Mucositis is one of the most painful side effects of cancer treatment. It affects approximately 40% of patients who receive standard-doses of chemotherapy and 60-90% of patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation for head and neck cancers. It can ... [Read More]
Supplements and Botanicals
In this section, you will learn about various supplements and botanical compounds that can help in the management of side effects, symptoms and nutritional support.
Amazing anti-cancer compound derived from the French Lilac: Galega officianalis (metformin)
Metformin is a medication derived from the herb Galega officinalis (French lilac, also known as Goat's Rue or Italian Fitch) and has been used as a traditional botanical (tea infusion) for over 3,000 years to relieve polyuria (frequent urination) and ... [Read More]
Reduce skin fibrosis & possibly breast implant contracture after radiation therapy: vitamin E & pentoxifylline
Most patients typically develop only minimal skin fibrosis after their radiation therapy, however for those who have a more significant degree of fibrosis I often recommend a combination of vitamin E (400 I.U. twice a day) and pentoxifylline (400 mg, ... [Read More]
The power of the placebo effect: who cares if it’s the placebo effect if it works (…and other thoughts)!?
The simple act of offering a therapy to a patient has tremendous psychological effects that can strongly blunt the perception of physiologic processes. This effect, also known as the "placebo effect" is hardly a new concept, but for the first time it ... [Read More]
Bioidentical hormone therapy in cancer patients: an integrative oncologist’s perspective
Hormones are proteins that have very important stimulatory effects on tissues, organs and glands within the body. In normal physiologic states, the production and release of the endogenous (made by the body) hormones is tightly controlled. ... [Read More]
Inhaling vaporized botanicals as medicine
The use of plants as medicine has been and continues to be employed by cultures throughout the world in the treatment of numerous physical and psychological conditions and symptoms. It is estimated that 80% of the world's population use plants as ... [Read More]
Mushrooms: Promising natural anti-cancer and immune modulatory effects
The medicinal use of mushrooms have been employed for over 3,000 years in the treatment of many conditions. Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies have been published indicating the wide-range of positive health effects of fungi (click on this link to see ... [Read More]
Fight weight loss (and potentially improve survival) during cancer therapy using a fish oil supplement
The conclusions of two studies published in 2011, in the journal Cancer, suggest that the use of a fish oil supplement taken during treatment for cancer can help patients maintain their weight (**and improves the efficacy of chemotherapy**) The ... [Read More]
A natural botanical remedy reduces skin inflammation (dermatitis) and pain from radiation therapy: Calendula officinalis (marigold flower)
Calendula officinalis is a widely available natural botanical (derived from the orange-yellow petals of the pot marigold), and has been used (mainly in Europe) since at least the 12th century in the treatment of rashes, burns and inflammation of the ... [Read More]
Taking probiotics before and during pelvic radiation therapy may reduce diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common side-effect of pelvic and abdominal radiation therapy. In a fascinating study, published in 2010, researchers reported that taking a probiotic supplement before and during radiation therapy for cervical cancer significantly ... [Read More]
Green tea has no effect on breast cancer prevention: questions remain unanswered about other potential anti-cancer effects of green tea.
An excellent study (published in October 2010, in Breast Cancer Research) reported that consumption of green tea provides no benefit in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer. The authors examined the prospectively collected data on 53,793 ... [Read More]
Curcumin (a natural compound in curry) enhances the effects of chemotherapy
Multiple studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, a natural compound found in the yellow spice, turmeric (used in curry.) Research seems very promising suggesting that adding supplemental curcumin (likely ... [Read More]
Soy consumption may reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence
A study (published in Canadian Medical Association Journal) reports that postmenopausal women with a prior history of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer had a significantly lower risk (33% less!!) of breast cancer recurrence when they consumed ... [Read More]
Nutrition consultations are an integral component of cancer care
It is fairly common for patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to develop side effects that can lead to weight loss, dehydration, diarrhea or constipation. Diminished appetite and taste changes (i.e. certain foods may lose their ... [Read More]
Discuss ALL your medications and supplements with your cancer care team: Potentially serious interactions are common among cancer patients
Studies indicate that one-third of cancer patients take combinations of medications (both prescribed and non-prescription/over-the-counter drugs) that place them at risk of potentially dangerous interactions. (Read More Here) This number may ... [Read More]
Drink your green tea: a green tea nutrient slows progression of a common cancer
In a study presented, in June 2010, (at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting), investigators report a 69% response rate (reduction in lymphocyte count by >/=20% or a 50% reduction in lymph node size) in patients with a common ... [Read More]
Shark cartilage is NOT an effective cancer treatment- stop killing sharks for their fins!
An excellent study (published in May 2010, in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute) demonstrates that shark cartilage is NOT an effective treatment for cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential survival benefit of adding a ... [Read More]
Eat Your Broccoli: another reason why mom was right (natural anti-cancer compound, sulforaphane)
I was no fan of broccoli when I was a kid. My mom used to have to serve it to me with melted cheese just so that I would eat it. Fortunately my taste has evolved and I love it now. Breast Cancer: In a recent study, investigators discovered that a ... [Read More]