Chemotherapy has been used for cancer treatment for decades, but the question remains: is it effective enough? Research over the years has shown the increasing complexity behind the biology of tumors, including the variety of mutations within a single tumor, the evolution of cancer cells to escape treatment, and the generation of new tumors that resist conventional therapies. To address these complexities and improve cancer treatment, there is a need to focus on individualized treatment plans.
One way to design targeted treatment is by examining the genetic makeup of both the individual and the cancer, which can help to establish whether a specific treatment will be effective. Companies are now offering gene analysis and chemo-sensitivity testing, which can provide insights on the effectiveness of certain treatments. For example, identifying the overexpression of certain genes can determine the sensitivity of a tumor to specific chemo drugs.
To combat the shortcomings of chemotherapy, it is important to support the patient’s metabolism and build up their body’s cancer-killing systems. This may be achieved by integrating natural ingredients that can boost the efficacy of chemo treatments while reducing its side effects.
Harnessing the Power of Natural Ingredients
For example, cancer cells tend to activate an enzyme called mTOR, which protects them from cellular death triggered by chemo drugs. However, it is possible to inhibit the mTOR enzyme using honokiol, an antioxidant compound derived from magnolia bark. This could potentially increase the efficacy of these chemo drugs. Metformin, a commonly prescribed anti-diabetic drug, is also a potent mTOR inhibitor.
Another target to help improve cancer treatment outcomes is galectin-3, a protein known to promote inflammation and fuel cancer growth. It has been found that modified citrus pectin (MCP), which is derived from citrus peels, can effectively control excess galectin-3 levels and inhibit cancer growth and metastasis. As a bonus, MCP has even demonstrated positive synergistic effects with some chemo drugs, potentially enabling lower toxic dosages with better anti-cancer results.
Antioxidant Compounds and Patient Care
The use of antioxidants during chemo is another topic of ongoing debate. Some chemo regimens may be enhanced by antioxidant use, while others could be made less effective. For example, introducing antioxidant compounds at high doses can improve the response of certain hard-to-treat tumors to chemo. However, applying an integrative cancer care approach should always be done under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
Optimizing the therapeutic benefits of chemo and minimizing its side effects can be achieved by targeting several pathways responsible for fighting cancer, such as inflammation, metabolism, immunity, circulation, and oxidation. This multi-layered approach of attacking cancer from as many angles as possible is key to improving the efficacy of cancer treatments.
New research in the field of integrative medicine is guiding the way to more effective and strategic ways to combat cancer. However, it is important to remember that any integrative cancer care approach should be done in coordination with an experienced practitioner, to ensure the most effective treatment and the best possible outcome for the patient.
