has written for the Pink Paper, Breast Cancer Wellness, Integrative Oncology Essentials, Surviving Beautifully, Body Local, Natural Health-Natural Wellness, and more. Elyn hosts the Survive and Live Well Radio Show on the Cancer Support Network. She is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and is on the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys. https://elynjacobs.com/about/.

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