Keith I. Block, MD
Many cancer patients augment conventional medical treatment
with complementary medicine, such as nutritional or herbal
supplements. The newest research and decades of successful clinical
use show that some of these natural treatments work very
effectively to fight cancer and reduce side effects.
Here are the best science-based complementary treatments for
cancer. It’s usually fine to take several of these supplements
simultaneously, but be sure to talk to your doctor first. For help
finding an integrative practitioner, go tohttp://nccam.nih.gov/health/practitioner.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Cancer specialists often advise patients not to take antioxidant
supplements, such as vitamin A or vitamin E, during chemotherapy
and radiation treatments. Reason:One way chemotherapy
and radiation destroy cancer cells is by causing oxidative stress.
According to one theory, antioxidants may be counterproductive
because they might have the ability to protect against this
oxidative damage.
But new scientific research shows that the opposite is true --
antioxidant supplements aren’t powerful enough to counter
chemotherapeutic medicines or radiation, but they can reduce the
side effects of those treatments and also may battle tumors and
extend life.
Recent study: Researchers from
the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Institute for
Integrative Cancer Research and Education analyzed 19 studies
involving 1,554 cancer patients who took antioxidants during
chemotherapy. They concluded that most cancer patients are better
off using antioxidants in conjunction with chemotherapy and
radiation than not using them.
Typical doses...
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Vitamin
A. 7,500 daily international units (IU), which should
only be taken under a doctor’s supervision -- patients should have
their liver enzymes monitored on an ongoing basis.
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Vitamin
E. 400 IU daily, taken under a doctor’s supervision
(patients should have their platelet counts monitored). It’s best
to divide the dose, taking half in the morning and half in the
evening. Ideally, take it on an empty stomach.
ASTRAGALUS
The herb astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese
medicine for thousands of years. Scientific studies show that it
strengthens the immune system, increasing the activity of
cancer-fighting cells and inhibiting the activity of immune cells
that increase inflammation and thereby worsen cancer. Research
shows that the herb also can boost the power of some types of
chemotherapy.
Recent study: Researchers from
the School of Public Health at the University of California,
Berkeley, analyzed 34 studies involving 2,815 patients with
non-small-cell lung cancer who were treated with chemotherapy alone
or who were treated with chemotherapy and astragalus. The patients
taking astragalus had a 33% lower risk for death after 12 months
and a 24%-to-46% better tumor response than those not taking the
herb.
Typical dose: 750 milligrams (mg)
to 2,500 mg a day of astragalus extract.
GINSENG
Extracts from the root of this herb often are used as a natural
stimulant -- to boost mental and physical energy, improve athletic
performance and relieve fatigue. Ginseng also may boost energy in
cancer patients.
Recent study: Doctors from the
North Central Cancer Treatment Group at the Mayo Clinic gave either
a placebo or ginseng -- at daily doses of 750 mg... 1,000 mg... or
2,000 mg -- to 282 cancer patients. Those taking 1,000 mg or 2,000
mg of ginseng had more energy and vitality and less fatigue. Those
taking 750 mg or a placebo had no such improvement. The patients
taking the higher doses of ginseng also reported greater physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Typical dose: 500 mg to 1,000 mg
twice daily of American ginseng (not Asian red ginseng). Medical
supervision is needed for the higher dosage, particularly if you
are taking blood-thinning medication.
GLUTAMINE
Chemotherapy can damage the mucous lining of the digestive
tract, which stretches from the inside of the mouth to the rectum.
One common result is oralmucositis (OM), a condition
in which the mucous lining of the mouth and throat becomes
inflamed, painful, ulcerated and prone to infection. The amino
acidglutamine fuels the daily maintenance of the
mucous lining of the digestive tract -- and supplemental glutamine
helps limit or stop its destruction by chemotherapy.
Recent study: Researchers at the
University of Connecticut Health Center gave either glutamine
powder or a placebo to 326 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
who were developing OM. Those taking glutamine experienced a
significant reduction in the severity of the condition compared
with those taking the placebo. In fact, many of those taking
glutamine didn’t develop OM at all during their second cycle of
chemotherapy.
Typical dose: 5 grams (g) to 10
g, twice daily.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Chronic inflammation is known to fuel the growth of tumors.
Omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients abundant in fish oil and flaxseed,
are potent anti-inflammatories that slow tumor growth and shrink
tumors in animal studies. Recent research shows that omega-3 fatty
acids may do the same for men with prostate cancer.
Recent study: Researchers at Duke
University Medical Center, the University of Michigan and the
University of North Carolina studied 140 men with prostate cancer
who were scheduled to undergo prostate surgery in 30 days. They
divided the men into four presurgical groups -- some took 30 g
(about one ounce) of ground flaxseed daily... some ate a low-fat
diet and took the flaxseed... some just ate a low-fat diet... and a
control group used none of the regimens. After the surgery,
researchers found that the tumors of the men who took flaxseed had
grown more slowly -- at a 30%-to-40% slower rate than those of the
other men. The men mixed the ground flaxseed in drinks or sprinkled
it on yogurt and other foods. The study was reported at the 2007
annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Typical dose: One ounce of ground
flaxseed... or 3 g of fish oil.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a healing technique from traditional Chinese
medicine. An acupuncturist inserts tiny needles into the skin
along meridians (energy channels in the body) in
order to restore and enhance chi, the fundamental
force of health and well-being.
Recent study: Doctors at the
Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of
California, San Francisco, studied 138 cancer patients undergoing
surgery, dividing them into two groups. One group received
acupuncture and massage after surgery, along with standard care,
such as pain-relieving medications. The other group received
standard care only. The acupuncture and massage group had 58% less
postsurgical pain and less depression, reported the doctors in the
March 2007 issue of Journal of Pain and Symptom
Management. It’s hard to tell specifically what role
acupuncture played and what role massage played, but other studies
that look at acupuncture and massage alone show that each has
benefits, including reducing surgical pain.
Other studies show acupuncture may help prevent or relieve
chemotherapy-induced nausea and fatigue... chemotherapy-induced
decrease in white blood cell count... radiation-induced dry
mouth... shortness of breath... and insomnia and
anxiety.