Despite the progress made, we are still losing the war on cancer – and we are losing it badly. According to “Cancer Statistics, 2016,” published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, a total of 1,685,210 new cancer cases and 595,690 deaths from cancer are expected to occur in the United States in 2016. Approximately 1 in 3 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes, and that number is quickly approaching 1 in 2. In addition, many of the treatments employed today cause significant side effects.

Dr. Jonathan Stegall — founder of the Center for Advanced Medicine, one of Cancer Tutor's verified clinics — practices integrative oncology, which involves combining the best of modern medicine with natural therapies.

• Center for Advanced Medicine
• Dr. Stegall on Cancer Tutor

The treatment of cancer in the 21st century is at a crossroads. Many patients find themselves confused as to where to turn for the most advanced, up-to-date treatment recommendations. Thankfully, the internet has allowed patients and their family members to have access a wide variety of information about cancer treatment. I believe that a more informed patient is a better patient. However, the amount of information available can be quite overwhelming, and some of it is incorrect or misleading. The result is people being more confused than ever about cancer treatment options.

When you go to your conventional oncologist, they are typically going to recommend chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, or some combination of these. All three are proven and effective therapies, but the downside is that they frequently damage the body’s healthy cells. Surgery causes local inflammation, a risk of infection, and can impact the function of surrounding structures. Radiation disrupts cellular genetic material (DNA) and creates harmful free radicals. Chemotherapy at the high doses used by most oncologists causes significant unintended damage to the body. With continued collateral damage to your healthy cells, several things happen:

• Energy levels decrease because the cells cannot make ATP (the body’s energy currency) as efficiently.
• The body’s immune system becomes weaker.
• Increased risk of side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headaches, digestive disturbances, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, and decreased quality life.

We have a lot of research supporting surgery, radiation, and high-dose chemotherapy, and there are certain occasions when I recommend these therapies if I feel that they are the best approach for patients and their cancer. We must also recognize that these treatments are not without risk, and for many patients relying solely on these therapies they might not be the best option.

More importantly, these therapies are only a small part of what I believe is an extensive and well-equipped toolbox to fight cancer. Sadly, most cancer doctors stop with the three treatments. The reality is that we have many more tools at our disposal! Extensive knowledge of these treatment tools, whether their origin is in modern medicine, natural medicine, or ancient healing, is crucial in treating cancer optimally. That is what I do with my patients every day.

I see patients in my office from all over the country who are seeking an integrative approach to their cancer. I define integrative medicine as an advanced form of healthcare that combines the best of modern medicine with the best natural therapies. Integrative oncology applies these principles to cancer care. These treatments are hand-picked for each patient, based on each patient’s unique physiology and biochemistry. Thus, we combine both the science of medicine and the art of patient care.

To assist patients and their families in the daunting process of navigating their cancer treatment, I have assembled a list of the 10 things I feel you should look for in a cancer doctor. Review this list carefully, and look for these traits in the cancer specialist you have chosen. If your cancer doctor does not fulfill most of these criteria, I would strongly consider looking for a new one.

1. Thorough understanding of the body’s biochemistry and physiology

Cancer, as we all know, is a very complex disease. All medical schools in the United States teach its aspiring physicians about cancer, including how cancer cells form, grow, and flourish. This study of cancer requires many hours of learning about cancer across various disciplines, including anatomy, biochemistry, histology, pathology, physiology, immunology, and pharmacology. These principles are then applied to direct patient care in the hospital and in clinics. Once a medical student graduates from medical school – at which time the M.D. degree is awarded – he or she must choose a specialty. Those who ultimately plan to specialize in cancer treatment in adults must first complete a three-year residency in internal medicine. These grueling years of training, which include long hours and sleep deprivation, provide the necessary foundation for becoming an expert on the care of patients with a wide variety of illness and disease. After this training is complete, advanced training in oncology takes place where further specialization in cancer treatment occurs.

I feel strongly that cancer treatment should be primarily managed and conducted by a physician. This means that he or she must have attended medical school and earned an M.D. or D.O. degree, completed residency training (preferably at a top institution), and obtained the necessary advanced training and experience in the treatment of cancer. There are plenty of other healthcare practitioners such as chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists, and nutritionists who see cancer patients, and while I feel that they offer valuable treatment modalities, I do not feel that they should be the ones primarily managing a disease as complex and aggressive as cancer. Proper management of cancer requires the extensive hours of study and patient care only possessed by a physician.

2. Spends plenty of time listening to you

The unfortunate reality of healthcare today is that most physicians are diagnosis- and treatment-focused, rather than patient-focused. The difference here is subtle but significant. All physicians must have the goal of being excellent diagnosticians and providing outstanding treatment, but I would argue that the patient-focused physician goes a step beyond and does these things in a way that honors, respects, and values each patient. This is because the patient-focused physician puts the patient and his or her needs first.

When I conducted research at Harvard Medical School on the doctor-patient relationship, I sought to learn more about the sacred bond between doctor and patient, and the effect this can have on the ultimate treatment outcome. There are several ways in which you can evaluate any doctor to determine if he or she is appropriately focused on you during the encounter:

• The doctor first asks you how you are doing or feeling.
• You are given an opportunity to express any concerns at the outset of the encounter.
• You are asked about your treatment goals.
• The doctor’s treatment recommendations are clearly communicated and thoroughly explained.
• You are given an opportunity to share your thoughts.
• You are allowed time to have all your questions answered.

I believe that the physician-patient encounter should be a respectful dialogue. The days of a doctor-dominated conversation, where the patient is not given adequate time to talk or ask questions, are over. If you are talked over or interrupted by your doctor, you should find another one as soon as possible. Ultimately, the job of your physician is to support you in receiving the treatment you prefer which best meets your needs and wants.

3. Obtains advanced lab testing

One of the best ways to monitor cancer treatment is through lab testing. When cancer is first diagnosed, lab tests called tumor markers are analyzed through a blood test. Some examples include CEA, AFP, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CA 125 and CA 27.29. These each correspond to one or more types of cancer, and they are obtained at regular intervals to evaluate response to treatment. While these lab tests are important and should be used, they should not be our only way of evaluating a patient’s cancer through blood work.

4. Shows genuine compassion

Most doctors care about their patients, but some show more of a humanistic side than others. It is one thing for a doctor to be pleasant while reviewing your medical records and recommending treatments, but it is another to truly become invested in your care. Unfortunately, insurance regulations have limited the amount of time doctors spend with patients. The unfortunate result is that the scientific and technical aspects of care take priority, leaving the all-important emotional components of care deemphasized or ignored altogether. Here are some questions I have for you:

• How much does your doctor know about you?
• Does he or she know where you grew up and/or where you are from?
• Has your doctor asked about your spouse, family, children, and loved ones?
• Does your doctor know what your hobbies and interests are?

I make it clear to my patients that I am their advocate. They have someone who is going to lock arms with them and do their best to work toward a positive outcome. I tell patients that they will be treated like family when they are in my office. I decided early on to take this approach because I went into medicine to care for others. Make sure your doctor has this quality because you will need his or her compassion, support, and devotion during the course your treatment.

5. Creates personalized treatment protocols

A one-size-fits-all approach to medicine does not work. Under no circumstances do I support the idea of practicing “cookbook medicine,” where one type of cancer automatically gets a specific treatment without taking other factors into consideration. Doctors who merely look at a patient as a list of diagnoses that must be treated in a rigid and specific way are not going to be nearly as successful as doctors who look at each patient individually. This is because every patient is different.

Let’s imagine that we take two patients with the same cancer, and give them the same treatments. Do you think they will have the same exact response to treatment? Of course not! This is because the two patients have different internal environments. Each person’s internal environment is a result of:

• Genetics
• Anatomy
• Diet
• Medications
• Pre-existing medical issues
• Stressors

Basically, your body’s unique biochemistry and physiology are the results of the cumulative effect of everything you have been exposed to from the time you were born until now. These exposures also affect how your body responds to treatment. In essence, our internal environments are like snowflakes – no two are alike. So, it only makes sense that no two patients should be treated exactly alike either.

This is why it is so wonderful that we have so many tools in our toolkit. For example, in my office, we have many great therapies from which to choose, including:

• Fractionated (low dose) chemotherapy, which allows us to safely give chemotherapy more often without the side effects typically seen with high dose chemotherapy;
• Insulin potentiation therapy (IPT), which is a delivery system for providing chemotherapy in a more targeted way;
• Intravenous nutrition, including high dose vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants;
• Supplements, including herbs, vitamins, and other nutraceuticals;
• Nutrition, which is specific for cancer treatment;
• Mind-body medicine, including prayer, meditation, and proper mindset.

The therapies chosen are based on a thorough review of each patient’s cancer diagnosis, medical history, test results, and treatment goals. This is why we call it personalized medicine.

As Sir William Osler stated, “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.”

6. Emphasizes the importance of nutrition

I am amazed at the number of patients who tell me that their oncologist told them that nutrition doesn’t matter. I suspect that this is the result of nutrition being under-emphasized in medical training. However, for doctors who claim to practice evidence-based medicine, it amazes me how so many fail to recognize the abundance of research showing how important nutrition is.

I view nutrition as the foundation of any good cancer treatment protocol. We know that cancer cells have unique behaviors not found in normal, healthy cells. Proper cancer nutrition will target these specific characteristics of cancer cells, while also providing healthy cells with the nourishment and protection they need.

I also view supplementation as a component of nutrition. While the things we eat and drink are vital, they are not sufficient to treat cancer. By strategically adding physician-grade nutraceuticals such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, plant extracts, and antioxidants to cancer protocols, we are giving the body what it needs. It is a requirement that these supplements be the highest quality supplements. Simply buying something you find online or on the store shelves is not adequate, and could even be harmful.

7. Views himself or herself as a consultant

Is your cancer specialist a consultant? Does he or she provide you with the details of your cancer treatment, including why each treatment was chosen and what it is intended to do? Are you provided with potential outcomes, including possible side effects? Are you informed of all your options?

Armed with this information, you should be at the center of the decision-making process. I always tell patients that I will provide my recommendations in an honest and straightforward way, but that the treatment plan is one that we come up with together.

Patient empowerment is crucial, especially when dealing with cancer. Although I am an expert in this field, it is not my job to demand that you undergo certain treatments. Rather, my job is to provide as much information as possible to allow you to make informed decisions which you feel are best for you and your treatment goals.

8. Tends to your spiritual needs

Has your cancer physician asked you if you have any religious or spiritual beliefs? If not, it is a shame because there is a lot of evidence showing that patients who have a spiritual practice have better outcomes than those who do not. I feel strongly that your spiritual practice, whatever it is, should be a meaningful part of your cancer treatment journey. It should bring you hope and peace, and should ideally be supported by those who are closest to you.

For example, I am a Christian and pray for all my patients. I am also happy to pray with my patients and do so regularly. For those patients who share a different belief, I do my best to support them in their beliefs by making sure that they are connected with others in their lives who provide them with spiritual guidance.

Spiritual health cannot be separated from your overall health, as it is an important component along with your physical, mental, and emotional health. Find a doctor who treats the “whole person” and supports you in your spiritual practice.

9. Recognizes the importance of having a good support system

When it comes to cancer treatment, you cannot go it alone. From the moment you hear those three life-changing words “You have cancer,” having others support you in your journey is essential. It is my hope that anyone going through cancer will have at least one advocate, whether it be a spouse, sibling, parent, adult child, relative, or close friend. This advocate should ideally be available to:

• Accompany you to appointments (especially those appointments involving a review of test results and specific treatment options)
• Spend time with you
• Show you affection (this can be as simple as giving you a hug or holding your hand when you need it)
• Lend a listening ear or shoulder to cry on
• Celebrate your successes

My office staff and I pride ourselves on being an integral part of our patients’ support system. We like to say, “Let us do the worrying for you.” It is our job to take care of the little details regarding your cancer treatment, and I have structured my office environment accordingly. I feel that this is very important. Look for a doctor who supports you and encourages you, rather than gets upset with you. Look closely at the office staff, and see if they look like they enjoy their jobs or not. Ask yourself if those who are caring for you are service-oriented. Seek out an office with a pleasing, calming environment rather than a cold, sterile one.

10. Has a plan for proper follow-up

Cancer is an extremely aggressive disease. Even when certain treatments are effective in killing cancer cells, the remaining cancer cells are always looking for a way to continue to survive and grow. Therapies that have been effective might not continue working over time, as cancer cells can change forms (a process known as mutation). Thus, continued monitoring is essential.

There are several ways in which we should monitor cancer treatment effectiveness, including:

Tumor markers
These are lab tests run by virtually all oncologists, which reflect the activity of cancer cells. The tumor marker(s) measured will depend on which type of cancer a patient has.

Imaging
The best way to measure cancer cell activity is via a PET scan. It uses radiolabeled glucose, which causes the most glucose-loving cells (i.e., cancer cells) to light up. Other forms of imaging might be used as well, including MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds. The risks versus benefits of radiation exposure must be weighed against the need to see pictures of what is going on inside the body.

Follow-up testing through the Research Genetic Cancer Centre
I use testing from R.G.C.C. in Greece to not only obtain a baseline level of circulating tumor cells but also to monitor the changes in these extremely important cells in response to the integrative therapies all top oncologists should be using.

I tell my patients that cancer is a lifelong diagnosis, even when we ultimately achieve normal blood work and imaging results. The moment we let our guard down is the moment cancer can once again obtain a foothold.

As you can see, a lot goes into proper cancer treatment and management. You owe it to yourself to find a cancer specialist who has the training, knowledge, and treatment protocols to meet the needs of you or your loved one. In fact, you deserve it!

The post 10 things to look for in a cancer doctor appeared first on Cancer Tutor.

Just one week later, you’ve fallen off the wagon. You aren’t sticking to the nutrition plan because your kids had several busy days of sports practices and your husband was under the weather. It’s difficult to prepare food for yourself when you are taking care of everyone else! To make matters worse, you have supplements in your pill box from the last few days that you didn’t take.

That bedtime dose of supplements was hard to remember after the tiring days you’ve had lately. As you lie down to fall asleep, you realized that you completely forgot about your mid-day relaxation time which was supposed to be reserved for prayer and meditation.

Dr. Jonathan Stegall — founder of the Center for Advanced Medicine, one of Cancer Tutor's verified clinics — practices integrative oncology, which involves combining the best of modern medicine with natural therapies.

• Center for Advanced Medicine
• Dr. Stegall on Cancer Tutor

But you have stage IV cancer, this is literally life or death. What happened to that motivation you had just one week ago? What’s that saying about the best-laid plans often going awry?

Compliance is a challenge faced by both patients and physicians, and non-compliance can have severe consequences. In 1990, a study by Sullivan et al determined that hospitalizations due to medication non-adherence alone cost over $13 billion. [1]

What determines compliance?

A review of the literature from a period of over 50 years found that patient adherence is related to social support, family relationships, marital status, and living arrangements. The most important factor for patient compliance was determined to be social support, with those patients having the greatest support system being the most adherent. [2]

In my practice, I have found that the patients with the strongest support systems are not only more compliant with recommended interventions, but also have better treatment outcomes. I suspect that their improved results are not simply because of their improved compliance, but also because they tend to feel loved and have their emotional needs met more frequently.

Are most patients compliant?

In examining patient adherence, it is not surprising that more complex regimens involving lifestyle changes result in a lower rate of compliance. Brownell and Cohen noted in a 1995 study that dietary modification is especially difficult for patients, even when extensive patient education is offered. [3] This is not surprising to me, as the most difficult aspect for patients in my office – and the most stressful one – is following my nutrition recommendations exactly as written. My colleagues in this field have noticed the same.

When it comes to compliance with cancer treatment, one study found that only 36 percentof patients were fully compliant with the recommended treatments. [4] Not surprisingly, the patients who were non-compliant did not do as well as those who were compliant.

How can I possibly take all these supplements?!

Those of us in the integrative oncology world are very concerned about patient compliance with nutritional supplement regimens, not only because we believe these supplements to be important, but also because patient compliance can be an issue. Some physicians’ regimens have patients taking in excess of 100 pills and capsules each day! Not surprisingly, scheduling and taking this many supplements can become a part-time job.

Studies have found that more complex regimens involving oral intake of capsules and pills also result in lower compliance. One study found that patients who take 13 or more pills per day had a compliance rate of less than 20 percent! [5]

This brings up a very important point, which is that a supplement protocol is only good if it is can be reasonably adhered to. It is vital that doctors be sensitive to patient factors that can impact compliance, such as work and family schedules, appetite, swallowing issues, absorption capability, and lower gastrointestinal ailments. An overly complex and unrealistic supplement regimen designed to fail is only going to frustrate a patient — the last thing we want to do when dealing with cancer.

Putting it all together

Every aspect of a cancer treatment protocol should strike a balance between therapeutic effectiveness and patient compliance. This is where a dynamic therapeutic relationship between doctor and patient is vital, as a one-size-fits-all approach is not optimal. Patients should make every effort to be as compliant as possible, while also communicating to their treatment team any concerns and potential barriers which exist.

Doctors must display a willingness to put themselves in the patient’s shoes and realize just how difficult some protocols can be to follow. Protocols should be designed in a way which maximizes that specific patient’s chances of compliance. Because at the end of the day, all we can do is our best.

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The lymphatic system is considered part of the body’s circulatory system, and it serves several functions, the most important of which is the transport of immune system cells. The lymphatic system not only carries white blood cells throughout the body but is also responsible for training these immune cells so that they can properly recognize invaders and successfully fight them.

Dr. Jonathan Stegall — founder of the Center for Advanced Medicine, one of Cancer Tutor's verified clinics — practices integrative oncology, which involves combining the best of modern medicine with natural therapies.

• Center for Advanced Medicine
• Dr. Stegall on Cancer Tutor

Unfortunately, the fluid inside the lymphatic system — known as lymph — can become congested. One of the most common reasons for this “clogging” of the lymphatic system is cancer. A classic example is a breast cancer patient who has had lymph nodes removed as part of the surgery. The remaining lymphatic network can become overwhelmed, which causes a backup of lymphatic fluid. The fluid can become so backed up that visible swelling of the arm occurs. This is known as lymphedema.

Lymph nodes do not have to be missing for lymphedema to occur. Sometimes, a tumor can be so large that it disrupts the flow of lymph fluid and causes lymphedema. Infection, inflammation and anatomical abnormalities can also result in the proper flow of lymphatic fluid to be compromised.

One excellent way to get the lymphatic system moving properly again is through Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT), which is a gentle, non-invasive treatment used to stimulate the functions the lymphatic system.

History of Lymph Drainage Therapy

Frederic Millard, a Canadian physician, is credited with creating the term “lymphatic drainage” in 1922. [1]

However, lymph drainage therapy as we know it today was first used in the 1930s by Drs. Emil and Estrid Vodder, a husband and wife team in France. [2] Since that time, Dr. Bruno Chikly, a French physician, has expanded our knowledge of how Lymph Drainage Therapy can improve the function of the lymphatic system. [3]

According to Dr. Chikly, Lymph Drainage Therapy has several key effects in the body:

• Activated circulation of the lymph, capillaries, veins, interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and synovial fluid.
• Removal of toxins
• Drainage of proteins, which is helpful in addressing edema
• Evacuation of fats
• Improved functioning of the nervous system
• Stimulation of the immune system

Enhanced immune system function is perhaps the most important benefit of lymph drainage therapy when it comes to cancer treatment.

A Lymph Drainage Therapy session

Lymph drainage was originally performed by a massage therapist, using only the hands. While this was effective, it was also labor-intensive. A more recent development and one which I highly recommend is to achieve lymph drainage through the use of specialized equipment made specifically for this purpose. In the hands of an experienced technician, it offers superior results.

In my office, my lymph drainage therapist uses a device which utilizes light and sound in order to stimulate the proper flow of lymphatic fluid. With the patient lying comfortably on the exam table, each of the body’s major lymphatic areas is stimulated by the device. More attention can and should be given to those areas where significant lymph blockages are present. Without exception, patients state that the treatment session is very relaxing. I typically have patients do two treatment sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately one hour.

Because Lymph Drainage Therapy is detoxifying the body, it is very important to stay well hydrated. We always encourage our patients to drink extra water on treatment days.

The beauty of Lymph Drainage Therapy is that it stimulates body in a natural way so that the immune system function is appropriately stimulated. The keyword here is appropriate, because we want to enhance immune function so that it can do its job, but not to the point of over-stimulating it. Many patients believe that the higher the immune system activity, the better. This is not true, as the immune system can be overactive to the point that it is reacting to stimuli which are not harmful. This is arguably just as bad, if not worse, than an underactive immune system. With cancer, achieving this delicate balance is essential.

Conclusion

Lymph drainage therapy is a very valuable treatment for cancer because it addresses the known immune system dysregulation we see in patients with cancer. By properly stimulating the immune system, and also providing detoxification in the process, we can achieve an outstanding complement to other treatments within a protocol. In my office, I have found Lymph Drainage Therapy to be both safe and effective.

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IPT embodies a potentially revolutionary concept in the medical management of a chronic degenerative disease. It has been hailed by those familiar with its precepts as the summum bonum of allopathic medicine. In its applications, physicians who use IPT feel that it offers a comparable level of clinical success compared to conventional full-dose chemotherapy, but typically without side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, and immune suppression.

Dr. Jonathan Stegall — founder of the Center for Advanced Medicine, one of Cancer Tutor's verified clinics — practices integrative oncology, which involves combining the best of modern medicine with natural therapies.

• Center for Advanced Medicine
• Dr. Stegall on Cancer Tutor

The key to IPT as a cancer treatment lies in the off-label use of insulin, a hormone made by the body. Insulin is responsible for the delivery of glucose from the bloodstream, across cell membranes, and into the cells. Cancer cells have up to 20 times more insulin receptors on their surface than normal cells because cancer requires glucose for its energy production. When insulin is released into the bloodstream by the pancreas in response to a meal, the insulin attaches to these receptors on the surface of the cell and, like a key fitting into a lock, opens channels in the cell wall to allow nutrients to go into the cell.

Because cancer cells have more of these insulin receptors, they outcompete the body’s normal cells for resources – namely, glucose. IPT uses that extreme need for sugar to its advantage,  by opening cancer’s cellular membranes for significantly better absorption. Thus, IPT should be thought of as a delivery system.

In IPT, insulin is similarly used as a drug. Apart from its role as specific replacement therapy in diabetes mellitus — as for cortisone and Addison’s disease — insulin has been found to be of value as an adjunct in the treatment of a wide variety of non-diabetic disease states. In its use here, the drug-like properties of this hormone relate to its physiological action of increasing cell membrane permeability. This permeability is essential to move substances, including drugs, from the bloodstream into the cell so that they can exert their effects.

In the context of integrative cancer treatment, Insulin Potentiation Therapy uses a combination of orthodox drugs — insulin and chemotherapy. Cancer cells have highly active insulin receptors, and IPT takes advantage of this characteristic.

With IPT, the insulin works on the cell membranes and allows chemotherapy to target cancer cells. Thus, it is the chemotherapy that kills the cancer cells, however, because of the insulin and its ability to better target cancer cells, the amount of chemotherapy needed is greatly reduced, meaning the side effects of the chemotherapy are greatly reduced. Thus, the chemotherapy is much more potent (thus the word: potentiation), much less chemotherapy is needed, and far fewer side effects are experienced.

Insulin is truly a magic bullet cancer treatment, meaning it allows chemotherapy to target cancer cells and results in far fewer side effects.

The word “potentiate” means that one substance (insulin) enhances the effectiveness of another agent (chemotherapy) and thus far less of the second agent (chemotherapy) is needed. This means fewer side effects, as well as a more effective treatment, is the result of a potentiating substance. “Because of this favorable side effect profile, cycles of low-dose chemotherapy with IPT may be done more frequently,” writes Dr. Steven G. Ayre in Treating Cancer with Insulin Potentiation Therapy.

Consider the following doses of chemotherapy commonly used by orthodox medicine versus those typically used by IPT physicians (i.e., orthodox dose compared to IPT dose):

• Cisplatin — 150 mg vs. 15 mg
• 5-Fluorouracil — 1,500 mg vs. 200 mg
• Cyclophosphamide — 1,500 mg vs. 200 mg
• Methotrexate — 60 mg vs. 10 mg

“In those undergoing treatment with IPT, an overall gentler experience promotes their concurrent use of other important elements in a program of comprehensive cancer care, which includes nutrition for immune system support and mind-body medicine to encourage a healing consciousness,” notes Dr. Ayre.

Insulin helps chemotherapy get past the blood-brain barrier. It does a lot of other things as well.

In the “old days,” IPT therapy required the patient to be put into an insulin coma. During those days, orthodox medicine was somewhat justified in avoiding IPT. But today, if you find an IPT doctor who requires you to be put into an insulin coma, find another doctor. Nearly 100 years of IPT in clinical practice has shown us that it is no longer necessary to be put into an insulin coma. Instead, the blood sugar is safely lowered in a monitored setting to a level slightly below the body’s normal level. Trained practitioners know how to do this, in a very specific way, so that it is both safe and comfortable for the patient.

Orthodox medicine has no excuse for not supporting IPT. It has been shown anecdotally to be faster working and more effective, and has virtually zero side effects. While we do not yet know how chemotherapy given with IPT compares to the standard full dose of chemotherapy, case studies have shown encouraging results. A select group of doctors are participating in a clinical study to evaluate the survival rate in stage IV cancer patients who receive IPT with chemotherapy, along with several other integrative modalities including IV Poly-MVA and IV Vitamin C based on sensitivity testing.

The best way to supercharge this treatment is to find a clinic that combines IPT with DMSO Potentiation Therapy (DPT). DMSO binds to chemotherapy, then insulin opens up the membranes of the cancer cells to the chemotherapy. It is a potent combination of treatments.

• Also: DMSO Potentiation Therapy (DPT)

The post Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT) appeared first on Cancer Tutor.

5 Facts about chemotherapy

1. Some cancers respond to chemotherapy, while others do not.

2.  Chemotherapy can be part of a much larger treatment regimen consisting of the best aspects of both modern medicine and natural medicine.

3.  Patients who expected to have more side effects from chemotherapy indeed had more side effects.

4. Survival rates for chemotherapy based on an Australian study are often misquoted.

5. Chemotherapy used in the proper context can be a very valuable tool.

I took care of many cancer patients in the hospital during my medical training and was always struck by how worn down they became from full dose chemotherapy. The hair loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration were very common.

On lab testing, their immune systems frequently showed little to no white blood cell function, resulting in frequent infections. Their electrolytes were often out of balance. Their kidneys and liver — the two main organs responsible for detoxification — routinely showed decreased functioning.

In addition, they often suffered from depression and anxiety. Some even became suicidal. Some patients had wonderful and supportive families, while others never had any visitors. No matter what their unique situation was, I saw many people spend their last days in the hospital with a very poor quality of life.

Dr. Jonathan Stegall — founder of the Center for Advanced Medicine, one of Cancer Tutor's verified clinics — practices integrative oncology, which involves combining the best of modern medicine with natural therapies.

• Center for Advanced Medicine
• Dr. Stegall on Cancer Tutor

Frustrated and discouraged, I thought to myself, “There has to be a better way!” After much education, training, and clinical experience treating cancer patients, I feel strongly that there is a much better way to administer chemotherapy.

What would you say if I told you that we could take advantage of chemotherapy's documented cancer-killing effects, but do it in a way that reduces the collateral damage? What if we could turn an atom bomb into a heat-seeking missile?

If you are reading this and thinking, “I want nothing to do with chemotherapy, because it is poison,” I would ask that you start thinking about chemotherapy as a tool. Just as a hammer can be used for good (hammering nails to build a house) or bad (to hit someone over the head), chemotherapy can also be used for good or bad. A more dramatic example is a handgun. In the hands of a policeman, a gun can be used for good to protect us, whereas, in the hands of a criminal, that same gun can be used to commit murder. Chemotherapy used in the proper context can be a very valuable tool. In fact, I would argue that in many cases it is a necessary tool in order to get patients well.

We know that chemotherapy typically kills cancer cells by affecting the production of DNA within cancer cells, leading to the death of those cells. Chemotherapy also can do the same thing to healthy cells. So how do we administer chemotherapy in a way to preferentially target cancer cells? Research has shown us that cancer cells have more insulin receptors on their surface compared to normal cells, and we can take advantage of this phenomenon with an approach known as insulin potentiation therapy (IPT).

IPT is an off-label treatment which was first used by Dr. Donato Perez Garcia in Mexico in the 1940s and has been used since by a small group of forward-thinking physicians. IPT is an in-office treatment whereby insulin is given to lower the patient's blood sugar to the point where we feel that cancer cells are very eager for some sort of “food.” This point was termed the therapeutic moment by Dr. Garcia, and it is at this point when we strategically give several different chemotherapy agents.

The doses used are typically 10-15 percent of the high doses used in conventional oncology; we feel that less is needed due to it being better targeted to the cancer cells. Due to these lower doses, we can give more frequent treatments (typically twice per week) while greatly reducing the incidence of side effects such as hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Due to the excellent results I have seen with IPT, I became eager to see research comparing it to full-dose chemotherapy. Unfortunately, we do not yet have any large-scale scientific studies comparing the two methods.

However, my clinic is one of a handful of treatment centers in the United States doing a clinical study evaluating the five-year outcomes from an integrative treatment program using IPT and low dose chemotherapy along with other interventions such as high dose IV Vitamin C, IV Poly-MVA, chemosensitivity testing, and nutritional supplementation. Based on my clinical experience, I expect these results will be significant.

If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer, I would encourage you to strongly consider chemotherapy, keeping in mind that it is a powerful tool which can be used in both good and bad ways. And as always, I encourage patients to make chemotherapy part of a much larger treatment regimen consisting of the best aspects of both modern medicine and natural medicine. This integrative approach, I feel, gives us a nice balance between the two while honoring each patient's unique health concerns and treatment goals.

Chemotherapy: What to know

Every treatment has potential risks and benefits, whether a drug, supplement or procedure. Of the multitude of cancer treatments today, chemotherapy is the one that evokes the most fear in patients.

We have all known cancer patients who received chemotherapy and subsequently saw their quality of life diminish greatly. Weakness, fatigue, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are just some of the side-effects we associate with chemotherapy. Many patients in my office tell me that they do not want chemotherapy because it is poison. Others tell me that it is toxic. Despite its known cancer-killing attributes, the perception is that the bad frequently outweighs the good.

A 2016 study polled cancer doctors to determine how they viewed chemotherapy side effects. Nerve pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue were considered the most troublesome side effects. Interestingly, the same oncologists found that hair loss was the most acceptable side effect.

Do patient attitudes about chemotherapy side effects influence their occurrence? A 2013 study of first-time chemotherapy patients looked at patient expectations for fatigue, depression, nausea, and loss of appetite prior to their first chemotherapy treatment. The occurrence and severity of side effects were measured, and the study found that there was a direct relationship between pre-treatment expectations and post-treatment reports of symptoms such as nausea, sadness, and loss of appetite.

In other words, those who expected to have more side effects from chemotherapy indeed had more side effects. This is fascinating from a mind-body medicine perspective and illustrates how our attitudes and beliefs can influence treatment outcomes.

For most cancer patients, the decision whether to receive chemotherapy or not is based on a thorough conversation with their doctor regarding their diagnosis and treatment goals. Some cancers respond to chemotherapy, while others do not. Some patients feel that the potential benefits of chemotherapy outweigh their risks, while others do not.

The good doctor gathers extensive data from testing, explains the results to the patient, and then presents treatment options. The excellent doctor listens closely to the patient to ascertain his or her treatment goals, as well as fears and concerns, and then recommends a personalized treatment plan which best meets that patient's needs.

Landmark study results

A 2004 study in the journal Clinical Oncology evaluated the contribution of chemotherapy to five-year survival rates among adult cancer patients. In other words, the goal of the study was to look at how significant chemotherapy's role was in successful treatment outcomes (defined by oncologists as five-year survival).

In order to arrive at a meaningful conclusion, data from many previous studies was pooled and analyzed. The 22 most common cancer types were included in the study.

The results were surprising. The overall contribution of chemotherapy to five-year survival in American adults was 2.1 percent. This means that approximately 98 percent of the credit for survival was attributed to all other treatments, such as surgery, radiation, nutrition, etc.

It is important to note that this study is often misquoted. You have probably heard this statistic quoted in a way which suggests that those receiving chemotherapy only have a 2.1 percent five-year survival rate.

“Frustrated and discouraged, I thought to myself, ‘There has to be a better way!' … What if we could turn an atom bomb into a heat-seeking missile?”

Dr. Jonathan Stegall

The Center for Advanced Medicine

In reality, the average five-year survival rate for cancer is 69 percent. This includes all stages of cancer and makes no distinction between who received which treatments. However, given the most commonly used treatments in oncology today, it is safe to assume that many of these surviving patients received chemotherapy.

At this point, it is important to discuss what five-year survival means. In the oncology world, five-year survival measures the percentage of patients who are still alive five years from the date of diagnosis. It does not mean that they are cancer-free, and it does not mean that they are completely healthy. Instead, it simply means that they have not died from cancer (or any other cause) in the five years since diagnosis.

Survival rates can be further broken down. For example, cancer-specific survival looks at the percentage of patients with a particular type of cancer, and can be further broken down to look at survival rates for each stage of cancer. Using the five-year survival statistic with respect to breast cancer, we see that:

• Stage 0 or Stage I, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent.
• Stage II breast cancer, the five-year survival rate is 93 percent.
• Stage III breast cancer, the five-year survival rate is 72 percent.
• Stage IV breast cancer, the five-year survival rate is approximately 22 percent.

Thus, when we look at survival rates for cancer, it is important to be as specific as possible with regard to cancer type and cancer stage since some cancers have very poor survival rates while others have very good ones.

I always tell my patients that it is important to look at survival statistics on the population level in order to know what we are dealing with, but it is equally important to realize that those statistics do not necessarily apply to them. Many factors contribute to treatment outcomes, and many of those are directly in the patient's control.

Potential downsides to chemo

As we previously discussed, potential side effects of chemotherapy cannot be ignored. A typical patient receiving chemotherapy will have low energy, hair loss, decreased immune system function, low mood, and a generally lower quality of life.

We must also consider the resistant nature of cancer. We know that the long-term use of certain chemotherapy agents can cause cancer cells to become resistant to those agents over time. Cancer has a remarkable ability to escape and evade attacks, whether they be from chemotherapy or from our very own immune system. We must stay one step ahead, and carefully choosing treatments in a safe, personalized way is how we do it.

• Dr. Jonathan Stegall has studied at Clemson, Georgetown, Harvard, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Yale. To learn more about Dr. Stegall and The Center for Advanced Medicine, visit his website.

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