immune system » Integrative Oncology Essentials

CoQ 10 may reduce the risk of developing melanoma and reduce recurrence

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 10:36 am

Apr 232012

Reports indicate anticancer activity with higher blood levels of CoQ 10 (reduced risk of melanoma development, recurrence and progression.) Why do we rarely hear about this? Very few human studies have been conducted to confirm these findings. (imagine that…no profit potential…no money to conduct this study)

What is CoQ 10?

CoQ 10 (also known as: coenzyme Q10, Q10, Vitamin Q10, Ubiquinone, Ubiquinol, Ubidecarenone) is an important protein made by the body, that is involved in cellular metabolism (converting the energy from fats and sugars into usable cellular energy) and as a protective antioxidant.

CoQ 10 stimulates the immune system

Numerous studies have reported on the immune stimulating effects of CoQ 10, although the mechanisms involved in this physiologic activity are not known.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1673841?dopt=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10416052?dopt=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/101414?dopt=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5478631?dopt=Abstract

CoQ 10 can suppress cancer cell growth

The mechanisms involved in this anticancer activity are not known.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4218125?dopt=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/653103?dopt=Abstract

CoQ 10 protects the heart from chemotherapy injury

Studies have demonstrated that CoQ 10 can protect heart tissue from the potentially damaging effects of a commonly used class of chemotherapy drugs, called anthracyclines (i.e. doxorubicin).

CoQ 10 blood levels correlate with the risk of developing melanoma

Researchers prospectively followed 117 early stage (none with metastatic disease) melanoma patients and 125 healthy volunteers (control group), and they discovered some remarkable differences. First, the CoQ 10 levels were significantly lower in patients than in control group. Second, those with CoQ 10 levels less than 0.6 mg/L (low) had a 790% increased risk of developing metastatic disease compared with those patients who had higher levels of CoQ 10; the time to develop metastases was also almost double in patients with CoQ 10 levels 0.6 mg/L or higher! Among the 82 melanoma patients with a low CoQ 10 level (less than 0.6 mg/L), 17 of them died during the study period…whereas, none of the patients with higher CoQ 10 levels died.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16443053

CoQ 10 has been reported to enhance the efficacy of interferon therapy for melanoma

One of the standard therapies for use in patients with advanced stages of melanoma (stages 3-4) is an immune stimulating agent, interferon (IFN). IFN stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack melanoma cells. Patients with early stage disease (stages 1-2) are not typically recommended to receive IFN after surgery, as this drug is difficult for many patients to tolerate due to various side effects and the potential benefit in reducing the risk of recurrence has not well-established in these early stages.

One enterprising group of oncologists postulated that by giving CoQ 10 to those with early stage melanoma, they might be able to further stimulate the immune system. What they found was incredible:

In their study, they gave 32 patients with early stage (stage 1-2) melanoma IFN (2 injections per day of 600,000 IU) plus 400mg per day of CoQ10 for 3 years after surgery, while 49 received only interferon. The patients were monitored for five years after their treatment ended. They reported that the patients who received the IFN + CoQ10 had a reduction in their risk of developing metastases by 10-times compared with those who received only IFN. Furthermore, the IFN + CoQ 10 patients had far fewer IFN-related side effects compared with the IFN only patients; 22% versus 82%, respectively.

Other cancers that might benefit from CoQ 10 supplementation:

Very small studies and case reports have suggested that CoQ 10 may help some cancer patients live longer, including patients with cancers of the breast, pancreas, lung, colon, rectum, and prostate. Although these reports are promising, they are unfortunately not high-quality studies, therefore not much weight can be placed on these results.

Note of caution…don’t take CoQ 10 during radiation therapy:

A mouse study demonstrated reduced anticancer activity of radiation therapy when supplemented with CoQ 10. Radiation therapy works by creating free radicals in cancer cells, which then interact with the DNA and cause cell death. It is believed that by supplementing with a potent antioxidant, such as CoQ 10, the free radicals created by radiation therapy will be diminished along with its’ anticancer efficacy. Read my review article on this in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

CoQ 10 side effects:

None-to-mild side effects, including mild insomnia, elevated liver enzymes, rashes, nausea, upper abdominal pain/heartburn, dizziness, sensitivity to light, irritability, headache, and fatigue.

Commonly prescribed medications can lower CoQ 10 levels:

Lipid lowering medications (such as lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, gemfibrozil) and the oral diabetes medications (such as glyburide and tolazamide) are well-known to reduce CoQ 10 levels. Patients taking these medications should discuss with their primary care physician supplementation with CoQ 10.

Cautionary effects of CoQ 10:

CoQ 10 may reduce the efficacy of warfarin.

CoQ 10 may reduce insulin requirements in diabetics.

As CoQ 10 has not been exhaustively researched with every chemotherapy agent or combination of agents (it’s never going to happen), recognize that there is a possibility of interactions that can either increase or decrease the anticancer effectiveness of the chemotherapy agent. Always discuss any use of supplements with your oncology team prior to using them.

Dosing:

There are no established dosing guidelines. In human studies, supplementation doses and administration schedules have varied, but usually have been in the range of 90 to 390 mg/day (most common recommendation: 100-200 mg/day)

Most absorbable form of CoQ 10:

Ubiquinol absorbs up to 8 times greater than ubiquinone, and higher levels of ubiquinol remain in the blood far longer than ubiquinone.

CoQ 10 is fat soluble. It is more effectively absorbed when taken with a meal (particularly with lipids).

Additional Resources:

National Cancer Institute PDQ: CoQ 10

About Herbs, Botanicals and Other Products (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center): CoQ 10

Wikipedia; CoQ 10

Medline Plus (National Library of Medicine): CoQ 10

CoQ 10 and Cancer Treatment (Life Extension)**although I like many of their products, this is still a supplement company**

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Anticancer Lifestyle: Stress Reduction 101

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 12:07 am

Apr 152012

One of the key pillars of integrative oncology is stress reduction. The majority of us intuitively recognize the link between stress and the immune system. How many times in your life have you come down with a cold or other viral infection shortly after periods of high-stress? Now, imagine what your body goes through when exposed to stress over years. Substantial evidence suggests that exposure to long periods of stress increases rates of cancer development and growth. How is this possible, you ask? Stress and cancer development: Scientists (psychoneuroimmunologists), believe that this is the end result of our chronically stressed-out [...read more...]

Anticancer Nutrition: Fats 101

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 4:27 pm

Apr 092012

Dietary fats are essential components of our daily nutritional intake, but the amount and type of fats have a large impact on the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammation, oxidation, immunity and numerous other important aspects of health and disease. This article provides a basic understanding of the various dietary fats and their relevance in anticancer nutrition. General Recommendations: Limit total fat intake and avoid trans fats Increase your intake of foods high in omega-3s (i.e. cold-water, deep sea fish and nuts, flax seed) Limit foods that are higher in omega-6 fatty acids (grain-fed animal meat) Avoid foods that [...read more...]

Anticancer Nutrition: 7 Important Anti-Cancer Diet Tips

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 5:28 pm

Apr 032012

Anticancer Nutrition: 7 Important Anti-Cancer Diet Tips

Point #1: Limit The Amount Of Fat In Your Diet Studies suggest that diets higher in the bad fats: Increase the risk of developing cancer (especially more aggressive cancers) and cancer progression. Suppress the immune system and increase inflammation in the body. Increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers (i.e. breast, prostate, colorectal, lung) Bad fats include the trans fats (partially and fully hydrogented fats) and saturated fats: Try to limit your intake of saturated fats to 5-10% of your total daily calories. Transfats are bad. There is no reason to ever consume them. The risk of breast cancer almost [...read more...]

What Is Integrative Oncology? (Free Patient Guide)

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 3:17 pm

Apr 032012

What Is Integrative Oncology? (**Free Patient Guide**)

Integrative Oncology uses the best evidence-based treatments (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, acupuncture, massage, stress reduction, herbal/botanicals, etc.) with the following goals: Treating the cancer Preventing recurrence Reducing side effects and symptoms Integrative Oncology encourages living a healthy lifestyle to help the body in its’ innate abilities to fight and prevent cancer. This can be accomplished by learning strategies to reduce stress, increasing physical activity and eating healthfully (“anti-cancer diet & nutrition.”) Practicing these lifestyle changes leads to beneficial “anti-cancer” effects: Strengthening the immune system Decreasing inflammation throughout the body Reducing (free radical) oxidative damage to cells Decreasing hormonal stimulation of cancer cells Treatments are selected using a customized approach for each person [...read more...]

One of the best videos you will see on integrative oncology & living an “anti-cancer” lifestyle

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 1:19 pm

Mar 142012

One of the best videos you will see on integrative oncology & living an "anti-cancer" lifestyle

Dr. David Servan-Schreiber was one of the most influential physicians in our field of integrative oncology, and in this wonderful lecture you will learn why. His book, Anti-Cancer: A New Way Of Life, remains an international best-seller and one that I recommend to most of my patients. If you are interested in learning about integrative oncology and how to reduce your risk of cancer development, recurrence and progression, I strongly recommend you watch this video. This lecture is worth your time, and it will blow your mind. You can find the latest edition (December 31, 2009) of his book [...read more...]

12-minute yoga slows cellular aging, improves cognitive function and reduces depression

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 11:04 pm

Mar 132012

12-minute yoga slows cellular aging, improves cognitive function and reduces depression

This remarkable study explored the effects of a convenient 12-minute, daily yoga practice on a group of psycho-emotionally taxed caregivers. What they discovered is truly amazing. In their study, the researchers compared two groups of study participants. The first group, the yoga group, were instructed to practice a chanting meditation, “Kirtan Kriya“, every day at the same time for eight weeks. The second group, the control group, was asked to relax in a quiet place with their eyes closed while listening to instrumental music on a relaxation CD, also for 12 minutes every day at the same time for eight weeks. Results: [...read more...]

Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces fatigue & inflammation in breast cancer survivors

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 6:58 pm

Mar 132012

Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces fatigue & inflammation in breast cancer survivors

A new study, reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found that breast cancer survivors have less fatigue if they consumed higher quantities of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (a major component of an “anti-inflammatory diet“). The researchers studied the potential effects of dietary omega-3 versus omega-6 in a population of 633 breast cancer survivors. Specifically, the authors wanted to know if a higher intake of omega-3 foods has a beneficial impact on fatigue, a common complaint of breast cancer survivors. Cancer related fatigue is thought to be due, in large part, to systemic inflammation that occurs as a [...read more...]

Would you change your lifestyle if you knew you had silent (occult) cancer cells hiding in your body?

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 1:55 pm

Jan 302012

Would you change your lifestyle if you knew you had silent (occult) cancer cells hiding in your body?

I ask this question based on the fact that we know that cancer cells often spread early in the course of disease and they can remain silent (occult or hidden) for years. The Background: Among women with the earliest stage of invasive breast cancer (stage 1), 25% of them already have breast cancer cells that can be found in their bone marrow. (reference) Among men with the earliest stages of prostate cancer (pT2, no lymph node involvement, Gleason scores </=6, PSA </=4 ng/mL), over 70% of them have prostate cancer cells that can be found in their bone marrow. Even [...read more...]

Cannabis and Cancer: 1 plant versus 5 common symptoms that affect cancer patients

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 7:32 pm

Jan 282012

Cannabis and Cancer: 1 plant versus 5 common symptoms that affect cancer patients

This is a completely apolitical blog entry on the science of the medical efficacy of Cannabis (marijuana) in oncology. Cannabis is plant that is classified in the U.S. as a controlled substance with an “increased potential for abuse and no known medical use” (Schedule 1). By federal law, possessing Cannabis, is illegal in the U.S. Although U.S. federal law prohibits the use of Cannabis, 16 states and the District of Columbia permit its use for certain medical conditions with a physicians’ prescription. That said, doctors in these states may not legally do so without violating federal law and can lose their federal license to [...read more...]

Depression and cancer: Screening is essential

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 1:40 pm

Dec 262011

Depression and cancer: Screening is essential

Depression affects up to 50% of patients with cancer, and unfortunately many go undiagnosed and suffer in silence. The problem is two-fold: 1) Oncologists often feel too busy or not qualified to be able to diagnose and treat this condition, and 2) The majority of patients do not volunteer their concerns about their psychoemotional distress, either feeling too ashamed to admit that they are not coping well with the emotional and psychological distress of their cancer or believing that their physicians and nurses are not concerned about these issues. Background: In some studies, depression has been associated with poorer survival [...read more...]

Employing a multi-pronged anticancer approach using natural supplements and whole foods

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 11:52 am

Dec 022011

Employing a multi-pronged anticancer approach using natural supplements and whole foods

The data supporting anticancer activity in natural supplements is extensive. Unfortunately, oncologists and patients are hampered by the paucity of high-quality clinical trials in deciding which supplements might improve clinical outcomes. Designing and conducting these studies is expensive and will take many years before we have answers (i.e. which supplements work for which cancers, what doses are effective, how do they interact with other therapies/compounds, etc.) These studies can be done and must be done, but what do we do in the meantime? Most oncologists suggest to their patients that they simply consume a diet containing a wide-variety of phytonutrient [...read more...]

Relaxation gizmos: Rapidly reduce stress & improve emotional balance with these palm-sized biofeedback devices

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 6:08 pm

Aug 262011

Relaxation gizmos: Rapidly reduce stress & improve emotional balance with these palm-sized biofeedback devices

Chronic stress (via prolonged stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system) is toxic to the body and mind, and is causally linked to a wide-range of deleterious conditions (examples): Anxiety Disorders Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Cardiac-related morbidity and mortality Cognitive impairment Coronary heart disease Depression Chronic pain Diabetes Digestive problems (i.e. IBS, etc.) Immune suppression (leading to increased susceptibility to viral infections, etc.) Inflammation Insomnia Headache (migraine and tension) Hostility Hypertension Memory impairment Sedentary Lifestyle Skin problems (i.e. eczema, etc.) Stress Substance Abuse Effects of Chronic Stress: Periods of long-term exposure to [...read more...]

Reduce skin fibrosis & possibly breast implant contracture after radiation therapy: vitamin E & pentoxifylline

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 5:40 pm

Aug 012011

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, three times each day). Fibrosis can develop months-to-years after radiation therapy to any region of the body, but is most common in the extremities, breasts (read more about implant contracture, below) and head and neck where higher radiation doses are often required on or just below the skin surface. How does this treatment work? It is not entirely clear how [...read more...]

Integrative Oncology: Given the choice, would you really want any other approach to the treatment of cancer?

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 10:51 pm

Jul 102011

Integrative Oncology: Given the choice, would you really want any other approach to the treatment of cancer?

In the “Integrative Oncology-Essentials Blog” (IOE Blog), I have covered a wide-range of topics pertaining to cancer treatment (i.e. from proton beam therapy to botanical medicines), managing side effects and symptoms (i.e. from exercise to acupuncture), identifying and preventing treatment-related complications (i.e. from lymphedema detection to acupuncture treatment for dry mouth), cancer prevention (i.e. from consuming an anti-cancer diet to taking baby aspirin), anti-cancer interventions and lifestyle modifications (i.e. from stress reduction to smoking cessation), and others. From time to time, we need to take a step back and simply review the overall concept of integrative oncology. What Is Integrative Oncology? [...read more...]

Mushrooms: Promising natural anti-cancer and immune modulatory effects

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 3:24 pm

Apr 182011

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 a breakdown of effects for various mushroom species), with much of the research focusing on varieties more commonly found in Asia. Human studies have found: immune stimulating/enhancing effects stimulation of cytotoxic T cells and enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity anti-viral effects (active against: herpes, human papilloma virus, Epstein Barr virus) anti-bacterial effects anti-cancer effects (i.e. pro-apoptosis, anti-angiogenic, inhibition of [...read more...]

Taking probiotics before and during pelvic radiation therapy may reduce diarrhea

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 12:59 pm

Apr 052011

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 reduced the incidence of moderate (grade 2) and severe diarrhea (grade 3) compared with patients who received a placebo; grade 2 and 3 diarrhea (45% in the placebo group versus 9% in the probiotic group). These beneficial results were supported by the reduction in the use of anti-diarrheal medications among the patients taking the probiotic supplement (9% used anti-diarrheals) versus the placebo (32% used anti-diarrheals). Read [...read more...]

Learn more about prostate cancer and nutrition: the same concepts apply to most cancers and are an integral component of integrative oncology

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 4:11 pm

Mar 122011

Learn more about prostate cancer and nutrition: the same concepts apply to most cancers and are an integral component of integrative oncology

I was asked to give a short talk on this topic recently. Although it was specifically targeted to an audience interested in learning more about the role of nutrition and prostate cancer, the concepts broadly apply for most cancers. One of the most important slides is the one that highlights the fact that the “anti-cancer” diet is similar to the “heart-healthy” diet, “anti-aging” diet, “anti-diabetes” diet, “anti-Alzheimer’s” diet, “anti-inflammatory” diet, etc… (the point being: if you are following any one of these diets, you are reducing your risk of of various diseases.) Read the presentation here: Dr. Mark Moyad (University [...read more...]

New 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Reduce your risk of cancer development, recurrence and progression.

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 4:18 pm

Feb 052011

*New* 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Reduce your risk of cancer development, recurrence and progression.

The USDA published its’ updated dietary guidelines in late January 2011. The latest USDA dietary recommendations incorporates most of the same recommendations that are touted under different names: “Heart healthy diet” “Anti-cancer diet” “Anti-aging diet” “Anti-Alzheimer’s disease diet” “Anti-inflammatory diet” “Anti-diabetes diet” “Mediterranean diet” “Japanese diet” …and the list goes on… In summary, these are the recommendations: Consume less total fat (especially saturated fat) Maintain a healthy caloric balance (through a combined approach of calorie intake and physical activity) Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, beans and grains Decrease your intake of processed foods, simple carbohydrates (i.e. refined sugars, [...read more...]

Integrative Oncology Basics: download the NEW 2011 free guide on integrative oncology cancer care and prevention

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 3:50 pm

Jan 102011

Integrative Oncology Basics: download the *NEW 2011* free guide on integrative oncology cancer care and prevention

Welcome to INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY-ESSENTIALS (IOE). My name is Dr. Brian Lawenda, and I am one of only a handful of physicians in the United States who is a radiation oncologist, integrative oncologist and medical acupuncturist. I developed the IOE WEBSITE, BLOG and the Integrative Oncology Essentials: A Patients’ Guide To Cancer Care And Prevention as a means of sharing up to date “Integrative Oncology” news, information and resources with my patients. I hope that this content is helpful to anyone living with or beyond a diagnosis of cancer.” Download the new 2011 guide here. Become a FAN to follow us [...read more...]

Getting adequate sleep may improve your ability to fight cancer

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 5:02 pm

Nov 262010

Getting adequate sleep may improve your ability to fight cancer

Did you know that getting less than 6-7 hours of sleep each night has been associated with physiologic changes that lead to increased risk of stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and stress…and possibly cancer development and progression. In fact, a new study finds that short sleep durations are associated with a significantly increased risk of pre-cancerous colon polyps (published in Cancer, in October 2010.) Multiple factors are at thought to play a role when one is chronically sleep deprived: Increased production of inflammatory molecules (“cytokines” and “prostaglandins”) that: Stimulate angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) which can supply oxygen and nutrients to allow tumors [...read more...]

Cancer patients need to select an acupuncturist with experience working with cancer.

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 3:09 pm

Sep 192010

Cancer patients need to select an acupuncturist with experience working with cancer.

Acupuncture has been shown to be an incredibly helpful therapy for patients during and after various cancer treatments (i.e. chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, etc.) Studies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, hot flashes, muscle and joint pains, nausea and many other symptoms. Increasingly there are data suggesting that there may be beneficial effects on immune and inflammatory physiology. As an oncologist (and medical acupuncturist), I often recommend acupuncture to my patients. It is very important that the acupuncturist be experienced in working with cancer patients, as there are numerous important safety issues to keep in [...read more...]

Chronic stress increased the risk of cancer metastases (spread) by 30-fold!!

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 11:55 am

Sep 182010

Chronic stress increased the risk of cancer metastases (spread) by 30-fold!!

In a study (published in Cancer Research, September 2010), investigators from UCLA demonstrated the biological effects of chronic stress leading to a 30-fold increase in the rate of breast cancer metastases in a mouse study. This study adds the the mounting evidence suggesting that the physiologic changes that occur as a result of chronic stress (i.e. increased stimulation of the sympathetic “fight or flight” nervous system) can increase the risk of cancer progression. The authors examined the effects of chronic stress in mice injected with breast cancer cells. The mice were subjected to a chronic stress model by being confined [...read more...]

Vitamin D decreases the risk and duration of many viral infections, including the flu and colds

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 7:10 am

Jun 182010

Vitamin D decreases the risk and duration of many viral infections, including the flu and colds

In a study published in June 2010 (in the journal PloS ONE), researchers report that in a group of patients that they followed (198 healthy adults, during the fall and winter 2009-2010) the one’s who had higher vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels (>/=38ng/ml) developed significantly fewer viral infections over the study period than those who had lower levels of vitamin D (17% versus 45%). Additionally, those with the higher levels of vitamin D also experienced significantly fewer days of illness (i.e. in those with influenza: 2 days of illness versus 6 days of illness, for those with the higher vitamin D [...read more...]

Relaxation & stress reduction counseling reported to reduce breast cancer recurrence and improve survival

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 1:55 pm

Jun 152010

Relaxation & stress reduction counseling reported to reduce breast cancer recurrence and improve survival

In a study (published in June 2010, in Clinical Cancer Research), investigators update the results of a fascinating experiment in which 227 breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 (received psychological interventions such as relaxation training and advice on minimizing stress in 39 therapy hours, over 12 months), group 2 (received no psychological interventions). The patients have been followed for over 11 years since their initial enrollment. Patients were reassessed every four months during year one, every six months during years two to five, and annually thereafter. The authors have previously reported that patients in the [...read more...]

Integrative Oncology Essentials: A Patients’ Guide To Cancer Care And Prevention (Free Download!!)

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 5:42 pm

May 312010

Integrative Oncology Essentials: A Patients' Guide To Cancer Care And Prevention (Free Download!!)

I have written a guide (Integrative Oncology Essentials: A Patients’ Guide To Cancer Care And Cancer Prevention) for my patients that covers many of the important topics I address in my integrative oncology lectures and consultations. I am pleased to offer this guide, as a free download (CLICK HERE: IOE Guide_V3). I really hope that the information is helpful to you, your loved ones and anyone who is interested in learning more about using integrative oncology approaches to cancer prevention and cancer care. I would be grateful to hear your comments and suggestions on how to improve future versions of this [...read more...]

Diabetes increases the risk of cancer

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 7:01 pm

May 232010

Increasingly, we are learning that adults with diabetes (particularly, type 2 diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes- “NIDDM”) have an increased risk of developing a variety of cancers. Researchers have suggested numerous possible hypotheses to explain this association, but at this time the precise mechanisms remain unknown. To date, this is what we know: 1) The cells of individuals with NIDDM have a significantly reduced ability to take up glucose (sugar) from the blood in response to insulin. The resultant elevated blood glucose levels stimulates the pancreas to further increase the production of insulin, in attempt to signal the cells to [...read more...]

Social interaction (even over the phone) reduces the body’s response to stress

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 10:44 am

May 122010

Social interaction (even over the phone) reduces the body's response to stress

In a study (published in May 2010, in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.) investigators have demonstrated that social interaction (over the telephone) after a stressful event significantly decreases amount of stress hormones (cortisol) produced. In this study, a group of 7-12 year-old girls were divided into 3 groups after being exposed to a stressful event (unanticipated speaking in front of a group of strangers and being asked to answer difficult math questions.) The first group was immediately reunited with their mothers, for 15-minutes, for comfort and support (in person.) Afterwards, they watched an emotion-neutral movie, for 60-minutes. The second group spoke to their mothers, [...read more...]

What is Integrative Oncology? I created diagrams to illustrate the holism and complexity of this fascinating subject.

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 4:08 pm

May 072010

What is Integrative Oncology? I created diagrams to illustrate the holism and complexity of this fascinating subject.

Visit the Integrative Oncology-Essentials Website to learn more about the core principles to help prevent cancer development and cancer recurrence. I developed diagrams (CLICK HERE to see in FULL-SIZE) to help explain to my patients the core principles of integrative oncology. It shows the process of how healthy, normal cells transform into cancer cells. They demonstrate how lifestyle and behaviors can influence this process and can be used to decrease one’s risk of cancer development and progression. Importantly, the diagrams show how cancer and its’ treatment can lead to the development and exacerbation of other medical problems (Did you know that most [...read more...]

Severe stress causes genetic changes that lead to a weakened immune system

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 12:23 pm

May 042010

Severe stress causes genetic changes that lead to a weakened immune system

In a study (published in May 2010, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) investigators have discovered that individuals who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have 6-7 times as many changes to genes that control immune function compared to individuals without PTSD. This is an important study as it adds strong evidence supporting the connection between stress and the function of the immune system. Furthermore, we now have data that show that PTSD can permanently change one’s DNA, reducing the function of their immune system. (Read More Here) Did you know that having a diagnosis [...read more...]

Diabetes doubles the risk of developing colon & rectal cancers

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 10:50 am

May 032010

Diabetes doubles the risk of developing colon & rectal cancers

In a study (presented at the May 2010 American Gastroenterology Association annual meeting) investigators have found that women over the age of 55 who have type-2 diabetes (or “non-insulin dependent diabetes melitus”, NIDDM) have double the risk of developing cancers of colon & rectum that are associated with specific DNA abnormalities that occur in pre-cancerous cells. The authors discovered this linkage between diabetes risk and colorectal cancers when they analyzed the data from a large study (Iowa Women’s Health Study), of over 37,000 women who were enrolled between the ages of 55-69. (Read More Here) One of the anti-cancer principles of integrative [...read more...]

Short term reduced calorie consumption significantly increases immune function

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 2:45 pm

May 012010

Short term reduced calorie consumption significantly increases immune function

An interesting study (published in 2009, in the Journal of Gerontology, Biological Sciences) investigated the effects of immune function after a 6-month diet (10-30% calorie reduced) in overweight participants. The authors found that after this short study, the participants developed a significant improvement in their immune function. This is likely related to the biological effects of calorie restriction on individuals who are overweight, leading to hormonal changes that improve immune function. Long-term consumption of higher calorie (fat & carbohydrate) diets seem to be associated with increased risk of developing a wide-range of cancers, cancer progression and recurrence. (Read More Here) [...read more...]