Participating in Experimental Cancer Treatments Can Be Helpful For Some Late Stage Cancer Patients

A cancer patient who has exhausted all the other forms of traditional treatment may often see an experimental cancer treatment as a last resort. Many times, these patients will be offered a chance to participate in some type of clinical trial for a new treatment protocol that relates specifically to their specific kind of cancer. Oncologists will often suggest clinical trials for stage four patients not necessarily as a way to affect a cure but to advance scientific knowledge as it advances in the field of cancer treatment.

Experimental cancer treatments are done for any new cancer drugs that are being considered as potential treatments. Anyone who is considering taking part in any type of drug trial should remember that any cancer drug that currently available first started out as an experimental drug. Every drug that ever enters the market must undergo a clinical trial as part of its approval by the Federal Drug Administration to determine its effectiveness and whether or not it causes significant side effects.

New drugs are discovered each day in research labs all over the United States. Because of the rigorous requirements of research and development, however, they take years before they are finally able to reach the market. Most of this time is taken up by the process of the trials they are subjected to during which they are given to humans so that physicians can evaluate their safety and effectiveness. In most cases, patients who are participating in a clinical trial are those who have no hope of a cure through a more traditional treatment. Every drug trial has three phases which must be passed before the drug can be approved by the FDA.

Currently trials are being conducted on cancer drugs that were developed using Clostridium novyi, an anaerobic bacteria which is capable of eating out the interior of an oxygen-poor tumor. Another clinical trial is also underway on a drug that was derived by using human breast milk and is being tested on people with certain types of skin cancer and some types of bladder cancer.

Anyone who has cancer and who is interested in taking part in a clinical trial should discuss it with their oncologist who will be able to advise them on the pros and cons of such a treatment protocol. He or she may even know about a trial that is being offered locally.

Taking part in a clinical trial is not for everyone. Patients may be exposed to drugs that have serious side effects that may cause problems for them. These drugs will seldom cause their cancer to worsen but may not do anything to help them get any better. It is really a matter of choice that needs to be discussed closely with their oncologist and family members.

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Cancer Alkaline Diet Is Not a Myth

What is an alkaline diet? And why is it important? Many years ago I read Gunther’s book on raw food and I discovered the power of the raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and herbs. Many people were cured of serious or even incurable illnesses. That is why a raw food diet is the perfect cancer alkaline diet.

That for me was amazing. Where did this power of the raw food come from?

The fact is by processing our food, especially by heat, we change it chemically. If the raw foods are processed using temperatures higher than our body temperature they become acid. And feeding on acid food we will become increasingly acid.

Years pass by and this unbalanced acid/alkaline ratio brings in the first results. Diseases appear. And if the acid accumulation continues it is very likely that a form of cancer will appear.

Cancer appears only if an organism is acid. Normally a healthy person should be around 80% alkaline and 20% acid. But because of the type of foods we eat, this is turned upside down. It becomes 80% acid, or even more.

So, the body becomes an ideal ground for diseases.

In order to heal ourselves, we have to reverse the process and alkalize our bodies. And when we are back to a normal alkaline/acid report, the disease would be gone.

The food which meets this criteria and is able to alkalize the body is the raw food.

Besides the fact that cooked, fried, boiled food is acid, it is also dead. The enzymes, which constitute the life power, are destroyed when heated, not many degrees higher, above our body temperature.

That makes our food to be both acid and dead. That is a deadly combination!

The solution to cure cancer is a cancer alkaline diet. That is the main idea. Of course, there are many things to know about, but basically that is the point.

Switch to eating raw foods and you will be on your way to recover your health.

I know that at first that might sound like a very hard task. To change a “normal” diet so radically. But, in reality is not so. It can even be fun when it is done properly.

It becomes a journey to recover your health and living a life full of energy and accomplishments. It can be a turning point in your life.

Remember that everything works together for your good. Make the best decision and you will find a blessing in disguise. Cancer alkaline diet is not a myth.

If you are interested to discover a raw food program which can help you change to a cancer alkaline diet easily, visit the site http://cancerwinner.org/. Here you will also be able to watch a video testimony of a stage 4 breast cancer patient who followed such a program and now is cured.

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Coping With Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy has a lot of side-effects which are many a time difficult to go through. Every person who is undergoing chemotherapy will experience different side effects. At treatment centers for cancer, doctors will advise you about the various side effects you might experience.

Fever or flu-like symptoms are common during chemotherapy. If you are experiencing muscle aches or pains which are symptoms of flu, you can take easily available medications such as Advil. Or, if you want something more powerful you should call your cancer treatment center. Some people also feel tired and this fatigue tends to get worse over time. But once you stop chemotherapy, the fatigue goes away. However, one can try exercising everyday to keep their energy up. Swimming, walking or yoga are all excellent forms of exercise.

Some people also tend to experience diarrhea and constipation. If you are going through this, over the counter medications are not advised. You should immediately contact your cancer treatment center. Diarrhea may also lead to de-hydration. Hence, it is recommended that you drink lots of water- about 8 to 10 glasses every day to make up for the loss of fluids. To help with constipation, high fiber food definitely helps.

Hair loss is one of the most dreaded side effects of chemotherapy. But not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. Generally, hair loss starts after two weeks of starting chemotherapy. The amount of hair loss differs. Some people may lose very little while some may go bald and even lose body hair. The hair grows back after two to three months of stopping chemotherapy, but to get through the time you may want to consider buying a wig or covering your head with scarf or a hat.

Mouth sores are a common side effect of chemotherapy. If your sores get too painful you should contact treatment centers for cancer as they may prescribe a special mouth rinse. At home one can try rinsing their mouth with a solution of one teaspoon baking soda and one teaspoon salt in a glass of lukewarm water.

Another side effect of chemotherapy is nausea and loss of appetite. This may also be followed with change in taste. Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding caffeine helps with the nausea. Try having herbal drinks and fresh juices. Anti-nausea medications may also prove helpful. You may also find that you can tolerate only certain kinds of food. It is recommended that you eat whatever appeals to you.

Through his articles, youngrin wishes to inform and educate the readers about treatment centers for cancer which will benefit those who are looking for useful information, For treatment log on to treatment centers for cancer

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Your Natural Protection From Cancer

 

Cancer is a scary disease associated with operations and chemotherapy.

However, there is a brighter side to this scenario. Anyone who has the inclination to be more informed about cancer can learn to easily protect themselves; and it can be a delicious and awe inspiring experience.

Ever since I was about 10 year old, I have been aware of death by cancer and how even after successful surgery complication can haunt you. My favorite aunt had breast cancer.

This is the reason I studied cell and molecular biology in college. For instance people suffering from cancer have an insurmountable breakdown in cell production of their immune system. It takes invasive physical and chemical attention to restore this system and regain health, and some never do. So it stands to reason that it is better to adopt ways to secure the immune system.

Fortunately, this is not one of those things that are easier said than done. Since cancer is a disease associated with a breakdown in immune function, one can take serious measures to support this body system. This is easily done with an excellent diet which includes food that continually supports, and boosts immune function.

The one part you have to pay is to select the natural fresh foods that are guaranteed to uphold this body system. For example, the immune system gets tremendous support from natural foods with a high Vitamin C content. These include kiwis, guavas, citrus, bell peppers and vegetables like kale, parsley and broccoli. These are foods that will also help other organ systems to perform at tip top shape. So what are you waiting for?

Another idea is to improve your snacks. A snack of parsley or sundried tomato pesto will definitely keep your immune system in the joyous state. Compare this to French fries, coco cola or a candy bar. This is the reason I have a recipe for Parsley Pesto in my award winning cookbook – Eat Yourself Younger Effortlessly. This choice might seem like exotic fare where snacking is concerned. However, parsley has one of the highest contents of Vitamin C in the plant kingdom and is extremely inexpensive, nowhere in the vicinity of expense of chemotherapy. It should definitely be valued for more than a garnish on a dish.

Your next step is to spend more time in the periphery of the grocery store, in the fresh food sections, on a search for various citrus which are naturally loaded with vitamin C. And you can also create a new habit to squeeze slices of lemon or lime juice in your water.

Also consider adding kiwi to your line up of fresh fruit. It is a readily available fruit and an excellent source of Vitamin C. You immune system would be so happy that you are helping it fight errant, bullying cancer cells. And you might never hear this statement from your doctor – the test is positive for malignancy.

Celia Westberry is a Wellness Mentor and Cooking Coach who helps people to become aware of the connection between their eating lifestyle and the impact it has on their bodies to nurture, restore or be detrimental. Her clients learn to open their awareness to the awesome power of food to heal, promote health and restore wellbeing. They achieve energetic balance in their lifestyle, and feel empowered to accomplish their goals and life intentions. Celia’s experiences include doing scientific research in cancer and lecturing in cell and molecular biology at the college level. She is the CEO of Westberry Wellness Programs LLC and the author of the award winning book – Eat Yourself Younger Effortlessly, the easy way to slow aging, feel great and look good

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Recover Faster From Cancer Removal Surgery

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In patients preparing for cancer removal surgery or any major surgery, nutritional status and the person’s stress response to surgery are two of the major factors effecting outcomes. Both poor nutritional status and the stress response to surgery result in impaired immunity which slows wound healing and increases post-op infections, delaying recovery and leading to extended hospital length of stay. Subsequently, oral supplements containing immune modulating nutrients, such as arginine, glutamine, protein and antioxidants, are recommended peri-operatively for patients undergoing cancer removal surgery and severe trauma.

When your body is trying to heal a wound, whether from a pressure ulcer or bed sore, or from radiation therapy or surgery, you need more protein than you can get from a typical day’s intake-especially if you don’t feel like eating. On top of that, a wound adds to the amount of inflammation your body is already experiencing. This high level of systemic inflammation-throughout the entire body-not only changes how your body uses nutrients but also acts as a barrier to healing.

For surgical cancer removal wounds and wounds that won’t heal, the body needs specific nutrients that provide the extra protein and nitrogen to support your healing along with antioxidants and special anti-inflammatory nutrients to reduce inflammation. These additional nutrients are clinically proven to support wound healing and prevent and correct deficiencies associated with chronic and heavily draining wounds.

Studies show that the stress response to surgery increases the utilization of protein and the amino acids, arginine and glutamine. Both arginine and glutamine become conditionally essential nutrients because depletion occurs from the stress of surgery. During periods of stress, muscle tissue is broken down to meet the increased demand for arginine and glutamine, but a deficiency in these two nutrients still occurs and supplementation is required.

Glutamine acts as a fuel source for rapidly dividing cells such as those along the gastrointestinal track and also regulates antioxidant status and protein synthesis. Adequate arginine is required for in wound healing. Glutamine and arginine regulate gut barrier function to defend against infection and both also regulate the immune-inflammatory response.

Studies involving patients undergoing cancer removal surgeries who were given immune modulating supplements had significantly reduced risk of acquired infections, wound complications, and length of hospital stay. Clinical Nutrition experts recommend the start of immune-nutrition starting 5-7 days prior to surgery and to continue for 5-7 days after surgery.

ArgiMent AT just one pack twice a day the week before and the week after surgery. Immuno-nutrition to improve YOUR surgical outcome.

For more information on cancer removal surgery wound healing and how to treat the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, visit our website at http://cancersolutioncenter.com/?page_id=194 or contact Sarah Horton at CancerSolutionCenter@gmail.com or call 570-329-3200 x8073.

Cancer Solution Center

http://www.cancersolutioncenter.com/

CancerSolutionCenter@gmail.com
570-329-3200 x8073

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Role of HDAC Inhibitors in the Fight Against Cancer

The deadly disease cancer is associated with an uncontrolled and unregulated growth of cells within our body. This disease is claiming a large number of deaths across the world. According to the statistics provided by WHO (World Health Organization), the number of deaths due to cancer have increased by 45%. This disease can affect almost any part within our body. Initially it appears as a small lump or mass but proves to be deadly when it spreads all over the body through blood or lymphatic system.

Causative agents for cancer are many, like unhealthy lifestyle habits, exposure to carcinogenic pollutants or radiations, few viral infections etc. These causative agents ultimately stimulate genetic defects within our cells. The genetic defects appear in the form of chromosomal aberrations or gene mutations (deletion or insertion of genes). The ultimate effect of these genetic effects is the suppression of tumor suppressor genes or hyperactivation of oncogenes.

The expression of genes into proteins within eukaryotes is controlled at different stages in a large number of ways. This control mechanism starts right from the chromatin stage. Histone acetyltransferases (HAT) and histone deacetylases (HDAC) are two sets of enzymes which show opposing effect on the chromatin modifications and hence regulate the expression of genes. Under the action of HATs, the chromatin gets more relaxed increasing the accessibility of transcription factors to DNA. This stimulates the transcription of genes whereas HDACs make the chromatin more condensed and repress the process of transcription. An increased activity of HDACs or inactivity of HATs, has been noticed in large number of tumors. It is difficult to induce an enzyme under physiological conditions through pharmacological agents. Hence inducing the activity of HATs is rather difficult in comparison to inhibition of the activity of HDACs pharmacologically. This makes HDACs a potential target in clinical studies. HDACs have a potential to alter the epigenetic status of a cell. Apart from histones, HDACs also target certain non-histone proteins like transcription factors, heat-shock proteins etc. As a result they can modulate various cellular processes also [1].

Histone deacetylases are a group of enzymes which are classified into 4 different groups. Amongst them the HDACs belonging to classes I, II and IV are also known as classical HDACs whereas the HDACs which belong to class III are known as sirtuins [2]. The compounds which target these enzymes and inhibit their action are known as HDAC inhibitors (HDACi). These inhibitors are either obtained after extraction from natural sources or are chemically synthesized. The classification of HDAC inhibitors is based upon their chemical structure and its potency to inhibit a particular HDAC enzyme. Almost all the HDACi possess a common pharmacophore. This pharmacophore unit consists of a zinc binding group which helps in the chelation of the cation to the catalytic domain of HDAC. Apart from this a pharmacophore also contains cap, connecting unit and a linker.

HDACi show multiple biological activities within a cancerous cell like:

STIMULATION OF APOPTOSIS

HDACi have an inherent capacity to induce apoptosis within the tumor cells. An added benefit of these inhibitors is that they selectively stimulate this apoptotic process within the tumor cells and leave the normal cells unaffected. Some side effects like nausea, fatigue and thrombocytopaenia have been noticed but can be clinically managed. HDACi show different actions depending on the cell type. On the other hand different HDAC inhibitors which vary in their structures show different effects within the same cell type. For example SAHA or Vorinostat shows a widespread activity in comparison to Tubacin [3].

STIMULATION OF DEATH LIGANDS (EXTRINSIC DEATH PATHWAY)

In vitro studies using human tumor cell lines have shown that HDACi induced apoptosis is largely through stimulation of the death receptor pathway. In vivo studies were performed in case of transgenic mice which developed AML. Upon administration of Valaporate, death ligands like FAS and TRAIL were induced, hence stimulating the process of apoptosis. However clinical trials in this line are yet to be done [3].

STIMULATION OF MITOCHONDRIAL OR INTRINSIC DEATH PATHWAY

HDAC inhibitors regulate the expression of pro and anti-apoptotic genes. It stimulates the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins which in turn activate the apoptosis through the intrinsic death pathway. In vitro studies have proved this fact but in vivo studies are yet to be done [3].

REGULATION OF ROS ACTIVITY

HDAC inhibitors elevate the levels of reactive oxygen species followed by the changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential. Various free-radical scavengers have the potential to reverse this effect. However the exact mechanism by which the free radicals are increased is still not well understood. Free radicals can either be produced by active process which gets further enhanced by the increased ROS production or due to alterations in the expression of ROS-regulatory proteins (thioredoxin and TBP2) [3]. Further studies are yet to be done in this line.

ARRESTING CELL CYCLE

HDAC inhibitors promote the cellular differentiation by arresting the cell cycle at the Gap1 phase. This arrest of the cell cycle is known to be mediated by the retinoblastoma proteins. In fact all the HDAC inhibitors except Tubacin have the potential to arrest the cell cycle. The underlying mechanism behind G1 arrest has been found to be the transcriptional activation of CDKN1A. HDAC inhibitors also activate the G2 phase check point. However the mechanism behind the HDACi stimulated G2 arrest is not well-defined [3].

ANTI-ANGIOGENIC AND ANTI-INVASIVE PROPERTIES OF HDACi

Results from in vitro and in vivo studies show that HDAC inhibitors can control the process of angiogenesis (cut the supply of nutrients) and metastasis within tumor cells. This checks the tumor development and prevents it from getting spread. The mechanism behind this action is HDACi induced expression of pro-angiogenic genes. The process of metastasis is controlled by HDACi induced suppression of matrix metalloproteinases [3].

MODULATE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

HDAC inhibitors modify the malignant cells in such a way that they become potent immune targets. They can also alter the cytokine production. The reason behind the increased immunogenicity of HDACi induced tumor cells has been related to the increased expression of MHC class I and II proteins along with the increased expression of co-stimulatory molecules like CD86, CD80, ICAM1, and CD40 [3].

Initially it was understood that HDACi can regulate the gene expression through histone acetylation. However now its is well-known that HDACi can stimulate more diverse biological effects by affecting various molecular processes like DNA replication, mitosis, DNA repair etc. They have shown promising results when administered alone. However their combination with other agents proved to be more successful. It has been tested in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, transcriptional modulators, death receptor ligands, proteasomal degradation regulators and kinase inhibitors. A significant success achieved during clinical studies makes the oncologists equipped with a new weapon to fight against the deadly disease, cancer.

REFERENCES

1. Kouraklis G, Theocharis S. Histone deacetylase inhibitors as novel anticancer therapeutics. Oncol Rep, 2006 Feb, 15(2), 489-94.
2. Dickinson M, et al. Histone deacetylase inhibitors: potential targets responsible for their anti-cancer effect. Invest New Drugs, 2010 Dec, 28 Suppl 1, S3-20.
3. Bolden JE, et al. Anticancer activities of histone deacetylase inhibitors. Nat Rev Drug Discov, 2006 Sep, 5(9), 769-84.

Anna Purna is a freelancer writing articles about her favourite interest, Health and Nutrition. She also works on home-based jobs. Before this, she has worked fulltime for about 2 and a half years in the annotation of Biological databases in various organizations. She holds a Post Graduate Degree in Biochemistry and a PG Diploma in Bio-informatics. For more information, please visit her website on http://purnasrinivas.webs.com/.

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Treating Cancer From the Inside Out

Historically, treating cancer meant using a heavy blunt instrument, chemotherapy. Classic chemotherapy functions by targeting cells that generally grow fast, the typical cancer cell. These therapies in turn have numerous side effects from hair loss, gastrointestinal distress to the more serious immune suppression. Researchers are developing a better understanding of what drives tumor cells leading to new classes of drugs. These new types of drugs act as “smart bombs” by specifically targeting tumor cells and their inner machinery. This has allowed for controlling some cancers with fewer side effects.

One of these new classes of drugs is tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These are small molecules which are able to block enzymes within the cancer cell that promote the tumors growth. By selectively targeting these “on” switches, we can hopefully control the tumor without significant side effects. There is ongoing research into determining which enzymes are inappropriately turned on in cancer and how to target those pathways. These tyrosine kinase inhibitors are being tried in many different cancers including lung, pancreas, sarcomas, kidney and hematologic malignancies.

The first drug in this class to hit the mainstream was imatinib, trade name Gleevec. For most patients with a chronic form of leukemia, CML, this drug has provided a probable cure for their disease. Previously the only true option for cure in this disease was a bone marrow transplant, a highly toxic and very risky undertaking. Since Imatinib’s introduction there have been several tyrosine kinase inhibitors that have come to market and have been effective. Erlotinib (Tarceva), for example, has been useful in treating lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Most exciting about this class of drugs is that nearly untreatable cancers have been shown to respond to these drugs. In late 2005 and early 2006 two drugs, sorafenib (Nexavar) ant sunitinib (Sutent), were approved for treating metastatic kidney cancer. Prior to these two drugs no chemotherapy agent was proven to be effective and the only approved immunotherapy, inteleukin-2, required long hospitalizations and has very toxic side effects. Also, at the 2007 American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting, researchers announced that, sorafenib was effective in controlling hepatocellular cancer. This is the first time that any drug has been shown to be effective in this type of cancer. As we gain better understanding of how cancer cells function, we will continue to develop improved ways to treat this complicated disease.

When cancer treatment is necessary, everyone involved wants positive results, speedy recovery and minimal side effects. These procedures aim to accomplish all of these items.

Erin M. Williamson is a pubic relations specialist with The Longstreet Clinic, a multi-specialty physicians practice. The firm employs leading physicians in Gainesville GA that provide expert medical attention to patients across North Georgia.

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