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DIY
Cancer

Food preparation

Cancer Treatment
Various Sources

Mounting evidence suggests that cancers are not an inevitable consequence of aging but are preventable diseases. The evidence in this chapter suggests that spices may be factors in one’s diet that may lower cancer risk and affect tumor behavior...Without question, evidence exists that multiple processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immunocompetence, can be influenced by one or more spices.
- National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Chapter 17 "Herbs and Spices in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Allspice (MountainRoseHerbs)
Claimed to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anticancer, and antitumorigenic properties Contributes to health promotion, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, catechins, and several phenylpropanoids. Allspice was as effective as garlic and onions in suppressing microbial growth. The significance of its antimicrobial properties was recently highlighted by evidence that allspice and eugenol were effective in lowering the virulence of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Providing an oral allspice suspension (500 mg/kg body weight) significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma in rats. Evidence exists that allspice can alter the proliferation of several cultured cancerous cells. 

Basil (d0TERRA)
Basil has antioxidant, antimutagenic, antitumorigenic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.  The essential oil of basil possesses antimicrobial properties.  While not as potent as amoxicillin, its effectiveness raises possibilities of using individual or multiple spices as potent antimicrobials, especially in areas where commercial antibiotics are in limited supply.  Can lower oxidative damage in animal models.  Feeding mice 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight with a hydroalcoholic extract of basil leaves for 15 days markedly increased GPx (1.22-1.4 fold), glutathione (GSH) reductase (1.16-1.28 fold), catalase (1.56-1.58 fold), and superoxide dismutase (1.1-1.4 fold). Several studies provide evidence that basil is an antimutagenic spice. Basil largely blocked DNA adduct formation - thereby conjugation and elimination of this carcinogen. There is evidence that basil can decrease DMBA-induced carcinogenesis and lower the tumor burden per mouse. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts of basil increased MGMT protein levels in HT29 human colon carcinoma cell lines 1.25-fold compared to controls after 72-hours incubation. Compared to the control, basil increased glutathione-S-transferase (GST) protein activity 1.33-fold after 12 hours of incubation; after 24 hours, GST activity increased 1.68-fold compared to the control, which declined to 1.47-fold after 72 hours incubation.  The aqueous extract of basil, along with apigenin and ursolic acid, displayed greater anti-hepatitis B activity than two commercially available drugs, glycyrrhizin and lamivudine (3TC). 

Caraway (MountainRoseHerbs)
Caraway essential oil and oleoresins were progressively effectively with dose as antioxidants and more effective than commercial butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene. Caraway oil and its ethanol oleoresin showed better reductive power than the other oleoresins. Treatment of rats with 60 mg/kg body weight of caraway decreased carcinogen-induced aberrant crypt foci, indicators of oxidative stress, and fecal bacterial enzyme activity. Caraway may promote carcinogen detoxification and thereby lower cancer risk.

Cardamom (d0TERRA)
Cardamom has been demonstrated to have antioxidant properties. At lower concentrations, its radical scavenging activity was comparable to that of α-tocopherol. Cardamom inhibits chemical carcinogenesis. These observations suggest that intake of cardamom oil affects the enzymes associated with xenobiotic metabolism and may therefore have benefits as a deterrent to cancer. Cardamom has also been demonstrated to decrease azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis by virtue of its anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic activities. Providing aqueous cardamom suspensions can enhance detoxifying enzyme (GST activity) and decrease lipid peroxidation. The presence of both cardamom and black pepper significantly enhanced the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells against YAC-1 lymphoma cells.

Cinnamon (d0TERRA)
When rats were fed a high-fat diet with 10% cinnamon bark powder (Cinnamomum verum) for 90 days, oxidative stress was substantially decreased. Providing rats with cinnamon bark powder significantly increased several antioxidant-related enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and GST in both liver and heart tissue, compared to controls. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and GPx were also significantly increased (p < .05) in rats fed with cinnamon bark powder. These enzymes help maintain GSH levels, essential for cellular integrity and protection against oxidative damage from free radicals (Dhuley 1999). Cinnamon and thyme were found to be the most potent inhibitors of H. pylori growth and urease activity. Cinnamon’s antibacterial activity was demonstrated against seven clinical isolates. Adding 100 μg cinnamon per disk produced an inhibition zone of approximately 80 mm wide, which was greater than the inhibition zones produced by several antibiotics (10 μg ampicillin, 30 μg tetracycline, 15 μg erythromycin, 30 μg nalidixic acid, and 25 μg co-trimoxazole). Although a concentration of 25 μg/mL completely inhibited four H. pylori strains, 50 μg/mL was the minimum inhibitory concentration for all seven strains. Cinnamon increases glucose transporter expression. 

Clove (d0TERRA)
A few studies conducted in mice suggest its effectiveness, especially in modifying cellular detoxification processes. Studies suggest  detoxification of clove constituents in the stomach.  the findings to date suggest that tissues adapt to exposures to one or more constituents in cloves. In doing so, clove may improve the ability of selected tissues to handle foreign compounds that might lead to the initiation of carcinogenesis. 

Coriander (d0TERRA)
Several animal studies provide evidence that coriander seeds can promote the hepatic antioxidant system. Feeding a 10% coriander seed diet to male Wistar rats for 12 weeks decreased the ability of hexachlorocyclo-hexane, an organochlorine insecticide, to promote lipid peroxidation. Feeding Swiss mice with 160-mg coriander seeds per gram diet resulted in GST induction ranging from 20% to 37%, depending on the tissue examined. In another study, Banerjee et al. (1994) observed roughly a doubling in GST activity in Swiss albino mice that were provided with diets containing coriander oil (10 μL coriander oil daily for 2 weeks). 

Cumin (MountainRoseHerbs)
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the most abundant component of black cumin seed oil. TQ has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties and to ameliorate B(a)P-induced carcinogenesis in the forestomach. Considerable evidence points to the ability of TQ to suppress tumor cell proliferation, including colorectal carcinoma, breast adenocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, ovarian carcinoma, myeloblastic leukemia, and pancreatic carcinoma. Considerable evidence points to the ability of TQ to induce free radical formation in tumor cells. TQ has also been found to be effective in inhibiting human umbilical vein EC migration, invasion, and tube formation, suggesting its role in angiogenesis. TQ (6 mg/kg/day) was also found to prevent tumor angiogenesis in a xenograft human prostate cancer (PC-3) model. 

Dill (weed - MountainRoseHerbs)
There is evidence that dill promotes drug detoxification mechanisms. Anethofuran more than doubled the activity of the detoxifying enzyme GST in the liver (p < .005) and forestomach (p < .005), and carvone increased GST activity 78% in the forestomach (p < .05) and increased GST activity more than twofold in the liver and large intestinal mucosa (p < .05) and more than threefold in the small intestinal mucosa (p < .005. Because GSH helps maintain cellular oxidation-reduction balance and protects cells against free-radical species, the combination of increased GST and GSH levels results may be particularly helpful in detoxifying foreign compounds, including carcinogens.

Garlic (Amazon)
Preclinical models provide rather compelling evidence that garlic and its associated components can lower the incidence of breast, colon, skin, uterine, esophagus, and lung cancers. However, evidence in human investigations is less compelling. Suppression of nitrosamine formation continues to surface as one of the most likely mechanisms by which garlic retards cancer. Studies demonstrate that ingesting 5 g/day of garlic blocked the enhanced urinary excretion of nitrosoproline resulting from exaggerated nitrate and proline intake. More recent evidence suggests as little as 1 g of garlic may be sufficient to suppress nitroproline formation. Histone deacetylase inhibition has the potential to derepress epigenetically silenced genes in cancer cells, leading to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Ginger (d0TERRA)
Gingerol has also been shown to decrease intracellular ROS formation in human keratinocyte cells (Kim et al. 2007), inhibit angiogenesis in human ECs, and limit nitrogen oxide synthase expression and epidermal growth factor-induced cell transformation and AP-1 transcriptional complexes in JB6 cells.  Lipid and protein oxidation was inhibited in rats consuming ginger. Providing [6]-gingerol upregulated MKP5 expression in normal prostate epithelial cells treated with 50 μM gingerol; likewise, it upregulated MKP5 expression in human prostate cancer cell lines. Ginger extracts, more so than their individual components, have been shown to inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production to an extent similar to that of indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Paradol, another active compound in ginger, is reported to induce apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia cells, JB6 cells, an oral squamous carcinoma cell line, and Jurkat human T-cell leukemia cells in a dose dependent manner. Ginger also appears to have antitumorigenic properties. In a study of cytotoxic activities of several compounds in ginger against four tumor cell lines (A549, human lung cancer; SK-OV-3, human ovarian cancer; SK-MEL-2, human skin cancer; and HCT-15, human colon cancer), [6]-shogaol was the most potent. Adding [6]-gingerol (25 μM) has been reported to inhibit proliferation in rat ascites hepatoma cells AH109A and increase apoptosis at higher concentrations. Adding [6]-shogoal (60 μM) to COLO295 cells has been reported to increase the expression of GADD153, a gene that promotes apoptosis (Chen et al. 2007). [6]-shogaol (>50 μM) also provokes DNA damage and apoptosis through an oxidative stress mediated caspase-dependent pathway.  Nausea: Ginger was determined to be as effective as metoclopramide (treats GERD), but neither was as effective as ondansetron.

Rosemary (d0TERRA)
Has high antioxidant activity. Considerable evidence also suggests that rosemary extracts, or its isolated components, can retard chemically induced cancers. For example, topical application of a rosemary extract has been reported to block the initiation and promotion phases of B(a)P- and DMBA-mediated skin tumorigenesis. Adding rosemary or carnosol has also been shown to retard DMBA-induced mammary cancer in rats. Rosemary extracts and the active compounds carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid have been found to inhibit the proliferation of various human cancer cell lines, including NCI-H82 (human, small cell lung carcinoma), DU145 (human prostate carcinoma), Hep-3B (human [black] liver carcinoma), K-562 (human chronic myeloid leukemia), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), PC-3 (human prostate adenocarcinoma), and MDA-MB-231 (human breast adenocarcinoma. Carnosol was the most effective in reducing tumor proliferation. Carnosol is also known to induce apoptotic cell death in high-risk pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

Saffron - Most expensive spice in the world (MountainRoseHerbs)
Significant information points to the ability of saffron to inhibit cancer. Aqueous saffron preparations have been reported to inhibit chemically induced skin carcinogenesis. Saffron and crocus also have significant antitumorigenic properties. Similar to other spices, they appear to suppress cell growth in neoplastic cells to a greater extent than in normal cells. A significant increase in the life span of Dalton’s lymphoma-bearing animals was found in those provided with saffron. 

Thyme (d0TERRA)
Feeding thyme leaves (0.5% or 2.0%) or its phenolic compounds, thymol and carvacrol (50–200 mg/kg), has been reported to enhance xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, including phase I enzymes such as 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase and phase II enzymes such as GST and quinone reductase. 

Turmeric (d0TERRA)
Our data indicated that CAE (Curcuma aromatica Salisb) exerted anti-proliferative activity by activating the mitochondria-mediated caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway and arresting the p21-mediated G0/G1 cell cycle on human gastric cancer AGS cells.

Reishi (MountainRoseHerbs)
The majority of cancer patients using Reishi reported symptom improvements.

Rabdosia Rubescens   (Amazon)
R. Rubescens is a traditional medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-angiogenic and antitumor properties. 

Rosmarinic Acid (d0TERRA)
RA has shown substantial potential as an anticancer agent in numerous preclinical studies, with evidence supporting its ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit proliferation, and modulate inflammation and metastasis across various cancer types. RA’s anticancer properties have been demonstrated in in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models, particularly through the activation of apoptotic pathways and the inhibition of key enzymes, like MMP-2 and MMP-9, which are involved in cancer metastasis. One of the most promising aspects of RA is its ability to regulate both OS and inflammation, critical factors in cancer development, especially in inflammation-related cancers, such as colorectal cancer. RA demonstrates potential in preventing cancer progression while mitigating oxidative damage through its antioxidant effects.

Thyme (d0TERRA)
Aqueous extracts offer a higher potential for regulating the intestinal epithelium redox state, in addition to lower cytotoxicity. This result is particularly relevant, as aqueous extracts mimic the typical consumption method of thyme. 

Luteolin
A flavonoid polyphenolic compound, widely found in fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. It is noteworthy that LUT exhibits a variety of beneficial pharmacological properties and holds significant potential for clinical applications. The bioactivities of LUT include:

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  • Amyloid-related diseases

  • Anaphylaxis

  • Asthma

  • Breast Cancer

  • Colorectal Cancer

  • Covid (SARS-CoV-2)

  • Cytokine Secretion Inhibitor

  • Dengue Virus

  • Diabetes 

  • Fibrosis

  • Gastric Cancer

  • Gastrointestinal Protection

  • Gout

  • Inflammation

  • Influenza A Virus

  • Kidney Protection

  • Liver Protection

  • Lung Cancer

  • Lung Protection

  • Malignant GBM (malignant nervous system tumor)

  • Mitochondrial Respiration Increased

  • Mitotic therapeutic agent

  • Neuroprotection

  • Obesity

  • Other Cancers

  • Psoriasis

  • Reproductive System Protection

  • Retinal Degeneration

  • Vascular Protection

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Best Foods with Luteolin:

 

Radicchio

A purple leafy vegetable is one of the best sources of luteolin, making it a good option to use as a base for salads or even to substitute for wraps and tortillas. Its leaves resemble little boats, so I love to make healthy tacos by stuffing a radicchio leaf with other chopped veggies, avocado, and a clean protein, seasoned with cumin and oregano and a burst of freshly squeezed lime.

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Serrano Pepper

 

Red Leaf Lettuce

 

Artichoke

 

Spinach

 

Broccoli

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Parsley

Parsley can help to enhance mental fitness, brain health, energy levels, and overall cognition. Parsley also contains several antioxidants such as apiol, limonene, and eugenol; flavonoids such as apigenin glycosides and quercetin; carotenoids, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, tannins, sterols, vitamins A, C and K, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

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Green bell peppers

Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, immunosuppressive and immunostimulant properties, and antidiabetic, antitumoral and neuroprotective activities.  Bell peppers are superb for hydration and contain just as much water as watermelon.

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Chicory greens

Their greens can be incorporated into meals similar to other leafy greens. Add chicory greens to soups or stews, or sautéing them in avocado oil for a flavorful side dish.

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Celery

Anti-inflammatory. 

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Pumpkin

Pumpkin seeds.

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Kohlrabi

A cruciferous veggie similar in taste to broccoli stems. â€‹

Web source for Luteolin foods 

luteolin mirica.png
luteolin rankings.jpg

Per the graph above:

Radicchio
Peppers Sweet Green
Peppers Serrano
Peppers Hot Dill Green

Chicory Greens
Lemon
Celery
Pumpkin
Lettuce Red Leaf
Artichokes
Kohlrabi
Peppers Jalapeno
Peppers Sweet Yellow
Spinach
Broccoli

Lettuce Green Leaf
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Peppers Sweet Red
Oranges Navel
Grapefruit Pink and Red
Kiwi
Beets

Cabbage
Brussels Sprouts
Lettuce Romaine

Rating Key:

Strong:  Consistent, significant effects in several large (or at least one very large) well designed clinical studies or at least two meta-analyses of clinical studies of moderate or better quality (or one large meta-analysis) finding similar results.

Good:  Significant effects in one large or several mid-sized and well-designed clinical studies (RCTs with an appropriate placebo or other strong comparison control or observational studies that control for confounds).

Modest:  Significant effects in at least three small but well-designed RCTs, or one or more well-designed, mid-sized clinical studies of reasonably good quality (RCTs or observational studies), or several small studies aggregated into a meta-analysis.

Preliminary:  Significant effects in one or more small or poorly designed controlled clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence in one direction.

Weak:  One or more case studies, supported by animal evidence OR small treatment effects of limited clinical significance OR studies with no controls OR weak trends.

Astragalus
 

Astragalus is a plant belonging to the legume (pea or bean) family. It has been used in cancer care mainly to reduce the severity of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and immune suppression, from chemotherapy. Astragalus is also used to treat various cancers.

  • Good evidence of less chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity among people treated with herbal mixtures containing astragalus

  • Good evidence of fewer blood-related side effects such as neutropenia and anemia among people with colorectal, stomach, or advanced non-small cell lung cancers treated with astragalus, with substantial effect sizes in some of the lung cancer studies

  • Good evidence of less radiation esophagitis or pneumonitis during radiation therapy among people with lung cancer treated with Aidi injection or Shenqi Fuzheng injection, herbal mixtures based on astragalus

  • Good evidence of better quality of life during chemotherapy or radiotherapy among people treated with herbal medicines containing astragalus

  • Modest evidence of less toxicity from paclitaxel-based chemotherapy among people with lung cancer treated with Aidi injection containing astragalus

  • Modest evidence of substantially better appetite during treatment among people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with an herbal mixture containing astragalus

  • Modest evidence of substantially less fatigue during chemotherapy among people treated with an herbal mixture containing astragalus

  • Modest evidence of less chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting or diarrhea among people treated with astragalus-based Chinese medicines

  • Modest evidence of less liver dysfunction related to chemotherapy with an herbal mixture containing astragalus

  • Preliminary evidence of less pain among people with advanced cancers treated with astragalus polysaccharides

  • Astragalus is one of our top therapies beneficial across several cancer types

  • Modest evidence of better tumor response to chemotherapy among people treated with herbal mixtures containing astragalus

  • Modest evidence of better survival, tumor response rate, and clinical effectiveness of chemotherapy among people with colorectal cancer treated with astragalus either alone or as part of herbal mixtures

  • Modest evidence of better survival, performance status, and clinical effectiveness of radiotherapy among people with esophageal cancer treated with herbal mixtures containing astragalus

  • Modest evidence of better survival, performance status, and clinical effectiveness of transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) among people with liver cancer treated with herbal mixtures containing astragalus

  • Modest evidence of better clinical efficacy and overall response to FOLFOX among people with stomach cancer treated with astragalus polysaccharides injection

  • Modest evidence of better survival, disease control, performance status, and tumor response to chemotherapy among people with lung cancer treated with herbal mixtures containing astragalus

Berberine

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Berberine is a compound found in many plants, including European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric. Berberine shows benefits in some body terrain factors—especially high blood sugar—plus lower risk of colorectal cancer. 

  • Good evidence of lower measures of body weight among people treated with berberine (not specific to cancer).

  • Good evidence of lower markers of blood sugar among people with type 2 diabetes treated with berberine, comparable to oral diabetes medicine.

  • Good evidence of lower markers of blood sugar and insulin resistance among people with metabolic disorders besides type 2 diabetes treated with berberine.

  • Good evidence of lower markers of inflammation among people with a variety of health conditions other than cancer or after surgery.

  • Preliminary evidence of better composition of intestinal flora, especially fewer Firmicutes species, among people with metabolic disorders treated with berberine.

  • Preliminary evidence of better markers of intestinal flora among people with Parkinson’s disease treated with berberine.

Cannabis and Cannabinoids (Medical Marijuana) 

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Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemicals found in cannabis. The two most abundant cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is considered the only cannabinoid that causes intoxication. Other cannabinoids mentioned on this page are CBD, THCV, THCA, and CBDA. Dronabinol and nabilone are synthetic (man-made) pharmaceutical cannabinoids. 

  • Modest evidence of less cancer-related pain among people treated with either cannabis or some cannabinoids

  • Modest evidence of less chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among people using cannabis or cannabinoids

  • Modest evidence of less vomiting among people treated with cannabinoids compared to neuroleptics (antipsychotic medication)

  • Modest evidence of comparable effects on nausea and vomiting among people treated with cannabinoids compared to prochlorperazine

Diindolylmethane (DIM)

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Your body naturally creates diindolylmethane (DIM) when you digest cruciferous vegetables that contain indole-3-carbinol (I3C): broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale. 

  • Preliminary evidence of favorable changes in sex hormones among people with hormone-sensitive cancers (breast and prostate), or at risk of these cancers, or with thyroid proliferative disease treated with DIM.

Fermented Wheat Germ Extract

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Has been used as a complementary cancer therapy to help improve quality of life across many types of cancer and improve survival for people with colon cancer or melanoma. FWGE is also known as MSC and wheat germ extract. Evidence to date is promising that FWGE may improve your clinical response to chemo/radiotherapy. It may also improve your body environment (terrain) to make it less supportive of cancer growth and development, reduce your risk of some types of cancer, and improve quality of life and reduce side effects. All the evidence so far is preliminary to modest.

Flaxseed

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Flaxseed may reduce the spread of prostate cancer and improve survival in breast cancer. It may also lower risk of breast, colon, or lung cancers. 

  • Modest evidence of lower cancer proliferation among men with prostate cancer adding flaxseed to their diets.

  • Preliminary evidence of anticancer action among people with breast cancer eating flaxseed.

Grapes and Grape Extracts

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Most of the benefit in cancer care from grape products—and especially purple or red grapes—involves influencing body terrain factors known to be important in cancer. These factors include high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress. Very little evidence to date shows much direct effect on cancer survival or risk of cancer. Red wine extract is known to lower blood pressure, and topical grape seed extract ointment or cream may promote better wound healing after surgery or excision. 

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  • Purple grape juice may lead to less platelet clumping among healthy people, but grape-red wine extracts showed no evidence of meaningful benefit. Grape seed extracts may lower platelet reactivity among smokers.

  • People with symptoms of metabolic syndrome drinking moderate amounts of red wine had lower risk of an abnormally large waist circumference, but grape seed extracts or products have shown little evidence of an effect on body weight or body mass index.

  • Red wine or grape products, but not whole grapes, have led to better blood sugar control among people with metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Juice or beverages supplemented with grape extracts may be linked to better insulin sensitivity, but red wine polyphenols alone do not seem to show any evidence of an effect.

  • Premenopausal women drinking red wine have shown changes in some sex hormones, but postmenopausal women treated with grape seed extract have not shown any evidence of effects.

  • Grape seed extract has been linked to lower levels of markers of inflammation. Drinking red grape juice or red wine may lead to less inflammation.

  • People drinking purple (Concord) grape juice or treated with polyphenols extracted from red grape seeds have shown immune activation.

  • People eating whole grapes or drinking grape juice have had lower levels of oxidative stress. Grape seed extracts or grape products are also linked to lower oxidative stress, although not from a single dose.

  • Men drinking either red wine or the equivalent amount of nonalcoholic red wine saw changes in the levels of some groups of microbes in their microbiomes.

  • People drinking purple (Concord) grape juice or dealcoholized muscadine grape wine had higher serum vitamin C levels or vitamin E levels, but eating food supplemented with flour made from wine grape pomace did not show a meaningful effect.

  • Drinking grape juice did not show an effect on endothelial function among childhood cancer survivors.

  • People with metastatic or unresectable cancers who were progressing on standard therapies reported higher physical well-being when treated with grape seed extract.

  • People with breast hardening from prior radiotherapy did not find any meaningful effect on breast hardness, pain, or tenderness when treated with grape seed proanthocyanidin extract.

  • Outcomes not specific to people with cancer:

  • Drinking red wine or eating food processed from wine grapes has led to lower blood pressure. Red grape cell powder and grape-red wine extracts may also lead to better markers of cardiovascular function.

  • Grape seed extract is linked to several effects:

  1. Lower anxiety or depression scores and higher muscle mass among women with at least one menopausal symptom

  2. Better markers of cardiovascular function, including lower blood pressure, but insufficient evidence of an effect on endothelial dysfunction

  3. Better markers of cardiovascular health among people with prehypertension or mild hypertension

  4. Lower scores for hot flashes, less sleep disruption, and better physical symptoms among women with at least one menopausal symptom

  5. Lower stress among healthy men and postmenopausal women with mild hypertension

  6. People with an above-average energy requirement showed slightly lower energy consumption when treated with grape seed extract.

  7. Healthy young adults drinking purple grape juice, and those treated with grape seed extract, showed some improvements in reaction time and psychomotor skills. Older adults eating raisins showed some improvements in cognitive function, better quality of life, and greater autonomy in activities of daily living.

  8. Children with β-thalassemia major treated with grape seed extract may show lower levels of markers of liver dysfunction.

  9. People treated with topical grape seed extract ointment or cream after surgery or excision experienced better wound healing.

  • People with suspected or documented colorectal cancer treated with grape powder may have shown lower expression of a key signaling pathway involved in colon cancer initiation.

  • Healthy males drinking red wine with the highest polyphenol content may have shown a higher marker of protection against redness from exposure to ultraviolet light—a risk factor for melanoma and other skin cancers.

  • People with erosive oral lichen planus—a risk factor for cancer—rinsing with anthocyanins extracted from grape skin may show better symptom scores and morphology of oral mucosa lesions.

Green Tea or EGCG

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Compared to other teas, green tea contains the highest amount of bioactive compounds that belong to the polyphenol group.1 The primary active constituent in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The best evidence of benefit from drinking green tea or taking green tea extracts relates to improving body terrain factors, especially body weight, high blood sugar and insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Each of these factors has known connections to cancer development and growth. Related to this, green tea and its extracts are also linked to lower risk of many types of cancer. Green tea or extracts may also help manage side effects and symptoms including fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms.

  • Good evidence of lower weight, waist circumference, and body fat among people drinking green tea or beverages containing green tea catechins (not specific to cancer)

  • Good evidence of lower fasting blood sugar (glucose), but no evidence of an effect among people drinking decaffeinated green tea or on other glycemic indicators among people drinking green tea (not specific to cancer)

  • Good evidence of lower ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids relative to total fatty acids among men with raised PSA levels advised to drink green tea

  • Modest evidence of an effect on adiponectin concentrations among people with type 2 diabetes supplemented with green tea (not specific to cancer)

  • Modest evidence of a lower marker of inflammation among people with type 2 diabetes drinking green tea (not specific to cancer)

  • Modest evidence of lower markers of oxidative stress among smokers drinking green tea (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of changes in gastrointestinal hormones that affect digestion and insulin secretion after robotic or laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy among people with stomach (gastric) cancer drinking green tea

  • Preliminary evidence of immune activation among elderly people with acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes treated with green tea extracts

  • Preliminary evidence of immune activation among healthy adults treated with green tea capsules (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of some lower markers of inflammation among people with prostate or stomach cancer drinking green tea

  • Preliminary evidence of lower infiltration of inflammatory leukocytes after a single dose of ultraviolet radiation among people treated with EGCG (not specific to cancer or diabetes)

  • Preliminary evidence of a lower marker of systemic oxidative DNA damage but no evidence of an effect on oxidative DNA damage in prostatectomy tissue among men with prostate cancer drinking green tea

  • Preliminary evidence of lower markers of oxidative stress among people with obesity and metabolic syndrome drinking green tea (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of a lower marker of oxidative DNA damage among people sero-positive for both HBsAg and aflatoxin-albumin adducts—risk factors for cancer—treated with green tea polyphenols

  • Preliminary evidence of a lower marker of oxidative stress among obese people treated with green tea extract (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of a lower marker of oxidative stress, especially among smokers, among people treated with green tea extract incorporated into meat patties (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of one lower marker of oxidative stress but not others among healthy non-smoking females treated with green tea extract (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of lower markers of oxidative stress after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation among people treated with topical application of EGCG (not specific to cancer)

  • Strong evidence of lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure among people drinking green tea compared to no green tea (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of less fatigue after robotic or laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy among people with stomach (gastric) cancer drinking green tea

  • Preliminary evidence of shorter time to gastrointestinal function recovery after robotic or laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy among people with stomach (gastric) cancer drinking green tea

  • Preliminary evidence of lower incidence and less severe diarrhea after radiotherapy among people with abdomen and pelvic malignancy treated with green tea tablets

  • Preliminary evidence of less esophagitis during or after chemoradiotherapy among people with lung cancer treated with EGCG before or during chemoradiotherapy

  • Preliminary evidence of better oral health scores after oral surgery among people with oral cancer rinsing their mouths with a green tea solution

  • Preliminary evidence of less perception of pain although no evidence of an effect on analgesic use during days 1–4 after robotic or laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy among people with stomach cancer drinking green tea

  • Preliminary evidence of lower incidence of grade 2 or worse radiation-induced dermatitis and lower symptom indexes among people with breast cancer treated with an EGCG solution sprayed to the whole radiation field

  • Preliminary evidence of less severe acute radiation-induced skin reactions during whole-breast radiotherapy after surgery among people treated with NPE, a proprietary Camellia sinensis nonfermentatum extract

  • Preliminary evidence of shorter hospital stays after robotic or laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy among people with stomach cancer drinking green tea

  • Preliminary evidence of comparable odor control from fungating malignant wounds among people treated with either metronidazole powder or green tea bags as dressings

Iodine
 

One small study found better survival and tumor response rates, plus fewer side effects of treatment, when molecular iodine was used in addition to surgery and chemotherapy for breast cancer. An iodine deficiency may increase the risk of thyroid cancer or stomach cancer. No evidence shows that iodine supplements as a stand-alone treatment will improve cancer outcomes.

  • Preliminary evidence of better survival and tumor response rates among women with breast cancer treated with molecular iodine before and after surgery compared to after surgery alone

  • Preliminary evidence of comparable radioiodine consumption after radioiodine ablation therapy following a total thyroidectomy among Korean people following either a low-iodine diet (less than 50 µg iodine) or a restricted-iodine diet (50–100 µg)

  • Preliminary evidence of less neutropenia, cardiotoxicity, hand-foot syndrome, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea from chemotherapy among women with breast cancer treated with molecular iodine before and after surgery compared to after surgery alone

  • No evidence of an effect on muscle pain among women with stage 2 or 3 breast cancer treated with molecular iodine

  • Modest evidence of a link between iodine deficiency and risk of stomach cancer

  • Modest evidence of a link between iodine deficiency and risk of thyroid cancer

Lycopene
 

Lycopene is a carotenoid, a natural pigment made by plants and microorganisms. The best sources of lycopene are tomatoes and tomato products. Small amounts are also found in guava, watermelon and pink grapefruit. Lycopene is absorbed better when taken with dietary fats such as olive oil. Lycopene is of interest to CancerChoices because of its potential cancer preventive, anticancer and chemotherapy-enhancing properties. It is included in the integrative cancer care protocols/plans of three of CancerChoices medical advisors, all integrative cancer care physicians.

  • High intake of lycopene has been effective in decreasing the damage from both natural toxins—including mycotoxins and bacterial toxins—and chemical toxics, including heavy metals and pesticides.

  • Lycopene is chemopreventive against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

  • Clinical studies have reported an association of lycopene and other components of a Mediterranean diet with a reduction in colorectal cancer initiation and progression. 

  • Large, population-based studies associate lycopene with lower risk of these cancers: Breast cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer..

Melatonin

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No clinical evidence shows melatonin is effective as a first-line cancer treatment, but studies show improved outcomes and response to conventional treatments when melatonin is used. Melatonin is also effective in managing several common symptoms and side effects of cancer treatments, with some effects in improving your body environment—your terrain—to make it less supportive of cancer. 

  • Melatonin is one of our top therapies beneficial across several cancer types

  • Strong evidence of better survival, tumor response, and remission among people with solid tumors treated with melatonin, mostly when combined with conventional treatments

  • Preliminary evidence of better clinical response to chemotherapy among people with advanced cancer with enhanced melatonin levels

  • No evidence of an effect on survival among people with advanced cancer treated with melatonin in 2 studies

  • Good evidence of lower inflammation in a general population (not specific to people with cancer) treated with melatonin

  • Good evidence of less oxidation in a general population (not specific to people with cancer) treated with melatonin

  • Modest evidence of less oxidation among people with cancer treated with melatonin

  • Preliminary evidence of lower levels of procoagulant factors among healthy young men treated with melatonin

  • Preliminary evidence of hormone stimulation with 0.5 mg dose melatonin, but inhibition at 5.0 mg dose among healthy people treated with melatonin

  • Preliminary evidence of higher white blood cells counts among people with untreatable metastatic solid tumors treated with melatonin and naltrexone

  • No evidence of an effect on biomarkers for assessing immune function/inflammation after cancer resection among people with non-small cell lung cancer treated with melatonin in a large study

  • No evidence of an effect on hormone levels among postmenopausal women with breast cancer treated with melatonin in 2 preliminary studies

  • Good evidence of less anxiety among adults preparing for surgery treated with melatonin, comparable to results with benzodiazepines (not specific to people with cancer); note cautions about the effects of melatonin on anesthesia in Safety and precautions ›

  • Good evidence of less anxiety after surgery among people treated with melatonin (not specific to people with cancer)

  • Good evidence of less wasting (cachexia) among people with advanced cancer treated with melatonin

  • Good evidence of less fatigue during radio/chemotherapy among people with cancer treated with melatonin

  • Good evidence of less weakness or lack of energy (asthenia) among people with advanced metastatic cancer

  • Modest evidence of less chemotherapy-related toxicity among people treated with melatonin

  • Modest evidence of less severe reductions in blood cell counts during chemo/radiotherapy among people treated with 20 mg oral melatonin, but no evidence of an effect with 40 mg oral melatonin

  • Modest evidence of less toxicity to the heart (cardiotoxicity) during chemotherapy among people with advanced cancer treated with melatonin

  • Modest evidence of less neurotoxicity during radio/chemotherapy among people treated with melatonin

  • Modest evidence of less oral inflammation (oral mucositis or stomatitis) during radio/chemotherapy among people treated with melatonin

  • Modest evidence of better markers of sleep among children and adolescents with chronic insomnia or among adults only with other health conditions treated with melatonin

  • Preliminary evidence of lower incidence of low blood pressure among people with advanced cancer treated with melatonin

  • Preliminary evidence of better tolerance of chemotherapy among people with lung cancer treated with melatonin

  • Preliminary evidence of better cognitive performance during chemotherapy or hormone therapy among people with breast cancer treated with melatonin

  • Preliminary evidence of less depression among people with breast cancer treated with melatonin at doses higher than 3 mg

  • Preliminary evidence of less pain during treatment among people with cancer treated with melatonin

  • Preliminary evidence of better sleep quality without regard to treatment phase among people with cancer treated with melatonin

  • Preliminary evidence of better sleep quality after surgery among people treated with melatonin

  • Preliminary evidence of better sleep quality during cancer treatment among people treated with melatonin

  • Preliminary evidence of less radiation dermatitis among people treated with a melatonin emulsion

  • No evidence of an effect on adverse events after cancer resection among people with non-small cell lung cancer treated with melatonin in a large study

  • No evidence of an effect on anxiety after cancer resection among people with non-small cell lung cancer treated with melatonin in a large study

  • No evidence of an effect on appetite among people with cancer cachexia treated with melatonin in a preliminary study

  • No evidence of an effect on fatigue among people with advanced cancer treated with melatonin in a preliminary study

  • No evidence of an effect on fatigue after cancer resection among people with non-small cell lung cancer treated with melatonin in a large study

  • No evidence of an effect on depression after cancer resection among people with non-small cell lung cancer treated with melatonin in a large study

  • No evidence of an effect on hot flashes among among postmenopausal women with breast cancer treated with 3 mg of melatonin in a preliminary study

  • No evidence of an effect on pain after cancer resection among people with non-small cell lung cancer treated with melatonin

  • Good evidence of lower risk of recurrence at 5 years after cancer resection among people with stage 3/4 non-small cell lung cancer treated with melatonin

  • Modest evidence of a higher risk of breast cancer among people with lower melatonin levels

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of melanoma recurrence among people treated with melatonin supplements

  • Preliminary evidence of less skin damage during sun exposure among people using a topical melatonin cream

  • Preliminary evidence of a higher risk of ovarian cancer among people with lower melatonin levels

  • Preliminary evidence of a higher risk of prostate cancer or of advanced cancer among men with prostate cancer with lower melatonin levels

Milk Thistle

​

  • Milk thistle may be useful against liver cancer.

  • CancerChoices interest in milk thistle derives from its protective effects, reducing chemotherapy kidney damage in rats and liver toxicity associated with chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

  • Silibinin, one of the flavonoids in milk thistle, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Silibinin promoted the growth of liver cancer when used with alcohol in an animal study.

  • Milk thistle may prevent or treat liver dysfunction in patients undergoing anticancer therapy. Silymarin has reduced liver toxicity associated with methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

  • Silymarin decreased early doxorubicin-induced left ventricular systolic function disturbances. Study authors concluded that silymarin “can be recommended as adjuvant drug in patients with ALL under doxorubicin therapy.”

  • Silymarin delayed radiodermatitis development and progression in breast cancer patients

  • Silymarin delayed mucositis development and progression in patients with head and neck cancer.

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  • Programs and protocols

    • Alschuler & Gazella complementary approaches26

      • Liver cancer

      • Lung cancer

      • Prostate cancer

      • Skin cancer

    • Block program27

      • Natural molecular target modification (VEGF)

      • Remission maintenance program (detoxification)

    • Lemole, Mehta & McKee protocols28

      • Bladder cancer

      • Breast cancer

      • Leukemia

      • Prostate cancer

      • Renal cancer

      • Thyroid cancer

    • MacDonald breast cancer program29

    • McKinney protocols30

      • General cancer

      • Bladder cancer

      • Carcinoid/neuroendocrine cancer

      • Colorectal cancer

      • Kidney cancer

      • Liver/gallbladder cancer

      • Melanoma

      • Myelodysplastic syndrome

      • Pancreatic cancer

      • Skin cancer

      • Stomach cancer

      • Thyroid cancer

Mistletoe (European)​

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Some evidence shows improved tumor response or survival with mistletoe extracts, often used along with conventional treatments. Several studies show improved quality of life among people with cancer, often due to fewer side effects of treatments.

  • Good evidence of fewer side effects of conventional treatments among people treated with mistletoe

  • Modest evidence of better quality of life without regard to treatment phase among people treated with mistletoe

  • Modest evidence of better quality of life during chemotherapy among people treated with mistletoe

  • Modest evidence of fewer reductions in white blood cells from chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiotherapy among people treated with mistletoe

  • Modest evidence of better appetite among people with cancer treated with mistletoe

  • Modest evidence of less fatigue among people with cancer treated with mistletoe

  • Preliminary evidence of less anxiety among people treated with mistletoe at the time of surgery

  • Preliminary evidence of better weight gain among people with metastatic pancreatic cancer receiving no conventional treatment and treated with mistletoe extract

  • Preliminary evidence of less diarrhea among people undergoing oral chemotherapy treated with mistletoe

  • Preliminary evidence of less pain among people with breast cancer or locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with mistletoe

  • Modest evidence of better survival among people with cancer as a whole treated with Iscador

  • Preliminary evidence of better survival among people with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with subcutaneous injections of Viscum album [L.] extracts

  • Preliminary evidence of better survival among people with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer treated with mistletoe extract

  • No evidence of an effect on relapse or metastasis among people with breast cancer treated with mistletoe during chemotherapy in a preliminary study

  • Insufficient (conflicting) evidence of clinical benefit among people with gynecologic cancers treated with mistletoe

  • Preliminary evidence of higher immune activation among people with tumors and healthy volunteers treated with mistletoe extracts

Modified Citrus Pectin

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Modified citrus pectin is an altered form of natural pectin, a soluble plant fiber. The modification makes the pectin more absorbable.1 MCP is available as a dietary supplement. Weak clinical evidence and considerable preclinical evidence show MCP has anticancer effects including inhibiting cancer growth and metastasis. MCP is anti-inflammatory and modulates or stimulates immune system activity. One study found fewer side effects and better quality of life among people treated with MCP.

Omega-3 fatty acids

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The three main omega-3 fatty acids are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). DHA and EPA generally show greater benefits in cancer, but are found only in animal sources. ALA from plant sources is converted to DHA and EPA in our bodies, but with a low conversion efficiency. ALA is not recommended as your sole source of omega-3s.2.

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Clinical practice guidelines from the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) suggest oral supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids to improve the nutritional status in people with lung cancer who have lost muscle mass (sarcopenia.

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2013 evidence-based clinical practice guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians recommended oral nutritional supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids to improve the nutritional status for lung cancer patients with sarcopenia (loss of muscle tissue).

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Omega-3 fatty acids work against cancer growth or spread, improving survival, or working with other treatments or therapies to improve their anticancer action.

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General Cancer

No improved survival with supplementation.

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Breast Cancer

  • Improved survival and other outcomes with omega-3s used with chemotherapy in a trials of people with metastatic

  • Reduced all-cause mortality (but not with early stage breast cancer) with marine omega-3s from food but not supplements

  • No adverse side effects and possible improved anthracycline-based chemotherapy outcome in a small uncontrolled trial of group patients with rapidly progressing visceral metastases

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Colorectal Cancer

  • Improved survival with a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids9 or omega-3s from both diet and supplements

  • No reduction in mortality when taken before gastrointestinal cancer surgery in a nutritional supplement also including arginine and nucleotides

  • No decrease in tumor size or improvement in patient survival times with supplementation

  • Increased cell death (apoptosis) in the normal sigmoid colon with a dietary decrease in omega-6s and increase in omega-3s for two years

  • Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) effects:

    • Improved overall survival in patients undergoing liver resection surgery for colorectal cancer liver metastases

    • Reduced extent of blood vessel networks consistent with reduced creation of new blood vessels to supply tumors (angiogenesis) with EPA use

    • Reduced crypt cell proliferation and increased cell death (apoptosis) in people with colorectal adenomas with three months of supplementation

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Prostate Cancer

  • Smaller prostates (both benign and malignant components), lower proliferation index, and plasma that inhibited growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro more than the plasma in a group of men with prostate cancer combining omega 3 supplements with a low-fat (15 percent of calories from fat) diet for four to six weeks before prostatectomy

  • Decreased prostate cancer proliferation and decreased omega-6:omega-3 ratios in prostate tissue, but no change in serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) in a small study of men undergoing radical prostatectomy

  • No impact on prostate-specific antigen levels among people with prostate cancer taking fish oil supplements.

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Managing Side Effects and Promoting Wellness

Managing or relieving side effects or symptoms, reducing treatment toxicity, supporting quality of life or promoting general well-being.

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Anxiety

Mixed results among people with conditions other than cancer:

  • Lower scores for anxiety among people with heart attacks (acute myocardial infarction) with omega-3 fatty acids in a small RCT

  • Lower anxiety scores among healthy medical students with both EPA and DHA in a small RCT

  • Lower scores for anxiety and anger among people who are substance abusers and whose dietary intakes of omega-3s were below recommended levels; EPA levels showed more impact with anxiety in a small RCT

  • No impact on anxiety scores among people with obsessive-compulsive disorder with EPA in a small RCT

  • Lower scores during menopause, but only in the absence of depression

  • Lower scores and duration of anxiety among women experiencing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in a mid-sized RCT3

  • Lower scores on several measures of anxiety, including cortisol levels, among students with test anxiety after three weeks of supplementation with both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (1:4 ratio), with apparently (but not analyzed) more improvement than students receiving placebo in a small trial

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Body Weight and Composition

  • Omega-3 fatty acid (EPA and DHA) capsules or supplements with EPA have been associated with weight stabilization, gain in lean body mass, and improvement in quality of life markers in patients losing weight as a result of advanced pancreatic and head and neck cancers.

  • Promoted weight maintenance or gain during cancer treatment, and improved scores of physical function and global health status with omega-3s or EPA alone, with a trend toward fewer interruptions of chemotherapy treatment

  • Maintained or benefited body weight during chemotherapy

  • Increased weight of patients with gastrointestinal cancer (anal, colorectal, esophageal, stomach) with EPA supplementation.

  • EPA and DHA reduced muscle loss and myosteatosis (the presence of intermuscular and intramuscular adipose tissue) in clinical studies.

  • EPA increased mean weight and energy levels in an uncontrolled trial of colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan (FOLFIRI)

  • Reduced weight loss in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy after surgical tumor (mainly gastrointestinal) removal with fish oil supplementation

  • Omega-3 supplements improved outcomes, especially body composition, in patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

  • EPA reduced deterioration of nutritional status resulting from antineoplastic therapies (therapies to block the formation of neoplasms) by improving calorie and protein intake

  • Increased lean-body mass, decreased resting energy expenditure, improved performance status in patients with cachexia (weakness and wasting) and improved appetite with a combintation therapy of medroxyprogesterone or megestrol acetate, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), L-carnitine and thalidomide

  • Improved chemotherapy-related appetite loss with a combination omega-3 fatty acid and microbial cell preparation

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Depression

  • Pure eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or an EPA/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) combination of a ratio higher than 2 (EPA/DHA >2) are considered effective, according to the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry’s consensus-based practice guideline for clinical use of omega-3s in major depressive disorder (although not specific to people with cancer).

  • Lower scores and duration of depression among women experiencing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in a mid-sized RCT

  • Lower scores for depression among people with heart attacks (acute myocardial infarction) with omega-3 fatty acids in a small RCT.

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Fatigue

  • Reduced cancer-related fatigue in people with breast cancer increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acids combined with guarana extract and a diet rich in whole foods, fruits and vegetables

  • Improved fatigue with a combintation therapy of medroxyprogesterone or megestrol acetate, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), L-carnitine and thalidomide

  • Relieved chemotherapy-related fatigue with a combination omega-3 fatty acid and microbial cell preparation

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Gastrointestinal Effects, including Nausea and Vomiting

  • Relieved chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting and diarrhea with a combination omega-3 fatty acid and microbial cell preparation

​​

Pain

  • Improved chemotherapy-related pain with a combination omega-3 fatty acid and microbial cell preparation

​

Peripheral Neuropathy

  • Reduced paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy people with breast cancer

  • Reduced incidence of peripheral neuropathy in one review, but another review found insufficient evidence yet exists to recommend use for treating or preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)

Stress

  • Stable scores of rated anger and confusion during a stressful task with omega-3 supplementation among young adults, whereas controls receiving a placebo had rising anger and confusion, but no further effects on mood, cognitive function, cortisol, or IL-1β in a mid-sized RCT

  • Decrease in stress/anxiety ratings, accompanied by reduced cortisol basal levels throughout the day, among male alcoholics undergoing residential rehabilitation with EPA and DHA compared to controls in an RCT

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Other Side Effects and Symptoms

  • Improved function of blood neutrophils in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy after surgical tumor (mainly gastrointestinal) removal with fish oil supplementation

  • Less dry mouth (xerostomia) among women with advanced breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with adriamycin/cyclophosphamide

  • High-dose EPA inhibited bone resorption in breast cancer survivors taking aromatase inhibitors.

  • Reduced postoperative infectious complications and hospital stay after colorectal cancer surgery in one study but no improvement in infectious or non-infectious postoperative complications in another

  • Improved quality of life with a combination omega-3 fatty acid and microbial cell preparation

  • Possibly shorter hospital stay with supplementation after oncology surgery

  • Reduced infectious complications, length of hospital stay and co-morbidities in cancer patients undergoing surgery with supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, arginine and nucleotides

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Reducing Risk

Reducing the risk of developing cancer or the risk of recurrence

​

Breast Cancer

  • Higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratios are associated with higher risk of breast cancer,68 while omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 2-4:1 are associated with a reduced risk.

  • Reduced risk with higher omega-3 levels from combined diet and supplements are associated with lower risk of breast cancer.

  • Higher consumption of dietary marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.

  • No impact of supplements on breast cancer recurrence with early stage breast cancer, but marine omega-3s from food were associated with reduced risk of additional breast cancer events.

  • Higher levels from combined diet and supplements are associated with reduced risks of breast cancer. No impact of supplements was found on breast cancer recurrence in patients with early stage breast cancer, but marine omega-3s (DHA and EPA) from food were associated with reduced risk of additional breast cancer events.

  • Reduced risk of breast cancer with consumption of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and an omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 2-4:1

​

Colorectal Cancer

  • Decreased risk of colorectal cancer with increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids in fish

  • Decreased risk of colon cancer with fish oil supplements, especially in men, but an increased risk was found with individuals with high genetic risk

  • Decreased risk of distal large bowel cancer with lower ratios of omega-6 to long-chain omega-3s, but only in Americans of European descent, and not among Americans of African descent

  • Reduced number and size of rectal adenomas

  • Reduced risk of colon cancer with consumption of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and an omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 2-4:1

  • EPA alone:

    • Reduced number and size of polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alone

    • No reduction in the proportion of patients with at least one colorectal adenoma in patients with sporadic colorectal neoplasia, used either with or without aspirin, compared with a placebo

Kidney Cancer

  • Reduced risk of kidney (renal) cancers with consumption of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and an omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 2-4:1

​

Lung Cancer

  • Decreased risk of lung cancer with omega-3 supplementation

  • ​

Prostate Cancer

Data on omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for prostate cancer prevention are inconclusive.

  • A 2017 review of the literature showed no clear relationship between fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids and risk of prostate cancer

  • A separate review found a reduced risk prostate cancer with consumption of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and an omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 2-4:1

Optimizing Your Terrain

Creating an environment within your body that does not support cancer development, growth or spread

  • Reduced inflammation, or improved anti-inflammatory markers including when accompanying anticancer treatment and in patients undergoing radical colorectal cancer resection

  • Lower markers of inflammation among healthy medical students with both EPA and DHA in a small RCT

  • Improved immune functions in cancer patients undergoing surgery

Pom-T

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Pomi-T® is a food supplement containing green tea, broccoli powder, turmeric powder, and pomegranate whole fruit powder. The individual components in Pomi-T® are each rich in polyphenols—natural plant-based phytochemicals that are associated with lowering risk for a number of chronic illnesses and are known for anticancer effects. We have found only one clinical study investigating the effects of Pomi-T® on cancer outcomes. This study found a substantially slower rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels among men with localized prostate cancer, but no evidence to date shows any impact on disease progression or survival.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

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Probiotics are living microorganisms (bacteria and some yeasts) that, when consumed in sufficient numbers, can provide a health benefit. Some probiotics move the gut microbiota toward a healthy, balanced state. Probiotic organisms are found in yogurt and other fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, kimchi, or kombucha.

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Prebiotics are fibers that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Most prebiotics are soluble fiber substances like inulin. Your helpful bacteria turn these prebiotic fibers into energy for your colon cells and support your immune function. Prebiotics are found in nutritional supplements or foods such as garlic, onions, bananas, whole oats, apples, and dandelion greens. 

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Synbiotics are simply combinations of both prebiotics and probiotics.

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Good evidence supports use of probiotics, sometimes with prebiotics, to manage gastrointestinal symptoms related to cancer treatments, and especially diarrhea. Research also finds less infection, shorter hospital stays, and other indicators of better recovery after surgery among people with gastrointestinal cancer, including colorectal cancer, treated with probiotics. Probiotics also show benefits for high blood sugar and inflammation.

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  • Good evidence of less inflammation after surgery among people with colorectal cancer treated with probiotics or synbiotics

  • Strong evidence of one lower marker of inflammation but not other markers among people eating fermented foods

  • Good evidence of lower fasting blood glucose and insulin levels and a weak trend toward lower blood sugar among people with type 1 or 2 diabetes or prediabetes treated with probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic supplementation

  • Good evidence of lower markers of high blood sugar and insulin levels, but no evidence of an effect on peripheral and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity, among adults treated with dietary prebiotics (not specific to cancer)

  • Good evidence of a better microbiome status among people with cancer treated with probiotics, including during chemotherapy and surgery

  • Modest evidence of lower blood sugar and insulin resistance among adults, most of whom are diabetic or prediabetic, treated with probiotics

  • Modest evidence of lower levels of ghrelin, a “hunger hormone”, among overweight or obese people treated with prebiotics or synbiotics

  • Modest evidence of lower markers of inflammation among people with inflammatory conditions, including cancer, treated with probiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of more excess weight loss after gastric surgery for morbid obesity among people treated with a probiotic

  • Preliminary evidence of lower testosterone but no evidence of an effect on luteinizing hormone or follicle stimulating hormone among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome treated with synbiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of a lower marker of stress after elective orthopedic or colorectal surgery among elderly people treated with probiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of lower measures of body weight among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome treated with synbiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of higher immune activation after surgery among people with liver or colorectal cancer treated with a synbiotic or probiotic

  • Preliminary evidence of higher immune activation among overweight or obese and insulin-resistant people treated with a probiotic

  • Preliminary evidence of greater immune responses after liver removal among people with biliary cancer involving the hepatic hilus treated with synbiotics both before and after surgery compared to only after surgery

  • Preliminary evidence of lower markers of inflammation during chemotherapy and radiotherapy among people with cancer treated with a synbiotic

  • Preliminary evidence of lower markers of inflammation among healthy young volunteers treated with a probiotic, whether with or without prebiotics but stronger effects with prebiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of less disruption to the gut microbiome among people with cancer treated with probiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of higher abundance of microbial genera after surgery among people treated with probiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of beneficial changes in the microbiome among healthy people treated with probiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of less bacterial vaginosis among people treated with oral probiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of better intestinal pH during chemotherapy among children treated with a probiotic

  • Preliminary evidence of beneficial changes in the microbiomes of people treated with prebiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of greater gut bacterial diversity and higher levels of the main short-chain fatty acids during chemotherapy after colorectal cancer surgical resection among people treated with probiotic tablets

  • No evidence of an effect on insulin levels, blood sugar, fasting plasma glucose, insulin resistance, or insulin-like growth factor-1 among postmenopausal, overweight, and obese women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer treated with a synbiotic

  • No evidence of an effect on measures of body weight among adults with metabolic syndrome treated with various strains of probiotics or synbiotics in a combined analysis of studies

  • No evidence of an effect on measures of body weight or composition among overweight, obese, or prediabetic people treated with prebiotics in 2 small studies

  • No evidence of an effect on leptin or pancreatic polypeptide levels among prediabetic people treated with prebiotics in a small study

  • No evidence of an effect on sex hormones during a low-calorie diet among overweight and obese people with hormone-receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer treated with a synbiotic in a small trial

  • No evidence of an effect on oral bacterial community composition or diversity after radiotherapy among people with head and neck cancer treated with oral probiotics in a small trial

  • No evidence of an effect on trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)—a promoter of atherosclerosis and linked to colorectal cancer—among people with metabolic syndrome treated with Lactobacillus casei Shirota

  • Good evidence of lower incidence of abdominal distension after surgery among people with gastrointestinal cancer treated with probiotics or synbiotics

  • Good evidence of better bowel function after cancer treatment, including surgery, among people treated with probiotics

  • Good evidence of lower risk and severity of treatment-induced diarrhea among people with cancer treated with probiotics, although some variations are seen across populations and treatments

  • Good evidence of lower incidence and severity of oral mucositis during cancer treatment among people with cancer treated with probiotics

  • Good evidence of less infection, shorter hospital stays, and other indicators of better recovery after surgery among people with gastrointestinal cancer, including colorectal cancer, treated with probiotics or synbiotics

  • Good evidence of lower risk of infection after colorectal cancer surgery among people treated with probiotics

  • Good evidence of higher self-reported feelings of satiety among healthy adults treated with dietary prebiotics (not specific to cancer)

  • Good evidence of less depression among people with symptoms of depression treated with probiotics (not specific to cancer)

  • Good evidence of shorter duration of diarrhea during antibiotic therapy among patients treated with specific probiotics (not specific to cancer)

  • Good evidence of less surgical site infection, pneumonia, or sepsis, plus shorter duration of antibiotic administration and hospital stays after surgery (not specific to cancer) among people treated with synbiotic therapy

  • Modest evidence of less constipation among people treated with probiotics (not specific to cancer)

  • Modest evidence of less perceived stress among healthy volunteers treated with probiotics (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of fewer chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal complications during chemotherapy after colorectal cancer surgical resection among people treated with probiotic tablets

  • Preliminary evidence of less functional constipation during chemotherapy among people with cancer treated with a probiotic

  • Preliminary evidence of frequency of diarrhea during pelvic radiation among people treated with a prebiotic

  • Preliminary evidence of lower frequency and intensity of vomiting but no evidence of an effect on nausea during chemotherapy and radiotherapy among people with cervical cancer treated with a synbiotic

  • Preliminary evidence of lower depression scores after completing cancer treatment among people with colorectal cancer treated with probiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of lower fatigue scores after completing cancer treatment among people with colorectal cancer treated with probiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of less oral infection after completing head and neck radiotherapy among people with cancer treated with probiotic sachets

  • Preliminary evidence of better quality of life scores among people with colorectal cancer treated with probiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of less stress (no elevation in markers of stress) among people with laryngeal cancer awaiting laryngectomy treated with probiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of fewer infectious complications after liver removal among people with biliary cancer treated with synbiotics both before and after surgery compared to only after surgery

  • Preliminary evidence of fewer infectious complications after Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) among people treated with probiotics

  • Preliminary evidence of less cognitive impairment after elective orthopedic or colorectal surgery among elderly people treated with probiotics (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of fewer stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms among people with symptoms of stress treated with a probiotic (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of improved frequency of defecation among healthy adults treated with a probiotic

  • Preliminary evidence of lower markers of enzymes indicating liver dysfunction among overweight or obese and insulin-resistant people treated with a probiotic (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of maintained quality of life scores among home-living adults receiving tube feedings enriched with prebiotics (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of a lower marker of stress 5 to 7 days after elective orthopedic or colorectal surgery among elderly people treated with probiotics (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of lower incidence of multiorgan failure, septic complications, and mortality among people with severe acute pancreatitis treated with synbiotics (not specific to cancer)

  • No evidence of an effect on periodontal screening and plaque index scores after radiotherapy among people with head and neck cancer treated with oral probiotic lozenges in a small trial

  • No evidence of an effect on gastrointestinal function after elective orthopedic or colorectal surgery (not specific to cancer) among elderly people treated with probiotics in a small trial

  • No evidence of an effect on pain intensity after elective orthopedic or colorectal surgery among elderly people treated with probiotics in a small trial (not specific to cancer)

  • No evidence of an effect on sleep quality among people treated with probiotics in small trials (not specific to cancer)

  • No evidence of an effect on stress among people with symptoms of stress treated with probiotics in a combined analysis of studies (not specific to cancer)

  • Good evidence of lower risk of bladder, colorectal, or esophageal cancer among people eating fermented dairy foods as a whole

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of recurrence among people with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder treated with an oral probiotic

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of breast cancer among women drinking beverages containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota 4 or more times a week

  • Preliminary evidence of better epithelial barrier function and a weak trend toward lower colorectal proliferation after colorectal polypectomy among people treated with a synbiotic

  • Preliminary evidence of lower atypia grade of tumors and fewer tumors or aberrant crypt foci among people with prior colorectal tumor removal treated with a probiotic dairy product

  • No evidence of an effectoverall, one or more studies did not demonstrate that a treatment or intervention led to an expected outcome; this does not always mean that there is no effect in clinical practice, but that the studies may have been underpowered (too few participants) or poorly designed. Larger, well-designed studies provide more confidence in making assessments. on the number or size of recurring tumors among people with prior colorectal tumor removal, resected colon, or more than 5 aberrant crypt foci treated with a probiotic or prebiotic in small trials

  • Modest evidence of longer progression-free survival among people with advanced kidney or lung cancers undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment also treated with probiotics

Psilocybin

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Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by many species of mushrooms, which are commonly called “magic mushrooms.” It has one of the highest safety profiles among psychedelic substances, although medical supervision during use is advised. Psilocybin has been studied for managing anxiety and depression among people with cancer, especially end-of-life anxiety. It shows substantial and lasting benefits from a single dose. 

Quercetin

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As a natural antioxidant, quercetin’s main benefit related to cancer is better body terrain, and especially lower inflammation. People eating higher levels of quercetin in foods may have lower risks of some types of cancer.

  • Good evidence of some lower markers of inflammation among people with various noncancer health conditions treated with quercetin

  • Modest evidence of lower fasting plasma glucose, although no evidence of an effect on HbA1c levels or a marker of insulin resistance, among people with metabolic syndrome and related disorders treated with quercetin

  • Preliminary evidence of lower markers of oxidative stress among people treated with quercetin (not specific to cancer)

  • No evidence of an effect on measures of body weight among overweight or obese people treated with quercetin in a combined analysis of studies

  • Insufficient evidence of a lower marker of insulin resistance and no evidence of an effect on fasting blood glucose or insulin among women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with quercetin

  • No evidence of an effectoverall, one or more studies did not demonstrate that a treatment or intervention led to an expected outcome; this does not always mean that there is no effect in clinical practice, but that the studies may have been underpowered (too few participants) or poorly designed. Larger, well-designed studies provide more confidence in making assessments. on incidence of oral mucositis among people with blood malignancies treated with quercetin

  • Modest evidence of lower blood pressure among people treated with quercetin (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of less pain and joint stiffness among women with rheumatoid arthritis (not specific to cancer) treated with quercetin

  • Modest evidence of lower risk of proximal colon cancer, but only among people with high fruit intake or Healthy Eating Index scores, among people eating the highest levels of foods with quercetin, including tea

  • Preliminary evidence of lower incidence of recurrence among people with breast cancer, especially obese people, eating higher levels of foods containing quercetin

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of stomach cancer (gastric adenocarcinoma) among people eating foods with the highest levels of quercetin, with stronger effects for female smokers

  • No evidence of an effect on risk of ovarian cancer among women eating foods with higher levels of quercetin in 2 very large studies

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of prostate cancer among men with the highest intake of quercetin in foods

  • No evidence of an effect on prostate specific antigen (PSA) or PSA doubling time among men with elevated PSA levels treated with quercetin in a small study

Resveratrol

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Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant compound found in grape skins. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that can reduce oxidative stress - an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body in which antioxidant levels are lower than normal; this imbalance can cause harmful oxidation reactions in your body chemistry. Resveratrol is found in grape skins and seeds, peanuts, blueberries, cranberries, and cocoa. Resveratrol’s main contribution regarding cancer is in optimizing your body terrain, especially reducing inflammation that is known to support cancer development and growth. Use also leads to lower body weight, blood sugar, and insulin resistance among people with diabetes or other metabolic imbalances, and preliminary evidence shows some effects on other body terrain factors important in cancer: coagulation, hormone balance, and levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF1). Resveratrol is used widely in integrative programs. 

  • Modest evidence of smaller waist circumference among people with metabolic syndrome treated with more than 500 mg resveratrol for 10 or more weeks

  • Good evidence of lower markers of blood sugar and insulin resistance among people with diabetes or other metabolic imbalances treated with resveratrol

  • Good evidence of lower markers of inflammation among people with metabolic disorders treated with resveratrol

  • Preliminary evidence of lower fasting insulin and insulin resistance index among healthy postmenopausal women treated with resveratrol

  • Preliminary evidence of less coagulation among people with or at high risk of cardiovascular disease treated with resveratrol

  • Preliminary evidence of higher levels of adiponectin—which contributes to the control of glucose uptake and lipid metabolism—among people at high risk of cardiovascular disease treated with resveratrol

  • Preliminary evidence of lower glucagon responses but no evidence of an effect on glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide after a meal among obese men treated with resveratrol

  • Preliminary evidence of lower serum levels of androgen precursors but no evidence of an effect on testosterone, free testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone among middle-aged men with metabolic syndrome treated with resveratrol

  • Preliminary evidence of altered markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress among women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with resveratrol

  • Preliminary evidence of higher levels of adiponectin—which regulates insulin sensitivity and inflammation—plus lower body mass index and waist-hip ratio among obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with resveratrol and myoinositol

  • Preliminary evidence of lower levels of inflammatory cytokines during treatment with high-dose melphalan after transplant among people with multiple myeloma treated with resveratrol and copper

  • No evidence of an effect on blood sugar among people treated with resveratrol in a combined analysis of studies (not specific to people with metabolic imbalances)

  • No evidence of an effect on body mass index among people with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with resveratrol in a combined analysis of studies

  • No evidence of an effect on a marker of inflammation among people treated with resveratrol or with higher resveratrol levels from diet in a combined analysis of studies (not specific to metabolic disorders)

  • Modest evidence of higher markers of bone density among people treated with resveratrol (not specific to cancer)

  • Good evidence of lower blood pressure among people with type 2 diabetes treated with resveratrol (not specific to cancer)

  • Modest evidence of markers of blood flow to the brain but insufficient (conflicting) evidencepreclinical evidence only OR clinical studies with such poor or unclear methodology that no conclusion can be drawn OR conflicting findings across clinical studies with no preponderance of evidence in one direction; conflicting evidence occurs when studies find conflicting effects (positive effect vs no effect or negative effect) with the same treatment and the same general study population (same cancer type, for example) (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of an effect on cognitive performance (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of more favorable red blood cell deformability after a heart attack (post-infarction) among Caucasians treated with resveratrol (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of higher flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery—a biomarker of endothelial function and cardiovascular health—among overweight/obese men or postmenopausal women with untreated borderline hypertension treated with resveratrol (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of less hair loss among women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with resveratrol (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of lower composite pain scores, especially among overweight women, among healthy postmenopausal women treated with resveratrol (not specific to cancer)

  • No evidence of an effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure among people treated with resveratrol in a combined analysis of studies (not specific to cancer or metabolic disorders)

  • No evidence of an effect on measures of hormonal migraine headaches among people with hormonal migraines treated with resveratrol in a small study (not specific to cancer)

  • No evidence of an effect on risk of cancer as a whole among people without cancer at baseline with the highest levels of urinary resveratrol from diet in a mid-sized study

  • Preliminary evidence of one lower marker of cancer development but no evidence of an effect on other markers among women at increased breast cancer risk treated with trans-resveratrol

  • Preliminary evidence of lower vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF1), which promote development of the blood supply for tumors, among people with polycystic ovary syndrome or lymphangioleiomyomatosis treated with resveratrol

  • No evidence of an effect on prostate size or circulating levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) among middle-aged men with metabolic syndrome treated with resveratrol

Reishi Mushroom

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It is used in cancer care to enhance chemo/radiotherapy treatment. Reishi mushroom may improve your clinical response to chemo/radiotherapy while improving quality of life and reducing side effects. Modest clinical evidence shows it improves your body environment (terrain) to make it less supportive of cancer growth and development. Evidence to date shows that reishi by itself does not improve survival among people with cancer as a whole. 

  • Many studies show that people with cancer using reishi mushrooms have stronger immune function.

  • Small studies show that people taking reishi mushrooms had better antioxidant activity, which can help reduce oxidative stress. People using reishi mushrooms didn’t show changes in body weight, but people with type 2 diabetes taking reishi showed lower blood sugar or insulin resistance.

  • People with cancer taking reishi mushrooms had a better quality of life during chemotherapy. In a small study, people with breast cancer taking reishi during hormone therapy were less anxious, depressed, or tired and experienced better sleep and mental function.

  • Healthy people taking reishi mushrooms showed better liver health in small studies. People with slightly high blood pressure and/or cholesterol taking reishi didn’t show changes in blood pressure in a small study.

Soy and Genistein

  • In laboratory studies, isoflavones have slowed the growth of several types of cancer.

  • BCCT is interested in soy because it may reduce risk of breast, prostate and lung cancers, plus colorectal cancer in women. It may also prolong survival and reduce recurrence in some cancer patients.

  • Soy can increase risk of bladder cancer.

  • Cell and animal studies have shown that adding soy food nutrients to tamoxifen inhibits the growth of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells.

  • Soy consumption has been associated with lower risks of breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer in women, as well as better survival in breast cancer and lung cancer and lower prostate cancer markers. Soy consumption may be associated with increased risk of bladder cancer.

Breast Cancer

  • Improved breast cancer survival with intake of soy foods (but not supplements), but only among women with tumors that were negative for hormone receptors and those who did not receive hormone therapy for their breast cancer4 but see the Cautions section below regarding HER2 positive breast cancer.

  • Population studies do not show any harmful interactions between soy foods and anti-estrogen medications, and protective effects have been seen for women who take tamoxifen or the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole.

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Lung Cancer

  • Among women with lung cancer, pre-diagnosis intake of soy food is associated with better overall survival.

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Ovarian Cancer

  • Genistein has showed mixed results in ovarian cancer, but in a case study of a woman with ovarian cancer resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy, the cancer stabilized and then improved following treatment with a concentrated fermented soy extract.

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Prostate Cancer

  • Supplementation with genistein and other soy isoflavones lowers8 or stabilizes9 PSA levels in men with prostate cancer.

  • Anticancer effects with genistein supplementation include changes in expression of genes involved in developmental processes, stem cell markers, proliferation and transcriptional regulation.

  • Soy supplements decreased serum sex hormone levels but not androgen receptor expression in a small pilot study.

  • A combination of soy isoflavones and curcumin decreased PSA levels in patients with PSA of 10 or higher.

  • Soy isoflavones protected normal tissues and organs against radiation damage in prostate cancer patients23 and reduced urinary, bowel, and sexual adverse symptoms induced by radiation therapy for prostate cancer in a small pilot study.

  • Soy products have protected mucosal cells against methotrexate toxicity in animals, potentially reducing mucositis, stomatitis, diarrhea, decreased nutrient absorption, translocation of gastrointestinal bacteria, and anorexia. Consistent with this, a pilot study in children showed less myelosuppression, mucositis, and infection when genistein was taken with chemotherapy, and patients who received abdominal radiation reported less pain and diarrhea when they took the genistein supplement.

  • A 2018 review and meta-analysis found soy foods and their isoflavones (genistein and daidzein) are associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.

  • Soy consumption may protect against breast cancer. Women consuming moderate amounts of soy throughout their lives have lower breast cancer risk than women who do not consume soy. This protective effect may originate from soy intake early in life. 

  • Soy consumption is also associated with lower recurrence of breast cancer, even among postmenopausal women treated with tamoxifen.

  • High intake of isoflavones may also reduce risk of lung cancer,34 (in nonsmokers), colorectal cancer (in women)35 and endometrial cancers.

Turkey Tail Mushroom

The greatest benefit for cancer survival and lower risk of recurrence is when turkey tail mushroom or PSK is used in addition to conventional treatment such as chemo/radiotherapy. Use is also linked to better markers of immune function, including after conventional treatment. Some evidence shows less pain and better appetite and levels of body fat with PSP use.
 

  • Modest evidence of slightly better survival among people with cancer as a whole treated with turkey tail added to conventional treatment

  • Modest evidence of better survival among people with colorectal cancer as a whole or colon cancer specifically treated with turkey tail or PSK added to chemotherapy

  • Modest evidence of better survival among people with stomach cancer treated with turkey tail or PSK added to chemotherapy.

  • Preliminary evidence of better survival among people with colorectal cancer treated with PSK alone

  • Preliminary evidence of better 10-year overall survival after curative resection among people with colorectal cancer treated with fluoropyramidines and PSK

  • Preliminary evidence of better survival among people with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy and adding turkey tail mushroom

  • Preliminary evidence of better survival among people with stomach cancer treated with PSK alone

  • Preliminary evidence of better survival among people with nasopharyngeal cancer treated with PSK added to radiotherapy

  • Preliminary evidence of better survival among people with lung cancer treated with PSK added to chemotherapy

  • Preliminary evidence of better survival among people with leukemia treated with PSK added to chemotherapy

  • No evidence of an effect on survival among people with rectal cancer treated with tegafur/uracil (UFC) and PSK added to curative surgery in a preliminary study; also see evidence of lower survival and higher risk of recurrence among people with colorectal cancer when combining tegafur/uracil with PSK in Safety and precautions

  • No evidence of an effect on survival among people with esophageal cancer treated with turkey tail added to conventional treatment in a combines analysis of 2 studies

  • No evidence of better survival among people with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and unable to receive standard treatment treated with PSP alone in a preliminary study
    Preliminary evidence of higher markers of immune activation among either people rehabilitating from cancer treatment or healthy people treated with turkey tail capsules

  • Preliminary evidence of better recovery from low lymphocyte, neutrophil and other blood cell counts among people rehabilitating from cancer treatment treated with turkey tail capsules

  • Preliminary evidence of better appetite and less pain among people with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with PSP

  • Preliminary evidence of lower markers of cervical and uterine cancer risk among HPV-positive women treated with a C. versicolor-infused vaginal gel

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of recurrence among people with leukemia treated with PSK

  • No evidence of an effect on risk of 5-year recurrence of nasopharyngeal cancer among people treated with PSK added to radiotherapy in a preliminary study

Turmeric and Curcumin

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Turmeric, Curcuma longa, is a tropical plant in the ginger family. It is a main ingredient in curry powder. Curcumin is the major constituent and the active component in turmeric. Curcumin is well established for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Curcumin may reduce some side effects such as fatigue, pain, nausea, and vomiting related to cancer treatments and may improve the quality of life for people with cancer. It may also improve your body environment (terrain) to make it less supportive of cancer growth and development, such as by improving blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.

  • Preliminary evidence of better tumor response to chemotherapy among women with advanced and metastatic breast cancer treated with curcumin

  • Preliminary evidence of slower disease progression and better survival from FOLFOX treatment among people with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with oral Curcumin C3 Complex

  • Preliminary evidence of better tumor markers and greater cancer cell cell death among people with colorectal cancer treated with curcumin before surgery

  • Preliminary evidence of a lower cancer marker during imatinib treatment among people with leukemia treated with turmeric powder

  • Preliminary evidence of slower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression but no evidence of an effect on survival during intermittent androgen deprivation among people with prostate cancer treated with curcumin

  • Modest evidence of better blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity among people with impaired glucose tolerance or polycystic ovary syndrome treated with curcumin

  • Modest evidence of lower inflammation among people treated with curcumin

  • Preliminary evidence of better sex hormone balance among women treated with curcumin

  • Preliminary evidence of higher immune response among people with advanced colon cancer treated with curcumin

  • Preliminary evidence of less oxidative stress among people treated with curcumin

  • Modest evidence of an increase in body weight or less unintentional weight loss among people with cancer treated with curcumin

  • Modest evidence of lower incidence or less severe oral mucositis among people treated mostly with topical turmeric or curcumin

  • Preliminary evidence of less burning and intolerance to spicy food among people with a precancerous oral submucous condition treated with either curcumin or turmeric

  • Preliminary evidence of better quality of life during chemotherapy among people treated with curcumin

  • Preliminary evidence of less severe urinary symptoms, including urination frequency, during radiotherapy among men with prostate cancer treated with curcumin

  • Preliminary evidence of less radiation dermatitis among people with cancer treated with oral curcumin or topical turmeric

Vitamin C - Intravenous Use
 

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient for growth, development, and healing. A natural antioxidant, it can also raise hemoglobin levels and promote iron absorption and storage. When administered intravenously, much higher blood levels are possible, enhancing its therapeutic effect against cancer growth. 

Intravenous (IV) vitamin C is used to reduce some side effects of cancer treatments. Some evidence shows better tumor responses and survival, usually when used with conventional cancer treatment, along with less inflammation. 

  • Modest evidence of less loss of appetite during standard cancer treatment among women with breast cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Modest evidence of less fatigue during conventional cancer treatment among people with cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Modest evidence of less nausea during standard cancer treatment among women with breast cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Modest evidence of less pain during or after cancer treatment among people with cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Modest evidence of less insomnia during standard cancer treatment among people with cancer, mostly breast cancer, treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Good evidence of lower mortality and better SOFA scores, which are the sum of respiratory status, liver function, renal function, coagulation function, circulatory status, and nervous system score, among people with sepsis treated with IV vitamin C (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of less nausea, vomiting, constipation, and liver or kidney dysfunction during chemotherapy among women with advanced triple-negative breast cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of less toxicity from paclitaxel/carboplatin treatment among people with ovarian cancer treated with high-dose intravenous ascorbate

  • Preliminary evidence of fewer blood-related side effects, including bleeding or bruising, anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia, among people, mostly with breast cancer, treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of lower blood pressure among normotensive people with infection, cancer, or fatigue treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of less depression among people with cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of less hair loss during chemotherapy among women with advanced breast cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of less peripheral neurotoxicity during chemotherapy among women with advanced triple-negative breast cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of less dizziness during standard tumor therapy among women with breast cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of higher quality of life and improved physical and role function during or after cancer treatment among people with cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of less rash during chemotherapy among women with advanced triple-negative breast cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of longer survival among radiotherapy-resistant people with bone metastases treated with intravenous ascorbic acid

  • Preliminary evidence of longer survival after chemotherapy among women with advanced breast cancer treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of substantially higher rate of complete remission and longer overall survival after chemotherapy among elderly people with acute myeloid leukemia treated with low-dose intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of higher objective response rate to carboplatin and paclitaxel among people with chemotherapy-naïve advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with intravenous ascorbate

  • No evidence of an objective anticancer response among people with advanced cancer as a whole treated with intravenous vitamin C, whether with or without chemotherapy, in small uncontrolled trials

  • No evidence of antitumor responses among people with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapy treated with intravenous ascorbic acid in a small uncontrolled trial

  • No evidence of anticancer effects among people with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with infusions of ascorbic acid in an uncontrolled trial

  • Preliminary evidence of higher markers of immune activation after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation among people with blood cancer treated with 20 g intravenous vitamin C, but no evidence of an effect with 70 mg vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of higher total white blood cell (lymphocyte) counts among people with cancer and low lymphocyte counts (lymphopenia) treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of some higher markers of immune function among people with septic shock (not specific to cancer) treated with intravenous vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of a smaller rise in a marker of inflammation after atrial fibrillation ablation (not specific to cancer) among people treated with intravenous ascorbic acid

  • Modest evidence of lower markers of oxidative stress during surgery or a mentally stressful task among people treated with intravenous vitamin C (not specific to cancer)
    No evidence of an effect on inflammation among people with sepsis (not specific to cancer) treated with intravenous vitamin C

Vitamin C - Oral Use

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Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid or ascorbate, is an essential nutrient for growth, development, and healing. A deficiency is linked to increased risk of several diseases, including cancer as a whole and many types of cancer. 

  • A diet high in refined foods and processed sugar can inhibit the absorption of vitamin C,2 and people who smoke are at higher risk of vitamin C deficiency. 

  • People with leukemia are also at risk of vitamin C deficiency.

  • Oral intake of vitamin C, from either diet or supplements, shows some anticancer effects, including better survival among people with breast cancer.

  • Higher intake of vitamin C is linked to higher risk of liver cancer or melanoma and possibly slightly higher risk of recurrence or diagnosis of breast cancer, rectal cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer.

  • Good evidence of lower levels of markers of inflammation among people treated with oral vitamin C

  • Good evidence of less oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation) after exercise among healthy volunteers treated with vitamin C supplements

  • Preliminary evidence of a higher marker of immune activity among acutely hospitalized patients treated with oral vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of lower levels of some markers of immune activity during multimodal treatment for esophageal adenocarcinoma among people treated with oral vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of less DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes among employees working at a thermal power plant treated with oral vitamin C (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of a link between neutrophil counts, febrile neutropenia, and low vitamin C levels during and after conditioning chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation among people with hematological cancer

  • Preliminary evidence of normalized levels of antioxidant enzymes during tamoxifen treatment among postmenopausal women with breast cancer treated with oral vitamin C.

  • Preliminary evidence of lower oxidative stress after radionuclide therapy (RNT) among people with prostate cancer or neuroendocrine tumors treated with oral vitamin C before RNT

  • Preliminary evidence of lower DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes among employees working at a thermal power plant treated with oral vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of better markers of microbiome health (higher microbial alpha diversity and fecal short-chain fatty acids) among healthy volunteers treated with oral vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of better (normalized) DNA methylation during treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors among people with myeloid cancer treated with oral vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of higher plasma vitamin C levels and upregulation of several viral defense genes in malignant myeloid cells but not T cells during treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors among people with myeloid cancers treated with oral vitamin C.

  • Good evidence of fewer symptoms of mucosal irritation induced by Lugol chromoendoscopy among people with esophageal dysplasia and carcinoma treated with a vitamin C solution spray.

  • Preliminary evidence of less toxicity and fewer cancer therapy delays after 6 months among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with higher vitamin C in their diets

  • Preliminary evidence of higher body weight during chemotherapy among people with acute myeloid leukemia treated with vitamin C supplements

  • Preliminary evidence of better quality of life scores during radiotherapy among people with head and neck cancer treated with chewable ascorbic acid tablets

  • Preliminary evidence of less change in body composition during exercising among elderly women treated with oral vitamin C (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of lower measures of pain and less nausea and vomiting after surgery among adults treated with oral vitamin C 1 hour before surgery (not specific to cancer)

  • Preliminary evidence of a higher rate of penile-vaginal intercourse among healthy young adults treated with oral vitamin C.

  • Good evidence of lower risk of lung cancer among people with higher levels of vitamin C intake from diet, but no evidence of an effect on risk from vitamin C supplements.

  • Modest evidence of a link between low vitamin C levels and risk of cancer as a whole

  • Modest evidence of lower risk of recurrence among people with breast cancer taking vitamin C supplements; also see weak evidence of higher risk of recurrence and death among people with breast cancer taking antioxidants as a whole in Safety and precautions ›

  • Modest evidence of greater regression of precancerous lesions among people with multifocal atrophic gastritis treated with oral vitamin C

  • Modest evidence of lower risk of esophageal cancer or Barrett’s esophagus—a risk factor for esophageal cancer—among people with the highest levels of dietary vitamin C intake.

  • Preliminary evidence of a link between low vitamin C levels and breast cancer risk

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of colon cancer among people with higher diet-derived circulating levels of vitamin C

  • Preliminary (conflicting) evidence of an effect on risk of colorectal cancer among people with genetically predicted higher levels of circulating vitamin C levels

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of small intestine cancer among people with genetically predicted higher levels of circulating vitamin C

  • Preliminary evidence of a link between low vitamin C levels and risk of gynecologic cancer; we don’t know if low vitamin C levels contribute to cancer risk, or if having cancer leads to low vitamin C levels, or if the link works in both directions

  • Preliminary evidence of a link between low vitamin C levels and risk of leukemia; we don’t know if low vitamin C levels contribute to cancer risk, or if having cancer leads to low vitamin C levels, or if the link works in both directions

  • Preliminary evidence of moderately lower risk of melanoma among people with the highest intake of vitamin C in their diets

  • Preliminary evidence of a link between lower vitamin C levels and risk of mesothelioma; we don’t know if low vitamin C levels contribute to mesothelioma risk, or if having mesothelioma leads to low vitamin C levels, or if the link works in both direction

Vitamin D
 

Some research has found that vitamin D in the body reaches an optimum level regarding cancer risk starting at 20 ng/mL and may have an upper limit below 40 ng/mL for men. Higher levels than that are not always better and may even carry risks. Upper limits of optimal levels are unknown for women. Blood levels below 20 ng/mL are considered deficient in vitamin D.
 

Optimal vitamin D blood levels are linked to better survival, better conditions—body terrain factors—that are linked to better cancer outcomes, and lower risk of cancer. Optimal levels are also linked to fewer symptoms or less severe symptoms of some side effects common during cancer treatment. Vitamin D supplementation among people who have low blood levels shows benefits.

Use of some chemotherapy drugs is linked to lower plasma levels of vitamin D. Other drugs are also linked to low vitamin D levels, such as H2 blockers and rosuvastatin.

  • Good evidence of moderately better cancer-specific survival among people with cancer with high vitamin D levels

  • Good evidence of lower mortality, less cancer progression, and better rates of pathologic complete response among people with breast cancer with higher 25(OH)D levels

  • Good evidence of lower mortality among people with colorectal cancer with the highest 25(OH)D levels

  • Good evidence of less cancer progression and lower mortality among people with blood cancers with higher 25(OH)D levels

  • Modest evidence of lower overall mortality among people with cancer taking vitamin D supplements

  • Modest evidence of better survival, less progression, and fewer adverse cancer outcomes among people with colorectal cancer treated with vitamin D

  • Modest evidence of higher mortality and more advanced cancer among people with stomach cancer or liver cancer with low 25(OH)D levels

  • Modest evidence of lower mortality and relapse among people with stage 1–3 digestive tract cancers treated with vitamin D, especially among people with 25(OH)D levels under 40 ng/mL or with suppressed immune function

  • Modest evidence of substantially better 5-year relapse-free and overall survival among people with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma taking vitamin D3 after surgery

  • Modest evidence of slightly better survival among people with head and neck cancer with high vitamin D intake

  • Modest evidence of better overall and relapse-free survival among people with lung cancer taking vitamin D

  • Modest evidence of higher overall mortality among people with skin cancer with low 25(OH)D levels

  • Modest evidence of slightly longer survival among people with ovarian cancer with higher 25(OH)D levels at diagnosis, but no evidence of an effect on progression-free survival after treatment

  • Modest evidence of lower mortality among people with pancreatic cancer with higher 25(OH)D levels

  • Modest evidence of lower mortality among people with prostate cancer with higher vitamin D levels

  • Preliminary evidence of higher objective response rate and better progression-free survival during anti-PD-1 immunotherapy among people with advanced melanoma with normal baseline vitamin D levels or a normal level obtained with supplementation of better survival among people with breast cancer taking vitamin D supplements

  • Preliminary evidence of less tumor blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) during tamoxifen treatment among premenopausal women, but varied results for postmenopausal women treated with vitamin D

  • Preliminary evidence of moderately lower overall mortality but not cancer-specific mortality among people with renal cell carcinoma with higher 25(OH)D3 levels

  • Preliminary evidence of  better 5-year relapse-free survival and overall survival among people with both early stage lung adenocarcinoma and low 25(OH)D levels treated with vitamin D

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of advanced tumors at diagnosis among people with melanoma with higher 25(OH)D3 level

  • Preliminary and conflicting evidence of lower progression among people with melanoma with higher 25(OH)D levels in a combined analysis of studies

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of relapse among people with melanoma with tumor thickness 0.75 mm or more with increases in 25(OH)D levels

  • No evidence of an effect on relapse among people with cancer using vitamin D supplements after diagnosis in a combined analysis of studies

  • No evidence of an effect on markers of tumor proliferation or cell death in primary breast cancer cells from newly diagnosed people treated with 40,000 IU vitamin D in a small study

  • No evidence of an effect on survival at 24 months after surgery among people with esophageal cancer taking vitamin D supplements in an observational study

  • No evidence of an effect on cancer progression or mortality among people with head and neck cancer with higher 25(OH)D levels in a combined analysis of 2 studies

  • Good evidence of higher risk of type 2 diabetes among people with lower 25(OH)D levels

  • Good evidence of better markers of glycemic control and lower risk of insulin resistance among people without diabetes with higher 25(OH)D levels

  • Good evidence of higher markers of inflammation among people with low 25(OH)D levels, typically below 10 ng/mL

  • Strong evidence of lower markers of inflammation among people treated with vitamin D

  • Strong evidence of lower markers of oxidative stress among people, mostly with polycystic ovary syndrome, treated with vitamin D

  • Good evidence of a link between overweight or larger waist circumference and lower 25(OH)D levels

  • Modest evidence of lower fasting glucose among women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with vitamin D

  • Modest evidence of lower insulin resistance and higher insulin sensitivity among people treated with vitamin D

  • Modest evidence of a slightly lower risk of type 2 diabetes among women with the highest vitamin D intake from supplements

  • Modest evidence of a link between metabolic health and 25(OH)D levels among people with obesity

  • Preliminary evidence of higher insulin sensitivity and better blood glucose levels among people at risk for type 2 diabetes with higher 25(OH)D levels

  • Preliminary evidence of lower 25(OH)D levels among people with diabetes

  • Preliminary evidence of lower insulin resistance (HOMA) and better insulin sensitivity among people with diabetes or insulin resistance treated with vitamin D3

  • Preliminary evidence of higher incidence of early onset of menstruation (menarche) among girls with low 25(OH)D levels

  • Preliminary (conflicting) evidence of better balance of some sex hormones among people with imbalances treated with vitamin D

  • Preliminary evidence of a substantial increase in leptin, which inhibits hunger responses, among people with type 2 diabetes treated with vitamin D

  • Preliminary evidence of balanced immune function among people with higher vitamin D levels

  • Preliminary evidence of balanced immune function among people treated with vitamin D

  • Preliminary evidence of lower levels of a signaling protein related to the formation of new blood vessels among women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with vitamin D

  • ​No evidence of an effect on body weight among postmenopausal women treated with vitamin D in a small study

  • Evidence of benefit with higher levels or intake or worse outcomes with lower levels

  • Good evidence of lower cancer mortality among people without cancer at baseline with higher 25(OH)D levels

  • Strong evidence of slightly lower cancer mortality among people without cancer at baseline taking vitamin D supplements

  • Good evidence of lower risk of metastatic or fatal cancer among people without cancer and not overweight or obese at baseline treated with vitamin D3

  • Good evidence of lower risk of recurrence among people with breast cancer with higher 25(OH)D levels at diagnosis

  • Good evidence of higher risk of breast cancer among people with low 25(OH)D levels, and especially among premenopausal women

  • Good evidence of lower risk of colorectal cancer among people with higher 25(OH)D levels

  • Good evidence of lower risk of colorectal cancer among people with higher total vitamin D intake

  • Good evidence of slightly lower risk of colorectal cancer among people taking vitamin D supplements

  • Good evidence of higher risk of liver cancer among people with low levels of vitamin D

  • Good evidence of lower risk of head and neck cancer among people with high 25(OH)D levels

  • Good evidence of lower risk of head and neck cancer among people with high intake of vitamin D in their diet

  • Good evidence of lower risk of lung cancer among people with higher 25(OH)D levels, although very high levels—above about 34 ng/mL—are linked to increased risk

  • Good evidence of higher risk of prostate cancer among men with low 25(OH)D levels

  • Good evidence of higher risk of thyroid cancer among people with low levels of vitamin D

  • Modest evidence of lower risk of cancer among healthy adults aged 70 years or older taking vitamin D supplements

  • Modest evidence of moderately lower risk of recurrence among people taking vitamin D supplements after a diagnosis of ER positive but not ER negative breast cancer

  • Modest evidence of slightly lower risk of CRC as a whole with each increase of 100 IU dietary vitamin D intake

  • Modest evidence of lower risk of renal cell carcinoma among people, especially women, with the highest circulating vitamin D levels

  • Modest evidence of lower risk of renal cell carcinoma among people, especially women, with the highest dietary vitamin D intake

  • Modest evidence of lower lung-cancer mortality among people without cancer at baseline with higher 25(OH)D levels; see also indications that very high levels may increase mortality in Safety and precautions ›

  • Modest evidence of slightly lower risk of lung cancer among people with the highest vitamin D intake from either diet or supplements

  • Modest evidence of lower risk of recurrence among people with lymphoma with the highest 25(OH)D levels at diagnosis

  • Modest evidence of lower risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among people with high levels of exposure to sunlight/ultraviolet radiation

  • Modest evidence of lower risk of melanoma recurrence among people with higher 25(OH)D levels

  • Modest evidence of a link between vitamin D deficiency and melanoma incidence/stage

  • Modest evidence of slightly lower risk of ovarian cancer among people with higher circulating vitamin D levels

  • Modest evidence of lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer among African-Americans or people with low body mass index taking the highest levels of vitamin D supplements, but not among other people

  • Preliminary evidence of slightly lower risk of breast cancer among people with higher vitamin D intake

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of recurrence after surgery among people with esophageal cancer taking vitamin D supplements

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of recurrence among women with grade 2 or 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treated with vitamin D

  • Preliminary evidence of lower risk of recurrence among people with head and neck cancer with higher total (diet and supplement) intake of vitamin D

  • No evidence of an effect on risk of adenoma after colorectal adenoma surgery among people treated with vitamin D3 in a large study

  • No evidence of an effect of 25(OH)D levels on risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a combined analysis of studie

  • No evidence of an effect on risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among people with higher levels of dietary vitamin D intake in a combined analysis of studies

  • No evidence of an effect on risk of pancreatic cancer among people with higher 25(OH)D levels in a combined analysis of studies

  • No evidence of an effect at 3 months on free or total PSA among healthy men taking vitamin D in a small study

  • Modest evidence of a link between lower 25(OH)D levels and more chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) among people with cancer

  • Modest evidence of lower pain during hormone therapy among people treated with vitamin D, and especially among people starting with lower 25(OH)D levels

  • Preliminary evidence of better muscle function among people with prostate cancer treated with vitamin D

  • Preliminary evidence of less loss of bone mineral density during hormone therapy among people treated with high amounts of vitamin D

  • Preliminary evidence of less fatigue among people with advanced cancer treated with vitamin D

  • Preliminary evidence of substantially less oral mucositis during radiotherapy among people with head and neck cancer treated with a topical oral vitamin D gel

  • Preliminary evidence of less opioid use among people with advanced cancer with 25(OH)D levels less than 20 ng/mL treated with vitamin D

  • Preliminary evidence of less vaginal atrophy during tamoxifen treatment among women with breast cancer treated with vaginal vitamin D suppositories

  • Preliminary evidence of higher severity of radiation-induced acute proctitis among people with vitamin D deficiency
    No evidence of an effect on pain after brain tumor surgery among people with vitamin D serum levels of 20 ng/dL or lower treated with vitamin D before surgery in a small study

Vitamin E
 

  • Some forms may have anticancer properties.

  • Vitamin E may reduce side effects of some conventional cancer therapies.

  • Vitamin E is included in a number of integrative care cancer protocols.

  • Use in combination with drugs or in combination with conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy shows that vitamin E may reduce side effects such as oral mucositis and peripheral neuropathy, as shown in several small studies,11 although overall evidence is insufficient to recommend use for treating or preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

  • Some evidence shows reduced hot flashes during breast cancer treatment with use.

  • Antioxidants including vitamin E may protect against cisplatin-induced toxicity in the kidneys (nephrotoxicity) and the ears (ototoxicity).

  • Vitamin E reduces radiotherapy toxicity but is associated with an increase in recurrence of head and neck cancers, especially among smokers.

  • Higher amounts of dietary vitamin E consumed by prostate cancer patients of European American descent were associated with less aggressive forms of the disease. This was not seen in patients of African American descent.

  • Decreased risk for developing prostate cancer with higher serum alpha-tocopherol levels, with a higher association of decreased risk for advanced prostate cancer and a greater association among those taking alpha-tocopherol supplements20

  • Reduced total prostate cancer risk and aggressive cancer risk in current smokers with higher alpha-tocopherol or gamma-tocopherol levels, with some evidence of differences among genotypes

  • Patients with colorectal cancer showed lower concentrations of serum vitamin E compared with hospital-based controls in a meta-analysis

​

The authors of this review found that accumulating research results show that other forms of vitamin E—such as gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, gamma-tocotrienol, and delta-tocotrienol—have far superior cancer-preventive activities than does alpha-tocopherol. Evidence strongly indicates that these lesser-known vitamin E forms are effective agents for cancer prevention or as adjuvants for improving prevention of cancer.

​

Findings on colorectal cancer:

  • Most supplements contain α-tocopherol, while a γ-tocopherol-rich mixture of tocopherols inhibits growth of colon and other types of tumors in animals29 and in epidemiological studies30

  • Reduced risk of colorectal cancer in women taking unspecified forms of vitamin E supplements31 but not in men taking 400 IU/day of all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate (see the study for an analysis of whether the correct form was used)32 in large studies

  • Other reviews and a meta-analysis concluded no reduced risk with vitamin E or other antioxidants33 (but again, the specific forms of vitamin E may have varying effects).

  • No reduced risk of adenoma occurrence

​

Doses greater than 400 IU/day increased all-cause mortality, mostly in patients with chronic diseases. Higher levels of supplements were associated with greater mortality.

​

No increase in mortality at doses up to 800 IU/day was seen in apparently healthy people.

​

Lung cancer patients, especially former or current smokers, “should avoid megadoses of particular antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene, as well as vitamin A . . . some studies have indicated risks to these patients and to smokers from pro-oxidants formed in the hazardous internal environment that smoking causes.”

​

Vitamin E supplementation is linked to increased risk of colorectal adenoma and overall mortality in the general population.41

Some researchers express concerns that vitamin E interferes with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

​

Most vitamin E supplements contain only alpha-tocopherol. Integrative oncologist and BCCT advisor Keith Block, MD. cautions against giving alpha-tocopherol alone, as this may deplete the body of other important components of vitamin E

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Sweet Wormwood 

​

The Artemisia annua plant contains artemisinins, chemical compounds with mostly preclinical evidence of action against cancer, inflammation, oxidative stress, and microbial infections. This supplement is available as dried leaf or extract of the Artemisia annua plant or as the natural derivative artemisinin.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Zyflamend​

​

Zyflamend is an extraction of herbs and other natural products suspended in olive oil:1

  • Rosemary

  • Turmeric

  • Ginger

  • Holy basil

  • Green tea

  • Hu zhang

  • Chinese goldthread

  • Barberry

  • Oregano

  • Baikal skullcap

​

Zyflamend is taken orally for several purposes:

  • Inflammation support

  • Soothing aches, pain, and soreness

  • Supporting joint function and flexibility

 

Some very preliminary clinical evidence, supported by preclinical evidence, shows Zyflamend may have anticancer effects, especially for prostate cancer.

  • Weak evidence of lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in a man with castration-resistant prostate cancer and exponentially increasing PSA levels treated with Zyflamend

  • Weak evidence of lower markers of inflammation among men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) treated with Zyflamend

  • No evidence of an effect on testosterone levels among men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) treated with Zyflamend

  • Weak evidence of less arthritic pain and better well-being in a man with castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with Zyflamend

  • Weak evidence of lower or stable prostate-specific androgen (PSA) levels and reversal of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia in men treated with Zyflamend

Dietary Guidelines 2024

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EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation

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Improves blood flow, increases cellular healing, and increases oxygen utilization. 

EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation

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Some of the nutrients that are typically depleted while undergoing conventional therapies are:

  • Magnesium – Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body. Magnesium depletion can lead to a myriad of side effects, therefore it is an important mineral to maintain in proper levels to maximize health during treatment.

  • Zinc – An essential element to good immune function. May be supplemented to bolster immune function.

  • B-vitamins – Essential to numerous functions in the body. Depletion of b-vitamins can lead to neuropathy, anemia and other conditions.

  • IV C – One of our most commonly used supportive IV therapies is IV vitamin C (IVC). It is used to improve wound healing and prevent infection after surgery, to reduce fatigue, and stimulate the immune system after radiation therapy, and to prevent and reduce side effects as well as enhance the efficacy of some chemotherapies.

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10-Week Challenge - Cancer Prevention

(Goals, Tips, Recipes)

​

The 2/3 – 1/3 plate principle focuses on filling 2/3 or more of your plate with colorful plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. These types of foods are rich in fiber, vitamins and other natural substances called phytochemicals that help keep us in good health. You will aim to fill 1/3 or less of your plate with animal foods such as poultry, seafood, lean red meats, eggs and dairy.​ The 2/3 – 1/3 plate principle­ is not a diet, rather it is a fun and simple way to look at what you are eating every day and to make your meals more plant focused for cancer prevention.

​

The Healthy10 Challenge is based on AICR’s Cancer Prevention Recommendations—and the science is clear: they work. AICR’s Cancer Prevention Recommendations form the basis of the Healthy10 Challenge. They were developed from the latest research to lower cancer risk and help cancer survivors, with overall health in mind. The challenge is a simple and fun way to help people get healthy and take action against their own cancer risk.

​

Requires name and email address to access all features (recipes, etc.). 

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The doctors present easy-to-incorporate lifestyle changes to help you “turn on” hundreds of genes that fight cancer, and “turn off” the ones that encourage cancer, while recommending lifestyle plans to address each type. In addition, they share 34 healthy recipes and tips on staying active and exercising, detoxifying your house and environment, and taking supplements to help prevent relapse.

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This book includes descriptions and uses of many natural and complementary protocols for cancer in general and for specific cancers. It also includes information on integrative support during conventional cancer treatment. Dr. McKinney recommends probiotics, psyllium, and omega 3 oils to protect against gut bacteria translocation to liver/blood, and a plant-based diet during treatment with bevacizumab (Avastin) or capecitabine (Xeloda).

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This book provides tips on how people living with cancer can fight it and how healthy people can prevent it. This program uses prebiotic and probiotic foods for microbiome health.

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Dr. Cohen and Ms. Jefferies explain that while each plays an inde­pendent role, the synergy created by all six factors can radically transform health, delay or prevent many cancers, support conventional treatments, and significantly improve quality of life.

This program includes a healthy eating pattern and foods containing probiotics and prebiotics to manage your microbiome.

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This approach uses probiotics to protect against or treat disruption to the microbiome.

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The integrative Block Program has recommendations to people who are at different places along the cancer continuum:

  • Those who’ve been recently diagnosed

  • Those in treatment

  • Those who’ve concluded treatment and need to remain vigilant to prevent recurrence

​

This approach includes these approaches for a balanced microbiome:

  • High intensity nutritional support diet

  • Prebiotics and probiotics

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​In Dr. Livingood's new book, learn how to overcome the broken "healthcare" system & take control of your health.

​

We Need:

​

  • Fermented foods (sauerkraut). Immune booster. Reduces inflammation. Good source of Vit K2.

  • Magnesium. 80% of all chemical reactions in your body run off magnesium. It's a supercharger. Prevents calcification. If you have migraines, you probably have magnesium deficiency. 

  • Pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, dark chocolate, avocados.

  • Vitamin C-based foods. Modulator. Prevents viral infections. Guava 417%, kiwifruit, red or green bell peppers, strawberries, oranges, papaya, broccoli, tomato, snow peas, kale, cantaloupe, green or red chili peppers 240-404%, mango). 

  • Kale, broccoli, brussels, lemons, strawberries, oranges. 

  • Zinc. 

  • Vitamin D3 K2. The immune modulator. Need around 70 on blood work. 

  • Omega-3s. Anti-inflammatory. Decrease Omega-6s.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar. High in potassium, vit C, antioxidants, vit E. Contains malic acid. 

​

Vitamin C Sources:

Guava 417% p/cup

Chili peppers red or green 240-404% p/cup

Bell peppers green 149mg p/cup

Bell peppers orange 237mg p/cup

Bell peppers red 213mg p/cup

Bell peppers yellow 208mg p/cup

Kiwi 149% p/cup

Mango 136% p/cup (1 cup = 60mg; 1 fruit = 122mg)

Papaya 98-106% p/cup

Strawberries 109% p/cup

Broccoli 90% p/cup

Pineapple 88% p/cup

tomato, snow peas, kale, cantaloupe

​

ACV Sources:

Apples, blackberries, cherries, apricots, cranberries, grapes, lemons, mango, nectarines, peaches, rhubarb, plums, tomatoes, pears, pineapple, gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries. Tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, peas, potatoes, tomatoes and rhubarb. 

NOTE: L-malic acid is the naturally occurring form, whereas a mixture of L- and D-malic acid is produced synthetically.

Cosmetic Oils

CBD vs Hemp

What is hemp oil?​

Hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the cannabis—or hemp—plant and contains less than 0.3 percent THC. It’s a non-psychoactive oil that, according to many, offers benefits for both the body and mind. While not all of these claims have been verified, what is certain is that hemp oil is an excellent source of essential fatty acids and nutrients. It’s an omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid powerhouse and also contains GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which has anti-inflammatory properties.

​

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the cannabis plant. The plant contains more than 100 different chemicals, known as cannabinoids. CBD oil is rich in CBD (cannabidiol), the ingredient that makes this oil so popular. CBD oil is available for everyday use in a variety of forms, including capsules, tinctures, extracts, and topical creams. If you’re just starting with CBD oil, the most effective way to use it is to find a version that matches your individual needs and start with only a small dose, gradually increasing the amount as needed.

​

Key differences between hemp oil and CBD oil:

As stated earlier, hemp oil is obtained from the seeds of the cannabis plant. It’s a natural, highly nutritious product you can use in a variety of ways, from topical skin creams to seasoning your food. Hemp oil is loaded with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. To start, try using it as a cooking oil, adding it to your food, or taking it as a dietary supplement.

​

Unlike hemp oil, CBD oil is obtained from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the cannabis plant. These parts of the plant yield an oil with high levels of CBD, a compound that has been shown to have numerous health benefits. Many have turned to CBD oil to treat a variety of conditions.

​

Besides their sourcing, the main difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is their composition. Hemp oil is mostly composed of fatty acids, while CBD oil is mostly composed of CBD.

​

What do hemp oil and CBD have in common?

Despite their differences, these oils work well together. Since they come from the same plant and feature complementary properties, hemp oil is often used as a carrier oil for CBD oil. It’s important to also note that both oils are considered non-psychoactive, meaning they won’t produce the “high” associated with marijuana use. Neither of these oils is useful for recreational purposes.

​

Choosing between hemp oil and CBD oil based on need:

So, which oil should you use? Ultimately, the choice between CBD oil and hemp oil comes down to what you’re looking for and your specific needs. If you want a natural way to help you with more specific situations, then you may prefer CBD oil. If you’re interested in a natural way to improve your overall health or add more vitamins and minerals to your diet, then hemp oil may be a better option for you.

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