Cancer Control Society 2001 Convention Write Up

On September 1^st – 3^rd, Cancer Control Society hosted their annual conference. This consisted a series of 25 minute lectures by professionals in the field of alternative health care for cancer (clinic directors, doctors, researchers, practitioners, and health freedom activists), and an exhibit of product companies (nutraceuticals, books, magnets, low emf hair dryers, etc), clinics (from the US, Mexico and Germany), and non-profit organizations (International Victors for Cancer, Citizens for Health, National Health Federation).  A list of the speakers who made presentations is at http://www.cancercontrolsociety.com/program2001.html.  If you would like to get copies of videos or audios of any of the presentations, you can order them from The Cancer Control Society by calling (323) 663-7801. 

We were able to attend many of the lectures and collect a great deal of information from the exhibit.  As time permits, we will provide you feedback on some of the presentations and organizations. 

Patricia Fitzergerald Lac, CCN, HMD, author of “The Detox Solution” 

Patricia Fitzgerald L.Ac, CCN, DHM, author of “The Detox Solution” spoke about the need to nourish on all levels (physical, emotional, spiritual), and detox on all levels (physical, emotional, spiritual).  Patricia described the amazing work of nobel prize winning scientist Alexis Carrell.  In the 1930’s Alexis began an experiment of keeping a chicken’s heart tissue alive by giving it the nutrients it needed to survive and cleaning the waste in its container on a daily basis.  As long as these two tasks were done (nourishment and detox), the chicken’s heart tissue continued to live – this was for an amazing 34 years!  The heart tissue died one day when a staff member didn’t remove the waste.  So… Patricia’s point – make sure you get proper nourishment and make sure you’re continuing to eliminate toxins.

She described the process of detox on an emotional and spiritual level as ridding oneself of thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve you and that are not life giving.  It also means learning how to step away from negative influences in one’s life, TV, newspaper, negative people, etc.

Patricia especially emphasized the need for individuals that are ill to nourish themselves emotionally through self-love and self-nurturance.  She felt that after her many years of practice, this was the most important factor in the healing process – more important than taking one’s supplements or sticking to one’s diet.  She asks her clients to consider whether they are feeling nurtured and loved, are they excited to heal, are they excited to live, what are they living for?  If there is no emotional nourishment, people often lose their will to live.  When this happens, everything else (nutritional supplements, diet, etc) becomes secondary.

I spoke with two doctors later in the day that work with cancer patients on a regular basis.  Both said that they really liked her talk and that they strongly agreed with what she had to say.  I think overall Patricia was well received.  She had a wonderfully gentle presence and seemed to embody everything she said.

Patricia currently practices at the Santa Monica Wellness Center (310-451-7170).  For more information on her book, The Detox Solution, see www.detoxsolution.com.

Gerson:

Charlotte Gerson, from the Gerson Institute in Tijuana, Mexico spoke about the recently released update to the original Gerson Therapy book. The new book, The Gerson Therapy, includes an in-depth and and up to date description of the Gerson program. It will be available through the Gerson Institute around early November.

The Gerson therapy is a diet and detox protocol developed by Charlotte’s father Max Gerson.  The therapy is based on Max’s research on the type of environment that promotes the growth of cancer and the type that promotes the healing of cancer.

The diet includes a strict adherence to a mostly raw food diet (organic vegetable juices), and the avoidance of specific foods that affect the body chemistry in a way that lowers cancer immunity. 

The staff members did say that people that are ill typically need a care giver to assist them in maintaining the diet, since it takes a great deal of focus, commitment and energy to implement.

For those unable to attend the Gerson Institute in person, the institute will be conducting caregiver training classes early next year and certifying caregivers and individuals who can mentor people on how to follow the program.  

Charlotte herself has been on the program since she was 13 – now at the age of 80 she still looks great - no glasses, no liver spots, and full of life.  Charlotte will be publishing a series of booklets in the next year with the stories of many of the individuals her institute has worked with that have recovered from cancer using the Gerson program.  (a separate booklet for each type of cancer)

I talked with other conference attendees about the program – most of the people I talked with admitted to not having read the original book on the therapy or trying the therapy themselves.  Comments and opinions ranged from the true believers (embracing the healing benefits of raw foods), to more moderates (preferring raw foods, juicing and cooked foods in balance) to skeptics (preferring diets which are more heavily protein based) 

Staff members at the Gerson booth said you have to experience the diet to really see how it makes you feel.  For more information on the Gerson program, call (888-4-Gerson), or see www.gerson.org.

Verne Varona:

Verne Varona , author of Nature’s Cancer-Fighting Foods, presented a lot of simple common sense information on how to change your diet to build your immunity against cancer and other diseases.  He emphasized the importance of keeping the “gut” healthy, saying this is where a great deal of immune metabolism takes place.  One food he mentioned was miso – this is a paste you can buy at any health food store made from fermented soy.  Add one tablespoon of the paste to hot water, add some cut up veggies and/or rice, simmer for a few minutes and you have an instant soup.  Because it’s fermented, miso is full of the healthy bacteria (lactobacillus acidopholis) that strengthens digestion and helps fight off pathogens.

When asked which foods in particular help in the healing of cancer, Verne replied that virtually all natural foods (vegetables, whole grains, etc) facilitate the healing of cancer because they are high in nutrition and have their own natural detox properties.  See Verne’s book, Nature’s Cancer-Fighting Foods, for more details.

Verne also emphasized the need for patients to take an honest look at their life and why they are motivated to get better.  “Why do you want to get better?” he asked a patient of his many years ago on the first visit.  The man described a life of struggle and conflict – it was clear that his relationships, his work, his children were all a burden to him.  He seemed embarrassed to admit that his will to get better was not that strong.  He seemed unnerved by Verne’s direct question.  The man never returned after that first visit, but years later Verne ran into him in Seattle at a lecture.  He had moved to Seattle to buy a fishing boat, something he had always wanted to do.  He now owned several boats and was a successful commercial fisherman.  He was enjoying his life again and was happy to report to Verne that his cancer had gone into remission. 

Verne is now based in Chicago but does phone consultations on a regular basis with people throughout the US.  His number is (310) 967-7700.

Citizens for Health:

Frank Cuny, president of Citizens for Health (see www.citizenshealth.org), talked about two federal bills that will give MD’s greater freedom in using unapproved medical practices and devices.  These are HR 1964 and S 1378. 

Both bills are sponsored by the American Preventative Medical Association.  Here’s an excerpt from the APMA website, www.apma.net/federalaffairs-amta.htm:

“We are now focusing our energies on achieving passage of the Access to Medical Treatment Act - HR 1964 / S 1378, which states specifically that individuals can use unapproved medical devices and drugs, so long as they follow the consumer protection measures outlined in the bill. The legislation allows for interstate shipment of unapproved drugs and devices, and protects practitioners who prescribe unapproved drugs, if the practitioners meet the informed consent and other stringent requirements that are designed to protect patients; improve access to safe and effective treatments; and gather data on those therapies and devices. We believe this bill will put the decision-making authority back where it belongs: between the patient and the practitioner. It will also significantly broaden the options available to American consumers, and ensure that they receive these therapies under carefully prescribed circumstances. “

Frank asked audience members to WRITE A LETTER to their federal senators and Congress-member asking support for the bills.

Frank is also in the process of developing legislative support for and preparing two bills for MD’s in California – one that broadens the scope of approved medical practice for MD’s to include alternative therapies, and one that specifically allows for alternativ/integrative therapies to be used in the treatment of cancer.  For information on California bills and efforts to support these bills, go to www.citizenshealth.org  Also, to receive updates and information from Citizens for Health via email, send an email to freedom@citizenshealth.org.

Iscar (called Iscador in Europe):

Iscar - I spoke with Michele Sanz, Manager of the Medical Division for Weleda (manufacturer of the drug Iscar) about Iscar.  Iscar is now an FDA approved drug which your MD can prescribe as an adjunct or complimentary therapy to chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery.  It is not marketed as a stand-alone or primary therapy, although some people have used it this way (in conjunction with nutrition, diet and emotional healing) successfully.

Iscar is a special preparation of the extract of Mistletoe (botanical name Viscum Album).  The preparation is homeopathic-like in that it involves some dilution and succussion (rigorous stirring or shaking) in its manufacturing process, but it is not homeopathic per se. 

There are three injectibles, each derived from a different species of the Mistletoe plant.  One product is typically most suitable for female cancers (ovarian, uterine, breast), one is typically most suitable for male cancers (prostate), and the third is typically most suitable for systemic cancers (leukemia, hodgkins lymphoma).

(By the way, you might have heard that Iscar is one of the therapies that Suzanne Sommers is using in the treatment of her breast cancer.  Michele confirmed this to be true.)

I asked Michele how people can find a doctor in their area that works with Iscar.  She recommended that people call her organization and arrange to have information sent to their oncologist.  The Iscar information line number is 1-800-289-1969.  For more information on Iscar, see www.iscardor.com

International Association of Cancer Victors and Friends, Inc.:

At the exhibit, I met with administrators from the International Association of Cancer Victors and Friends, Inc.  This is an information and referral organization (similar to Cancer Cure Foundation) which has local chapters throughout the US.  They have an extensive list of individuals that have gone to alternative/integrative doctors and clinics for cancer treatment.  If you’re interested in getting this list (which includes phone numbers so you can connect with these individuals and talk with them about their experiences), and/or if you’d like to see if there is a support group in your area, call the IACVF at (310) 822-5032.

Klinik St. Georg, Dr. Douwes:

Dr. Douwes gave an overview of Klinik St. Georg in Germany and then focused specifically on hyperthermia.  Klinik St. Georg is a large in-patient hospital (120 beds) that offers a wide range of integrative approaches for the treatment of cancer.  Dr. Douwes emphasized the need to “not throw the baby out with the bath water” – that is, to continue to embrace the tools offered by conventional medicine, but to use them discriminately and synergistically with holistic approaches.  Along these lines, Klinik St. Georg offers chemotherapy and low-dose radiation therapy to patients, when appropriate.

I spoke with Dr. Douwes later in the day, at which time he described how the clinic integrates more subtle approaches (such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs, reiki, homeopathy and art therapy) with some of the more physically aggressive approaches such as hyperthermia.  In essence, the protocol is phased – for critical situations the more aggressive approaches are used until the patient‘s cancer growth has been checked and their immunity has been strengthened.  Then the more subtle approaches are introduced to help change the terrain so the cancer doesn’t return.

His commitment to developing a program that addresses the whole person and that utilizes a wide range of holistic approaches was evident.

Hyperthermia is the use of heat to raise body temperature to a point that causes cancer cells to die.  Dr. Douwes showed pictures of machines that are used for localized hyperthermia (for more localized cancers), and for full body hyperthermia (for systemic or metastasized cancers).  He also showed several slides of the tumors of patients with cancer – before and after their hyperthermia treatment phases.  The “after” slides showed evidence that the hyperthermia treatments contributed to tumor reduction and in many cases dissolution.

For more information on Klink St. Georg, go to our web page on them at http://www.cancure.org/klinik_st_george.htm or their website -  http://www.klinik-st-georg.de/english/Seiten/alles.htm.

Oasis of Hope – Dr. Contreras:

Dr. Contreras Jr. presented an overview of the Oasis of Hope hospital and their treatment protocols.  

In addition, he introduced a young woman who was celebrating her 10 year anniversary in recovering from leukemia.  The woman read a testimonial of her experience with Oasis of Hope.  She had been diagnosed at the age of 11 and, after a large media event in the US highlighting her parent’s struggle with Child Protective Services, was able to leave the US and arrive at Oasis of Hope hospital for treatment.  Her treatment had included a range of nutritional and immune system support therapies, as well as prayer and Bible study with Dr. Contreras Sr.  It was evident from her presentation that she felt very supported in her healing process while at Oasis, and that she still had strong feelings of warmth and appreciation for Dr. Contreras Jr. and the Oasis staff.

As part of her 10 year recovery celebration, she played the violin for the audience.  It was a real treat to listen to.  She’s a gifted musician and her enthusiasm and zest for life seemed to send the message, “I recovered and you can to.”

For more information, go to our web page on them at http://www.cancure.org/oasis_hospital.htm, or their website at www.oasisofhope.com.

John Boik, Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy:

John Boik gave a presentation summarizing some of the findings discussed in his new book, Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy (available through www.ompress.com).  One of John’s central points was that natural compounds (that is, key compounds found in well known herbs, nutritional supplements, and nutraceuticals used in the treatment of cancer) are most effective when used synergistically.  This is due, in part, to the fact that there are seven clusters of pro-cancer events that contribute to the growth and spread of cancer cells, and that natural compounds (when used individually), only target a portion of these events.

An excerpt from John’s book describes his conclusions well:

“A well-designed combination of compounds will target all seven clusters of pro-cancer events, a task a single compound could not perform.  In addition, since most natural compounds inhibit several … events, a large combination of natural compounds will redundantly target all seven…  Redundant targeting is useful in that if one compound fails to perform its task, another is available to back it up.  Redundancy is in fact common in stable systems.  In nature, for example, biologic diversity provides redundant controls of insect pest populations.”

John also pointed out that in using natural compounds individually in the treatment of cancer, relatively large doses are required to insure effectiveness.  He compared the concentrations required for most natural compounds (discussed in his book) to be active in vitro (1 – 50 uM) with the average effective concentration for nine common chemotherapy drugs (.48uM). 

For 65% of the natural compounds he studied, concentrations this high would most likely cause adverse effects.  However, when used synergistically all of the compounds could be used at lower (safe) doses and still maintain their effectiveness.

John also listed some of the “gotcha’s” to be aware of when using nutritional supplements in the treatment of cancer.  These are:

• Single antioxidants may be problematic, especially when used at high doses.
• Genistein (found in soy) may be problematic with estrogen-sensitive cancers (such as breast and ovarian cancers). 
• Single compounds may be of limited use (in other words, don’t put all of your faith in one product, synergism is the key)
• High doses of vitamin E or EPA (fish oils) may be problematic for individuals with bleeding disorders and individuals scheduled for surgery (since they thin the blood).
•   High doses of the fat soluble vitamins A or D3 may be toxic
• Hypercin (found in St. John’s Wort) may contribute to photosensitivity (sensitivity to light.)
• Some tonics may cause insomnia or restlessness.
• Many supplements and nutraceuticals can cause gastrointestinal upset when used at high doses.
• Melatonin may cause tiredness and grogginess during the day.

In addition, John made specific statements about what the research shows so far about the compatibility of some natural compounds with chemotherapy.  

• Genistein (soy isoflavone) – is probably safe with chemotherapy, but there are still many questions to be explored.
• Glutamine (an amino acid) – improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduces gastrointestinal side effects  
• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil – should be compatible with chemotherapy, although these may increase the risk of bleeding  
• PSK (polysaccharide K) and Astragalus – useful to increase energy and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. Also, these are unlikely to interfere with chemotherapy and radiotherapy (PSK is found in some mushroom extracts, and some mushroom products such as MGN-3. Astragalus is an immunostimulant herb used in Chinese medicine.)  
• Antioxidants – from one of John’s slides “Most animal studies suggest antioxidants like melatonin, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as some antioxidant drugs protect animals from doxorubicin– or cisplatin– induced toxicity without interfering with the drug’s antitumor effects.”  
• Primary antioxidants (Vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, NAC, etc) – are best used in combinations and at moderate doses  

• "Synergistic or near-synergistic interactions occur between large numbers of natural compounds when tested against two human cancer cell lines. Antagonistic interactions do not occur."  
• “Cancer cell inhibition is less variable when using large combinations compared to individual compounds.”  
• “The use of large combinations may allow lower doses of individual compounds to be used without sacrificing effectiveness. Such combinations may inhibit cancer more uniformly.”  

For more information about John’s work with natural compounds, or to obtain a copy of his latest book, Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy, for yourself or your doctor, check out John’s website at www.ompress.com.

Dr. Jim Chan, N.D., Biological Treatments for Cancer in Canada

Dr. Chan spoke about biological approaches used in Canada.  He also discussed how many of the chemotherapies and drugs come from plant sources.  Instead of the 3 conventional approaches, he recommends using conventional approaches with alternative. He discussed many of the cytotoxic herbs, taxol from the bark of the yew tree, platinimun, and other approaches used in conventional therapy that can be done in lower doses when combined with alternative approaches and bio-oxidative treatments.    

He spoke about many approaches and products he and others use. These include the use of Curaderm from Australia for melanoma and basil cell carcinomas, colon hydrotherapy, IPT therapy, Poly MVA (he has some concerns about the dosages that are used), hyperthermia (he has some reservations about hyperthermia), and nutritional approaches. He discussed the use of Ginsing, which he had always been told not to use in the treatment of cancer - now it has been modified and components of it are being used successfully.

Dr. Chan has two clinics in Vancouver, British Columbia and can be reached by phone at (604) 435-3786. 

Dr. Douglas Brodie - Cancer Fighting Protocols Update

Dr. Brodie discussed the protocols he uses at his clinic in Reno, Nevada.  He treats many people who also do chemotherapy and radiation at other facilities.  His approaches help these treatments work better and with fewer side effects. Approaches and products used at his clinic include dmso, IPT therapy, laetrile,  cytokines, IV infusions of vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin C. 

Our website on him is at http://www.cancure.org/dr_brodie.htm, or go to his website at http://www.drbrodie.com/.