Vitamin D3 Healing Prostate Cancer

             You see Vitamin D everywhere. It’s in multivitamins and sold on grocery shelves, added to milk, discussed on talk shows. If you’ve Prostate Cancer, there are some important facts you should know about Vitamin D. First - even the staunchest supporters of our medical system will agree certain levels are needed for a body to function at optimal health. Second - most men over 50, and especially those with Prostate Cancer, are deficient in Vitamin D. Third - most medical researchers will agree that Vitamin D appears to decrease the risk of death from cancer, and that higher levels of Vitamin D may be linked to lower cancer risk. So what is it, and what does it do? Vitamin D is a group of ‘fat soluble’ secosteroids (This means it’s best taken with a large meal that includes fat!). It’s said that D3 is the most important part of Vitamin D, and the less problematic. Most all agree Vitamin D is responsible for the regulation of calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, boron, and zinc. 

             Many understand its more complex nature, and believe it guides healthy DNA replication, cellular division and is responsible for producing over 200 anti-microbial peptides, thereby reducing cellular mutation, fighting infections and reducing silent inflammation. Since cancer is believed to be caused by mutations in genes that regulate cellular proliferation, and Vitamin D protects against cancer by affecting over 200 genes to regulate important aspects of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, you can see the importance of Vitamin D. If fact studies have shown that those deficient in Vitamin D stand a 30% to 50% increased rate of Prostate Cancer. 

             In one study supplementing with D3 to raise Vitamin D blood level saturation above 50 ng/ml cut in half the risk of developing certain cancers, MS, and diabetes.  Vitamin D has been used for many health issues including preventing and treating: rickets, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, skin conditions, PMS, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, autism, cancers, and more.

            The human body is an amazing machine. We obviously need Vitamin D to survive, so the body makes its own Vitamin D with exposure to sunlight. It’s said just 6 days of quality sunlight exposure will make up for 49 cloudy days for a ‘healthy young body’ producing Vitamin D. When we’re young, and living in a sunny climate, our skin exposed to sun generally makes all the Vitamin D we need. As we get older we loose many of the skin receptors necessary to make Vitamin D. We also spend less time in the sun because of work and health issues. Many of us live in climates that don’t provide the necessary sunshine. With that said, if you have Prostate Cancer you have a 60% to 70% chance of having inadequate, low levels of Vitamin D.

            So what does it all mean for Prostate Cancer? Recent studies have shown the importance of Vitamin D. In a 2012 study supplementation with 4,000iu of D3 per day for one year resulted in a reduction of positive cores upon a repeat biopsy. While the exact mechanism may not be understood the results suggest that the cancer load has been reduced due to the Vitamin D. In a 2011 study it was found that D3 and testosterone work together to have a positive affect on cell proliferation, cell death, and cell motility, thereby affecting prostate cancer progression and therapeutic outcomes. This study suggests that supplementation with D3 may slow or halt the progression of Prostate Cancer. 

A laboratory study found that supplementation with D3 may suppress Circulating Prostate Cancer Cell’s ability to adhere and metastasize. If you are on the watch and wait program, this certainly could help you sleep better at night. In another laboratory study it was found that Vitamin D Deficiency stimulates Prostate Cancer growth in bone, whereas more Vitamin D retards its growth. 

            With supplements of Vitamin D3 so easily available, then why is it so many are deficient in Vitamin D. Possibly because our standard medical profession is great at fixing broken bones, and patching obvious medical issues but when it comes to nutrition, and sustainable health, they are sorely lacking. How many times has you doctor suggested you get a Vitamin D check? It obviously should be a primary test if you are diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Now knowing the importance of Vitamin D, you may decide to start supplementation on your own, but here’s the rub. Too much Vitamin D can be Toxic, and there are optimal blood saturation levels to support you cancer healing. Vitamin D overdose can show up as a buildup of calcium in your blood causing loss of appetite, even nausea and vomiting. It can also show up as weakness, frequent urination, and kidney problems. This is why it’s 'so important' to get your doctor involved, get tested, and monitor your Vitamin D on a regular basis.

            Start with a doctor ordered 25(OH)D Test (also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D test), it’s more accurate than the 1,25(OH)D test. My original test came back at 32.7 ng/ml, which is considered insufficient… and here I’m dealing with Prostate Cancer.  The Vitamin D council has set the following ranges for test results: 0-30 ng/ml = Deficient, 31-39 ng/ml = Insufficient, 40-80 ng/ml = Sufficient, and over 150 = Toxic. The Endocrine Society and the Food and Nutrition Board have lower guidelines while most testing laboratories generally consider 32-100 ng/ml to be in an acceptable range. With baseline test in hand, discuss with your doctor the best amount of D3 supplementation to reach your target goal. Because of my Prostate Cancer we set my target at 70-80ng/ml. I started taking 10,000iu of a high quality D3 per day. (Note: D3 may also be included in other supplements such as fish oil and multivitamins. Be sure to account for all your different sources. Also adjust according to how much time you’re spending soaking up sunshine.) After approximately 2 months my Vitamin D serum level had risen to 53.4 ng/ml. It’s an acceptable level and healthy change, but not yet where I need to be. I reduced my D3 intake to 8,000iu per day and will have it checked again concurrent with my PSA test next month. Thereafter I’ll go on a maintenance dose, probably around 4,000iu to 6,000iu per day with regular tests. Many believe that 4,000iu is the maximum acceptable D3 supplementation without doctor supervision. I believe it’s important to get tested.

            Vitamin D is just one more piece of the healing puzzle for Prostate Cancer. Most likely there will not be a magic pill that completely handles the situation, but with all the healing pieces put together there’s tremendous power; and I have to believe I’m a whole lot healthier than when I first stared this journey.    

           

ONCOblot vs Biopsy - A Safer Test

Over 248,000 New Cases of Prostate Cancer will be diagnosed just in the USA this year. Ouch! Overall, as an American male, you stand a 1 in 6 chance of getting prostate cancer in your lifetime. Not happy odds. The standard medical process for diagnosing prostate cancer is through a digital rectal exam and PSA test. Unfortunately neither of these is accurate, but up until now they’re that's available. The problem with the PSA test is that many things throw it off. Riding a motorcycle - even a bicycle, having prostatitis or anther infection, even making love to your wife to soon before the test may cause results to skyrocket. When PSA climbs, the first words out of your doctor’s mouth will probably be, “We need a biopsy to check for cancer”.

There are around One Million prostate cancer biopsies performed each year in the USA. Many of these, as much as 75%, will be negative for cancer. The process is reasonably, to minimally painful. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. What doctors don’t often tell you is that cancer cells can be missed even when the biopsy is guided with trans-rectal ultrasound; that up to 4% of men who have a biopsy need hospitalization for infections that are resistant to antibiotics; and even a single biopsy may over time spread cancer outside the prostate, increasing the need for more drastic treatment. As one senior oncologist put it, the biopsy process creates wounds in the prostate. These are along the paths where needles are inserted to obtain tissues for testing. To heal that wound the body brings in growth hormone causing cells to grow faster. Prostate cancer loves growth hormone and when a biopsy needle punctures a cancer cluster, the cancer cells will grow out along the path of the wound (like little pacmen gobbling the growth hormone) until they eventually escape from the prostate. The cancer then starts circulating within the body looking for another place to attach and grow.

While a prostate biopsy does define the presence and severity of any cancer it finds and may never be completely eliminated, the issue becomes what of the approximate 75% of men where cancer is not found. Are these 750,000 biopsies putting men to unnecessary risk? What about the prostate cancers the biopsy needles miss? Are these men missing a chance to take early steps that might help their bodies to fend off an initial cancer attack, or be more easily cured? Fortunately there are a few new tests promising better reliability, and a safer process. Unfortunately some of these are so new that they are not yet covered by insurance. They include the ONCOblot Test looking for the ENOX2 protein, the MiPS Test looking for a specific gene fusion in urine to define the probability of prostate cancer, and better MRI/ultrasound imaging. Just click on these links, or go Prostate Screening Tests at the top of this page to find out more.

Hyperthermia for Cancer Treatment

            Hyperthermia treatment for many forms of cancer has been around for a very long time. Most consider the treatment safe with no known major complications. Of course we are all different and any medical treatment can have some issues. Always check for these with your medical provider prior to treatment, and review their hold-harmless clauses. Hyperthermia is used in varying procedures around the world. In the USA all medical procedures are tightly regulated, and only certain forms of hyperthermia treatment are approved regardless of results. The most common use of hyperthermia in the USA is as a supplemental treatment to increase the effectiveness of radiation or chemotherapy. There are generally three categories of hyperthermia treatment that include localized, regional and whole body. The goal of each of these treatments is to raise the cancerous tissue to a temperature above 107º F for an extended period of time. According to studies temperatures between 104º F and approximately 111º F are cytotoxic for cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells unchanged. Pending on type of treatment and treating facility, higher temperatures may be applied. While hyperthermia treatment in the US is used sparingly with limited results, doctors in Europe using more refined procedures are having much greater success.

            Initially I was intrigued with this treatment by a hyperthermia article over the internet. I then began an extensive research into the process and interviewed previous prostate cancer patients in the USA and around the world. Based on this information, I decided in April of 2013 to travel to Germany for Hyperthermia treatment for my prostate cancer. The official terminology for this treatment is Transurethral Hyperthermia. It has been nearly a year since the treatment, and while I have not seen the dramatic improvement other patients experienced, I believe my prostate cancer is marginally better. It definitely has not gotten any worse. My article in this Blog is a complete recount of the treatment at Klinik St Georg in Bad Aidling, Germany, along with results, comments and suggestions. It’s a bit long, but it covers a year of treatment and follow-up. Should you be looking for alternative treatments for your prostate cancer, I would urge you to read the complete article on my Transurethral Hyprethermia, located by clicking the ‘Noteworthy Special Cancer Treatments’ tab at the top of this page.

            After reading my post, I would appreciate the comments of anyone else who has experienced Transurethral Hyperthermia along with the short and long term results they received from the process. In the USA alone this year there will be over 248,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed. It’s time we started talking about prostate cancer more, and giving it the attention it deserves. Our lives, and the quality of life for our loved ones, depends on it.

 

15) Maitake MD-fraction, Maitake Gold 404

Maitake MD-fraction has been shown in various studies to (1) exhibit strong anticancer activity by increasing macrophage, natural killer (NK) cell, and cytotoxic T-cell activity; (2) induce death in and slow the growth of cancer cells; (3) prevent the spread of cancer cells and (4) protect healthy cells from becoming cancerous. It also may work in conjunction with chemotherapy to lesson chemo related side effects. Identified as Maitake D-fraction in 1984 by Dr. Nanba of Kobe Pharmaceutical University, he later purified his extraction from the Maitake mushroom into Maitake MD-fraction, under patent Number 5,854,404 which is said to be around 30% more bioactive than his original formula.

           

In one study a combination of MD-fraction and whole Maitake powder was investigated to determine its effectiveness for 22- to 57-year-old cancer patients in stages II-IV. Cancer regression or significant symptom improvement was observed in 58.3 percent of liver cancer patients, 68.8 percent of breast cancer patients, and 62.5 percent of lung cancer patients; though the trial found a less than 10-20 percent improvement for leukemia, stomach cancer, and brain cancer patients. Unfortunately there has been little human research and clinical trials studying Maitake and Prostrate Cancer. A 2001 study conducted at the Toya Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan found that Maitake polysaccharides increased the killing power of macrophage immune cells, and another study by researchers at the New York Medical College, found that beta-glucan, a polysaccharide from Maitake, drastically slowed the growth of Prostate cancer cells, causing a nearly complete cancer cell death. Obviously more clinical studies are needed.

In addition to its reported cancer fighting qualities Maitake supplementation has also been used to regulate blood pressure, glucose and insulin, serum and liver lipids, and even for weight loss. There have been few reported side effects from taking Maitake MD-fraction. It appears the one area of concern is that Maitake can lower blood sugar and therefore those with low blood sugar should consult with their doctor before taking this supplement.

There is little hard data about dosage for Maitake MD-fraction. Many reports appear to recommend 0.5 to 1.0mg for each 2 pounds of body weight. I have chosen to start on the low end of this scale, taking 45mg of the Maitake MD-fraction per day and await the results. It is best taken on an empty stomach.

14) Cancer Fighting Supplements - CoQ10

CoQ10 has shown interesting promise in the process to release Prostate Cancer. As an integral part of cells throughout the body, its’ purpose is to transform food into the energy our cells use to grow and stay healthy. First identified in 1957, it is known under many names including CoQ10, Q10, Vitamin Q10, Ubiquinone and Ubidecarenone. CoQ10 is also used as an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals and helps the immune system work well by stimulating the production of antibody, macrophage and T cell levels. Of special note, without supplementation the older we get the less CoQ10 we have.

Though preliminary studies using CoQ10 have successfully treated Prostate Cancer, there have been no long-term extensive studies to date. In 1993, during its’ first clinical trial, Dr. Folkers found treating breast cancer with a dosage of 390mg per day that the cancer tumor disappeared. Another woman in the same study increased her dosage to 300mg per day and her tumor also disappeared with no evidence of metastases. Follow-up studies to this work were done by Dr. William Judy in Florida on patients with Prostate Cancer. Of the thirty (30) patients who were treated with 500mg CoQ10 daily, all fifteen (15) with no metastases had their PSA level return to normal, and eight (8) of fifteen (15) with metastases saw their PSA scores return to normal. In another CoQ10 study six (6) patients were treated with 500mg CoQ10 for 120 days and all six had their PSA scores return to normal. Dr Judy’s results from these and other studies indicated to her that within four (4) months of treatment with CoQ10, Prostate Cancer PSA’s began to lower and that in a year of treatment PSA scores generally dropped 75% while prostate mass was decrease by around 64%.

These results have since found additional support. A preliminary study at the University of Granada confirmed that CoQ10 significantly lowered prostate cancer cell growth without harming non-cancerous cells. In 2006 Researchers from the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine found that CoQ10 was inducing cancer cell death. They discovered that CoQ10 was counteracting the Bcl-2 in cells, which acted to take away the natural ability of a cancer cell to kill itself. They determined that supplementing with CoQ10 reversed the effects of the Bcl-2 thereby making cancer cells more susceptible to chemo and radiation treatments, and the body’s own natural cell death process. A further study showed that CoQ10 significantly reduced cancer cell growth without affecting normal cells.

I know of no serious side effects reported with taking CoQ10, though those at risk for cardiovascular disease should consult their doctor before using. Minor side effects include: insomnia, rashes, headache, feeling irritable or tired, higher than normal levels of liver enzymes, or general allergic reactions. Should these occur stop using CoQ10 and seek professional help.

Suggested dosage for supplemental treatment of Prostate Cancer should be a minimum of 300mg up to 500mg per day taken with a teaspoon of oil for better absorption as it dissolves in fat. I often take mine with hot green tea with some coconut oil melted in the tea. You may also take CoQ10 with food. Lower dosages of CoQ10 have shown poor or sporadic results, and you must work up to the effective dosage gradually. Finally this is not a quick fix as it generally takes CoQ10 at least four (4) months to start showing results. So if you have a more aggressive Prostate Cancer be sure to take the time frame into consideration and consider using CoQ10 only as part of a much larger healing process. CoQ10 is readily available through most health supplement stores, and there are some sources where the price is more attractive.

Next Installment: Cancer Fighting Supplements – Maitake MD-fraction, Maitake Gold 404

13) Cancer Fighting Supplements - IP6

Over time, abundant research has shown that IP6 can be very effective against cancer, including Prostate Cancer. The good news is that most of us eat it every day. Every time we enjoy dried beans, whole grains, nut, seeds, rice, wheat germ, corn, or sesame we are consuming some small amount of IP6. An interest study between the Danes and the Finns provides an example of the natural benefits of IP6. The Danes eat nearly twice as much fiber as the Finns, but their form of fiber does not include IP6. The Finns eat a lot of porridge with abundant IP6. The Danes experience nearly two times more cancer than the Finns.

Also know as inositol hexophosphate or phytic acid, IP6 is a sugar molecule with six phosphate groups. When normally consumed in food, IP6 is protein-bound and not as effectively absorbed or used as well by our body as when taken directly in the form of a supplement. It is also more effective when taken with Inositol. The two together form IP3 that more easily enters cancer cells.

IP6 was first discovered in 1855 and in addition to cancer treatment; it has been used for treating diabetes, depression, osteoporosis, heart disease, kidney stones, and boosting the immune system. In relation to cancer treatment it has been shown to slow or normalize the rate at which cancer cells divide; facilitate the repair of DNA; increase p53 gene activity by up to 17 times thereby preventing cancer cells from growing; reduce inflammation thereby reducing the cytokines that assist in cancer cell growth; enhance the normal death of cancer cells; inhibit the process wherein tumors setup their own blood supply resulting in the starvation of cancer cells; and reduce the adhesion of cancer cells to proteins thereby reducing cancer cell migration.

Though there have been several human studies showing that IP6 stops the growth of Prostate Cancer cells, much of the work with IP6 comes from Lab Studies with Mice using human Prostate Cancer cells. During the time of these studies the mice that were fed IP6 had their prostate cancer tumors reduced by 44% to 62% over the control groups along with around a 3.5 fold increase in the death of their cancer cells. Another study found that IP6 activated the p21 and p27 genes that played an important role in cancer cell death.  Additional work has been done with IP6 and iron chelation from cancer cells, thus limiting tumor growth. It is believed that tumor cells utilize iron as a necessary growth factor. Drugs such as desferrioxamine, doxorubicin, and deferiprone are thought to treat cancer by removing iron from cancer cells, but also have a poor ability to get inside the cancer cells or are toxic to normal cells including the heart. IP6 on the other hand is found in every cell in the body. It does not remove iron from red blood cells, and healthy cells are not affected by IP6 with its low to no toxicity. Because it so effectively penetrates cancer cells removing their iron, and is non-toxic, it is an obvious choice to treat cancer.

Purchased in powder form on-line or at any supplement store, suggested dosage for cancer prevention is around 1g to 2g daily. When treating Prostate Cancer suggested dosage for IP6 is 4g to 8g per day combined with 1.5g to 2g of Inositol. This should be taken on an empty stomach and mixes very well in warm water. I combine IP6, Inositol, and Pectasol-C with very warm water first thing in the morning about 30-45 minutes before breakfast. Though IP6 and Inositol have low toxicity, have shown no side effects, and are felt safe by most, there is some evidence that they slow blood clotting so be sure to mention their use to your doctor before surgery. Also since IP6 removes iron from the body, check on this if you are being treated for anemia. Finally as with many supplements, it is generally a good rule to take a few day break from consuming IP6 once a month for a few days to let the body rest.

My research has shown that the IP6/Inositol combination is an effective part of my process to release my Prostate Cancer. My hope is that more human studies will occur in the future with this inexpensive, readily available, effective supplement to fight cancer. Certainly there have been enough scientists and medical professionals who would agree that IP6 should be considered as a clinically effective part of the process to Release Prostate Cancer. 

Next Installment: Cancer Fighting Supplements - CoQ10

12) Cancer Fighting Supplements - Quercetin

Quercetin, a member of the Flavonoid family, is one of the subjects of ongoing exploration in the fight against Prostate Cancer. A supplement, it is available at any health food/vitamin store or online. As a potent antioxidant, it inhibits the replication of cancer cells according to an American Medical Association study. Though Flavonoids have many functions in plants, simply put they can be considered as plant pigments found in fruits, flowers, and vegetables that give the plants their color. There are thousands of different Flavonoids in nature.

Quercetin comes primarily from citrus fruits, apples, onions, parsley, tea, and red wine. It has been shown to have healthful antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and antiviral effects. It can improve the health of capillaries; reduce the risk of atherosclerosis; inhibit an enzyme that plays a part in the formation of diabetic cataract, neuropathy, and retinopathy; enhance the action of vitamin C; promote bone density; and much more. 

Prostate studies have shown exciting results from the use of Quercetin. In one study it was seen to reduce the symptoms of Prostatitis. Another study indicates Quercetin may be more effective than resveratrol in terms of inhibiting cancer cell growth. The effects of Quercetin combating Prostate Cancer have been shown to be especially true on Highly and Moderately Aggressive Prostate Cancer Cells. Another study showed that Quercetin inhibited the expression and function of the androgen receptor involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer thereby halting its growth. Several studies through the University of Pittsburgh have also shown Quercetin to promote and enhance the death of prostate cancer cells. These results, And More, support the valuable roles of Quercetin, and other Flavonoids as cancer chemopreventive and treatment agents.

Think about it. Quercetin comes naturally from fruits and vegetables that in our western diet are so poorly eaten. When considering the value of Quercetin, there is little wonder in my mind why those who consume fresh juices, smoothies, and lightly cooked soups, made from Organic fruits and vegetables are on the road to health. Whether you consider Quercetin as keeping cancer cells from dividing, slowing their growth, or as killing the cancer cells as some studies suggest, it is a formidable power in the fight against Prostate Cancer and should be part of your regimen.

Side effects when taking Quercetin are few, and it is generally well tolerated. In limited cases such things as mouth sores, headaches, and digestive upset including heartburn, or acid reflux have been reported. It also may reduce the effectiveness of other forms of estrogen, and enhance the effect of such medications as Warfarin (Coumadin), Clopidogrel (Plavix), and Aspirin thereby increasing the risk for bleeding. In some cases taking too much Quercetin can manifest itself in joint discomfort. As always you should check with a trusted medical professional for drug interaction or if you experience any of these symptoms.

Suggested dosage is between 200mg and 500mg per day. Larger doses can be taken daily but should be spread out. Though single doses up to 4 gram have been taken with no side effects, an upper limit of 1,500mg spread 3 times per day should probably be considered. As it does not digest well, for proper absorption it is important to take Quercetin with proteolytic enzymes, especially Bromelain. I am currently taking 500mg per day first thing in the morning along with proteolytic enzymes. 

Next installment: Cancer Fighting Supplements - IP6