Cancer, Chemotherapy & Natural Health Products: Do They Mix?

[Guest guest]

Colleagues, the following is FYI and does not necessarily reflect my own

opinion. I have no further knowledge of the topic.

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American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) Released: Wed

24-Aug-2005, 11:00 ET

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/513934/?sc=dwhp

Cancer, Chemotherapy & Natural Health Products: Do They Mix?

Description

There are more than 200 types of cancer. Conventional treatment for the

disease includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of

the three. When chemotherapy is required, patients frequently suffer

severe side effects. Is there a role for natural health products in

helping manage the side effects and capabilities of chemotherapy?

Newswise — There are more than 200 types of cancer, according to the

Cancer Research Organization (UK). Conventional treatment for the

disease includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of

the three. When chemotherapy (the use of drugs often injected

intravenously to destroy the cancer cells) is required, patients

frequently suffer side effects such as nausea and vomiting, hair loss,

infection, and injury to the gastrointestinal tract. Is there a role for

natural health products in helping manage the side effects and

capabilities of chemotherapy? Like many complex issues, there is no

“yes” or “no” answer, but with the assistance of an expert in the field,

there is some insight.

Presentation

To shed light on the status of existing research and discuss his

observations, Dugald Seely, N.D., MSc. (Cand.) will deliver his remarks

entitled, “Cancer, Chemotherapy and Natural Health Products: Do They

Mix?” at the 20th Annual Convention of the American Association of

Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) (http://www.naturopathic.org/), being

held at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix, AZ, August 24-27, 2005. Dr.

Seely is a research fellow at the Canadian College of Naturopathic

Medicine’s Department of Clinical Epidemiology where he is involved in

establishing the safety and efficacy of natural health products and

therapies used by naturopathic physicians. He is also a member of the

Oncology Association of Naturopathic Medicine and is involved in

developing clinical trials and research methodologies to assess

naturopathic, complementary and alternative medicine.

Demonstrated Results for Chemotherapy, Herbal Products and Side Effects

Dr. Seely suggests that some natural herbal products (NHPs) should not

be consumed when undergoing certain types of chemotherapy. He has

summarized research studies conducted to date that determined the

following about certain natural products:

Some Natural Health Products to Be Avoided During Chemotherapy

* Kava: To be avoided if liver disease exists.

* Soy: To be avoided with the use of tamoxifen, and certain types of

breast and endometrial cancers.

* St. ’s Wort: To be avoided with all types of chemotherapy as it

has been shown to change the metabolism of many drugs.

Natural Herbal Products That May Aid in Treatment/Effects Of Chemotherapy

* Melatonin may aid in the effectiveness, and ginger, and chamomile may

help to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

* No significant interactions have been found to occur when saw

palmetto, black cohosh, or cranberries are consumed during chemotherapy.

Nevertheless, Seely recommends to cease taking most herbal medications

three days prior to a chemotherapy treatment and not to recommence until

two days following treatment.

Research Continues

Research into the relationship between chemotherapy and herbal products

is continuing. Research is now underway at the Toronto Hospital for Sick

Children, involving the effectiveness of select herbal products in

improving the efficacy of treatment in children. Work is also ongoing at

the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine to assess the

effectiveness and safety of natural health products in cancer with or

without combination with chemotherapy and other conventional therapies.

Recent research in oncology at the college has focused on green tea for

the prevention of breast cancer recurrence and the use of melatonin for

improving survival in numerous types of cancer.

Effect of Natural Herbal Products On New Cancer Fighting Strategies

New ways to fight cancer involve targeting the genetic instability of

the DNA, improving the patient’s immune response, reducing nutrient

delivery to cancer cells, and slowing or eliminating the abnormal growth

signals within the cancer cells. According to Seely, bromelain (from

pineapple extract) and astragalus have been shown to positively impact

the immune system. In addition, green tea may slow the delivery of

nutrients to cancer cells by inhibiting the formation of new blood

vessels (angiogenesis).

Demonstrated Effectiveness of Natural Herbal Products on Site-Specific

Cancers

A number of NHPs have demonstrated potential to reduce the growth and

development of site specific cancers. In the case of breast cancer,

bromelain, curcumin, and Vitamin A show the potential to help combat

cancer. In the case of colon, prostate and lung cancer, curcumin may be

an effective deterrent. Vitamin A has also shown beneficial effects

against leukemia cell lines.

Chemopreventive Foods

While controversy exists about the beneficial role of natural health

products in chemotherapy, many food items show the ability to help

prevent cancer. These products include: anise, artichokes, basil,

berries, carrots, cloves, coriander, cruciferous vegetables, fennel,

garlic, ginger, pomegranate, red chili, red grapes, fish, rosemary,

soybeans, green tea, tomato, turmeric, and oleander. Along with an

organic whole foods diet, Seely recommends them to reduce the risk of

preventable cancer.

Conclusion

Some herbal products may be used with, but never as a replacement for,

conventional therapeutic treatment. Before consuming herbal products,

patients must consult with a qualified health care provider. Individuals

seeking help from naturopathic-trained physicians specializing in

oncology can log on to http://www.oncanp.org, the website for the

Oncology Association of Naturopathic Medicine. These practitioners have

specialized training in oncology beyond naturopathic medical school

required for admission.

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) was founded

in 1985 to provide alternative methods for healing human diseases and

disorders than have been traditionally offered in the United States.

Members of the AANP must have graduated from one of North America’s six

accredited graduate schools of naturopathic medicine and served a

clinical residency.

For more information about naturopathic physicians, log on to

http://www.naturopathic.org/.

--

ne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar@... >

" Ask the Parkinson Dietitian " http://www.parkinson.org/

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