Novel Cancer Protocol is Promising Alternative to Chemotherapy

 

Novel Cancer Protocol is Promising Alternative to Chemotherapy: Understanding the Mitochondrial-Stem Cell Connection in Cancer Treatment

 

This is a synopsis of an educational, peer-reviewed paper written through a collaboration of sixteen researchers and scientists from all over the world.  It was published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine on September 19, 2024. The sixteen authors gathered and assimilated information from over 170 articles and studies.

Citation: Baghli I, et al. (2024) Targeting the Mitochondrial-Stem Cell Connection in Cancer Treatment: A Hybrid Orthomolecular Protocol. J Orthomol Med. 39.3

 

Introduction

 

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease, and understanding its origins is crucial for developing effective treatments. Traditionally, cancer has been viewed through various lenses such as the Metabolic Theory, the Somatic Mutation Theory (SMT), and the Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) theory. In a recent study published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, a new perspective called the mitochondrial-stem cell connection (MSCC) theory is introduced. This theory aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how cancer develops and progresses, proposing a novel treatment approach.

 

What is the MSCC Theory?

 

The MSCC theory suggests that cancer originates from a failure in oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) within stem cells. OxPhos is a process by which cells generate energy. When this process is disrupted, it can lead to the transformation of normal stem cells into cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are known for their ability to initiate and sustain tumor growth.

 

This theory integrates aspects of both the cancer stem cell theory and the metabolic theory, focusing on the role of CSCs and mitochondria at all stages of cancer. Unlike the traditional CSC theory, which often views cancer as a purely genetic disease, the MSCC theory emphasizes the metabolic dysfunctions that occur in cancer cells.

 

Why is This Important?

 

Standard cancer treatments often target the DNA of cancer cells based on the SMT. However, these treatments do not address the metabolic deficiencies in cancer cells and can sometimes worsen these issues. The focus on genetic mutations could possibly explain why new therapies only modestly improve overall survival rates for cancer patients.

 

Conversely, the MSCC theory emphasizes the importance of restoring proper mitochondrial function and targeting CSCs, which are believed to be responsible for cancer’s growth and spread.

 

The Hybrid Orthomolecular Protocol

 

The proposed hybrid orthomolecular protocol proposes to tackle cancer by enhancing OxPhos, reducing the availability of cancer’s primary fuels (glucose and glutamine), and directly targeting CSCs and metastasis. The protocol includes seven therapeutic recommendations that combine orthomolecules, drugs, and lifestyle interventions to achieve these goals.

 

Key Facets of the Protocol:

 

Vitamin C is known for its anti-cancer properties and can induce death in cancer cells, whilst reducing tumor weight and metastasis. It works by infiltrating cancer cells, reducing oxidative stress, and restoring normal cellular respiration.

 

Diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce the fermentable fuels (like glucose) that cancer cells rely on, thereby inhibiting tumor growth.

 

Repurposing certain existing drugs can be used to enhance mitochondrial function and target CSCs.

 

The Protocol Outline

 

Cancer cells have impaired mitochondria, which leads them to rely heavily on glycolysis, a less efficient energy production process. By improving mitochondrial function, the hybrid protocol aims to force cancer cells to revert to normal energy production methods, thereby reducing their viability.

 

Moreover, the protocol targets the unique tumor microenvironment characterized by hypoxia and acidity, conditions that support cancer growth and spread.

 

Conclusion

 

The mitochondrial-stem cell connection offers a promising new method for cancer treatment. By focusing on the metabolic dysfunctions at the center of cancer, this approach aims to not only halt tumor growth but also prevent metastasis. This comprehensive approach could pave the way for more effective and holistic cancer therapies, giving hope for improved patient outcomes.

 

The Protocol

 

Intravenous Vitamin C

Intermediate- and high-grade cancers:

Dose of 1.5g/kg/day, 2-3x per week

 

Oral Vitamin D

All cancer grades:

• Dose of 50,000 IU/day for patients with an initial blood level of Vitamin D ≤30ng/mL;
• 25,000 IU/day for levels 30-60ng/mL;
• 5000 IU/day for levels 60-80ng/mL.

 

It is necessary to reach a blood level of 80 ng/mL of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamine D (25(OH) D

This level is non-toxic. Once the level is achieved it must be sustained with a reduced daily dosage of ≈2000 IU/day. The concentration of vitamin D in the blood should be measured every two weeks for high doses and every month for lower.

 

Zinc

All cancer grades:

Dose of 1 mg/kg/day is established as a non-toxic dose for cancer patients.

 

The reference range for serum zinc concentration is 80 to 120 μg/dL.

 

Once this level is reached it must be maintained with a reduced daily dosage of 5mg/day. The zinc blood concentration should be measured monthly.

 

Ivermectin

 

Low-grade cancers:

Dose of 0.5mg/kg, 3x per week.

 

Intermediate-grade cancers:

Dose of 1mg/kg, 3x per week.

 

High-grade cancers:

Dose from 1 mg/kg/day (de Castro, et al., 2020) to 2 mg/kg/day.

 

All doses are known as tolerable for humans.

 

Benzimidazoles and DON

 

Low-grade cancers:

Mebendazole: Dose of 200 mg/day.

 

Intermediate-grade cancers:

Mebendazole: Dose of 400 mg/day.

 

High-grade cancers:

Mebendazole dose of 1,500 mg/day or Fenbendazole 1,000 mg 3x per week.

 

Benzimidazoles can be replaced or combined with DON (6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine), administered without toxicity; intravenously or intramuscularly: 0.2 to 0.6 mg/kg once daily;

 

or orally:

0.2 to 1.1 mg/kg once daily.

 

Benzimidazole is much easier to obtain than DON. However, for metastatic cancers, which rely heavily on glutamine, a combo of DON and Benzimidazoles should be administered.

 

Dietary Interventions

 

All cancer grades:

Ketogenic diet or low carbohydrate-high fat diet, 900 to 1500 kcal/day.

 

Ketone metabolic therapy consists of 60-80% fat, 15-25% protein and 5-10% fibrous carbohydrates.

 

Adequate hydration and single-ingredient whole food ketogenic meals are necessary to achieve a glucose ketone index (GKI) score of 2.0 or below. GKI should be measured 2–3 hours after lunch and dinner, twice a day.  At-home ketone test strips are available online or at your local drug store.

 

Intermediate- and high-grade cancers:

The ketogenic diet should be combined with a water fast for 3 to 7 consecutive days in advanced cancers.

 

The water fast should be repeated several times approximately every 3-4 weeks throughout the treatment, however fasting needs to be undertaken cautiously in individuals using certain drugs and those with less than 20 BMI, to prevent loss of lean

body mass. For patients who are unable to fast, a Fasting-Mimicking Diet (300 to 1,100 kcal/day of broths, soups, juices, nut bars, and herbal teas) can be used in its place.

 

Additional Actions

 

All cancer grades:

Moderate physical activity, 3x per week. A moderate heart rate is usually between 40–59% of your maximum heart rate.  Increased heart and respiratory rate for a period of 45 to 75 minutes with activities such as cycling, running, swimming, etc.

 

Intermediate- and high-grade cancers or individuals who are unable to engage in physical activity:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, 1.5 to 2.5 ATA for 45 to 60 minutes 2-3x per week