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--- Studies have found that there may be two aspects for therapies based on the immune system for melanoma: 1). regression may be facilitated by cytotoxic lymphocytes that recognize tumor-regression antigens expressed by human melanoma cells; and,2). the survival of melanoma patients may be prolonged by inducing IgM antibodies against melanoma-associated antigens such as GM2,GD3, and TA90. Dietary factors capable of augmenting the production and activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes and antibody producing B cells may include: zinc, vitamin E, and omega 3 fatty acids.
--- For optimal results, it may be necessary to combine immunotherapy with other anti-cancer therapies including therapies that limit immune invasion.
--- Natural compounds, when used together, are known to increase cytokine production, stimulate immune activity, and reduce the production or activity of compounds that allow immune evasion.
--- Natural immune stimulants tend to stimulate a broad-based increase in cytokine production. Production of interleukins, interferons, and colony-stimulating factors may all be increased.
--- Some natural compounds that reduce production of PGE2, TGF-beta, and/or IL-10 (which are immune suppressive cytokines) are: various mushroom polysaccharides( shitake, maitake, cordyceps), proanthocyanodins (grapeseed extract), omega 3 fish oil, and vitamin E.
--- Natural compounds that reduce VEGF limit immune evasion by cancer cells.
--- Studies have shown that phenylalanine and tyrosine may play an important role in melanin synthesis, tumor progression and immune suppression. Therefore, melanoma cells need both. The dietary restriction of tyrosine and phenylalanine may significantly reduce tumor growth and improve survival.
--- Melanoma is one of the few cancers that are known to respond to immunotherapy. It is considered a “curable” cancer and is defined as one where the majority of patients can be rendered permanently free of disease by a single modality.
--- Evidence of the immune system’s involvement in melanoma includes the presence of specific T-cell and antibody responses upon exposure to melanoma cells. The more of these T-cells present, the longer the survival rate. Anecdotal reports of “spontaneous remission” of cancer among “terminal” melanoma patients suggests that the body naturally has the means to rid itself of this cancer.
--- Melanoma is not specific for any particular blood type.
---Modified citrus pectin has been shown to slow the progress of metastic melanoma.
--- CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) has been shown to be cytotoxic to malignant melanoma.
--- Some polysaccharides that enhance NK cell activity, which is the first line of defense, are larch arabinogalactans, and astragalus.
--- It is recommended to avoid the use of alcohol.
--- It is important to change your lifestyle and environment, if possible, to alleviate the causes of cancer in the first place.
--- If surgery is decided upon, herbal medicine research has found that it may be beneficial to mix tinctures of blood root (sanguinaria canadensis),licorice, barberry (berberis vulgaris), burdock root, stillingia, red clover, and prickly ash (30 drops of each) with 8 ounces of aloe gel and apply this liberally on the bandage over the cancer site afterwards.
--- Exercise is known to be very beneficial for the immune system, and health, in general. It is very effective in oxygenating the system. Cancer, any cancer, is an anaerobic organism. Brisk walking is very good. Studies have found that ending an exercise routine by stretching VERY TALL - hands over the head - for 5-10 minutes, or using a rebounder for 10-15 minutesis an excellant practice. This is known to be very good for lymphatic drainage and cleansing. Calendula tea is also very good.
--- larch arabinogalactan is known to boost the immune system and enhance the delivery of other medicinal agents - including chemotherapy. It is presumed to make capillaries more permeable for microabsorption and to stimulate the liver to produce antibodies. It has also been found to stimulate NK cells and macrophages.
--- It is not recommended to use orally administered vitamin C in high doses as an essential element in cancer therapy. Clinical studies have found that it is best to use vitamin C as a supportive compound with other anticancer compounds. IV doses in high amounts could give better therapeutic results, however, this would be from a prooxidant effect. Pro-oxidant effects may have benefits short term, but could have adverse effects long term. Prooxidant therapies are unlikely to destroy every cancer cell in the body. The ones that survive oxidative conditions could be primed for an increased rate of gene mutations, leading to a more aggressive cancer than before. Studies have shown that patients treated with high amounts of vitamin C typically experienced a plateau of well-being lasting for months or even years. Then, however, they entered a downhill phase with explosive metastasis. Prooxidant therapy may also induce cancers in healthy tissue. Many anticancer drugs as well as radiotherapy induce apoptosis or necrosis through a prooxidant mechanism. There is a substantial risk of secondary cancers with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In light of this, it is not recommended to use vitamin C in a prooxidant manner, but rather within a larger combination of natural compounds.
Please email me if you have any questions.
(All of the previous information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat illness. The information has been documented from the same sources as the attached general cancer information)
