ANTI-CANCER DIET....WHAT DIETS CAN HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER?
Donaldson MS., Hallelujah Acres Foundation, stated that 30-40 percent of all
cancers can actually be prevented by lifestyle and dietary measures alone [1].
Obesity, nutrient sparse foods such as concentrated sugars and refined flour
products impair our glucose metabolism. While, low fiber intake, consumption of
red meat, and imbalance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats increase cancer risk.
Dorai T and Aggarwal BB, New York Medical College, stated that regular
consumption of certain fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of acquiring
specific cancers [2]. Phytochemicals derived from such fruits and vegetables may
help fight against cancer. [1] Nutrition and cancer: A review of the evidence for an anti-cancer diet.
Nutr J. 2004 Oct 20;3(1):19. [2] Cancer Lett. 2004 Nov 25;215(2):129-40.
_________________________________________________________
WAYS MAY HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCERS
REGULAR FOOD MAY HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCERS-
These can be added into your anti-cancer diets.
BROCCOLI AND OTHER CRUCIFEROUS VEGGIES
Men who eat two or more half-cup servings of broccoli per week had a 44 percent
lower incidence of bladder cancer compared to men who eat less than one
serving each week. . During chopping, chewing and digestion, glucosinolates from
broccoli sprouts morph into nutritional powerhouses called isothiocyanates.
Isothiocyanates hindered the growth of bladder cancer cells. And the most
profound effect was on the most aggressive form of bladder cancer.
Broccoli isn't the only cruciferous veggie with health benefits. Others, such as
cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale, may also contain similar disease-
fighting phytochemicals. These chemicals may have an effect on other types of
cancer.
Though, young sprouts naturally have higher concentrations of these
phytochemicals than full-grown broccoli spears. eating the spears should also
provide health benefits.
[1] Broccoli Packs Powerful Punch to Bladder Cancer Cells, Physorg.com, July 31, 2005. [2]
Cancer-fighting chemicals found in broccoli, Daily Mail, July 31, 2005. [3] Broccoli
compounds slow bladder cancer growth in lab., Food nevigator.com. July 29, 2005
FISH A study of The Polyp Prevention Study Group suggested that high intake of fish is
associated with lower risk of adenoma recurrence. [European Journal of Cancer Prevention 13(2):
159-164, June 2004]
Mothers eat fish or other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and
nursing, the risk of breast cancer in their daughters can be reduced by about
40%, a study of mice found. Mom's Diet May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk in Daughters, Health Day,
April 20, 2005.
SOY Researcher at Georgia Tech found soy glucosylceramide (soy GlcCer)
reduced the formation and growth of tumor cells in the gastrointestinal tracts of
mice. [A Report from HealthDay, May 20, 2004]
Dr. Xiao Ou Shu, Vanderbilt University, TN concluded that soy may protect against
endometrial cancer by comparing the soy intake of 832 women with endometrial
cancer with that of 846 unaffected women.
[Reuters Health, May 28, 2004]
MILK Dr. Eunyoung Cho from Harvard Medical School found calcium and milk
consumption reduces colorectal cancer risk from a study gathering dietary
information from 534,536 individuals. However, Dr. Cho also pointed out that high
intake of calcium may increase the risk of fatal prostate cancer. [Megan Rauscher,
Reuters, July 6, 2004]
TEA Some tea leaves also contain compounds called Tea Polyphenols. Tea
polyphenols are natural plant antioxidants, which prevent damage caused by
free radicals to DNA and other molecules. Thus, they demonstrate cancer
preventive properties by reducing abnormal cell growth and inflammation. The
purified component, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), prevent colon cancer.
Recently, European scientists found EGCG prevents cancer cells from growing by
binding to a specific enzyme. It appears to work in the same way as
methotrexate. [Scientists identify green tea's cancer-fighter. Reuters, March 15, 2005].
SOME SUPPLEMENTS MAY HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
VITAMIN A A report also suggested that high intakes of foods rich in vitamin A or
its carotenoid precursors can reduce risks of several types of cancers including
breast cancer. [Nutrition Research Newsletter, March 1998, Technical Insights, John Wiley & Sons]
VITAMIN D Harvard researchers prove that plenty of sunshine and vitamin D
helps fight against cancer at early stage lunc cancer. Sun, Vitamin D Help Lung Cancer
Survival - Study, Reuters, Mary 18, 2005.
VITAMIN E Vitamin E from plant sources may prevent bladder and prostate
cancer. Vitamin E exists in two forms-alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol.
Alpha-tocopherol may play a bigger part in cancer prevention. Consume your vitamin E
to prevent some cancers, by Aimee M. Male, Oakland Tribune, July 7, 2004. Researchers from
Hotel-Dieu de Quebec Research Centre demonstrated that high-dose vitamin
E supplements may speed up latent cancers development.
Vitamin E supplements may speed up development of cancer, study says, PR Newswire, April 6, 2005
PLANT PRODUCTS MAY ALSO HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
BILBERRY Bilberry extract contains a chemical called anthocyanin.
Epidemiological studies indicated that a moderate consumption of anthocyanin
products, such as biberry extract or red wine is assoicated with a lower risk of
cardiovascular disease and an improvement of visual functions [Reference 1]. Hou
divided its anti-tumor effects into three ways: (1) antioxidation (2)
anticarcinogensis and (3) apoptosis induction of tumor cells Potential Mechanisms of
Cancer Chemoprevention by Anthocyanins, Curr Mol Med. 2003 Mar,3(2):149-59.
CAT's CLAW Sheng Y et al, Lund University, Sweden, identified C-Med-100 as the
main active ingredient of Cat's claw to inhibit cell growth without cell death,
leading to DNA repair, immune stimulation, anti-inflammation and cancer
prevention.[J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;96(3):577-84. Epub 2004 Dec 08].
Akesson C et al at Lund University, Sweden, provided direct evidence that C-Med
100 inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) activity and proposed that this
at least partially caused the inhibition of proliferation. They showed that a hot
water Cat's claw extract could inhibit T and B lymphocyte proliferation. This
extract also did not interfere with IL-2 production nor IL-2 receptor signaling.
They further suggested that retarded cell cycle progression caused the
proliferation inhibition. [Int Immunopharmacol. 2003 Dec;3(13-14):1889-900]
Curry [Turmeric]
TURMERIC, a member of the ginger family, is a common spice ingredient in curries.
In India, turmeric is traditionally applied in the form of a paste of powder to aid
healing of cuts and grazes. Today, turmeric is used to offer atractive color for
cheese, pickles and mustards.
Anticancer activity of turmeric in tissue cultures and in mice has been
demonstrated in 1985. [1] Turmeric extract was found to be able to inhibit the
cell growth in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml and
was cytotoxic to lymphocytes and Dalton's lymphoma cells at the same
concentration. The active constituent was identified to be curcumin.
Curcumin in turmeric was found to inhibit NF-kappaB very well. NF-kappaB is a
protein which helps cancer cells to survive once they start to grow.People with
the early signs of oesophagus cancer could be advised to eat more turmeric-
laced foods in a bid to beat the killer disease.
Turmeric may also play a role in slowing down the progression of the Alzheimer's
disease, as curcumin may halve the build up of amyloid plaques in the brain.
Turmeric may also protect against leukaemia and colorectal cancers.References Curry
can help cure cancer icWales Aug 9 2005, Spice's role in cancer fight probed, Daily Mail, 11:44am 9th
August 2005 [1] Kuttan P Potential anticancer activity of turmeric (Curcuma longa).Cancer Lett. 1985 Nov;29
(2):197-202.
Danggui Longhui Wan Compounds derved from indirubin, a component of
Danggui Longhui Wan, block CDK and interrupt the normal cell cycle.Traditional
Medicine Derivatives Kill Cancer Cells, Reuters Health, April 18, 2005
GRAPE SEED EXTRACT grape seed extract was chemo-preventive from studies
using animal model of breast cancer. Procyanidin B dimers in red wine and grape
seeds could be used as chemopreventive agents against breast cancer by
suppressing in situ estrogen biosynthesis.
HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN Human chorionic gonadotropin was
found to activate tumor suppressor genes and stop cancer cell growth in study of
animals. Early preganancy may cut breast cancer risk. Pregnancy Hormone May Prevent
Breast Cancer, WebMD, April 20, 2005.
GINSENG Kim et al concluded that ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 could inhibit the
proliferation of prostate cancer cells. [Effect of ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 on the proliferation of
prostate cancer cells. Kim et al., Pusan National University, Korea. Arch Pharm Res. 2004 Apr; 27(4):429-35.]
GOTU KOLA Huang YH et al found that gotu kola (asiaticoside) induced
apoptosis of cancer cells and enchanced the anti-tumor activities of vincristine.
The cancer cells studied were KB, KBv200, MCF-7, and MCF-7/ADM. [Ai Zheng. 2004 Dec;23(12):1599-604]
Park BC et al found asiatic acid (gotu kola) induced apoptosis in SK-MEL-2 human
cancer cells via generation of ROS, alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of
caspase-3, but p53-independent. [Cancer Lett. 2005 Jan 31;218(1):81-90].
Yoshida M et al, ound compounds from gotu kola had antiproliferative activities
against human gastric adenocarcinoma (MK-1 cancer), human uterine carcinoma
(HeLa cancer), and murine melanoma (B16F10 cancer) cells was estimated. [Biol
Pharm Bull. 2005 Jan;28(1):173-5]
PYCNOGENOL Sime S and Reeve VE concluded that topical Pycnogenol offered
significant and dose-dependent protection from UV-induced acute inflammation,
immunosuppression and carcinogenesis (cancer), when applied to the skin after
daily irradiation. [Photochem Photobiol. 2004 Feb;79(2):193-8]
Huynh HT and Teel RW found that pycnogenol selectively induced death in
human mammary cancer cells (MCF-7) and not in normal human mammary MCF-10
cells. [Anticancer Res. 2000 Jul-Aug;20(4):2417-20]
RED CLOVER Jarred RA et al, found that the apoptosis in radical prostatectomy
specimens (cancer) from treated patients was significantly higher than in control
subjects. They did not find any adverse events. [Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002
Dec;11(12):1689-96]
Almost at the same time, Rice L et al concluded that biochanin A (from red clover)
inhibited prostate cancer cell growth through induction of cell cycle arrest and
apoptosis. [Prostate. 2002 Aug 1;52(3):201-12]
ROYAL JELLY Inoue et al studied the effect of dietary Royal Jelly on tissue DNA
oxidative damge and on the life span of C3H/HeJ mice. They found that the levels
of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (a marker of oxidative stress) was significantly
reduced if the mice were fed with Royal Jelly for 16 weeks. The dietary Royal Jelly
also increased the average life span of C3H/HeJ mice through the mechanism of
reduced oxidative damage.Royal Jelly prolongs the life span of C3H/HeJ mice: correlation with
reduced DNA damage. Inoue et al, Fujisaki Institute, Japan. Exp Gerontol. 2003 Sep;38(9):965-9.
Binclletto C. et al found royal jelly was able to produce effect on haematopoiesis
of Ehrlich ascites tumor-bearing mice. Their result showed that royal jelly
prevented the myelosupression. Effects produced by Royal Jelly on haematopoiesis: relation with
host resistance against Ehrlich ascites tumour challenge. Int Immunopharmacol. 2005 Apr; 5(4):679-88.
OTHER HERBS:- ECHINACEA,
RHODIOLA
OTC DRUG PRODUCTS MAY HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
ASPIRIN In a study, women who used aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs at least once a week for six months or longer had a 20%
lower risk of breast cancer. [A Report from Reuters, May 25, 2004]
IBUPROFEN Dr. Michael Wolfe at Boston University demonstrated that a small
daily doses of ibuprofen made mice with cancer less likely to die of colon cancer.
[Maggie Fox, Reuters, May 19, 2004]
Dr. Jon Sudbo at The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, said that non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugsN(SAIDs) approximately halved the cancer (i.e. oral
malignancies) risk in smokers. This fighting malignancy may be related to their
anti-inflammatory ability. Daily Aspirin, Ibuprofen Cut Smokers' Oral Cancer Risk, HealthDay News,
April 18 2005.
Sulindac was found to be a highly effective chemoprevention agent because it
worked to induce expression of the p21 gene in a study of mouse. Sulindac is a
NSAID and a COX-2 inhibitor.
NSAID drug protects against intestinal tumors in mice, despite poor diet and gene losses, innovations report,
April 19, 2005.
MEDICAL ASSESSMENT HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCERS
FOBT Dr. Jean Faivre conducted assessed the effectiveness of biennial fecal
occult blood testing (FOBT) screening in reducing of colorectal cancer death
reates from 92,000 resuidents. He found that having FOBT screening at least
once reduced the risk of colorectal death by one third. And, biennial FOBT
significantly rduces colorectal cancer mortality. Stool Test Can Reduce Colorectal Cancer
Deaths. Reuters, June 25, 2004.
GENE 11 genes may identify people at the highest risk of dying from cancer. These genes are
related to cell multiplication and renewal in both stem and 10 different types of cancer cells.
Researchers Identify "Death from Cancer" Genes, Reuters, April 19, 2005.
COMPUTERIZED RADIATION CANCER TREATMENT HELP FIGHT AGAINST
CANCER
NEW TEST-Cancer cell stretchable test.Professor Josef K盲s and Dr Jochen Guck
at The University of Leipzig are developing a new test for cancer. It is the first
time to use a physical characteristic of each cell ' its stretchiness or elasticity'
instead of its biological make-up, to decide whether or not it's cancerous. Cancer
cells de-differentiate and loss the rigid cytoskeleton which holds them in shape.
Consequently, they are more elastic or 'stretchable' than normal cells. To a
certain extent, this method can also give the stage of the cancer from the
elasticity of the cells. The softer the cancer cells, the more likely they are traveling
to other locations in the body- metastases. Institute of Physics conference Physics 2005 in
Warwick, April 12, 2005.Scientists announce world's most sensitive cancer test, Innovations Report.com, April
12, 2005
Doctors are now using a dual positron emission tomography (PET) / computed
tomography imaging scan (CT) to pinpoint cancer and target the cancer during
radiation treatment This dual PET/CT improves the odds of cure and decreases
the risks associated with treatment. This technique can be used to diagnose
lung, head, neck, colon, melanoma, lymphoma, esophageal and breast cancer. -
Ivanhoe, ivanhoe.com, May 26, 2004
CANCER PREVENTION
Recently, there is a report that the demand for colonoscopy at New York The increased number
of tests might prevent hundreds of additional cases of cancer and colon cancer deaths in the
years to come. Colon cancer screenings can actually prevent cancer by finding pre-cancerous
lesions [3].
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, with about 150,000
new cases yearly [1]. And, every year, more than 945000 people develop colorectal cancer
worldwide, and around 492000 patients die [5].
Colorectal cancers usually develop slowly and over several years. They usually start as benign
polyps, then, convert into cancerous polyps, e.g. adenomas and dysplasia. Once cancer forms
within a polyp, it may eventually spread into blood vessels and the cancer cells may travel to
distant parts of the body-metastasis.
In most cases, especially at the initial stage, colorectal cancers fail to produce any symptoms.
When they do, the symptoms are painless rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habits such as
constipation, increased frequency or diarrhea. Screening using colonoscopy is the best way to
diagnose and treat either polyps or cancers. When caught early enough, more than 80 percent
of people can be cured of this disease. Some researchers even suggested to use stool tests
together with colonoscopy for early detection or prevention of colorectal cancers. [4]
It is recommended to start screening people of average risk by age 50--->cancer prevention.
[1] Colonoscopies at New York City Hospitals Double in 2004, i-Newswire, 2005-03-22[2] Detailed Guide:
Colon and Rectum Cancer What Is Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society, Inc, on-line publications.
[3] Pabby A et al, Analysis of colorectal cancer occurrence during surveillance colonoscopy in the dietary
Polyp Prevention Trial, Gastrointest Endosc. 2005 Mar;61(3):385-91.[4] Haug U et al, A Simulation Model for
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Potential of Stool Tests with Various Performance Characteristics Compared
with Screening Colonoscopy, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2005 Feb;14(2):422-428[5] Weitz J et al,
Colorectal cancer, Lancet. 2005 Jan 8;365 (9454):153-65
Checkerboard" method for Cancer Gene Markers (E2F3)
Overexpression of the E2F3 gene is a marker of how aggressive the cancer will be.
Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research developed a method called The Checkerboard
Tissue Microarray (TMA) Method. The "Checkerboard" method looks for markers of cancer
genes (including the E2F3 gene) in multiple tissue samples taken using tiny needles inserted
into the prostate gland.By building a picture of which genes are present, some denoting more
dangerous tumours, doctors should be able to better predict best treatment. This may avoid
unnecessary surgery. Surgery may cause impotence. [1]
About E2F3 Gene
Overexpression of the EZH2 gene has been implicated in the development of human prostate
cancer. In tissue microrarray studies, scientists show that expression of high levels of nuclear
E2F3 occurs in a high proportion (98/147, 67%) of human prostate cancers, but is a rare event
in non-neoplastic prostatic epithelium suggesting a role for E2F3 overexpression in prostate
carcinogenesis. Patients with prostate cancer exhibiting immunohistochemically detectable
nuclear E2F3 expression have poorer overall survival and cause-specific survival than patients
without detectable E2F3 expression. [2]
[1] New prostate test needs no surgery, Daily Mail, August 10, 2005
[2] Foster CS et al Transcription factor E2F3 overexpressed in prostate cancer independently predicts clinical
outcome.Oncogene. 2004 Aug 5;23(35):5871-9.
Breast Tumors Smaller at Diagnosis
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women.
Breast Cancers Being Caught Earlier. A woman diagnosed today with a localized cancer most
likely has a smaller tumor than one diagnosed 25 years ago. The shift in size at diagnosis
accounts for 61% of the improvement in survival for localized tumors and 28% of the
improvement for regional cancer seen over recent decades
Trend Toward Tinier Breast Cancer Tumors WedMD August 8, 2005
NON-TRADITIONAL CANCER DRUGS HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
STATINS Researchers in Israel looked at data collected on 1,708 people with
colon cancer and 1,737 people without the disease and made a conculsion that
statins would reduce the lifetime of developing colorectal cancer from 3% to 6%
in a person of average risk Amanda Gardner, HealthDay, June 8, 2004
Michael Freeman of Children's Hospital Boston showed that when simvastatin
was used to reduce cholesterol in the cancer cell membranes, the tumors
stopped proliferating. [1] Elizabeth Platz at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Schoolof
Public Health and Kimmel Cancer Center found that statin-takers cut their risk for
advanced disease in half. [2][1]High cholesterol drives prostate cancer-study, Reuters, March 17,
2005][2] Mor Evidence Suggests Stains Help Cut Risk for Advanced Prostate Cancer, Newswise, April 18, 2005.
AMN 107 AMN107, an investigational drug, is producing powerful responses in
patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, resistant to Gleevec. Novartis
is the manfacturers for both AMN107 and Gleeve.Increasing Benefit Seen in Novel Drug That
Treats Gleevec Resistance, Newswise, April 13, 2005. Source University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer
Center.
AVASTIN (BEVACIZUMAB) Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer.
Approximately 147,500 new cases were diagnosed in 2003. AVASTIN is the first
line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
The interim results of a late-stage trial showed that Avastin was successful when
used with chemotherapy in untreated breast cancer which has spread to other
parts of the body. About 8-9% of women will develop breast cancer during their
lifetime. Roche's Avastin Works in Third Type of Cancer, Reuters, April 15, 2005
THALIDOMIDE Multiple myeloma affects about 50,000 American. About 14,600
new cases occur annually. Celgene's thalidomide was found to be effective for
treating patients with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer in a phase III trial.
Celgene Says Blood Cancer Patients Respond to Drug, Reuters, June 7, 2004.
ERBITUX About 40,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral, head and
neck cancers. Radiation is a standard treatment. Tumors were less likely to
spread in patients who took ImClone Systems' Erbitux in combination with
radiation. Erbitux works by blocking a protein called epidermal growth factor
which helps tumor cells reproduce. Erbitux Prolongs Survival in Head and Neck Cancer, Ransdell
Pierson, Reuters, June 5, 2004.
PROXINIUM Viventia initates a second Phase I clinical trial for treatment of head
and neck cancer with Proxinium. Press Release, June 7, 2004
TAXOTERE 230,900 new cases of prostate cancer may occur this year in the
United States. It was found that men with aggressive prostate cancer treated
with Aventis' Taxotere lived longer than patients treated with other standard
chemotherapy drugs in Phase III trials. Related News Aventis Drug Prevails in Prostate Cancer
Trials, by Pierson et al, Reuters, Jun 7, 2004.
HERCEPTIN A recent study showed that Herceptin, an antibody-based drug,
helps women fight an aggressive form of early-stage breast cancer after surgery.
The estimated sales for Herceptin in 2009 is about 4.2 billion francs. Roche's Breast
Cancer Drug Gets More Positive Data, Reuters, April 28, 2005.
Pfizer's SUTENT/SU11248 (sunitinib malate)
Sutent pill is developed to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors, a type of
stomach cancer, and kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
and not been controlled by standard treatments. Sutent might have significant
advantages over existing treatments. [1 For instance, new study shows Pfizer's
SUTENT/SU11248 (sunitinib malate) extends overall survival in Gleevec-resistant
GIST. [2]
Sutent is one of the first in a new class of drugs that selectively targets multiple
protein receptors, called receptor tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine kinases may be a
molecular switch for cancer growth. Inhibition of these tyrosine kinases is
believed to starve tumors of blood and nutrients needed for growth and
simultaneously kill the cancer cells that make up tumors.
The FDA has granted Sutent fast-track status for review and Pfizer planned to
seek FDA approval by August for the pill.
[1] Pfizer Submits Application for Sutent to FDA PR Wed Aug 10, 2005 [2] New data show Pfizer's
SUTENT/SU11248 (sunitinib malate) extends overall survival in Gleevec-resistant GIST Globandmail.com
Aug 10, 2005
VACCINE Merck & Co is developing a vaccine called Gardasil which can protect
women against four strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The
papillomavirus are prime cause of cervical cancer and genital warts. The new
vaccine may reach the market in 2006 to compete with GlaxoSmithKline's
Cervarix. Merk is partnering with Sanofi-Aventis to seek first regulatory approvals
for its vaccine in Europe. Currently, the cervical cancer victimizes about 470,000
women a year.A vaccine for cervical cancer found, Earthtimes.org, April 5, 2006
How does cancer drug affect our brain?
NONSUGICAL TECHNIGQUES HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
Three new nonsurgical techniques have been presented in the 30th Annual
Scientific Meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology for bone cancer pain
treatment and they are osteoplasty, radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation.
CRYOABLATION Cryoablation kills the cancer tissue locally by freezing it with
extreme cold argon gas in a sealed probe, while sparing the healthy tissue. In
this procedure, the interventional radiologist uses CT and ultrasound imaging to
guide 8 probes through the skin into the tumor, under anesthesia. The "ice ball"
that is created around the probe, visible with CT imaging, grows in size and
destroys the frozen tumor cells. This new technique is also appled for prostate
cancer. General anesthesia is needed for the whole procedure and the patients
usually can return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Nonsurgical
Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer, the 'Male Lumpectomy,' Preserves Sexual and Urinary Function in Most
Men, Press Release, Society of Interventional Radiology , April 1, 2005
RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION Radiofrequency ablation kills the cancer tissue
locally by transmitting radiofrequency to the tip of the needle, where it produces
heat in the tissue. The tumor tissue dies, shrinks and forms a scar. This technique
uses CT and ultrasound imaging for guidance. This successful rate is about 93%
percent of cases in a study. The FDA has approved radio frequency ablation for
the treatment of tumors in soft tissues including the lung [3,4].
OSTEOPLASTY Osteoplasty kills the cancer tissue by injecting medical grade
bone cement into the tumor. In this procedure, radiologist uses fluoroscopy
(continuous X-ray imaging) to guide the probe to the tumor. The cement becomes
hot when it is mixed. This heat kills the tumor and hardens the weakened bone
to prevent fracture. Tumors often eat away healthy bone. This is an established
technique used to treat painful vertebral metastases or fractures in the spine
from osteoporosis.[2] 30th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology, Three
Nonsurgical Pain Treatments for Bone Tumors Very Effective, 03 Apr 2005 [3] E.J. Mundell New Hope
Against Inoperable Liver, Lung Cancers HealthDay News April 4 2005[4] Prospective, Multicenter Lung
Cancer Trial Shows Heat Directly Kills Tumors In 93 Percent of Cases, PRNewswire, April 2, 2005
Scientists are developing sugar coated nanoparticles to deliver gene-silence
molecules to inhibit cancer growth. The advantages, they believe, are fewer side-
effects as the sugar coating may avoid troublesome reactions from the immune
system.Sugar coating could help nanoparticles deliver cancer medicine.India News Onlin. April 20, 2005.
CARCINOGENS [FOOD WON'T HELP YOU FIGHT AGAINST CANCER]
CANCER DIETS
RED MEAT It is observed that colon cancer risk is related to red meat
consumption in Japan.[European Journal of Cancer Prevention 13(2): 127-132, April 2004]
Recent studies have shown that people with high percentage of transferrin saturation (i.e.
increased body iron stores) and who consume high levels of dietary iron (i.e. more than 18
mg), or red meat have an increased risk of cancer and cancer mortality. However, the risk is not
increased for people with high transferring saturation if they consume a normal dietary intake
of iron or red meat.Arch G. Mainous, III et al, Transferrin Saturation, Dietary Iron Intake, and Risk of Cancer,
Annals of Family Medicine 3:131-137 (2005)
SWEET STUFF You should avoid sweet stuff such as candies, soft drinks etc.
Cancer cells need sugars for growth.
FRIED FOODS such as French fries
The World Health Organization cites risk in fired foods such as French fries,
potato chips, coffee and grain-based products including bread. Fried foods
contain various amount of acrylamide, a chemical has caused cancer in laboratory
rats.Acrylamide levels in food should be reduced because of public health concern says UN expert
committee.WHO March 2, 2005.
PROCESSED MEATS Processed meats such as hot dogs and sausages raises the
risk of pancreatic cancer. The researchers found that consumption of processed
meats 70 grams a day or more could raise the risk as much as 50%.Hot Dogs Raise
Risk of Pancreatic Cancer - study, Reuters, April 20, 2005.
CHOLESTEROL High blood cholesterol can make prostate tumors grow faster,
research finds. Michael Freeman of Children's Hospital Boston injected human
prostate cancer cells into mice and fed them a high-cholesterol diet, he and his
group found cholesterol accumulated in the outer membranes of the tumor cells.
[High cholesterol drives prostate cancer-study, Reuters, March 17, 2005]
SALTY FOOD such as Kimchi
OVERDOSE oF CALCIUM
Dr. Eunyoung Cho from Harvard Medical School found calcium and milk
consumption reduces colorectal cancer risk from a study gathering dietary
information from 534,536 individuals. However, Dr. Cho also pointed out that high
intake of calcium may increase the risk of fatal prostate cancer. [Megan Rauscher,
Reuters, July 6, 2004]
CARBONATED DRINKS
Dr. Lee Kaplan, Harvard Medical School in Boston: carbonated drinks may raise the risk of
esophageal cancer. Reuter Health, May 18, 2004
SMOKING
Do you remember that news anchor Peter Jennings died of cancer?
The Canadian-born Jennings, host of ABC's "World News Tonight" since 1983,
died on August 7 at his home in Manhattan. He has quited smoking for 20 years,
however, he smoked again since Sept 11, 2001.Because most lung cancers are
diagnosed at late stages, the five-year survival rate is only 15.2 percent.Peter
Jennings of ABC News Dies of Lung Cancer Medpage Today, August 8, 2005
US Surgeon General suggested that smoking was linked for the first time to acute
myeloid cancers-ACS News Center, June 1, 2003
Dr. Rafi Nagler, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, explained that
saliva contained antioxidants, but cigarette smoke could destroys the molecules
and turned saliva into a dangerous compound.-Reuter Health, June 1, 2004
The Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Institute in Stuttgart, Germany, said
they found the carcinogen N-Nitrosamine present in 29 of 32 types of condoms.
Reuter Health, May 28, 2004
Dr. Garth H. Rauscher, University of Illinois at Chicago found that hair dye use
was a potential risk factor for leukemia, especially long-term use of older coloring
products. Am J Epidem July 1, 2004.
Scientsts found a gene that carries the code for nicotine demethylase. Nicotine
demethylase facilitates the conversion of nicotine into nomicotine. Nomicotine is
the precursor for nitrosamine N-nitrosonomicotine - a chemical causes cancer in
animals. U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Says Finds Key Tobacco Gene, Reuters, Marcfh 38, 2005.
Lung cancer can strike anyone not just the "smokers".
The news that Dana Reeve, the widow of "Superman" actor Christopher Reeve,
has lung cancer proves the disease can strike anyone. According to statistics,
about 10-15% of lung-cancer cases occur in non-smokers.
SALTY FOOD Examples include Kimchi
RADIATION
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, known as nonmelanoma skin
cancer, are the most common cancers worldwide. Basal and squamous cell
cancers both look pink. Basal cell cancer appears as bump on the skin, it may also
bleed. While squamous cell cancer is a scaly and rough bump. Research has
shown that the total number of tumors per person and risk of having squamous
cell carcinoma is proportional to UV doses (tan). [3]While some studies
demonstrate that squamous cell carcinoma is related to fatty acid composition. [2]
A study shows that the rate of basal cell and squamous cell cancers has
increased to 32 per 100,000 women under 40 in 2003 from 13 per 100,000 in the
late 1970s. References [1] Skin cancer rate up for women under age 40 - study Reuters 09 Aug 2005 [2]
Fatty acid composition of red blood cell membranes and risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Cancer
Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev.2005 Apr;14(4):906-12. [3] UV dose determines key characteristics of
nonmelanoma skin cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Dec;13(12):2006-11.
A study of Japanese atomic bomb survivors shows that men exposed to radiation
were more likely to have breast cancer than those who weren't exposed.A-Bomb
Exposure LInked to Male Breast Cancer, Reuters health, April 20, 2005.
ENVIRONMENTAL ESTROGENS
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center demonstrated that two environmental
estrogens used in food packaging and wraps (bisphenol A and n-butyl benzyl
phthalate) are capable of affecting gene expression in the mammary glands of
young female rats exposed to the compounds through their mother's milk.Scientists
raise spectre of cancer-causing packaging, Food Navigator.com, April 20, 2005.
PYLORI Prevention and/or treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection can reduce
the prevalence of gastric cancer.-European Journal of Cancer Prevention 13(1): 71-75, FEB 2004.
Diabetes is linked to liver cancer
Usually, diseases "encourage" cancer growth. Moreover, researchers found that
early exposure to infections through social contact might protect against
leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer of immature white blod cells; it is the most
common childhood cancer.
Playgroups Could Cut Child Leukemia Risk-Study, Reuters, April 22, 2005.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCES ONLY. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY
QUESTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2007. DONOT COPY NOR TRANSFER THIS ARTICLE TO
OTHER WEBSITE NOR OTHER FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS.
Donaldson MS., Hallelujah Acres Foundation, stated that 30-40 percent of all
cancers can actually be prevented by lifestyle and dietary measures alone [1].
Obesity, nutrient sparse foods such as concentrated sugars and refined flour
products impair our glucose metabolism. While, low fiber intake, consumption of
red meat, and imbalance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats increase cancer risk.
Dorai T and Aggarwal BB, New York Medical College, stated that regular
consumption of certain fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of acquiring
specific cancers [2]. Phytochemicals derived from such fruits and vegetables may
help fight against cancer. [1] Nutrition and cancer: A review of the evidence for an anti-cancer diet.
Nutr J. 2004 Oct 20;3(1):19. [2] Cancer Lett. 2004 Nov 25;215(2):129-40.
_________________________________________________________
WAYS MAY HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCERS
REGULAR FOOD MAY HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCERS-
These can be added into your anti-cancer diets.
BROCCOLI AND OTHER CRUCIFEROUS VEGGIES
Men who eat two or more half-cup servings of broccoli per week had a 44 percent
lower incidence of bladder cancer compared to men who eat less than one
serving each week. . During chopping, chewing and digestion, glucosinolates from
broccoli sprouts morph into nutritional powerhouses called isothiocyanates.
Isothiocyanates hindered the growth of bladder cancer cells. And the most
profound effect was on the most aggressive form of bladder cancer.
Broccoli isn't the only cruciferous veggie with health benefits. Others, such as
cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale, may also contain similar disease-
fighting phytochemicals. These chemicals may have an effect on other types of
cancer.
Though, young sprouts naturally have higher concentrations of these
phytochemicals than full-grown broccoli spears. eating the spears should also
provide health benefits.
[1] Broccoli Packs Powerful Punch to Bladder Cancer Cells, Physorg.com, July 31, 2005. [2]
Cancer-fighting chemicals found in broccoli, Daily Mail, July 31, 2005. [3] Broccoli
compounds slow bladder cancer growth in lab., Food nevigator.com. July 29, 2005
FISH A study of The Polyp Prevention Study Group suggested that high intake of fish is
associated with lower risk of adenoma recurrence. [European Journal of Cancer Prevention 13(2):
159-164, June 2004]
Mothers eat fish or other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and
nursing, the risk of breast cancer in their daughters can be reduced by about
40%, a study of mice found. Mom's Diet May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk in Daughters, Health Day,
April 20, 2005.
SOY Researcher at Georgia Tech found soy glucosylceramide (soy GlcCer)
reduced the formation and growth of tumor cells in the gastrointestinal tracts of
mice. [A Report from HealthDay, May 20, 2004]
Dr. Xiao Ou Shu, Vanderbilt University, TN concluded that soy may protect against
endometrial cancer by comparing the soy intake of 832 women with endometrial
cancer with that of 846 unaffected women.
[Reuters Health, May 28, 2004]
MILK Dr. Eunyoung Cho from Harvard Medical School found calcium and milk
consumption reduces colorectal cancer risk from a study gathering dietary
information from 534,536 individuals. However, Dr. Cho also pointed out that high
intake of calcium may increase the risk of fatal prostate cancer. [Megan Rauscher,
Reuters, July 6, 2004]
TEA Some tea leaves also contain compounds called Tea Polyphenols. Tea
polyphenols are natural plant antioxidants, which prevent damage caused by
free radicals to DNA and other molecules. Thus, they demonstrate cancer
preventive properties by reducing abnormal cell growth and inflammation. The
purified component, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), prevent colon cancer.
Recently, European scientists found EGCG prevents cancer cells from growing by
binding to a specific enzyme. It appears to work in the same way as
methotrexate. [Scientists identify green tea's cancer-fighter. Reuters, March 15, 2005].
SOME SUPPLEMENTS MAY HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
VITAMIN A A report also suggested that high intakes of foods rich in vitamin A or
its carotenoid precursors can reduce risks of several types of cancers including
breast cancer. [Nutrition Research Newsletter, March 1998, Technical Insights, John Wiley & Sons]
VITAMIN D Harvard researchers prove that plenty of sunshine and vitamin D
helps fight against cancer at early stage lunc cancer. Sun, Vitamin D Help Lung Cancer
Survival - Study, Reuters, Mary 18, 2005.
VITAMIN E Vitamin E from plant sources may prevent bladder and prostate
cancer. Vitamin E exists in two forms-alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol.
Alpha-tocopherol may play a bigger part in cancer prevention. Consume your vitamin E
to prevent some cancers, by Aimee M. Male, Oakland Tribune, July 7, 2004. Researchers from
Hotel-Dieu de Quebec Research Centre demonstrated that high-dose vitamin
E supplements may speed up latent cancers development.
Vitamin E supplements may speed up development of cancer, study says, PR Newswire, April 6, 2005
PLANT PRODUCTS MAY ALSO HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
BILBERRY Bilberry extract contains a chemical called anthocyanin.
Epidemiological studies indicated that a moderate consumption of anthocyanin
products, such as biberry extract or red wine is assoicated with a lower risk of
cardiovascular disease and an improvement of visual functions [Reference 1]. Hou
divided its anti-tumor effects into three ways: (1) antioxidation (2)
anticarcinogensis and (3) apoptosis induction of tumor cells Potential Mechanisms of
Cancer Chemoprevention by Anthocyanins, Curr Mol Med. 2003 Mar,3(2):149-59.
CAT's CLAW Sheng Y et al, Lund University, Sweden, identified C-Med-100 as the
main active ingredient of Cat's claw to inhibit cell growth without cell death,
leading to DNA repair, immune stimulation, anti-inflammation and cancer
prevention.[J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;96(3):577-84. Epub 2004 Dec 08].
Akesson C et al at Lund University, Sweden, provided direct evidence that C-Med
100 inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) activity and proposed that this
at least partially caused the inhibition of proliferation. They showed that a hot
water Cat's claw extract could inhibit T and B lymphocyte proliferation. This
extract also did not interfere with IL-2 production nor IL-2 receptor signaling.
They further suggested that retarded cell cycle progression caused the
proliferation inhibition. [Int Immunopharmacol. 2003 Dec;3(13-14):1889-900]
Curry [Turmeric]
TURMERIC, a member of the ginger family, is a common spice ingredient in curries.
In India, turmeric is traditionally applied in the form of a paste of powder to aid
healing of cuts and grazes. Today, turmeric is used to offer atractive color for
cheese, pickles and mustards.
Anticancer activity of turmeric in tissue cultures and in mice has been
demonstrated in 1985. [1] Turmeric extract was found to be able to inhibit the
cell growth in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml and
was cytotoxic to lymphocytes and Dalton's lymphoma cells at the same
concentration. The active constituent was identified to be curcumin.
Curcumin in turmeric was found to inhibit NF-kappaB very well. NF-kappaB is a
protein which helps cancer cells to survive once they start to grow.People with
the early signs of oesophagus cancer could be advised to eat more turmeric-
laced foods in a bid to beat the killer disease.
Turmeric may also play a role in slowing down the progression of the Alzheimer's
disease, as curcumin may halve the build up of amyloid plaques in the brain.
Turmeric may also protect against leukaemia and colorectal cancers.References Curry
can help cure cancer icWales Aug 9 2005, Spice's role in cancer fight probed, Daily Mail, 11:44am 9th
August 2005 [1] Kuttan P Potential anticancer activity of turmeric (Curcuma longa).Cancer Lett. 1985 Nov;29
(2):197-202.
Danggui Longhui Wan Compounds derved from indirubin, a component of
Danggui Longhui Wan, block CDK and interrupt the normal cell cycle.Traditional
Medicine Derivatives Kill Cancer Cells, Reuters Health, April 18, 2005
GRAPE SEED EXTRACT grape seed extract was chemo-preventive from studies
using animal model of breast cancer. Procyanidin B dimers in red wine and grape
seeds could be used as chemopreventive agents against breast cancer by
suppressing in situ estrogen biosynthesis.
HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN Human chorionic gonadotropin was
found to activate tumor suppressor genes and stop cancer cell growth in study of
animals. Early preganancy may cut breast cancer risk. Pregnancy Hormone May Prevent
Breast Cancer, WebMD, April 20, 2005.
GINSENG Kim et al concluded that ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 could inhibit the
proliferation of prostate cancer cells. [Effect of ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 on the proliferation of
prostate cancer cells. Kim et al., Pusan National University, Korea. Arch Pharm Res. 2004 Apr; 27(4):429-35.]
GOTU KOLA Huang YH et al found that gotu kola (asiaticoside) induced
apoptosis of cancer cells and enchanced the anti-tumor activities of vincristine.
The cancer cells studied were KB, KBv200, MCF-7, and MCF-7/ADM. [Ai Zheng. 2004 Dec;23(12):1599-604]
Park BC et al found asiatic acid (gotu kola) induced apoptosis in SK-MEL-2 human
cancer cells via generation of ROS, alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of
caspase-3, but p53-independent. [Cancer Lett. 2005 Jan 31;218(1):81-90].
Yoshida M et al, ound compounds from gotu kola had antiproliferative activities
against human gastric adenocarcinoma (MK-1 cancer), human uterine carcinoma
(HeLa cancer), and murine melanoma (B16F10 cancer) cells was estimated. [Biol
Pharm Bull. 2005 Jan;28(1):173-5]
PYCNOGENOL Sime S and Reeve VE concluded that topical Pycnogenol offered
significant and dose-dependent protection from UV-induced acute inflammation,
immunosuppression and carcinogenesis (cancer), when applied to the skin after
daily irradiation. [Photochem Photobiol. 2004 Feb;79(2):193-8]
Huynh HT and Teel RW found that pycnogenol selectively induced death in
human mammary cancer cells (MCF-7) and not in normal human mammary MCF-10
cells. [Anticancer Res. 2000 Jul-Aug;20(4):2417-20]
RED CLOVER Jarred RA et al, found that the apoptosis in radical prostatectomy
specimens (cancer) from treated patients was significantly higher than in control
subjects. They did not find any adverse events. [Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002
Dec;11(12):1689-96]
Almost at the same time, Rice L et al concluded that biochanin A (from red clover)
inhibited prostate cancer cell growth through induction of cell cycle arrest and
apoptosis. [Prostate. 2002 Aug 1;52(3):201-12]
ROYAL JELLY Inoue et al studied the effect of dietary Royal Jelly on tissue DNA
oxidative damge and on the life span of C3H/HeJ mice. They found that the levels
of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (a marker of oxidative stress) was significantly
reduced if the mice were fed with Royal Jelly for 16 weeks. The dietary Royal Jelly
also increased the average life span of C3H/HeJ mice through the mechanism of
reduced oxidative damage.Royal Jelly prolongs the life span of C3H/HeJ mice: correlation with
reduced DNA damage. Inoue et al, Fujisaki Institute, Japan. Exp Gerontol. 2003 Sep;38(9):965-9.
Binclletto C. et al found royal jelly was able to produce effect on haematopoiesis
of Ehrlich ascites tumor-bearing mice. Their result showed that royal jelly
prevented the myelosupression. Effects produced by Royal Jelly on haematopoiesis: relation with
host resistance against Ehrlich ascites tumour challenge. Int Immunopharmacol. 2005 Apr; 5(4):679-88.
OTHER HERBS:- ECHINACEA,
RHODIOLA
OTC DRUG PRODUCTS MAY HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
ASPIRIN In a study, women who used aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs at least once a week for six months or longer had a 20%
lower risk of breast cancer. [A Report from Reuters, May 25, 2004]
IBUPROFEN Dr. Michael Wolfe at Boston University demonstrated that a small
daily doses of ibuprofen made mice with cancer less likely to die of colon cancer.
[Maggie Fox, Reuters, May 19, 2004]
Dr. Jon Sudbo at The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, said that non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugsN(SAIDs) approximately halved the cancer (i.e. oral
malignancies) risk in smokers. This fighting malignancy may be related to their
anti-inflammatory ability. Daily Aspirin, Ibuprofen Cut Smokers' Oral Cancer Risk, HealthDay News,
April 18 2005.
Sulindac was found to be a highly effective chemoprevention agent because it
worked to induce expression of the p21 gene in a study of mouse. Sulindac is a
NSAID and a COX-2 inhibitor.
NSAID drug protects against intestinal tumors in mice, despite poor diet and gene losses, innovations report,
April 19, 2005.
MEDICAL ASSESSMENT HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCERS
FOBT Dr. Jean Faivre conducted assessed the effectiveness of biennial fecal
occult blood testing (FOBT) screening in reducing of colorectal cancer death
reates from 92,000 resuidents. He found that having FOBT screening at least
once reduced the risk of colorectal death by one third. And, biennial FOBT
significantly rduces colorectal cancer mortality. Stool Test Can Reduce Colorectal Cancer
Deaths. Reuters, June 25, 2004.
GENE 11 genes may identify people at the highest risk of dying from cancer. These genes are
related to cell multiplication and renewal in both stem and 10 different types of cancer cells.
Researchers Identify "Death from Cancer" Genes, Reuters, April 19, 2005.
COMPUTERIZED RADIATION CANCER TREATMENT HELP FIGHT AGAINST
CANCER
NEW TEST-Cancer cell stretchable test.Professor Josef K盲s and Dr Jochen Guck
at The University of Leipzig are developing a new test for cancer. It is the first
time to use a physical characteristic of each cell ' its stretchiness or elasticity'
instead of its biological make-up, to decide whether or not it's cancerous. Cancer
cells de-differentiate and loss the rigid cytoskeleton which holds them in shape.
Consequently, they are more elastic or 'stretchable' than normal cells. To a
certain extent, this method can also give the stage of the cancer from the
elasticity of the cells. The softer the cancer cells, the more likely they are traveling
to other locations in the body- metastases. Institute of Physics conference Physics 2005 in
Warwick, April 12, 2005.Scientists announce world's most sensitive cancer test, Innovations Report.com, April
12, 2005
Doctors are now using a dual positron emission tomography (PET) / computed
tomography imaging scan (CT) to pinpoint cancer and target the cancer during
radiation treatment This dual PET/CT improves the odds of cure and decreases
the risks associated with treatment. This technique can be used to diagnose
lung, head, neck, colon, melanoma, lymphoma, esophageal and breast cancer. -
Ivanhoe, ivanhoe.com, May 26, 2004
CANCER PREVENTION
Recently, there is a report that the demand for colonoscopy at New York The increased number
of tests might prevent hundreds of additional cases of cancer and colon cancer deaths in the
years to come. Colon cancer screenings can actually prevent cancer by finding pre-cancerous
lesions [3].
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, with about 150,000
new cases yearly [1]. And, every year, more than 945000 people develop colorectal cancer
worldwide, and around 492000 patients die [5].
Colorectal cancers usually develop slowly and over several years. They usually start as benign
polyps, then, convert into cancerous polyps, e.g. adenomas and dysplasia. Once cancer forms
within a polyp, it may eventually spread into blood vessels and the cancer cells may travel to
distant parts of the body-metastasis.
In most cases, especially at the initial stage, colorectal cancers fail to produce any symptoms.
When they do, the symptoms are painless rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habits such as
constipation, increased frequency or diarrhea. Screening using colonoscopy is the best way to
diagnose and treat either polyps or cancers. When caught early enough, more than 80 percent
of people can be cured of this disease. Some researchers even suggested to use stool tests
together with colonoscopy for early detection or prevention of colorectal cancers. [4]
It is recommended to start screening people of average risk by age 50--->cancer prevention.
[1] Colonoscopies at New York City Hospitals Double in 2004, i-Newswire, 2005-03-22[2] Detailed Guide:
Colon and Rectum Cancer What Is Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society, Inc, on-line publications.
[3] Pabby A et al, Analysis of colorectal cancer occurrence during surveillance colonoscopy in the dietary
Polyp Prevention Trial, Gastrointest Endosc. 2005 Mar;61(3):385-91.[4] Haug U et al, A Simulation Model for
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Potential of Stool Tests with Various Performance Characteristics Compared
with Screening Colonoscopy, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2005 Feb;14(2):422-428[5] Weitz J et al,
Colorectal cancer, Lancet. 2005 Jan 8;365 (9454):153-65
Checkerboard" method for Cancer Gene Markers (E2F3)
Overexpression of the E2F3 gene is a marker of how aggressive the cancer will be.
Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research developed a method called The Checkerboard
Tissue Microarray (TMA) Method. The "Checkerboard" method looks for markers of cancer
genes (including the E2F3 gene) in multiple tissue samples taken using tiny needles inserted
into the prostate gland.By building a picture of which genes are present, some denoting more
dangerous tumours, doctors should be able to better predict best treatment. This may avoid
unnecessary surgery. Surgery may cause impotence. [1]
About E2F3 Gene
Overexpression of the EZH2 gene has been implicated in the development of human prostate
cancer. In tissue microrarray studies, scientists show that expression of high levels of nuclear
E2F3 occurs in a high proportion (98/147, 67%) of human prostate cancers, but is a rare event
in non-neoplastic prostatic epithelium suggesting a role for E2F3 overexpression in prostate
carcinogenesis. Patients with prostate cancer exhibiting immunohistochemically detectable
nuclear E2F3 expression have poorer overall survival and cause-specific survival than patients
without detectable E2F3 expression. [2]
[1] New prostate test needs no surgery, Daily Mail, August 10, 2005
[2] Foster CS et al Transcription factor E2F3 overexpressed in prostate cancer independently predicts clinical
outcome.Oncogene. 2004 Aug 5;23(35):5871-9.
Breast Tumors Smaller at Diagnosis
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women.
Breast Cancers Being Caught Earlier. A woman diagnosed today with a localized cancer most
likely has a smaller tumor than one diagnosed 25 years ago. The shift in size at diagnosis
accounts for 61% of the improvement in survival for localized tumors and 28% of the
improvement for regional cancer seen over recent decades
Trend Toward Tinier Breast Cancer Tumors WedMD August 8, 2005
NON-TRADITIONAL CANCER DRUGS HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
STATINS Researchers in Israel looked at data collected on 1,708 people with
colon cancer and 1,737 people without the disease and made a conculsion that
statins would reduce the lifetime of developing colorectal cancer from 3% to 6%
in a person of average risk Amanda Gardner, HealthDay, June 8, 2004
Michael Freeman of Children's Hospital Boston showed that when simvastatin
was used to reduce cholesterol in the cancer cell membranes, the tumors
stopped proliferating. [1] Elizabeth Platz at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Schoolof
Public Health and Kimmel Cancer Center found that statin-takers cut their risk for
advanced disease in half. [2][1]High cholesterol drives prostate cancer-study, Reuters, March 17,
2005][2] Mor Evidence Suggests Stains Help Cut Risk for Advanced Prostate Cancer, Newswise, April 18, 2005.
AMN 107 AMN107, an investigational drug, is producing powerful responses in
patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, resistant to Gleevec. Novartis
is the manfacturers for both AMN107 and Gleeve.Increasing Benefit Seen in Novel Drug That
Treats Gleevec Resistance, Newswise, April 13, 2005. Source University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer
Center.
AVASTIN (BEVACIZUMAB) Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer.
Approximately 147,500 new cases were diagnosed in 2003. AVASTIN is the first
line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
The interim results of a late-stage trial showed that Avastin was successful when
used with chemotherapy in untreated breast cancer which has spread to other
parts of the body. About 8-9% of women will develop breast cancer during their
lifetime. Roche's Avastin Works in Third Type of Cancer, Reuters, April 15, 2005
THALIDOMIDE Multiple myeloma affects about 50,000 American. About 14,600
new cases occur annually. Celgene's thalidomide was found to be effective for
treating patients with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer in a phase III trial.
Celgene Says Blood Cancer Patients Respond to Drug, Reuters, June 7, 2004.
ERBITUX About 40,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral, head and
neck cancers. Radiation is a standard treatment. Tumors were less likely to
spread in patients who took ImClone Systems' Erbitux in combination with
radiation. Erbitux works by blocking a protein called epidermal growth factor
which helps tumor cells reproduce. Erbitux Prolongs Survival in Head and Neck Cancer, Ransdell
Pierson, Reuters, June 5, 2004.
PROXINIUM Viventia initates a second Phase I clinical trial for treatment of head
and neck cancer with Proxinium. Press Release, June 7, 2004
TAXOTERE 230,900 new cases of prostate cancer may occur this year in the
United States. It was found that men with aggressive prostate cancer treated
with Aventis' Taxotere lived longer than patients treated with other standard
chemotherapy drugs in Phase III trials. Related News Aventis Drug Prevails in Prostate Cancer
Trials, by Pierson et al, Reuters, Jun 7, 2004.
HERCEPTIN A recent study showed that Herceptin, an antibody-based drug,
helps women fight an aggressive form of early-stage breast cancer after surgery.
The estimated sales for Herceptin in 2009 is about 4.2 billion francs. Roche's Breast
Cancer Drug Gets More Positive Data, Reuters, April 28, 2005.
Pfizer's SUTENT/SU11248 (sunitinib malate)
Sutent pill is developed to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors, a type of
stomach cancer, and kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
and not been controlled by standard treatments. Sutent might have significant
advantages over existing treatments. [1 For instance, new study shows Pfizer's
SUTENT/SU11248 (sunitinib malate) extends overall survival in Gleevec-resistant
GIST. [2]
Sutent is one of the first in a new class of drugs that selectively targets multiple
protein receptors, called receptor tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine kinases may be a
molecular switch for cancer growth. Inhibition of these tyrosine kinases is
believed to starve tumors of blood and nutrients needed for growth and
simultaneously kill the cancer cells that make up tumors.
The FDA has granted Sutent fast-track status for review and Pfizer planned to
seek FDA approval by August for the pill.
[1] Pfizer Submits Application for Sutent to FDA PR Wed Aug 10, 2005 [2] New data show Pfizer's
SUTENT/SU11248 (sunitinib malate) extends overall survival in Gleevec-resistant GIST Globandmail.com
Aug 10, 2005
VACCINE Merck & Co is developing a vaccine called Gardasil which can protect
women against four strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The
papillomavirus are prime cause of cervical cancer and genital warts. The new
vaccine may reach the market in 2006 to compete with GlaxoSmithKline's
Cervarix. Merk is partnering with Sanofi-Aventis to seek first regulatory approvals
for its vaccine in Europe. Currently, the cervical cancer victimizes about 470,000
women a year.A vaccine for cervical cancer found, Earthtimes.org, April 5, 2006
How does cancer drug affect our brain?
NONSUGICAL TECHNIGQUES HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
Three new nonsurgical techniques have been presented in the 30th Annual
Scientific Meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology for bone cancer pain
treatment and they are osteoplasty, radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation.
CRYOABLATION Cryoablation kills the cancer tissue locally by freezing it with
extreme cold argon gas in a sealed probe, while sparing the healthy tissue. In
this procedure, the interventional radiologist uses CT and ultrasound imaging to
guide 8 probes through the skin into the tumor, under anesthesia. The "ice ball"
that is created around the probe, visible with CT imaging, grows in size and
destroys the frozen tumor cells. This new technique is also appled for prostate
cancer. General anesthesia is needed for the whole procedure and the patients
usually can return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Nonsurgical
Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer, the 'Male Lumpectomy,' Preserves Sexual and Urinary Function in Most
Men, Press Release, Society of Interventional Radiology , April 1, 2005
RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION Radiofrequency ablation kills the cancer tissue
locally by transmitting radiofrequency to the tip of the needle, where it produces
heat in the tissue. The tumor tissue dies, shrinks and forms a scar. This technique
uses CT and ultrasound imaging for guidance. This successful rate is about 93%
percent of cases in a study. The FDA has approved radio frequency ablation for
the treatment of tumors in soft tissues including the lung [3,4].
OSTEOPLASTY Osteoplasty kills the cancer tissue by injecting medical grade
bone cement into the tumor. In this procedure, radiologist uses fluoroscopy
(continuous X-ray imaging) to guide the probe to the tumor. The cement becomes
hot when it is mixed. This heat kills the tumor and hardens the weakened bone
to prevent fracture. Tumors often eat away healthy bone. This is an established
technique used to treat painful vertebral metastases or fractures in the spine
from osteoporosis.[2] 30th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology, Three
Nonsurgical Pain Treatments for Bone Tumors Very Effective, 03 Apr 2005 [3] E.J. Mundell New Hope
Against Inoperable Liver, Lung Cancers HealthDay News April 4 2005[4] Prospective, Multicenter Lung
Cancer Trial Shows Heat Directly Kills Tumors In 93 Percent of Cases, PRNewswire, April 2, 2005
Scientists are developing sugar coated nanoparticles to deliver gene-silence
molecules to inhibit cancer growth. The advantages, they believe, are fewer side-
effects as the sugar coating may avoid troublesome reactions from the immune
system.Sugar coating could help nanoparticles deliver cancer medicine.India News Onlin. April 20, 2005.
CARCINOGENS [FOOD WON'T HELP YOU FIGHT AGAINST CANCER]
CANCER DIETS
RED MEAT It is observed that colon cancer risk is related to red meat
consumption in Japan.[European Journal of Cancer Prevention 13(2): 127-132, April 2004]
Recent studies have shown that people with high percentage of transferrin saturation (i.e.
increased body iron stores) and who consume high levels of dietary iron (i.e. more than 18
mg), or red meat have an increased risk of cancer and cancer mortality. However, the risk is not
increased for people with high transferring saturation if they consume a normal dietary intake
of iron or red meat.Arch G. Mainous, III et al, Transferrin Saturation, Dietary Iron Intake, and Risk of Cancer,
Annals of Family Medicine 3:131-137 (2005)
SWEET STUFF You should avoid sweet stuff such as candies, soft drinks etc.
Cancer cells need sugars for growth.
FRIED FOODS such as French fries
The World Health Organization cites risk in fired foods such as French fries,
potato chips, coffee and grain-based products including bread. Fried foods
contain various amount of acrylamide, a chemical has caused cancer in laboratory
rats.Acrylamide levels in food should be reduced because of public health concern says UN expert
committee.WHO March 2, 2005.
PROCESSED MEATS Processed meats such as hot dogs and sausages raises the
risk of pancreatic cancer. The researchers found that consumption of processed
meats 70 grams a day or more could raise the risk as much as 50%.Hot Dogs Raise
Risk of Pancreatic Cancer - study, Reuters, April 20, 2005.
CHOLESTEROL High blood cholesterol can make prostate tumors grow faster,
research finds. Michael Freeman of Children's Hospital Boston injected human
prostate cancer cells into mice and fed them a high-cholesterol diet, he and his
group found cholesterol accumulated in the outer membranes of the tumor cells.
[High cholesterol drives prostate cancer-study, Reuters, March 17, 2005]
SALTY FOOD such as Kimchi
OVERDOSE oF CALCIUM
Dr. Eunyoung Cho from Harvard Medical School found calcium and milk
consumption reduces colorectal cancer risk from a study gathering dietary
information from 534,536 individuals. However, Dr. Cho also pointed out that high
intake of calcium may increase the risk of fatal prostate cancer. [Megan Rauscher,
Reuters, July 6, 2004]
CARBONATED DRINKS
Dr. Lee Kaplan, Harvard Medical School in Boston: carbonated drinks may raise the risk of
esophageal cancer. Reuter Health, May 18, 2004
SMOKING
Do you remember that news anchor Peter Jennings died of cancer?
The Canadian-born Jennings, host of ABC's "World News Tonight" since 1983,
died on August 7 at his home in Manhattan. He has quited smoking for 20 years,
however, he smoked again since Sept 11, 2001.Because most lung cancers are
diagnosed at late stages, the five-year survival rate is only 15.2 percent.Peter
Jennings of ABC News Dies of Lung Cancer Medpage Today, August 8, 2005
US Surgeon General suggested that smoking was linked for the first time to acute
myeloid cancers-ACS News Center, June 1, 2003
Dr. Rafi Nagler, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, explained that
saliva contained antioxidants, but cigarette smoke could destroys the molecules
and turned saliva into a dangerous compound.-Reuter Health, June 1, 2004
The Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Institute in Stuttgart, Germany, said
they found the carcinogen N-Nitrosamine present in 29 of 32 types of condoms.
Reuter Health, May 28, 2004
Dr. Garth H. Rauscher, University of Illinois at Chicago found that hair dye use
was a potential risk factor for leukemia, especially long-term use of older coloring
products. Am J Epidem July 1, 2004.
Scientsts found a gene that carries the code for nicotine demethylase. Nicotine
demethylase facilitates the conversion of nicotine into nomicotine. Nomicotine is
the precursor for nitrosamine N-nitrosonomicotine - a chemical causes cancer in
animals. U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Says Finds Key Tobacco Gene, Reuters, Marcfh 38, 2005.
Lung cancer can strike anyone not just the "smokers".
The news that Dana Reeve, the widow of "Superman" actor Christopher Reeve,
has lung cancer proves the disease can strike anyone. According to statistics,
about 10-15% of lung-cancer cases occur in non-smokers.
SALTY FOOD Examples include Kimchi
RADIATION
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, known as nonmelanoma skin
cancer, are the most common cancers worldwide. Basal and squamous cell
cancers both look pink. Basal cell cancer appears as bump on the skin, it may also
bleed. While squamous cell cancer is a scaly and rough bump. Research has
shown that the total number of tumors per person and risk of having squamous
cell carcinoma is proportional to UV doses (tan). [3]While some studies
demonstrate that squamous cell carcinoma is related to fatty acid composition. [2]
A study shows that the rate of basal cell and squamous cell cancers has
increased to 32 per 100,000 women under 40 in 2003 from 13 per 100,000 in the
late 1970s. References [1] Skin cancer rate up for women under age 40 - study Reuters 09 Aug 2005 [2]
Fatty acid composition of red blood cell membranes and risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Cancer
Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev.2005 Apr;14(4):906-12. [3] UV dose determines key characteristics of
nonmelanoma skin cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Dec;13(12):2006-11.
A study of Japanese atomic bomb survivors shows that men exposed to radiation
were more likely to have breast cancer than those who weren't exposed.A-Bomb
Exposure LInked to Male Breast Cancer, Reuters health, April 20, 2005.
ENVIRONMENTAL ESTROGENS
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center demonstrated that two environmental
estrogens used in food packaging and wraps (bisphenol A and n-butyl benzyl
phthalate) are capable of affecting gene expression in the mammary glands of
young female rats exposed to the compounds through their mother's milk.Scientists
raise spectre of cancer-causing packaging, Food Navigator.com, April 20, 2005.
PYLORI Prevention and/or treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection can reduce
the prevalence of gastric cancer.-European Journal of Cancer Prevention 13(1): 71-75, FEB 2004.
Diabetes is linked to liver cancer
Usually, diseases "encourage" cancer growth. Moreover, researchers found that
early exposure to infections through social contact might protect against
leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer of immature white blod cells; it is the most
common childhood cancer.
Playgroups Could Cut Child Leukemia Risk-Study, Reuters, April 22, 2005.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCES ONLY. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY
QUESTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2007. DONOT COPY NOR TRANSFER THIS ARTICLE TO
OTHER WEBSITE NOR OTHER FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS.
| CANCER PREVENTION An American Cancer Society (ACS) report points out that at least 50 per cent of all cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented if Americans make lifestyle adjustments and undergo regular screening for the deadly disease. Poor nutrition, physical inactivity, overweight, obesity and other lifestyle factors are the key causes for cancers. Lifestyle changes are important to prevent cancer. However, regular screening and tests for detecting cancers are important. Screening can find cancers at their earliest stages, when they are easier to treat. In the screening colorectal cancer, polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer. ACS Report: Cancer prevention and early detection facts and figures 2005, CPED2005v5PWSSecured |
| UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT CANCERS...... Jones JC et al, Northwest University noticed collagen VII localized to the basement membrane zone of cancer cells [1]. Wetzels et al, University Hospital, The Netherlands,concluded that invasive and metastatic tumors do not express extensively type VII collagen except bladder cancer, squamous cancer of the lung, cancers of the head and neck region etc. [4]. PROSTATE CANCER Immunohistochemical studies of prostate carcer reveal that most primary cancer, including high-grade tumors, are surrounded by a basal lamina composed of laminin, type IV collagen, and entactin. [5] BLADDER In invasive bladder cancers, the majority showed either loss of alpha 6 beta 4 and/or collagen VII expression or showed a lack of co-localization of alpha 6 beta 4 and collagen VII. [6] CNS CANCER Scattered abnormal vessels showed neo-expression of type VII collagen in about half of the astrocytic and ependymal tumours. [8] SKIN CANCERType VII collagen retained a more linear, continuous and uniform distribution in the areas of progressed epithelial dysplasia. [9] POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS Khavari et al at Standard University deduced that collagen VII protein fragment might be necessary to allow cancer to form. [10] [1] Jones JC et al, Hemidesmosomes, collagen VII, and intermediate filaments in basal cell carcinoma, J Invest Dermatol. 1989 Nov;93(5):662-71.[4] Wetzels RH et al, Distribution patterns of type VII collagen in normal and malignant human tissues, Am J Pathol. 1991 Aug;139(2):451-9.[5] Nagle RB et al, Adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix, and proteases in prostate carcinoma, J Cell Biochem Suppl. 1994;19:232-7.[6] Liebert M et al, Loss of co-localization of alpha 6 beta 4 integrin and collagen VII in bladder cancer, Am J Pathol. 1994 Apr;144(4):787-95.[8] Paulus W et al, Expression of type VII collagen, the major anchoring fibril component, in normal and neoplastic human nervous system. Virchows Arch. 1995;426(2):199-202. 9] Kopf-Maier P et al, Behavior of the basement membrane during carcinoma cell invasion in chemically induced carcinomas of the skin, Acta Anat (Basel). 1996;155(1):1-13 [10] Protein that helps skin cancer spread identified by Stanford researchers, Newswire, 2005-03-18, Science, March 18, 2005. [DETAILS} |
Current Research
Development
EGFR
Several molecular growth
factors and receptors {including
the epidermal growth factor
receptor (EGFR)) have been
discovered that play a role in
tumor development and are
differentially expressed in tumor
cells. This EGFR receptor is
critical to tumor cell
proliferation, survival, and
invasiveness. Overexpression
of EGFR occurs in several
epithelial cell tumors, including
non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC).
Small-molecular-weight EGFR
tyrosine kinase inhibitors and
EGFR monoclonal antibodies
have demonstrated activity
against NSCLC.
[1] Dana Reeve battling lung
cancer Edmonton Sun, Canada
Aug 10, 2005 [2] Reducing the
risks of lung cancer Capital
News 9, Aug 10, 2005
Epidermal growth factor
receptor as a therapeutic target
in lung cancer.Schiller JH
Semin Respir Crit Care Med.
2004 Feb;25 Suppl 1:11-6.
Some types of brain cancer
may come from primitive stem
cells.
Stem cells and cancer cells are
similar in some ways. For
instance, they both can liver very
long time, without
self-destructing. Adult stem
cells are already programmed
to become certain types of
tissue cells. And, there are
primitive liver cells and primitive
brain cells. Some of these
primitive cells can become
tumors.
Researchers find stem cells for brain
cancer Reuters, Aug 15 2005
Development
EGFR
Several molecular growth
factors and receptors {including
the epidermal growth factor
receptor (EGFR)) have been
discovered that play a role in
tumor development and are
differentially expressed in tumor
cells. This EGFR receptor is
critical to tumor cell
proliferation, survival, and
invasiveness. Overexpression
of EGFR occurs in several
epithelial cell tumors, including
non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC).
Small-molecular-weight EGFR
tyrosine kinase inhibitors and
EGFR monoclonal antibodies
have demonstrated activity
against NSCLC.
[1] Dana Reeve battling lung
cancer Edmonton Sun, Canada
Aug 10, 2005 [2] Reducing the
risks of lung cancer Capital
News 9, Aug 10, 2005
Epidermal growth factor
receptor as a therapeutic target
in lung cancer.Schiller JH
Semin Respir Crit Care Med.
2004 Feb;25 Suppl 1:11-6.
Some types of brain cancer
may come from primitive stem
cells.
Stem cells and cancer cells are
similar in some ways. For
instance, they both can liver very
long time, without
self-destructing. Adult stem
cells are already programmed
to become certain types of
tissue cells. And, there are
primitive liver cells and primitive
brain cells. Some of these
primitive cells can become
tumors.
Researchers find stem cells for brain
cancer Reuters, Aug 15 2005
Fight against cancer
anti-cancer diet and treatment
zhion@zhion.com November 11, 2007
anti-cancer diet and treatment
zhion@zhion.com November 11, 2007
| Why are certain groups of people at higher risks for cancers? Studies have shown that lifestyle and dietary measures can prevent 30-40 percent of all cancers. This article reports the most recent findings that help fight against cancers. |
Cancer is a
disease of
cells,
abnormal
growth of
cells which
tend to
proliferate in
an
uncontrolled
way.
However,
some diets
and some
vegetables
and fruits
have been
shown to
have
anti-cancer
activities...,
these diets
may either
slow down or
even stop the
cancer
growth....
disease of
cells,
abnormal
growth of
cells which
tend to
proliferate in
an
uncontrolled
way.
However,
some diets
and some
vegetables
and fruits
have been
shown to
have
anti-cancer
activities...,
these diets
may either
slow down or
even stop the
cancer
growth....
 |  |  |  |
