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CANCER - CLASSIFIED CANCER ANSWERS BY Marc S. Micozzi, M.D., PH.D PDF
CANCER - CLASSIFIED CANCER ANSWERS BY Marc S. Micozzi, M.D., PH.D PDF
Answers
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Classified Cancer Answers
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Classified Cancer Answers
the devastating effects of WW I. And now cancer was the potential of diet and nutrition in promoting or pre-
on the rise, killing even more. So the British were con- venting cancer. And it was this report that motivated the
cerned about the health of their populations across the NIH to finally make a serious effort to invest in nutri-
globe. And it was this campaign that produced the earli- tional research for cancer.
est data we have on the relationship between diet and The beginning of the end
cancer.
As a young scientist, I was recruited into the Na-
We would have done well to listen to what the
tional Cancer Institutes new crash program. The goal
British had learned. They took a broad approach, look-
of the program was to uncover the role of diet and nutri-
ing at the incidence of cancer in relation to the empha-
ents in preventing cancer. And it was my first glimpse
sis of certain foods in the diet.
at how misdirected our government research efforts are.
They found over a dozen foods to be protective
At the time, the National Cancer Advisory Board
against cancer. Including beetroot, bread (whole meal),
was chaired by a distinguished surgeon, Dr. Jonathan
cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, raw milk (unboiled),
Rhoades. Dr. Rhoades was heavily influenced by the fa-
onions, turnips, and watercress. They also suggested
mous RDA guidelines. RDAs are the recommended di-
that there was a substance in green vegetables that was
etary allowances for vitamins and minerals. So these are
worth researching further. Keep in mind, many vitamins
the doses and forms they chose as a guide for anti-can-
had not yet been discovered in 1929. Fifteen years
cer activity.
later, they repeated the study focusing on green vegeta-
bles. And researchers found they provided protection The problem isthe RDAs are designed to provide
against lung, gastrointestinal, and other cancers. nutrients at levels that prevent frank nutritional defi-
ciencies. This is not the same thing as optimal levels of
But unfortunately for the U.S., all this research fell
nutrients. Research now shows that nutrients at levels
on deaf ears. You cant learn from the past if you out-
higher than the RDA can actually prevent, fight, and
right ignore it.
even cure disease.
Americas most shameful cancer failures In fact, medical science understood little about
In 1972, as the War in Vietnam was winding down, human nutrition at the time. So much of the new crash
President Richard Nixon declared a new conflict for the program had to be directed to studying basic aspects of
U.S. The War on Cancer. And its still dragging on 40 how nutrients appear in foods. Also how they enter the
years later. bloodstream and tissues of the human body.
As usual, American medical scientists ignored the But using the RDAs wasnt the only mistake. Dr.
past. Including the race for a cure between England and Rhoades also insisted on testing nutrients only one at a
Germany. Instead, they started from scratchrepeated time. While nutrients exist in nature as rich, complex
the same old mistakesand made many shameful new combinations. Even if they found some success, this ap-
ones. Wasting precious decades of time and billions of proach would delay finding the truth. And virtually
taxpayer dollars. guarantee the war on cancer continuing for at least an-
Of course, the research generals in charge began by other generation. All the while, chemotherapy drug
fighting the last war. As is done in most wars. They company profits would continue to pile up.
focused their efforts on the most recent techniques The NCI slogged along down the wrong roads for
being used. Instead of looking for better techniques. many years. Following this misdirected, un-natural
And so cutting (surgery), burning (radiation), and poi- approach. They shamefully lacked a genuine under-
soning (chemotherapy) became their weapons of standing of human nutrition or the role of natural prod-
choice. They didnt consider any of the dietary discov- ucts in human health. These basic aspects of human diet
eries of the past. and nutrition were grossly under-studied and under-
Then finally, in 1982, a second front was opened. funded. All because the money had gone to the big
Ten years into the U.S. war on cancer. The National guns of cutting, burning, and poisoning, instead of
Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board issued safer approaches.
a report on Diet and Cancer. This report summarized And these were critical factors behind the most
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Classified Cancer Answers
shameful medical failure in U.S. history. she went proudly before our political bosses to deliver
The proven cancer revelation the revolutionary news. Was she congratulated? Was
pushed aside for profits! she asked to present her findings to an expanded panel
of her superiors? Was she even listened to?
In 1984, a staff scientist for the NCI and colleague
No. As she told me, they werent interested. Imag-
of mine was on the verge of a medical epiphany. She
ine, the NIH, the guardian of this nations health and
had gathered a towering pile of PROVEN research re-
well-being, wasnt interested in her findings.
garding a downright ordinary substance. Vitamin C.
Why would the NIH shelve this once-in-a-lifetime
She was a part of the crash program to uncover as
discovery? Why would they pass on this sound research
much as we could on the relationship between diet, nu-
that could change the face of cancer treatment? Did the
trients, and cancer. And had taken it upon herself to
NIH already have a cancer plan and this once-in-a-
gather and review a decades worth of small, but very
lifetime discovery just didnt fall in line?
sound studies on vitamin C. And what she found was
staggering. For some reason the science bureaucrats ignored
a hard-working, dedicated scientist with more-than-
In fact, this tireless researcher reviewed over 46
promising results in hand. Is it because they had already
separate epidemiological studies. She found that 33 of
invested themselves in a plan that would just be too
them revealed vitamin C offered significant protection
hard (and, dare I say, too embarrassing!) to stop at this
against cancerparticularly for esophageal, pancreatic,
point in time? Its not hard to imagine an agenda push-
stomach, lung, and breast cancers.4
ing aside a breakthrough cure creating the shameful
Thirty-three out of 46. case we have here
Thats a 71% rate of positive results! So what was so good that they could afford to ig-
And in subsequent studies, vitamin C continues to nore this colleagues staggering scientific findings?
produce jaw-dropping results Beta-carotene. Those two words (and tens of mil-
One study in mice showed vitamin C could rob a lions of dollars) single-handedly derailed this nations
tumor of its power sourceliterally halting any entire medical establishmentfor decadesfrom find-
new growth.5 ing a proven cure for cancer. Because in 1984, a monu-
In the prominent medical journal Prostate, it was mental initiative was being planned to push
reported to be a potent anticancer agent for beta-carotene into mass clinical trials for the prevention
prostate cancer cells.6 of cancer.
It was shown to be a CRITICAL element in your One published paper is all it took to get the NIH
bodys ability to resist neoplasiathe formation frothing at the possibilities. Just one paper, compared to
of abnormal cells.7 the stack of research my colleague uncovered on vita-
Research had even been performed by two-time min C. You see, beta-carotene is a plant-derived form of
Nobel laureate, Linus Pauling leading him to controver- vitamin A. And in 1981, an influential English scientist
sially proclaim, This substance can prevent cancer. (who had studied in Nazi Germany during their earlier
Imagine. A real cancer breakthrough sitting right war on cancer) in an influential English scientific jour-
under the nose of the NCI the whole time. And all they nal, asked a simple question based on a study showing
had to do was look beyond the cutting, burning, and the higher ones vitamin A levels, the less likely they
poisoning. To consider safer, natural approaches. And were to develop lung cancer. It was only a question, but
they didnt even have to look far. This secret weapon the NCI immediately jumped to all the wrong conclu-
was found just starting with the basics! Of all things, sions.8 You cant blame them for trying, but really
vitamin C. Flash forward two years and the NIH had issued a
And yet, tragically, chances are you still havent large-scale clinical trial. (The cost of which soared into
heard the potential of vitamin C for the prevention and the tens of millions.) And word had spread to the press
treatment of cancer. that beta-carotene would save us all from cancer!
There was one BIG PROBLEM All the while, several colleagues from the USDA
Human Nutrition Research Center and I were uncovering
When this dedicated researcher finished her work,
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Classified Cancer Answers
evidence of the exact opposite. One day I asked another scientist how the NCI could
We actually looked to the past and reviewed a dozen continue to ignore all the evidence about vitamin C. He
smaller studies on beta-carotene. And we found no corre- explained that two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Paul-
lation between blood levels of beta-carotene and cancer. ing had given vitamin C a bad name. In the govern-
We also looked at over 30 studies following the results of ments eyes, he was too vocal about its benefits. And the
the British Empire Cancer Campaign. We looked at the NCI couldnt afford to be seen as kooky or fringy.
foods that consistently showed protective effects against Better to be just plain wrong. Meanwhile, Linus Pauling
cancer. Then we used the latest, state-of-the-art technol- single-handedly held as many Nobel Prizes as the entire
ogy to identify the carotenoid content of each of these scientific bureaucracy of NIH put together. But the NCI
foods. And they were not high in beta-carotene. But they prefers to be often wrong, but never in doubt. In fact
were high in vitamin C and other nutrients. We discovered many things when we began to do re-
There was essentially no reason for the NCI to search with the USDA. First, we found that the nutritional
bet on beta-carotene. No reason to proceed with quality of foods had declined drastically each decade dur-
multi-million dollar, taxpayer-funded clinical trials that ing the 20th century right through the 1980s.
gave synthetic beta-carotene to people already at in- Second, almost all the healthy foods that are known
creased risk for cancer. to prevent cancer in fact are not high in beta-carotene.
But it was too late. Word had already leaked out to the But we did find that these foods are high in vitamin C
media about their new darling. And seemingly and a lot of other carotenoids that no one had heard of
overnight, thousands and thousands of everyday citizens before, including lutein, lycopene, and beta-cryptoxan-
were taking beta-carotene for cancer. All before a full- thine.9 All powerful nutrients that you can easily stock
scale U.S. clinical trial had even started! up on through the green, leafy vegetables you get at the
In fact, once the clinical trial got underway, it became grocery store.
more difficult to organize the control group of patients be- And all the NCI managed to prove, tens of millions of
cause so many people were already taking beta-carotene. dollars later, was that beta-carotene did not prevent can-
In the medical science worldthats counting your eggs cer. And that, in fact, cancer could actually increase by
long before you even have the chicken over 25% in some when using the synthetic, isolated beta-
carotene.10
But why, oh why was the NIH throwing caution
(and a proven cure!) to the wind? And all along, this flawed approach of the NCI
using the wrong doses, forms, and isolated synthetic nutri-
Could it be because they already put the cart before entsled to mixed results. Which of course opened the
the horse? Word was out about beta-carotene and they had door to criticism by pharmaceutical-led mainstream med-
already invested themselves and the taxpayers money to ical science and oncology. Who continue to argue that nu-
prove its worth. Of course they would never admit it, but trition wont work against cancer.
could it be that there was just no turning back on the
I even went so far as to formally predict the failure of
agenda now
this flawed approach. I knew it wouldnt work thanks to
Plus, when it comes to questionable judgments taking my work with the USDA, who actually knew something
place in our more infallible institutionsalways look at about nutrition. So I wrote up a scientific paper using the
the advisory board. flawed and ill-fated example of beta-carotene. But my
In this particular casea member of the National paper got caught up by my political bosses at the
Cancer Institute advisory board happened to be a senior NCIprotecting their cancer empire, covering up their
science officer at a manufacturer of synthetic beta- ignorance of human nutrition, and their waste of time and
carotene. The shameful dots should be easy enough to tax dollars.
connect. If the rug were pulled out from under beta- Finally, once I left the NCI to work at Walter Reed
carotene, too much would be lost. Army Medical Center, and away from my political
All the while, sealing the fate of a TRUE CANCER bossesmy paper was published in the Journal of the
ANSWER to sit on the shelf, collect dust, and be kept National Cancer Institute itself. Fortunately, the journal is
from you. reviewed by non-government scientists independent of
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Classified Cancer Answers
the NCI itself. And I was awarded the Young Research In- He quickly understood that too much iron could cause
vestigator prize for this work at Walter Reed. cancer not only in the liver but in most organs. And, in
It wasnt until 2002 that there was finally general both men and women.
recognition among physicians that using RDA guidelines So this Nobel laureate approached us at the NCI to
to treat diseases was not adequate. Thanks to the publica- conduct more research on iron. He wanted to use data
tion of a pair of papers by Fairfield and Fletcher in the from the largest study that had yet been done on health
Journal of the American Medical Association.11 and nutritionthe U.S. Health and Nutrition Examina-
The stage was finally set for accepting that nutrients tion Survey. But the science bureaucrats promptly re-
should be taken in adequate doses and in natural combina- jected him!
tions in order to prevent and cure diseases such as cancer. The NCI wanted to keep all this data to themselves.
Three-quarters of a century after the British initiated their Despite the fact that it was publicly funded data. It seems
first efforts in the war on cancer. that, since everyone was supposed to know that women
The irony of ironyet another need to take iron supplements, we were not supposed to
shameful misdirection confuse people with the facts. Even if they came from a
Nobel Prize winner.
While the NCI ignored promising nutrients that could
After I left the NCI, we continued to pursue the truth
reduce cancer, like vitamin Cthey also ignored the fact
of the science. Since we couldnt get the support needed
that too much of a certain nutrient could be dangerous
from the NCI, we went to the Department of Energy for
iron.
funding and to get access to the data from the publicly
A great irony of medical practice in the 20th century funded study. The Department of Energy had begun its
was that the benefits of generally safe nutrients like vita- life as the infamous Atomic Bomb Casualty Commis-
mins A, B, C, D, and E were too often ignored. But every- sion after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima
one was quite happy to push the need for iron and Nagasaki. Needless to say, studying the health effects
supplementation. of oxidizing radiation was a critical part of that effort.
Youd hear about iron everywhere. From Ted Macks Later, the Atomic Energy Commission continued per-
Amateur Hour on early TV, sponsored by Geritol iron forming and supporting research on the effects of radia-
supplementsto the policy of fortifying grains with iron tion and other forms of energy on health. Including effects
(in Scandinavia they forbid supplementing food with iron on oxidation and antioxidation in cells and tissues.
but supplement with selenium instead)to the average Fortunately, the Department of Energy was quick to
physician. Iron was the one nutrient of them all that you award a grant to our research team to do the analysis.
needed to take. But it turns out the Amateur Hour And the analysis proved that excess iron causes many
would be a fitting name for these efforts to push iron. different types of cancer in both men and women.
Certain individuals, specifically pregnant and men- The results were published in the prestigious New Eng-
struating women, may need iron supplementation. But the land Journal of Medicine12 and the International Journal
vast majority of people, including virtually all men, dont of Cancer.13
need more iron. The only way to lose iron is through Even if the NCI was not interested in the truth about
blood loss. So unless you have been hemorrhaging, your iron, the Department of Energy wasand so were the
body should have all it needs. consumers. It led to an entire industry based on iron-free
In fact, there are many serious diseases that are supplements. When our results came out, science bureau-
caused by too much iron. And some people are suscepti- crats at the CDC screamed bloody murderso to
ble to iron overload, which can be fatal. Further, if there is speakat our irresponsible research showing that too
too much iron in the body, the excess iron may act as an much iron could be too much of a good thing. They also
oxidant. This is the very problem we try to counter-act by viciously attacked us personallywhich reminds me of
taking vitamins and nutrients that act as antioxidants. the old adage in the court room; if the facts are in your
My faculty advisor at Penn, Dr. Barry Blumberg won favor; argue the facts; if the law is in your favor; argue the
the Nobel Prize in 1976 for his discovery of the cause of law; if neither, attack the expertsin this case a Nobel
infectious hepatitis. He also worked on the causes of liver Prize winner!
cancer. Iron overload is especially a problem for the liver.
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Classified Cancer Answers
You see, their job at the CDC was to convince preg- Pro-immune effects of natural products include both
nant women and women of child-bearing age to take iron enhancing the immune systems immune surveillance sys-
supplements. So confusing people about the risk of too tem (like a distant early warning defense system) as
much iron made their job harder. And the one thing you well as stimulating the Natural Killer cells that eliminate
can never do is to actually make a government bureaucrat cancer cells as they form in the body.
work harder. 2. Anti-angiogenesis:
Fortunately, the Department of Energy continues to Stopping tumors in their tracks
support research on science that does not match the politi-
Some natural ingredients address one very important
cal agenda of the NIH or CDC.
aspect of how cancer tumors grow. This approach has
Among the Thorns: Natural-born killer cells and generally been overlooked by mainstream cancer research
other good guys in the war on cancer and practice. Cancer cells grow very fast compared to
Mainstream science bureaucrats continue to pour normal cells. This is how tumors grow. But tumors also
money into surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. But the need an increased blood supply.
past still holds many promising answers. Better answers. An innovative approach to fighting cancer involves
Fortunately, others outside the NCI science bureau- preventing new blood vessels from expanding to supply
cracy have embraced the possibilities. Many private insti- the growing tumor. Angiogenesis is the process by which
tutions and independent scientists have provided a new blood vessels extend into a growing cancer tumor.
considerable amount of research on more positive ap- Anti-angiogenesis prevents this extension of blood vessels
proaches. These approaches are based on ancient knowl- and stops the growth of tumors. This observation was
edge and wisdom. But now, we are able to apply made experimentally decades ago. But only a few scien-
innovative, cutting-edge knowledge of how cells grow. tists have applied this knowledge to develop effective
This approach is actually way ahead of the curve when it treatments.
comes to a new understanding of how the body works. Dr. Judah Folkman of Boston, who died recently at
The following outlines a triple-play approach to the age of 75, was a persistent advocate of using anti-an-
fighting cancer. It focuses on three proven alternatives to giogenesis to treat cancer. He devoted his research labora-
the toxic triple approach of chemotherapy, radiation, and tory in Boston to developing this approach. His work has
surgery. These proven approaches can help prevent and often been cited as worthy of a Nobel Prize in Medicine
treat cancer, as well as improve the condition of cancer & Physiology.
survivors. Ten years ago I personally invited him to speak in
1. Immune surveillance: Philadelphia to a standing-room only crowd of distin-
Detecting cancer before it strikes guished physicians and scientists when I was the director
of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the nations
In the 1960s, a leading group of researchers discov- oldest and most distinguished medical academy. Fortu-
ered a critical connection between the immune system nately, some work has continued along these lines to bring
and cancer. They found that strengthening the immune forward one of the important and unique aspects of natu-
system can help prevent and fight cancer. This is now a ral approaches to cancer.
cornerstone of a natural approach. (As opposed to stan-
dard cancer treatments that are actually harmful to the im- 3. The antioxidant brigade:
mune system and to other healthy human cells.) Targeted nutrients to help your body fight back
Cancer cells are actually formed continuously The accumulation of free-radical ions at the cellular
throughout the body due to the presence of free-radical level is thought to trigger the process of carcinogenesis
ions that damage our cells. A healthy immune system the development of cancer cells. These free radicals are in
can actually recognize these abnormal cancer cells. the atmosphere and are formed by the ionizing effects of
Once an abnormal cell is spotted, the immune system the sun. They can also come from external toxins, such as
sends out Natural Killer cells (NK cells). These NK pesticides and other chemicals in our food. But theyre
cells eliminate the cancer cells before they can grow into also formed naturally as a byproduct of certain processes
actual tumors. in the body.
8
Classified Cancer Answers
Substances called antioxidants help keep free radicals also remember, when it comes to getting the basics for
in check, thus helping to prevent the formation of cancer cancer prevention, you should fill your diet with a variety
cells. The body produces some antioxidants on its own. of colorful fruits and vegetables. With particular emphasis
But you also get them from the foods you eat. Plants in placed on dark-green leafy and cruciferous vegetables.
the natural environment include a wide variety of potent If supplements are used, they should be taken with
antioxidants. Plants, like people, must protect themselves meals to ensure absorption. Fat-soluble vitamins (includ-
from the oxidative effect of free radicals in the atmos- ing vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E) should be taken
phere and from solar and other radiation. with at least a little dietary fat. Some vitamin supplements
Many plant compounds have been developed and are manufactured from natural or synthetic sources. For
tested for the ability to serve as antioxidants. In addition, example, vitamin E may be isolated from soybean oil or
various basic nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and made from petroleum derivatives. However, despite the
amino acids have been found to have antioxidant proper- appeal of natural vitamins, research has not generally
ties. And when combined, antioxidant ingredients have found important differences in their effects.
been shown to work together to multiply their effects as The best cancer treatments youve never heard of
a whole.
These findings are especially helpful if you or some- ANTIOXIDANTS
one you love has undergone, or is undergoing mainstream Vitamin C is probably the most well-known antioxi-
treatments. Chemotherapy and radiation cause severe dant, along with vitamins A, D, and E, and selenium. All
free-radical formation (oxidative stress) on the body. And of these are readily available and the research is exten-
while some oncologists have been concerned that antioxi- sive. Ill save the full story of vitamin C for later (see
dant supplements may interfere with this type of cancer below). And in interest of time and space, I wont get into
treatment, this has not been proven to be the case. Antiox- the details on the basics. Instead, following are a few an-
idant supplements can help the body recover from the ef- tioxidants you may not have heard of for fighting cancer.
fects of cancer treatment as well as helping to prevent the Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is an amino-acid with an-
recurrence of cancer. tioxidant properties. ALC helps turn the nutrients in our
Getting the right dose (and getting the dose right) food into energy for our cells. It can help you overcome
fatigue and improves the function of the brain and nerv-
An important part of research on cancer is determin-
ous system. This can be very helpful for those recovering
ing the correct doses that will have an effect on cancer
from cancer. Its also helpful to those suffering the effects
cells while still being tolerated by the patient. Natural
of mainstream cancer therapies, such as the notorious
substances are not toxic to cells but act differently by in-
chemo-brain.14 ALC has also been studied for its poten-
fluencing the correct growth of cells. And, in some cases
tial to help enhance the effects of traditional chemother-
(particularly with certain Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal
apy.15 A generally recommended dose would be 1,000 mg
combinations), they can even help cancerous cells return
per day.
to homeostasisa normal, stable, healthy state. In the
medical field, this process is known as re-differentiation. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an essential fatty acid
Since such ingredients are all natural products, many of that is critical for the body. ALA supports energy produc-
them are widely available on the open market. tion inside the cells and is a powerful antioxidant. But it
also has the unique ability to extend the life of other an-
However, additional research is needed to establish
tioxidants like vitamins C and Emaking it an antioxi-
the correct doses and combinations of these ingredients to
dant of antioxidants. This powerful antioxidant also
have the most beneficial effects. In addition, different for-
happens to be both water- and fat-soluble. This means it
mulations of these ingredients on the open market vary
can reach all parts of the body to help fight free radicals.
widely in their potency and quality. When dealing with
Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to have anticancer ef-
cancer, it is critically important that these ingredients are
fects by activating glutathione peroxidase (another potent
present at the correct doses and that their formulations
antioxidant in the body) and decreasing oxidative stress in
have the right potency. This is why its also important to
cancer patients. One recent study found that ALA could
work closely with a skilled practitioner.
initiate cell death in lung cancer cells.16
I will share those dosages most researched below. But
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Classified Cancer Answers
ALA is found primarily in animal sources, including ical finding has been the association between high intakes
red meat, liver, heart, and kidney. The most abundant of foods rich in vitamin C and a reduced risk of stomach
plant sources include spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, Brus- cancer. There is a weaker link to a decreased risk of cervi-
sels sprouts, potatoes, peas, and rice bran. It has also been cal cancer in smokers. In other research, it may also help
suggested that food intake reduces the bioavailability of counteract the toxicity of some conventional cancer treat-
ALA. So when supplementing, it is recommended that ments while enhancing the cell-killing effect of others.20
ALA be taken 30 min before or 2 hours after eating.17 A A protective effect of ascorbic acid in colorectal can-
generally recommended dose would be 300 mg per day. cer could exist by its prevention of fecal nitrosamines or
Coenzyme Q10 is found in every cell in the body and against other fecal mutagens. In addition, a mechanism
is a powerful antioxidant. It plays a critical role in the has been proposed whereby vitamin C inhibits DNA syn-
process of turning food into energy for the cells. In the thesis and spread of preneoplastic cells. Administration of
laboratory, coenzyme Q10 has been shown to prevent ascorbic acid has been shown to produce a 3040% in-
cancer and reduce cancer cell growth. It can also improve crease in protective enzymes.
white blood cell and immune system function. One recent Studies of rectal polyps among patients with a family
study has shown that coenzyme Q10 may provide much- history, support the possibility of a protective effect of vi-
needed protection to the heart when undergoing tamin C in polyp formation and thus possibly in colorectal
chemotherapy.18 In a recent pilot study, researchers found cancer. With 400 mg of vitamins C and E administered to
that supplementing with coenzyme Q10 and additional patients following polypectomy, after 2 years, the recur-
antioxidant vitamins (vitamin C, selenium, folic acid, and rence data rate was reduced approximately 20%.21
others) could extend survival time in patients with end- Ascorbic acid is generally tolerated well, but at high
stage cancer.19 A generally recommended dose would be doses it may cause stomach irritation, heart-burn, nausea,
150 mg per day. vomiting, drowsiness, and headaches. Some oncologists
IMMUNE SURVEILLANCE are concerned that high-dose vitamin C may alter the ab-
Following are some of the most important nutrients sorption and excretion of some drugs used in the treat-
for supporting the immune system and fulfilling the need ment of cancer, and may interfere with radiation therapy.
for immune surveillance in the fight against cancer. Of However, there are no clinical studies documenting such
course, there are many, many more. But these are most effects. In adults, there is significant anecdotal evidence
readily available and have the research to support them as that vitamin C is safe at dosages of 1,000 mg per day and
well. Many of these may also act in other ways, but their very minimal toxicity has been reported even at much
overall impact on immune health is substantial, and its higher dosages. However, there are few controlled studies
essential they not be overlooked. of the toxicity of vitamin C.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the most effec- Major proponents of high-dose vitamin C for cancer
tive antioxidants. However, research has shown it may treatment included the late Nobel laureate Dr. Linus Paul-
have an overall profound effect on the immune system. ing and Dr. Ewan Cameron. And while their research
This was apparent even in the early cancer research un- would need to be confirmed by more rigorous studies,
covered by my colleague at the NIH (as noted above). they did provide a number of observational reports, case
Where it was not only shown to help cut off the power studies, and pilot studies involving large numbers of ad-
source of the tumors, but actually stops the formation of vanced cancer patients. These patients were given high
unhealthy cells. But unfortunately, thanks to the complete doses of vitamin C. They reported that it appeared to im-
misdirection of the NIH, the research on all the potential prove overall well-being and quality of life, as well as re-
mechanisms of action of vitamin C is still lacking. sulted in a significant increase in the survival of patients
with various types of advanced cancer.22 High-dose vita-
Epidemiological evidence shows that populations
min C levels can be achieved through intravenous infu-
who eat diets high in vitamin C have a lowered risk for
sion under direct medical supervision, as well as oral
some cancers. This may be because of the antioxidant
administration.
function of vitamin C and its ability to block the forma-
tion of N-nitrosamines (cancer-causing substances formed For my last act, while serving as Executive Director
in the stomach from certain foods). A strong epidemiolog- of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jeffer-
10
Classified Cancer Answers
son University Hospital, I fought and won through all the Lentinen and other mushroom extracts. Lentinen is
hospital professional, pharmacy, and safety committees to a plant compound extracted from shiitake and other
gain approval to offer high dose vitamin C infusions right mushrooms. It has been shown to have potent anti-cancer
in this major university hospital under direct medical su- properties, similar to other mushroom extracts. Mush-
pervision for patients recovering from cancer and cancer rooms, such as shiitake, used for cancer in traditional
therapy. Asian medicine, appear to contain a substance called
A generally recommended dose is 750 mg per day, polysaccharides. These polysaccharides appear to activate
in combination with other triple-play nutrients as a di- the immune system NK cells. In addition, some mush-
etary supplement; and high-dose IV under direct medical room extracts have been shown in the laboratory to di-
supervision. rectly kill cancer cells, but leave normal cells alone. These
Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12. Most people observations have been made with mushrooms that are
have heard of B vitamins. But do you know what they can edible, such as shiitake, maitake, and gandoderma.
actually do for you? The B vitamins help optimize metab- A study from Korea, including 272 patients, found
olism at the cellular level. Meaning, they are essential for that the higher the intake of mushrooms, the lower the
energy of the cells. The B vitamins also play a role in prevalence of gastric cancer. In another study, 68 patients
many critical functions of the body. But they have also with advanced, non-small cell lung cancer were given a
been shown to stimulate the immune system and inhibit polysaccharide peptide mushroom isolate. This was a ran-
cancer cell formation. Significant data suggest that a defi- domized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Patients
ciency of vitamin B12 or folic acid may actually lead to in the intervention group showed stimulation of the im-
increased tumor development. A study published in Can- mune system.27
cer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention in 1999 re- Some polysaccharides from mushrooms may also
ported an association of low levels of B12 with breast help protect bone marrow from the harmful effects of
cancer in postmenopausal women.23 Another study pub- chemotherapy and may have clinical application in recov-
lished in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 1998 has ering from cancer. Clinical trials are under way in Japan
shown a protective effect of dietary folate against the de- evaluating the use of mushrooms as adjunctive therapy to
velopment of colon cancer.24 A generally recommended chemotherapy. The National Cancer Center Research In-
dose of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6 is 100 mg of stitute of Japan conducted a 15-year epidemiological
each per day. For B12, a generally recommended dose is study from 1972 to 1986. They looked at the cancer rates
1 mg (or 1,000 mcg) per day in combination with other in close to 175,000 people. They found that mushroom
triple-play nutrients. farmers had overall lower cancer death rates when com-
Zinc and calcium. Zinc, together with other miner- pared to non-farmer populations (160.1 per 100,000 com-
als, like calcium, is thought to have a role in inhibiting pared to 97.1 per 100,000).28
cancer growth through enhancement of the immune sys- A generally recommended dose of lentinen is 2,000
tem and/or by direct effects on the cells. Zinc, an essen- mcg (or 2 mg) from shiitake mushroom with a 4:1 extract
tial constituent of numerous enzymes, functions in cell of Lentinus edodes, caps and stems (equivalent to 8 mg of
replication and tissue repair. Calcium plays an important dried mushroom).
role in many cell functions including the overall survival ANTI-ANGIOGENESIS
of the cell. It helps control cell proliferation and synthe-
sis of DNA. Investigations found that supplementing Despite the heroic efforts of Dr. Folkman, there isnt
with 1,250 mg of calcium per day significantly reduced as much research in support of anti-angiogenesis as com-
cell proliferation in patients at high risk for large bowel pared to antioxidants and immune support. However, sev-
cancer.25 Epidemiological studies support the hypothesis eral natural ingredients appear active in this category and
that a higher calcium intake may reduce risk for colon are available:
cancer. One large study showed that people who took Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). Note that natural vi-
calcium supplements of 1,200 mg per day showed a de- tamin E consists of four tocopherols and four tocotrienols.
creased risk of colorectal polyps.26 A generally recom- Despite this fact, the Cancer Establishment always tests
mended dose for zinc is 250 mg per day and for calcium just d-alpha tocopherol or, worse, dl-alpha tocopherol
its 2,000 mg per day. acetate, finds no anti-cancer effect, and proclaims that
11
Classified Cancer Answers
vitamin E has no anti-cancer effect. This is a conclu- vitro.32 It has also been found to play a potential role in
sion of reductionist Neanderthal nutrition research. If cervical cancer and prostate cancer. Epidemiological
youre going to test vitamin E, it should be tested in its studies have shown there is an inverse relationship be-
natural statewith mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols. tween dietary intake of genistein and cancer incidents,
That said, some studies have shown that alpha-toco- including breast, colon, and prostate cancer.33 Subse-
pherol can neutralize the effects of certain cancer-caus- quent research has shown it can actually work against
ing compounds (such as N-nitrosamines). It may also prostate cancer in multiple ways. Genistein has been
stimulate the release of antitumor factors from the im- shown to work directly on the cancer cells, killing them
mune system. Animal studies suggest that it can prevent and stopping their growth. But it may also work by in-
some chemically induced cancers and it may reduce the terfering with estrogen receptors. Genistein may also
size of tumors. One study, in humans, suggested a bene- provide important protection to healthy cells when un-
ficial effect associated with the use of vitamin E in pa- dergoing chemotherapy.
tients with superficial premalignant lesions in the A generally recommended dose is 50 mg per day. I
mouth. recommend a brand called Bonistein Genistein.
In a laboratory study using breast cancer cells, vita- Piperine (Piper nigrum) is the compound in black
min E inhibited their growth. Results of animal studies pepper that gives it its kick. It has a long history of use
examining the effect of vitamin E on mammary cancers in Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian medicineused as a
have been contradictory. However, it has been reported general restorative tonic. Piperine has been shown to
that a supplement of 800 mg per day of alpha-toco- substantially increase the bodys ability to absorb the
pherol, taken during radiation therapy for breast cancer, nutrients in foods and supplements. It has been shown
reduced side effects and improved general well-being.29 to work a few different ways: by interfering with the
A generally recommended dose of vitamin E is 100 bodys ability to metabolize (or use up) substances,
IU per day, especially in combination with selenium stimulating absorption of nutrients through the intes-
(see above as part of the triple-play). tinal lining, and actually slowing down the action of the
Resveratrol. You may recognize the name of this intestines in order to give the body more time to absorb
plant compound for its popular anti-aging claim to the nutrients there. Similar to super-antioxidants that
fame. Which may be true, and a good reason to enjoy a support other antioxidants, piperine can increase the ef-
glass or two of red wine with dinner. However, theres a fectiveness of other beneficial nutrients, including an-
much more intriguing potential to resveratrol you may tioxidants enzymes. Research has shown it can boost
not hear elsewhereits potential to act against angio- the bioavailability of the cancer-fighter curcumin (see
genesis (the spread of the blood supply of tumors). below) substantially. This is important, since curcumin
This phytochemical compound is found in grape skins is not easily absorbed by the body. In addition to these
and grape seeds. In laboratory studies, it has shown complementary effects, piperine has been shown to
anti-cancer effects by inhibiting the growth of over 12 have direct antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-inflamma-
different types of cancer cells, including prostate, tory properties.34 A recent in vitro study showed piper-
breast, colon, pancreas, and ovarian carcinomas. It has ine is able to directly stimulate immune cells.35 And in
also been shown to have potential to enhance the effects recent tests on mice, piperine was shown to inhibit the
of standard chemotherapy and radiation.30 Research has spread of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.36
also shown how resveratrol may interrupt the genes in- A generally recommended dose is 20 mg per day of
volved in cell formation, initiating cell death in prostate a brand called Bioperine Piperine, which is a 50:1
tumors.31 standardized extract of Piper nigrum fruit.
A generally recommended dose is 500 mg per day. COMBINED EFFECTS: Double- and triple-plays
Genistein is a naturally occurring isoflavonoid with these fabulous five ingredients
(plant compound) found in soy products. It has been The following five ingredients have the unique
found to have anticancer activity in multiple tumor cell power to address two or all three critical cancer-fighting
types. In one study, genistein was found to inhibit blood effects. They provide antioxidant protection, immune
vessel formation in melanoma cells both in vivo and in support, and have anti-angiogenesis effects.
12
Classified Cancer Answers
The yellow spice breakthrough: The pungent protector: Garlic (Allium sativa).
Curcumin (Curcuma longa). Unlike many other herbs, garlic, is also a biologi-
Curcumin is the gold-colored curry spice commonly cally active food with presumed medicinal properties,
used in India. It has been used for centuries as a spice in including possible anti-cancer effects. Garlic has been
foods (turmeric) and as an herbal remedy in India, found to possess over 100 constituent compounds. Some
Malaya, and Southeast Asia. But it has suddenly been have been looked at individually, but one cant discount
discovered by modern science leading to a torrent of the potential importance of the benefits of the whole.
current research. Curcumin has been extensively re- Clinical studies of garlic in humans address several
searched as a treatment for cancer. Its antioxidant ef- areas including protective associations with cancer as
fects are 10 times stronger than that of vitamin E. And it well as clinical adverse effects. There are multiple clini-
has been shown to stop tumor growth. cal studies with promising but some conflicting results.
In a review of over 728 curcumin analogs which Some data, primarily from case-control studies, suggest
covers the literature from 1815 to mid-2009, re- dietary garlic consumption is associated with decreased
searchers showed that curcumin interfered with multi- risk of laryngeal, gastric, colorectal, and endometrial
ple cell signal pathways including the spread of cancer cancer, and colon polyps.
cells, angiogenesis, and inflammation.37 Therefore, Recent research has found that the allicin in garlic
among the natural products shown to possess chemical (the main ingredient in garlic that gives it its distinctive
preventive and anticancer properties, curcumin is one of flavor) can stimulate cell death via various actions.41
the most potent. In a population-based, case-control study conducted
Other recent research has shown that curcumin can in Shanghai, China, investigators found a link between
help stop the spread of cancer (metastasis) by decreas- the intake of allium vegetables, including garlic, scal-
ing the invasiveness of cancer cells in a lung cancer lions, onions, chives, and leeks, and the risk of prostate
model.38 It has also been shown to have a direct effect cancer. Men in the highest of three intake categories of
against cancer cells in colon cancer, chronic lympho- total allium vegetables (more than 10.0 grams per day)
cytic leukemia, liver cancer and ovarian cancer. And had a statistically significantly lower risk of prostate
can slow the spread of melanoma, prostate cancer, mul- cancer than those in the lowest category (less than 2.2
tiple myeloma, lymphoma, and others. grams per day). Similar comparisons between cate-
In one recent study, curcumin was found to be lethal gories showed reductions in risk for men in the highest
to human bladder cancer cells. It induced cell death and intake categories for garlic and scallions.42
stopped the spread. The effect of curcumin was shown You can increase your garlic intake by adding it to
to be stronger than that of cisplatin (a common your taste to any vegetable, fish, or meat dish. One to
chemotherapy drug).39 two cloves per day is recommended. If supplementing
Curcumin has also been shown to have the unique with a garlic extract, a generally recommended dose is
ability to help enhance the effectiveness of chemother- 200-400 mg, two to three times per day.
apy when it may otherwise fail. Multidrug resistance to The back from the brink cancer weapon:
anticancer drugs is a major cause of chemotherapy fail- Sutherlandia frutescens (Cancer Bush)
ure for patients. Curcumin may be used as a chemo sen-
sitizer to make tumor cells more sensitive to the effects In my explorations of the silent cures of South
of chemotherapy.40 Thus potentially lowering the effec- Africa, Sutherlandia frutescens is regarded as one of the
tive dose of toxic chemotherapyan example of true most potent. It has had a long but hidden history of use
complementary medicine. as a safe and effective remedy for various health condi-
tions by all cultures in the region. It has long been used
Studies have shown it to exhibit similar activities to
as a supportive treatment in cancer, hence one of its
those drugs that have been developed to block tumor
common namesCancer Bush. It is called Kanker-
necrosis factor, vascular endothelial cell growth factor,
bos in Afrikaans, a dialect of the Dutch settlers. And in the
human epidermal growth factor, and HER2.
indigenous Tswana tongue, as in Botswana, it is called
A generally recommended dose is 200 mg per day Phetola which means it changes. And indeed the
as a dietary supplement, although dietary intake can be plant changes the course of many illnesses for the better.
higher when used as a food spice versus a supplement.
13
Classified Cancer Answers
Sutherlandia has traditionally been used for enhanc- of these phytochemicals act as pesticides to discourage
ing well-being, immune support, longevity, stress, depres- predators, so its not surprising that it would contain com-
sion and anxiety. It was one of the few treatments found pounds that have anti-cancer properties. It is also a hardy
useful during the deadly global Spanish Flu epidemic plant, well known for its ability to withstand cold and
after WW I that killed 20 million people worldwide dur- continue to bloom even after other plants have closed
ing 1918-19. It works by helping the body heal and re- down for the autumn and winter.
store a normal state of health (or homeostasis) by Chrysanthemum is a powerful symbol in Chinese and
mobilizing its own resources to overcome many physical Japanese culture. It is often used as a tea in ceremonial
and mental stresses. Research studies show that is works occasions. Often a plant that is revered for its symbolic or
broadly among the body systems. This indicates that it iconic significance also has constituents that are very
functions as an adaptogen (see the first issue of Insiders powerful herbal remedies. I recognized this common
Cures, included with your bonus reports), as well as an property of medicinal plants early in the development of
immune stimulant. Studies also indicate significant an- medical anthropology in the early 1980s.47
tioxidant activity, another important anti-cancer property. Scientifically, Chrysanthemum morifloriam flowers
Cancer bush contains a substance called L-canava- have demonstrated various anti-cancer effects specifically
nine. This potent compound has been shown to stop pan- against prostate cancer.48 In Chinese medicine it is used
creatic cancer cells in their tracks.43 Cancer bush also for prostate cancer and prostate health together with reishi
contains GABA, which has been shown to stamp a cease mushroom (Ganoderma), licorice root (Glycyrrihiza
and desist on tumor cells.44 And clinical trials are now glabra), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), and the adapto-
underway testing it against the immune systems ultimate gen Sanchi Ginseng (Panax pseudoginseng).
enemy, the AIDS virus.45 Chrysanthemum and seven other active natural prod-
But beyond the technical aspects of this wonder-find, ucts were once available in the traditional Chinese combi-
there lies a mysterious aspect that could make it the back nation remedy known as PC-SPES. In one of their rare,
from the brink cancer weapon patients have been pray- but still misguided, attempts to test a truly innovative ap-
ing for. And thats the ability of the cancer bush to halt the proach to cancer, the NIH unwittingly used contaminated
deadly wasting process that so many terminally ill pa- PC-SPES and had to halt their study, wasting more tax-
tients experience. This wasting away is called cachexia. payer dollars and a golden opportunity to expand the can-
The presence of cachexia in cancer patients has long cer treatment frontier. As a result of the contamination of
been understood to mean that cancer is a metabolic disor- the PC-SPES being tested, it was pulled off the market
der, systemically throughout the body, rather than being and is no longer available. Which is a shame, considering
just the presence of a malignant tumor. Therefore, a natu- it was exceptionally effective. Particularly for re-differen-
ral product like Sutherlandia, which also acts as an adap- tiation, or returning cancerous cells back to a normal,
togen, can show potential benefits over an approach to healthy state.
just killing cancer cells. Accordingly, it functions as an However, similar, equally promising formulations
appetite stimulant in wasted patients, but not in healthy made by different companies are now available. Chrysan-
people. Dr. Credo Mutwa, one of South Africas most re- themum is included in a formulation called PC-CARE.
spected healers, has seen patients who weighed as little as Treatment with PC-CARE or similar formulations
57 lbs turn the tides and reach 100 lbs in just 7 months.46 should be individually monitored and sought from a qual-
A generally recommended dose is 600 mg per day of ified and knowledgeable traditional Chinese medical
Sutherlandia frutescens leaf extract. practitioner. Such practitioners may be found in China-
The Mothers Day cancer crusher: towns in major urban areas and even some modern uni-
Chrysanthemum versity hospital settings in the U.S.
Chinese medicine also offers complex mixtures of ac- The Middle-Eastern marvel:
tive herbal remedies for cancer. One interesting and im- Black cumin (Nigella sativa)
portant ingredient is Chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemum is Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is an annual flowering
better known in the West as a simple decorative, hardy plant found in South and Southwest Asia. It is also called
flowering plant. But the chrysanthemum itself is full of at fennel flower, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander, black
least 15 different active and potent phytochemicals. Many caraway seed, or black coriander, and sometimes onion
14
Classified Cancer Answers
seed or black seed. It is regarded as one of the greatest of titioners, Complementary & Integrative Medicine in Can-
all medicinal herbs in Islam. Modern research is actively cer Care and Prevention, New York: Springer, 2007.
investigating its anti-cancer properties. An extract has re-
cently been found to be effective against pancreatic can- Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 1991; 115: 838-844.
1
3
New England Journal of Medicine 1999; 341: 380-381.
difficult cancer to treat. So the potential of black cumin is 4
Nutrition and Cancer Prevention: Investigating the Role of Micronutrients. New York:
giving researchers hope in finally finding an effective nat- Marcel Dekker, 1989
ScienceDaily, 9/10/07. (Retrieved 5/29/12, from
ural remedy.
5
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070910132848.htm)
Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Cancer at Thomas The Prostate 1997; 32(3): 188-195.
6
8
Nature 1981; 290: 201-208.
work, have found that thymoquinone, an extract of nigella 9
Journal of the National Cancer Institute 1990; 82: 285-292.
sativa seed oil, blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and Annual Review of Public Health 1998; 19: 7399.
10
16
Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2012; 45(1): 1-10.
without the toxic side effects of chemotherapy.49 17
Pharmacol Rep 2011; 63(4): 849-858.
Integr Cancer Ther 2005; 4(2): 110-130.
Black cumin seed supplements are available in some
18
19
J Int Med Res 2009; 37(6): 1,961-1,971.
natural food stores, vitamin shops, and from online sup- 20
Nutrition and Cancer Prevention: Investigating the Role of Micronutrients. New York:
plement retailers. A good general dose is 500 mg per day. Marcel Dekker, 1989
Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Cancer Care and Prevention. New York:
****
21
Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Cancer Care and Prevention. New York:
store and natural food stores.
29
40
Curr Eye Res 2009; 34(10): 845-851.
and cancer survivors as true complementary medicine. An 41
Oncol Rep. 2012; 28(1): 41-48.
J Natl Cancer Inst 2002; 94(21): 1,648-1,651.
important step is to determine which mind-body therapies
42
43
Cancer Res 1994; 54(23); 6,045-6,048
will work for you, and it is important to learn your emo- 44
Physiology 2009; 24: 171-185.
tional type by taking my simple survey in my book with Nutrition Journal 2005; 4: 19
45
47
Human Organization 1983; 42(4): 351-353.
www.DrMicozzi.com or at your local bookstore). 48
Phytother Res. 2012 (published online Mar 22).
HPB 2009; 11(5): 373-381.
If you have cancer or are a cancer survivor, dont try
49
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