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Metabolic therapy for cancer
I have several posts here about my newly-diagnosed metastatic melanoma, but I wanted this to be a new thread.
I was looking for alternative therapies for cancer, and I was afraid that most of them would seem, well, a little kooky (sorry, but that's what I thought).
I found one, however, that seems to be both outside the mainstream standard-of-care, but yet very well represented in the scientific literature, including at least one Nobel Prize (Warburg), and that is the metabolic theory of cancer. It seems as though its primary promoter is Dr Thomas Seyfried of Boston College. He is a professor of biology, genetics, and biochemistry at Boston College.
He has many books, articles, and videos online, so it is easy to learn about this theory.
I cannot go into it in detail, but its premise is that cancer is a metabolic disease, and not a genetic one. Please take the time to look at the details before shooting me. 🙂
My only question here is whether anyone else has looked into this, and what do you make of it? Did you ever ask your oncologist about it?
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I have just watched a video on this treatment protocol!
It looks very interesting and like you say, well studied & resourced.
I haven’t spoken with my Medical Oncologist yet. I will bring it up during my next visit.
I’m not ruling it out as second approach if it comes to that. The glutamine pulsing will require an integrative or not quite mainstream oncologist.
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1 ReactionI read a lot about this and I’m interested in this approach . Seen many patients stating this cured them even when they were told they only had 6 months . I don’t think oncologists are on board with this yet and stick with conventional methods .
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4 ReactionsGood luck with this. As for me, the deeper I dove into it, the *less* likely I think this to be a practical "cure" for cancer. There are still many good reasons to utilize a Keto diet for health reasons, and that is what I do it for. Any benefit for my melanoma is "extra".
The Mayo Clinic Center for Biomedical Discovery investigates the origin of disease and how cellular mistakes lead to illness. There are a couple of areas of study (research platforms) that may interest those following this discussion.
1. Metabolism and molecular nutrition platform https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/center-biomedical-discovery/platforms/metabolism-diabetes
"The Metabolism and Diabetes biomedical research platform studies the processes of obesity, fat storage and utilization, cancer metabolism, insulin regulation, and related diseases.
Diseases related to defects in metabolism cause significant health care burden and impact the quality of life of those affected. Many of these diseases — such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, age-related diseases and some forms of cancer — are increasing in epidemic proportion."
2. Cancer and cell aging platform https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/center-biomedical-discovery/platforms/cancer-cell-aging
"Identifying the mechanisms that contribute to excessive unchecked cell growth (neoplasia), and the contribution of damaged non-growing (senescent) cells to human diseases, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease and muscle wasting."
@cmfranco11 and @birdman518, the word "cure" is rarely used with cancer. Remission or NED (no evidence of disease) are the more cautionary words used by medical professionals. When considering complementary or alternative treatments, be open-minded yet skeptical. Learn about the potential benefits and risks. I'm particularly skeptical when someone states they have found a cure for cancer.
That said, more and more cancer centers and oncology specialists are open to discussing and integrating complementary medicine in programs called Integrative Medicine or Integrative Oncology. Integrative medicince is offered at many cancer centers of excellence, including Mayo Clinic.
Here's a link to more information about Mayo Clinic's Integrative Medicine programs
– Integrative Medicine and Health https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/integrative-medicine-health/sections/overview/ovc-20464567
@bmb, may I ask what type of cancer you have?
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1 ReactionHi Coleen,
I have Stage 3B ‘In Transit Malignant Melanoma.
The original lesion in 2022 was mistakenly diagnosed as a benign nevus. So went untreated for 14 months. My second opinion from Mayo on the path reports found the original biopsy to be melanoma that had then metastasized to 7 other lesions on my scalp.
Thank you for reaching out!
Barbara (BMB)
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1 ReactionI am very interested in an integrated approach including Metabolic approach to cancer treatment along side my Immunotherapy. I’ve been referred to an integrative doc who was helpful. But I’m wondering if I could be referred for Accupuncture and possibly massage? I struggle with stress & a bit of anxiety. It’s improving but I’ve read these are ways to help reduce stress.
I’m working on increasing my exercise to 2.5 hrs per week.
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1 Reaction@bmb, you might be interested in these related discussions:
- Stress Management for Cancer: Free online course from Mayo
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stress-management-for-cancer-free-online-course-from-mayo/
- Cancer and working with integrative medicine
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/a-possible-solution/
@naturegirl5 has worked with integrative oncology at Mayo Clinic and may be able to share more about being referred for integrative therapies. Might your integrative physician be able to refer you for acupuncture and massage?
Kudos to you for including exercise where possible too. If it's activity your enjoy, it makes it easier to succeed. What type of activity or exercise do you do?
Lately I’m just walking most days. 1-2.5 miles 4-5 days a week. With a few minutes easy movements on my sisters trampoline once a week. I know I am capable of more. Hoping my former love of being active will soon return.
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2 ReactionsI do enjoy the walking. It’s a beautiful park. But Summer is approaching and I don’t feel well most mornings. So I guess I’ll give evening walks a try.
I did see an Integrative doc @ Mayo. Very nice person & a help with my questions on supplements but no alternative treatments were discussed. I’ve been disappointed I hadn’t heard Mayo has sees these as valid supports. I searched on the portal but I don’t really have that down solid.. lol. I keep losing messages and reports. I’m technologically impaired! ( just kidding). Thank you for the links for stress management & the naturegal resource!
@bmb, if you are at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, I might suggest stopping by the Cancer Education Center on the main level of the Gonda building. The patient educators there can help guide you to more integrative resources at Mayo, classes and more.
You might appreciate the article in their blog:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/
Here's an article contributed by Mayo Clinic acupuncturist Sara Bublitz, L.Ac https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/acupuncture-information/
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