A cancer diagnosis can be a challenging situation to confront. One may often feel like the therapeutic options are engaged with a speed that does not lead to a reassuring experience. The positive aspect of an integrated approach in cancer therapy allows for a method which helps to enhance outcomes, diminish side effects, and improve well being.
Physiologic stress from therapies used for cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can cause various essential nutrients to be depleted. These may include CoEnzyme Q10, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), B-Complex Vitamins, Glutathione, and Lipoic Acid. Nutrient depletion at the cell level can significantly increase potential for side effects of mainstream therapy and potentially create limitation of the likelihood of maximal success.
For example, one of the products we have found useful at The Guyer Institute of Molecular Medicine is a proprietary immune system anti-oxidant supplement which was shown to improve CD4+ immune cells by 24% in one published study. This product, Immune Ox, we have found to be very helpful as an adjunctive support in patients needing immune enhancement dealing with various chronic fatigue states and nutrient deficiency. Immune Ox works to optimize the immune system to replace nutrients depleted by chemotherapy.
Some nutrients have been shown to improve cancer cell killing ability when given with chemotherapy. These would include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Quercetin (when administered with antibiotic type chemotherapy agents such as doxorubicin). Other nutrients can decrease toxicity including Vitamin E, Selenium, CoEnzyme Q10, and Glutathione. Caution is advised, however, as some form of antioxidants may, in some cases, decrease the therapeutic effect of some chemotherapy types such as Tamoxifen.
Also to consider is that some specific antioxidant nutrients, like Vitamin C, may have selective anticancer potential when given in higher doses by IV route. Research published by The National Academy of Sciences demonstrated that precancerous tumors in mice were reduced about 50% by this therapy. Confirmation will require ongoing studies and will not likely be a mainstream therapy, but could be considered as an adjunct or enhancement to existing therapies.
Combining therapies to more broadly support individual cases produces a more synergistic effect. This allows targeted therapeutic options that can help individuals reduce toxicity of available therapies, enhance outcomes, and maintain energy and well being.
The reduction of treatment side effects and potential toxicity of chemotherapeutic medications represents a primary therapeutic benefit of adjunctive use of nutritional supplements. Some nutrients such as CoEnzyme Q10 have been demonstrated in some studies to decrease the likelihood of heart damage during chemotherapy. Topically applied antioxidant-rich creams can also decrease skin irritation and burning during radiation therapy. Even supplementation with probiotics (friendly bacteria) has shown broad-spectrum benefits when included with conventional therapy.
The process of engaging a cancer therapy can be intimidating and occasionally complicated by decision making uncertainly. Using a comprehensive “holistic” program to balance all aspects of maintaining cellular health and well being to the degree possible can contribute to facilitating enhanced outcomes while decreasing complications and improving longevity.
We invite you to stop in The Supplement Store at The Guyer Institute of Molecular Medicine and have a complimentary consult with our registered pharmacist, Chris McMullen. Chris is a graduate of Butler University and focuses on holistic pharmacy. The Supplement Store carries a wide variety of supplements specially formulated by Dr. Dale Guyer that can help patients achieve optimum health and wellness while fighting cancer or other chronic conditions.
