Integrative Oncology Essentials

Ugh!…Hot flashes: Try acupuncture

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 12:48 pm

Nov 282010

The dreaded hot flash is among the most annoying and common side effect experienced while taking various hormonal medications commonly prescribed for patients with breast and prostate cancers. Fortunately, there are ways to help reduce the intensity and/or frequency of hot flashes: Conventional therapies (although, these may have side effects of their own): Antidepressant medications (i.e. Effexor, etc.) Non-conventional/Complementary therapies: Acupuncture Meditation and breathing exercises Hypnosis Did you know that acupuncture was reported (Journal of Clinical Oncology, February 2010) to be as effective as taking an anti-depressant medication (Effexor) in reducing hot flashes in women receiving antiestogren hormone therapy for [...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...]

A five-day, non-invasive treatment for prostate cancer (called “stereotactic body radiation therapy” or “SBRT”) is now available

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 4:43 pm

Nov 242010

A five-day, non-invasive treatment for prostate cancer (called "stereotactic body radiation therapy" or "SBRT") is now available

Did you know that external radiation (when employed as 1st-line therapy for prostate cancer) is prescribed for 9-weeks of daily treatment? There is a new shorter, non-invasive option that has recently become available…read on… Patients have many options available to them for managing prostate cancer (i.e. observation/watchful waiting, surgery, external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, cryosurgery, HIFU, hormonal therapy, etc.) The most commonly selected non-invasive treatment option involves a highly-effective, 9-week external beam radiation treatment course. Although there have not been any randomized controlled trials that have compared surgery to radiation therapy for prostate cancer, most of the data suggest that both approaches [...read more...]

Green tea has no effect on breast cancer prevention: questions remain unanswered about other potential anti-cancer effects of green tea.

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 2:52 pm

Oct 282010

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 women, in Japan, who provided information on their level of consumption of green tea over a 5-year study period. They looked at various factors to determine if there were any subcategories of women who might have experienced a reduced risk of of developing breast cancer, but they could not find any correlations (i.e. demographics, amount of green tea consumed, type of tea consumption, [...read more...]

An aspirin-a-day keeps prostate cancer away: Aspirin reduces the risk of recurrence by greater than 50%!!

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 5:31 pm

Oct 272010

An aspirin-a-day keeps prostate cancer away: Aspirin reduces the risk of recurrence by greater than 50%!!

In a fascinating study (which will be presented at the October 2010, American Society for Radiation Oncology annual meeting), investigators will be presenting the results of an analysis of 5,275 patients who had been treated for prostate cancer (with either surgery or radiation therapy.) They will be reporting that among the 1,982 men who were taking an anticoagulant medication (including aspirin) after their prostate cancer treatment, their risk of dying from prostate cancer was significantly decreased; 4% risk of death at 10 years after treatment (in patients on anticoagulant medications) vs. 10% risk of death at 10 years (in patients who were [...read more...]

History of prostate cancer? Get a colonoscopy! Your risk of precancerous colon polyps is significantly elevated compared to those without a history of prostate cancer.

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 4:43 pm

Oct 242010

History of prostate cancer? Get a colonoscopy! Your risk of precancerous colon polyps is significantly elevated compared to those without a history of prostate cancer.

A new study (presented at the American College of Gastroenterology conference, in October 2010) reviewed the records of 2,000 men who underwent routine colonoscopies at the Buffalo VA Medical Center, and identified 188 men who also had a history of prostate cancer. The authors reported that the men who had a history of prostate cancer had a significantly higher risk of having precancerous colon polyps (48%) compared to those men without a prior history of prostate cancer (30.8%). Even more concerning was that in men with a prior history of prostate cancer, 15.4% had advanced polyps compared to 10% of the [...read more...]

A common prostate cancer therapy increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 3:55 pm

Oct 242010

A common prostate cancer therapy increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes

Men who have aggressive (high-risk), advanced or metastatic prostate cancer are commonly prescribed hormonal therapy drugs called, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists that suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells by inhibiting the production of testosterone. This class of medication is very effective in slowing the growth of prostate cancer progression and in many cases, increasing survival in advanced stages of the disease. Examples of GnRH agonists include: Eligard, Lupron, Synarel, Trelstar, Vantas, Viadur, Zoladex Side effects and complications from the long term use of these medications have been well-documented (i.e. hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue, muscle mass loss, osteopenia, decreased libido, etc.) New data has concluded that [...read more...]

Curcumin (a natural compound in curry) enhances the effects of chemotherapy

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 12:48 pm

Oct 242010

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 as a high-dose isolated extract) may enhance the anti-cancer effects of certain chemotherapy drugs and possibly radiation therapy. To date, most of the studies have been conducted in petri dishes and in animals. A recently published manuscript (in October 2010, in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics) reported a significant cancer inhibitory effect on implanted head and neck cancer tumors (specifically, squamous cell carcinomas) in mice that were given a [...read more...]

Soy consumption may reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 9:28 pm

Oct 182010

Soy consumption may reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence

A study (published in October 2010, 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 higher quantities of soy foods compared to those women who ate smaller quantities. Estrogen receptor positivity or sensitivity means that the breast cancer is stimulated by estrogen. The authors also reported that he risk of breast cancer recurrence was further reduced in the highest soy consumption patients who were also taking a commonly prescribed hormonal anti-cancer medication (Anastrazole.) In a study [...read more...]

Heart health and cancer care: “CardiOncology” emerges as a new medical subspeciality to address the cardiac complications of cancer care

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 6:11 am

Oct 182010

Heart health and cancer care: "CardiOncology" emerges as a new medical subspeciality to address the cardiac complications of cancer care

Dangerous cardiovascular complications are becoming increasingly evident in cancer patients and survivors. Radiation therapy and numerous cancer drugs can injury the heart and coronary arteries, leading to serious medical conditions that if not identified and managed appropriately can decrease both quality of life and survival. Cancer drugs such as anthracylines (i.e. Adriamycin), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (i.e. Gleevec, Sutent) and targeted antibody therapies (i.e. Herceptin) can cause or exacerbate heart failure, and drugs that block the development of blood vessels to tumors (i.e. Avastin, Nexavar, Votrient) can lead to dramatic rises in blood pressure (as well as: hemorrhage, thrombosis, nephrotoxicity and [...read more...]

Physical limitations after cancer treatment: a silent killer

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 8:49 pm

Oct 042010

Physical limitations after cancer treatment: a silent killer

In a recently published study (available online, in September 2010, Journal of the National Cancer Institute), investigators reported their findings on a group of 2202 women with breast cancer who were followed for up to 11-years after their initial treatment. During the study, the authors prospectively assessed the patients’ physical attributes, functions and limitations (i.e. endurance, strength, muscle range of motion, muscle dexterity, body mass index, smoking, physical activity) and other variables (i.e. sociodemographic factors, comorbodities, tumor charactersistics, treament.) They discovered that 39% of all cancer survivors (and 50% in those over the age of 65) reported at least one [...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...]

Hospice Care: As an oncologist, I recognize that there comes a time when aggressive cancer treatments are no longer effective for those with a terminal-illness.

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 3:53 pm

Aug 152010

Hospice Care: As an oncologist, I recognize that there comes a time when aggressive cancer treatments are no longer effective for those with a terminal-illness.

The goal of hospice care is to enable patients to continue an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. “You matter because of who you are. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can , not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die” –Dame Cicely Saunders Hospice is a philosophy of coordinated care for patients and their loved ones. Hospice is not a place, but a concept of care [...read more...]

Nutrition consultations are an integral component of cancer care

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 11:33 pm

Jul 272010

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 taste or become unpalatable) can occur during these treatments, making it difficult for some patients to maintain their weight. Swallowing can sometimes become difficult for patients who are receiving certain chemotherapy drugs or when undergoing radiation therapy to treat various cancers in the head, neck or chest. Occasionally, these treatments can temporarily irritate mucous membranes, causing pain. Oral secretions can become thick and dry, [...read more...]

Social services and counseling are crucial for optimizing cancer care and outcomes

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 4:28 pm

Jul 182010

Social services and counseling are crucial for optimizing cancer care and outcomes

Patients who undergo treatment for cancer (and their caregivers) frequently suffer from numerous untoward psychological and social (psychosocial) effects that are often not adequately addressed by their health care providers. A report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), found that many cancer patients complain that health care providers didn’t acknowledge their struggles, underestimated their distress, and either don’t know or don’t offer enough information about support services. Frequent problems that cancer patients and their caregivers encounter include: patients’ lack of information or skills needed to manage the illness, anxiety, depression, lack of transportation or other resources, and disruptions in work, [...read more...]

Massage is an excellent therapy to help relieve pain, anxiety and stress for anyone with a diagnosis of cancer

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 11:59 am

Jul 142010

Massage is an excellent therapy to help relieve pain, anxiety and stress for anyone with a diagnosis of cancer

Numerous, high-quality studies have been published over the last decade demonstrating the effectiveness of massage in reducing pain, stress and anxiety in individuals with cancer. These studies have included patients of all ages (infants to elderly), timeframes (before, during and after cancer treatment) and stages of cancer (early, advanced, in remission.) Regardless of the massage technique (Swedish, light touch, etc.) and protocol (duration and schedule), the vast majority of individuals derive significant quality of life benefits. Researchers have postulated that massage works through multiple mechanisms: increased blood and lymphatic movement, stimulates release of natural pain and stress reducing molecules (endogenous [...read more...]

Discuss ALL your medications and supplements with your cancer care team: Potentially serious interactions are common among cancer patients

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 12:54 pm

Jul 042010

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 actually be far greater after accounting for the widespread use of dietary supplements, including high-dose vitamins and various botanical/herbal therapies. To make matters even more confusing, studies have demonstrated potentially serious interactions that can occur when consuming certain foods (i.e. grapefruit) while taking medications that are metabolized by the liver. Drug-drug interactions, drug-supplement interactions and drug-food interactions can range from minor interactions that have little to no noticeable effects [...read more...]

It’s never too late to quit!! Smoking cessation after a lung cancer diagnosis can DOUBLE the survival rate

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 2:11 pm

Jul 012010

It's never too late to quit!! Smoking cessation after a lung cancer diagnosis can DOUBLE the survival rate

Although the following paper was published already 7 months ago (January 2010, in the British Medical Journal), and is no longer new news, I strongly feel that the information needs to be reinforced. The authors conducted a review of 10 high-quality studies that evaluated the potential influence on survival in patients with lung cancer who quit smoking after their diagnosis. Most of the studies (9 out of 10) looked only at the effects of smoking in cessation in patients with early stage lung cancers. What they found was quite remarkable: survival rates doubled among those patients who quit smoking after their [...read more...]

Anxiety & stress can be reduced with a simple, 5-minute acupuncture treatment

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 10:39 am

Jun 302010

Anxiety & stress can be reduced with a simple, 5-minute acupuncture treatment

A study published, in March 2010 (in Acupuncture in Medicine/British Medical Journal) reports a 50% reduction in measured anxiety scores following a single, 5-minute acupuncture treatment. All enrolled patients had a history of severe anxiety prior to undergoing dental procedures. The patients received their acupuncture treatment 5-minutes prior to undergoing a dental procedure. It is not uncommon for cancer patients to experience significant anxiety surrounding their conventional cancer treatment (i.e. chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, etc.) Although this study was not conducted with cancer patients, it is certainly compelling to consider using a similar, 5-minute acupuncture treatment in the oncology setting. (Read More [...read more...]

Greater than 50% of breast cancer patients either discontinue or are non-adherent to hormonal therapy regimens

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 11:59 am

Jun 292010

Greater than 50% of breast cancer patients either discontinue or are non-adherent to hormonal therapy regimens

In a study published, in June 2010 (in the Journal of Clinical Oncology) investigators have found that over 50% of breast cancer patients, who have been prescribed hormonal therapy medications (“aromatase inhibitors” or “Tamoxifen”) for preventing recurrence of breast cancer, either prematurely discontinue or do not take their medication as prescribed (“non-adherence” was defined in this study as, taking <80% of the prescribed pills.) All patients in this study (8,769 patients) had “estrogen positive”, invasive breast cancers (stages 1-3) and were therefore recommended to take hormonal therapy for a total of 5-years. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients who take less than 5-years [...read more...]

Prostate cancer may be 30% less likely to recur in men on a common cholesterol lowering medication

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 2:18 pm

Jun 282010

Prostate cancer may be 30% less likely to recur in men on a common cholesterol lowering medication

In a study published in late June/early July 2010 (in the journal Cancer) investigators report that men who underwent surgery for prostate cancer and had been taking a common cholesterol lowering medication (“statins”), at the time of surgery, were overall 30% less likely to have a recurrence of their prostate cancer than men who were not taking this medication. On further analysis, the authors describe a dose response relationship in the amount of statin medications taken and the relative risk of cancer recurrence (i.e. the higher the amount of the statin, the lower risk of recurrence.) They found that in those patients [...read more...]

Millions of cancer survivors suffer from lymphedema- Early diagnosis and treatment is essential

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 12:43 pm

Jun 242010

Millions of cancer survivors suffer from lymphedema- Early diagnosis and treatment is essential

Did you know that as many as 3-5 million individuals suffer from lymphedema in the United States, and the majority of whom develop this condition as a result of cancer treatment (i.e. surgery and/or radiation therapy to the lymph nodes within the neck, armpit, pelvis and groin)? In the United States, the most common cause of lymphedema is due to breast cancer treatment, but it can result from the treatment of cervical, endometrial, vulvar, head and neck, and prostate cancers, as well as sarcomas and melanoma. The risks of developing lymphedema depend on multiple factors, including the extent of treatment to the [...read more...]

A commonly prescribed osteoporosis medication significantly decreases the risk of developing invasive breast cancer

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 1:00 pm

Jun 232010

A commonly prescribed osteoporosis medication significantly decreases the risk of developing invasive breast cancer

In two large studies, published in June 2010 (in the Journal of Clinical Oncology) investigators report that the use of a class of osteoporosis medications called, “bisphosphonates” significantly reduced the risk of developing invasive breast cancer (approximately 30% risk reduction) in postmenopausal women. These impressive results remained even after controlling for numerous other breast cancer risk factors. (Read More Here) These studies add to previously published data demonstrating multiple anti-cancer effects with bisphosphonates (i.e. reduction in bone metastases, inhibition of tumoral blood vessels, increased tumor cell death and clinical data suggesting decreased recurrence of breast cancer.) This study is important as it suggests that the [...read more...]

Sugar, insulin, diabetes and their association with cancer development and progression

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 11:42 am

Jun 222010

Sugar, insulin, diabetes and their association with cancer development and progression

In an article published, in June 2010, (in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians) the authors review the science and literature of how sugar, insulin and diabetes are associated with the development and progression of various cancers. These authors consist of a panel of experts from both the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association, who convened a consensus development conference, in Decemeber 2009, to address the following 4 questions: Is there a meaningful association between diabetes and cancer incidence or prognosis? What risk factors are common to both diabetes and cancer? What are possible biologic links between diabetes and [...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...]

Are you on Tamoxifen? A simple test can tell you if you are at a high risk of blood clots

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 3:49 pm

Jun 172010

Are you on Tamoxifen? A simple test can tell you if you are at a high risk of blood clots

In a study, published in June 2010 (in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute) investigators reported that breast cancer patients who were on Tamoxifen (a hormonal drug that blocks the estrogen receptors on tumor cells) and had a unique gene mutation (called “Factor 5 Leiden” or “FVL”) were 5-times more likely to develop blood clots or thromboembolic events (i.e. pulmonary emobolism) than patients without this genetic mutation. Tamoxifen has been previously reported to increase a patients risk of developing a thromboembolic event (TE) by 2-times compared to those not on Tamoxifen. This is widely known in oncology and is [...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...]

Cancer survivors and patients should get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 6:31 pm

Jun 142010

Cancer survivors and patients should get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week

The American College of Sports Medicine now recommends that individuals with cancer (either undergoing treatment or survivors) should do at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. This is based on a new roundtable statement, issued by the group at their 2010 Annual Meeting. This recommendation is supported by numerous studies indicating the benefits of exercise in those individuals actively undergoing treatment for cancer and/or after treatment (i.e. reduced fatigue, improved sleep function, improved overall quality of life, improved muscle strength and flexibility, improved cardiovascular performance, improves immune function, reduces stress, reduced risk of cancer recurrence, etc.) Exercise [...read more...]

Drink your green tea: a green tea nutrient slows progression of a common cancer

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 5:25 pm

Jun 142010

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 leukemia type, called chronic lymphoctyic leukemia (CLL), when they received a green tea extract (EGCG). The EGCG was well tolerated with very few side effects. (Read More Here) Since this cancer often affects individuals who are diagnosed with it for many years, having a therapy that is safe and effective (and inexpensive) is an attractive option. Without more rigorous [...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...]

Shark cartilage is NOT an effective cancer treatment- stop killing sharks for their fins!

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 9:46 am

May 282010

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 pharmacologic-grade shark fin supplement to a conventional treatment regimen (chemotherapy and radiation therapy) in individuals with lung cancer. Sharks fins have been used as a cancer treatment (mainly in Asia) with the presumption that since sharks don’t develop cancer (this is actually not true- sharks do develop cancer), they must have an ‘anti-cancer’ substance within their tissues. In the current study, [...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...]

Yoga significantly reduces fatigue and improves sleep quality after cancer treatment

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 12:03 pm

May 212010

Yoga significantly reduces fatigue and improves sleep quality after cancer treatment

In a study (abstract published online in May 2010, Journal of Clinical Oncology; to be presented on June 5th, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 annual meeting, in Chicago) investigators, from the University of Rochester Medical Center, report the results of a randomized controlled trial of a short course of yoga compared to a control (usual care- no yoga) for patients who have completed treatment for cancer. The study was designed to analyze the potential effects of yoga on cancer treatment-related fatigue and on sleep quality, both of which are frequent problems in patients during and after treatment [...read more...]

Acupuncture reduces neck/shoulder pain and dry mouth after treatment for head & neck cancers

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 10:11 am

May 202010

Acupuncture reduces neck/shoulder pain and dry mouth after treatment for head & neck cancers

In a study (published in May 2010, in the Journal of Clinical Oncology) investigators from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center studied the potential benefits of acupuncture in patients with cancers of the head & neck who had undergone lymph node surgery (neck dissection.) Neck and shoulder pain is a common symptom (occuring 30-70% of the time) in patients who have undergone a neck dissection. Because acupuncture has been shown in multiple studies to improve neck and shoulder pain from non-surgical causes, the study authors designed a study to examine if it could be used in treating post-surgical pain in these patients. [...read more...]

Levels of an estrogen-like chemical (Bisphenol A, or “BPA”) in canned foods is found to be 5-times higher than previously thought

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 11:47 am

May 192010

Levels of an estrogen-like chemical (Bisphenol A, or "BPA") in canned foods is found to be 5-times higher than previously thought

Bisphenol A (or “BPA”) is a chemical preservative that is commonly used in the lining of plastic bottles and food & drink cans. Numerous reports have demonstrated that BPA can leach out of these containers and be absorbed by the body. In fact, more than 90% of individuals within the U.S. have detectable levels of BPA in their body. For many years, the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration and Environmental Protection Agency stated that BPA was a biologically safe chemical since there was no conclusive evidence to suggest any potential for BPA exhibiting negative effects on healthy cells. At the time, it was assumed that [...read more...]

(updated: 5/19/10) Your local pharmacy is now selling genetic testing kits: Are we ready?

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 4:04 pm

May 122010

(updated: 5/19/10) Your local pharmacy is now selling genetic testing kits: Are we ready?

(May 19. 2010: Since my posting of this blog entry, Walgreen’s and CVS have decided to hold-off on selling genetic testing kits through their stores until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration decides whether the sale of these products directly to consumers is legal. -Read More Here) San Diego-based, Pathway Genomics, is starting to sell its’ genetic testing kits at Walgreens (May 2010) and through their website. For a price that has come down substantially over the last few years, you can buy one of their kits and learn about your genetic predisposition to a variety of health conditions (including [...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...]

The number of environmental carcinogens is growing: we need to act now

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 5:06 pm

May 062010

The number of environmental carcinogens is growing: we need to act now

In an excellent (242 page!) advisory report to President Obama (release in May 2010, by the U.S. Presidents Cancer Council, “Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do Now”) the authors have made a ‘call to action’ for more research on the more than 80,000 chemicals that we are exposed to in our daily lives. They state that many of these chemicals are not regulated and we know very little about their potential carcinogenic effects. This excellent report discuses important issues including our daily exposure to known carcinogenic chemicals and gases in our environment and the lack of public education in how [...read more...]

Progesterone increases the risk of breast cancer metastasis

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 4:44 pm

May 062010

Progesterone increases the risk of breast cancer metastasis

In a study (accepted for publication in May 2006, in Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society) investigators found the the use of progesterone increased the risk of breast cancer metastases. The authors conducted this study in animals with breast cancer. They noted that progesterone’s effect was not dependent on the menopausal status of the animal nor whether the progesterone was given with or without estrogen. It appeared that progesterone stimulated the production of blood vessels to the tumors, increasing their access to the circulation and the rest of the body. (Read More Here) Millions of women, after [...read more...]

Post-traumatic stress disorder in cancer survivors

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 4:13 pm

May 062010

Post-traumatic stress disorder in cancer survivors

In a study (published in May 2010, in Pediatrics) investigators found that in a population of over 6,500 adults, who were survivors of childhood cancers, there was high percentage who reported signs and symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The authors compared the cancer survivors to those of their unaffected siblings, and noted that the survivors had a 4-fold higher risk of having PTSD. (Read More Here) This study is important for integrative oncologists as it clearly demonstrates the severe psychoemotional consequences that can occur following the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Although this study evaluated only [...read more...]

Eat your broccoli: anti-cancer phytonutrients reduce the development and growth of breast cancer cells and tumors

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 3:55 pm

May 042010

Eat your broccoli: anti-cancer phytonutrients reduce the development and growth of breast cancer cells and tumors

In a study (published in May 2010, in Clinical Cancer Research) investigators have discovered that a natural compound found in broccoli, called sulforaphane, was able to significantly decrease the number of breast cancer stem cells (the earliest cancer cells that form tumors) in cell preparation studies and in mouse studies. The authors used a highly concentrated form of this natural compound, derived from broccoli (sulforaphane), to test whether breast cancer stem cells would be able to grow and form tumors. These experiments provide further evidence that supports the anti-cancer properties of eating broccoli. (Read More Here) Sulforaphane is just one [...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...]

Smoking increases the risk in breast cancer survivors for developing a new breast cancer

Posted by Brian Lawenda M.D. at 9:24 am

May 032010

Smoking increases the risk in breast cancer survivors for developing a new breast cancer

In a study (presented at the May 2010 meeting of the American Radium Society) investigators report the results of their analysis of 796 breast cancer survivors who smoked after their treatment for breast cancer. All of these patients received lumpectomy (with or without radiation therapy). The authors found that the rate of developing a new breast cancer (in either the same or opposite breast) and any new cancer was significantly higher in this group of smokers compared to a non-smoking group of breast cancer survivors. (Read More Here) Integrative oncology counseling provides numerous recommendations for cancer survivors that may help to reduce [...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...]

Prostate cancer vaccine significantly improves survival

Posted by admin at 12:37 pm

Apr 302010

Prostate cancer vaccine significantly improves survival

The FDA approved a new prostate cancer vaccine (Provenge) in April 2010. This vaccine stimulates the body’s immune system by helping specific cancer-fighting cells (dendritic cells) to identify and destroy prostate cancer cells. The therapy requires 3 injections of the vaccine within one month, and costs approximately $100,000 for the course. It has been shown to increase the survival time in men with late stage prostate cancer, by 4 months. This is certainly no cure, but it significantly increases the length of survival in these men who have few other options. The vaccine is only approved for treatment in those [...read more...]

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