"Cancer represents a unique state whereby the body's healing system fails to eliminate cells with damaged or altered DNA. This allows these cells to escape the normal regulatory signals leading to uncontrolled cell growth. While most auto-immune diseases represent a failure of the healing system from an over-active immune system, cancer represents the extreme opposite, whereby the immune system is hypoactive (at least in regard to the tumor).
While we are beginning to unravel the complex biochemistry of cancer development and have begun to understand how DNA is damaged and repaired, we still have a long way to go before the cure for cancer will be found. Spontaneous healing of cancer has been documented many times in human beings and animals, suggesting that a cure is possible.
Chemotherapy uses compounds which are toxic to the body and destroys the animal's immune system, hoping that the tumor is killed before the patient. While animals do not suffer all of the side-effects as human beings undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy, these treatments can still have significant and, in some cases, life-threatening side-effects in dogs. Owners must weigh the benefits and the risks carefully before making the decision to put their pet through radiation treatments or chemotherapy.
To me, the answer to cancer lies in the immune system. This is the major reason why I have trouble with chemotherapy. Spontaneous remission from cancer only occurs when the patient's immune system acts to clear the cancer. Therefore, stimulation of the patient's immune system to selectively attack the cancer seems to be the key to achieving a successful outcome. New methods in immunotherapy and immunotargeted chemotherapy are likely be the Western methods which lead to the greatest advances in cancer treatment over the next few decades.
Traditional Eastern medicine has also been used successfully in the treatment of cancer for thousands of years, long before we understood the basic pathobiology of tumors. It is not a replacement for Western diagnosis and therapy, but may be used with Western approaches to help heal patients. When the option for Western therapy is lacking, there are Eastern therapies which can be employed to help the patient live a quality life, reducing the rate to cancer expansion or, in some cases, leading to remission of the cancer. Eastern medicine may be best suited to prevention of the development of cancer through healthy living. On the other hand, herbal medications have been shown to lead to spontaneous remissions of cancer. In some cases, these herbal products can be used in conjunction with traditional Western therapies, improving the outcome and reducing the side-effects from Western therapy alone. An integrative approach combining the best of both Western and Eastern medicine seems to be the only sensible course of action, providing the best overall care for the patient.
Reducing risk factors for cancer, eating a properly balanced diet (free of pesticides and preservatives), drinking pure water, providing appropriate anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals, and exercising regularly can help prevent cancer. Once cancer has been found, additional supportive measures are needed. Cancer cells utilize carbohydrates for fuel and compete for the body for amino acids. However, these cancer cells do not metabolize fats. Some data suggests that high fat diets can help the patient overcome the effects of cancer and even reduce cancer expansion. A number of herbal products can stimulate the immune system to attack cancer or block the mediators which the tumor uses to spread to other areas of the body, mediators which the tumor needs to survive. The following is a guide to the integrative treatment of cancer, using those compounds where there is scientific data to support their use in cancer management, helping the patient survive the disease.
Although eating healthy is the best tool in the fight against cancer, once cancer takes hold certain dietary changes may be help the patient fight against the effects of the cancer.
Tumor cells rely heavily upon carbohydrates for their energy and rob the body of amino acids. On the other hand,
tumor cells cannot utilize lipids (fats) for energy while the rest of the body can. As such, diets with increased fat content may slow tumor growth, allowing the patient to fight against the tumor. Protein content must be maintained a levels sufficient for tissue repair, but carbohydrates should be held to a minimum. For those who prefer to prepare their dogs food, the following diet contains the ingredients important for cancer patients. In addition, it supplies the important nutrients for cancer protection. For those who can not cook for their dog, a commercial food should be of good quality, moderate protein (AT LEAST 22%) content, low carbohydrate (3-13%) content, and high fat (55-60%) content."
Vitamins & Antioxidants:
The vitamins and antioxidants for cancer patients are the same for all dogs, including vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, beta-carotene, ginkgo bilboa, green tea and grape seed extract. In addition, the membrane stabilizers omega-3-fatty acids, gammalinolenic acid and coenzyme Q-10 are important for cancer patients. Many of the antioxidants help stabilize DNA and help reduce cancer development or progression. Some data suggests that antioxidants can reduce the effectiveness of radiation and chemotherapy, but this is not well documented. It may be best to stop antioxidants 3 days before radiation therapy or at the start of chemotherapy, reinstituting the antioxidants a few days later. Most of the herbal antioxidants are good for preventing cancer, too.
Immunostimulants:
Astragalus:
Another Chinese herbal remedy with similar properties comes from the root of a plant in the pea family, Astragalus membranaceus. This plant is a relative of our locoweed, which is toxic to livestock. The Chinese species is nontoxic, the source of a very popular medicine called huang qi that you can buy in any drugstore in China for use against colds, flus, and other respiratory infections. Recent studies in the West confirm its antiviral and immune-boosting effects, and preparations are now available in most health food stores here. Follow the directions for adult dosing.
Anti-Cancer herbs:
Cat's Claw (una de gato):
Cat's claw (name derived from the pattern of thorns found on the vines), Uncaria tomentosa, comes from the Peruvian rain forest and was traditional used by the indigenous people to threat cancer and arthritis. Recent studies indicate that it contains immune-enhancing substances, including several antioxidant compounds. These compounds may account for the antitumor properties reported for cat's claw. Treatments have been reported to lead to remission of brain and other tumors. While published data is lacking, cat's claw should be considered in tumors of the central nervous system. Use ¼ the adult human dose for small dogs, ½ for medium dogs and the equivalent dose in large dogs.
Reishi and Maitake Mushrooms:
Like astragalus, mushroom extracts stimulate the patient's immune system by presenting unique macromolecules to the intestinal tract, where they alter the immune regulation by intestinal antigen processing systems. In addition, maitake mushroom extract has been shown to activate NK Killer cells which attack tumor cells and to prevent destruction of T-Helper cells. There is no known toxicity from these mushroom extracts. Use ¼ the adult human dose for small dogs, ½ for medium dogs and the equivalent dose in large dogs.
Other Dietary Supplements:
Milk Thistle:
Milk thistle is an herbal product that helps protect the liver from toxic damage. It may be useful in treating chronic active hepatitis or as a prevention of injury from other drugs. It has been used to protect the liver from damage from chemotherapy in human patients. It may also help prevent
damage from traditional anti-convulsants (phenobarbital). I recommend starting at 1 capsule twice a day.
"By Dr. Charles Loops DVM
Amygdalin (Laetrile) – also known as Vitamin B17, amygdalin is found in the seeds of apricots, peaches, cherries and plums. I have very little experience in using this in animals.
No evidence of curative responses.
Arginine (L–Arginine) – an amino acid shown to have some cancer fighting properties when extra supplementation is added to diet. I recommend 500mg. to 1500mg. daily added to food. Available online and in health food stores.
Artemisinin – an extract of sweet wormwood from China used mainly as an anti-malarial drug but may have cancer fighting properties. There have been several recent articles about using this with osteosarcoma. Anti-oxidants may interfere with effectiveness if given within 6 hours. Toxicity is very low. Dosages in the range of 80mg. to 100mg. twice daily for a large dog have been proposed. Available online
Astragalus – see Chinese Herbs
Bioflavonoids – found in foods containing Vitamin C. Compounds such as citrin, hesperidin, rutin, and
quercetin. Seem to support the anti-oxidant properties of Vitamin C.
Brewer's Yeast: Has been shown
to help animals resist infection. It is a rich source of B vitamins,
amino acids, selenium, chromium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium,
copper, manganese, iron, zinc, and other trace elements. (Natural
Remedies for Dogs and Cats by CJ Puotinen)
(Lucy loves the nutty taste it adds to her food)
Carnivora – extract of the Venus Flytrap, an insect eating plant. Seems to have cancer fighting properties but probably works by stimulation of T-helper cells.
I have not seen any dramatic or significant results in cases where this was used. Dosage extrapolated from human dosages. Expensive. I have concern for environmental impact to the plant. It is a rare species. Available online.
Cat’s Claw (Una de gato) – from the vine of a Peruvian plant. Has anti-oxidant and immune enhancing properties. May be useful. Use extrapolated human dosages. Widely available.
Chinese Herbs - There are many Chinese herbal combinations for cancer therapy. The two I most often use in my practice are Astragalus 10+, a combination of Astragalus and ten other herbs to boost the immune system, and Chih-ko and Circuma, a tumor fighting combination of herbs. Dosages vary.
Chlorella – a fresh-water, single celled algae taken for high chlorophyll content, anti-oxidant effect, and high vitamin content. Seems to have cancer fighting properties. Larger doses may be more effective. Widely available.
CoEnzyme Q10- naturally occurring substance found in sardines, soybean and grapeseed oils, sesame seeds, pistachios, and spinach. Seems to have cancer fighting properties when given at the 300mg. per day level or greater. Expensive at high doses. Widely available.
Colostrum – first milk from cow’s after parturition. Has immune factors that help boost T-helper Cells along with other immune boosting properties. Most beneficial in high doses. Widely available, online and health food stores. See Transfer Factor also.
Curcumin (Tumeric) – yellow pigment that is the main component of Tumeric, an Indian herb in the ginger family. Seems to have anti-carcinogenic properties at many levels of cancer as a prevention and treatment. Has been used effectively for tumor shrinkage topically as a paste also. Exact dosages unknown. Available in grocery stores and specialty stores.
Echinacea – an herbal stimulant for the immune system. Doesn’t seem to be of use in cancer. Better used as an herbal for acute infections.
Astragalus is better for cancer use.
Essiac – a combination of herbals taken as a tea, tincture or capsule. Formulas vary somewhat but all contain burdock, Indian rhubarb, sheep sorrel, and slippery elm. Historically has been given in treating cancer both for pain relief and tumor shrinkage.
Mainly the effects seem palliative; recent use for treating cancer seems less effective. My research would agree with the latter. I have seen very little in positive responses. Essiac is Caisse spelled backwards, the last name of the Canadian woman who formulated the herbal combination. The recipe was originally from a Native American Tribe based in Ontario, Canada. Widely available in many forms. Dosages extrapolated from human dose.
Evening Primrose Oil: This oil stimulates the thymus to produce t-cells, which help fight infection and cancer. (Keeping Your Dog Healthy the Natural Way by Pat Lazarus)
GLA from evening primrose oil, have been found to kill a number of
tumor-cell lines and cause a significant reduction in tumor growth in
animal studies. (Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer" by Donald Yance)
Fish Oil – a rich source of Omega 3’s which have been shown to have cancer fighting and preventative effects. Salmon Oil is probably the best source. Dosages range from 1000mg. to 5000mg. daily. Found in many combination products with Flaxseed Oil and Borage Oil. Straight Fish Oil seems better utilized for dogs and cats, whereas the combination products work well for people. Widely available.
Flaxseed Oil – used the same way as fish oil. Often used in combination with cottage cheese to fight cancer.
Goldenseal – used as herbal immune stimulant.
Astragalus seems more appropriate.
Grapeseed Extract (Pycnogenol) – a potent anti-oxidant. Useful as a part of any cancer protocol. Dosages are 1-2 mg. per lb. body weight per day. Doesn’t seem useful in higher dosages. Widely available. Some think Pycnogenol, a similar substance extracted from Pine Bark, is more potent. It is also more expensive.
Green Tea – seems to have several anti-carcinogenic properties both for prevention and treatment. May be impractical, as large amounts are probably required to have much effect therapeutically. Widely available.
Hoxsey Formula –
similar to Essiac and Objiwa - a combination of herbals containing red clover, buckthorn bark, barberry bark, chaparral, licorice root, Cascara amarga, and prickly ash bark. Bloodroot is sometimes added to make an external formula for topical application. There are many formulations available.
There are no studies supporting its effectiveness.
Inositol – an unofficial B-vitamin. Found in many high fiber foods. Converted to lecithin in the body. May have some cancer fighting properties such as angiogenesis or the reduction of blood supply to tumors.
IP6 is similar. Dosages extrapolated from human dosages. Widely available.
Iscador (Mistletoe) – fermented extracts from European mistletoe. Often injected, rather than taken orally. Used widely in Europe.
Has had only mixed results in research, although varieties of extracts available to me have been limited.
Maitake Mushrooms (Shitake) – stimulates T-helper cells and generally boosts the immune system. Potent immune boosters. Found in many combination products. Dosages extrapolated from human dosages. Widely available.
Lipoic acid (alpha-lipoic acid)
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
NAC – N-acetyl-cysteine
- all natural supplements that stimulate the production of glutathione in the cells. Glutathione is the ultimate antioxidant, because it is the one that works at the mitochondrial level within the cell. Both as a cancer preventative and an adjunct therapy where cancer is already present, I strongly recommend these products and use it as part of my protocol. Glutathione is classified as an “orphan drug” (though not a drug at all) by the FDA for promoting weight gain and preventing weight loss with cancer patients. It also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect with the addition of Cordyceps mushrooms, plus the glutathione produced destroys free-radicals and restores normal cellular function.
Nosodes (Isodes) – remedies made from cancer cells or tumors and taken orally or injected. These can be made specifically from the patient’s own tumor (Isode) or a generic tumor can be used (Nosode). These are diluted and succussed and work homeopathically. I have read about some results with this approach depending on the type of cancer and the patient. Hard to find.
Omega 3’s – active ingredient in Fish Oils, Flaxseed Oils and Borage Oil. Helpful in prevention and treatment of cancer.
Poly MVA – supposedly a DNA nutrient that repairs abnormal genes that have set the cancer cascade in motion. A natural substance generally well-tolerated,
I have seen some cats react adversely to it. Considered a mineral-vitamin.
I have seen little difference in cases where this was used. Very expensive. Dosages extrapolated from human dosages.
Pycnogenol – see Grapeseed Extract
Quercetin – a bioflavonoid. Seems most helpful with stomach cancers. Dosages extrapolated from human dosage. Available online and in health food stores.
Selenium – trace mineral complimentary and synergistically with Vitamin E. Helpful in prevention of cancer and may be useful in treatment in conjunction with Vitamin E. Mega doses not recommended. Dosages range from 50 to 200mcg. Daily. Readily available.
Shark Cartilage – usage is based on the premise that sharks don’t get cancer.
That is not science. Research does not have much going for it. I have not seen any results with shark cartilage use and I object to the harvesting of sharks for this purpose. Amounts required are completely impractical for cats.
Soy Products – anti-carcinogenic effects from fermented soy products have been shown in people. Carnivores don’t metabolize soy protein very effectively and this doesn’t seem to be an effective part of therapy for dogs and cats.
Spirulina – another “green” supplement. See Chorella.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) – neutralizes free radicals that cause cancer and that cancer cells release. An anti-oxidant enzyme. Widely available. Dosages extrapolated for human doses.
Tamoxifen – blocks estrogen activity that stimulates certain cancers such as mammary tumors. Dosages extrapolated. Prescription medication.
Transfer Factors (Transfer Factor Plus) –
extracts of colostrums where the immune factors have been concentrated into a supplement. Much more specific and concentrated than colostrums, but can be used in conjunction with each other.
Vitamins A and D are fat soluble and can be overdosed if given high dosages every day.
B vitamins are water soluble and excess will be excreted, so overdosing is not a problem. In general, giving a B-complex is best so as to keep ratios in line between different B’s. Giving a 10mg. complex to cats and up to a 100mg. complex for larger dogs is appropriate.
Vitamin C can be dosed high or low. In general, I recommend about 500mg. for a cat daily and up to 2000mg. for a large dog. At these levels any type of Vitamin C can be used for most animals. If you choose to give higher doses, then you should use Ester C’s should be used to avoid stomach difficulties.
Vitamin E should be given dosing from 100 IU’s daily for cats to 400 IU’s daily for large dogs. There is no evidence to show higher doses are beneficial especially when other anti-oxidants are being given.
Willard’s Water – a blend of minerals with water in a concentrate. Adding one ounce per gallon of drinking water seems to facilitate the removal of heavy metals from the system. May be useful in helping to detoxify while undergoing cancer therapy.
Wobenzyme – a German formulation of digestive enzymes that may be helpful in an overall cancer protocol. Formulations contain lipase, amylase, rutin, pancreatin, papain, bromelain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Dosages extrapolated from human dosages. "
The above list is similar but not same as Lucy's list of pills. Just thought I should show other similar research that an actual vet says.
Lucy never did radiation or chemo, she only did the Tippner Protocol. The Tippner Cancer Protocol combines immunotherapy and molecular cancer therapy using off the shelf readily available inexpensive natural substances. She is past 3 years after diagnosis by biopsy
I buy most of the stuff from Swanson Vitamins. They are cheaper, in capsules for dosage changes, and carry almost everything I give to Lucy except for the Chinese Herbs Stasis Breaker prescription, and the Low Dose Naltrexone prescription. Here is a $5 off coupon link I found
