Oxycodone: same as morphine?

[Guest guest]

In the past year, I have tried a couple of different tumor-fighting

protocols. I added Oncolyn to my regime, and intitally I had

significant shrinkage, but then it just seemed to stop working. I

began using artemisinin and bindweed with the same result. Initial

tumor regression and then it too became ineffective.

Cancer has now completely ulcerated my breast. Needless to say,

it's very painful. I have been taking massive doses of oxycodone

for pain relief; I'm at the point where I have an extremely high

tolerance. 160 mg of the time-released barely helps, and it takes

60 mg of the immediate release to relieve breakthrough.

I think I might finally have my answer to why every initially

promising protocol I've tried has stopped working. This evening I

accidentally came upon an article at the LEF website:

" Morphine has other deleterious effects on the cancer patient. In

addition to impairing immune function, morphine stimulates

angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth that feeds rapidly dividing

tumors), activates a tumor cell survival signal, and inhibits

apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cancer cells (Gupta K. et al.

2002). All of these negative effects occur at morphine doses

typically given to cancer patients. "

" In one study, morphine was specifically shown to promote the growth

of a human breast tumor implanted into an animal. Interestingly, an

analgesic-antagonist drug called naloxone inhibited tumor growth

(Maneckjee et al. 1990). Based on the findings, the scientists who

conducted this study suggested that the proangiogenesis effect of

opioids (morphine) might be detrimental to cancer patients (Gupta et

al. 2002). " (C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Temporary

Internet Files\Content.IE5\IR30SWOK\cancer.lef.org_surgery.html)

I found that oxycodone is a " semisynthetic " drug similar to morphine:

" Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opiate agonist derived from the opioid

alkaloid, thebaine, and is similar to other phenanthrene derivatives

such as hydrocodone and morphine. Oxycodone is used to control

moderate to severe pain, including cancer pain, postoperative,

postextractional, and postpartum pain and non-pain syndromes such as

restless leg and Tourette syndromes. Oxycodone has the same potency

as morphine (but considerably less side effects) and may be an

alternative in users or patients who can not tolerate morphine or

hydromorphone. " (found at http://codeine.50g.com/info/oxycodone.html)

Does anyone know if it shares the same characteristics as morphine

in promoting angiogenisis and inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis?

If it does, is there anyone in the group who can suggest an

effective alternative to oxycodone?

I've tried Tramadol but it didn't help.

--Marcy

[Guest guest]

Hi Marcy,

I'm sorry you are going through such pain and difficulty. I searched

the web and found more information that supports your discoveries.

In this study the authors say that oxycodone works in the same way

as morphine to promote tumor growth. It seems to be a follow up to

the 2002 study you quoted by Gupta and others:

http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/opanpromtumg.html

Opioid Analgesics Promote Tumor Growth by Stimulating NOS/COX-2

Signaling: Prevention by COX-2 Inhibitors

Jesus A. Cabrera, * J. , Rong Luo, *Brent W. ,

Udager, Surajit Dhara,*Chang W. Song, P. Hebbel & Kalpna

Gupta.

Division of Hematology, Oncology & Transplantation & *Therapeutic

Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Opioids are a cornerstone therapy for treatment of cancer pain. We

showed that morphine promotes breast tumor growth in mice by

stimulating tumor angiogenesis (Gupta, K. et al, Cancer Research 2002).

We demonstrate that hydromorphone, fentanyl, and oxycodone in

clinically relevant doses promote tumor growth and tumor

neovascularization to the same extent as morphine.

--------------------------

" mpormann " wrote:

> Does anyone know if it shares the same characteristics as morphine

> in promoting angiogenisis and inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis?

> If it does, is there anyone in the group who can suggest an

> effective alternative to oxycodone? > > --Marcy

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much, for finding that support documentation. The

doc who has been prescribing the pain meds for me (at my request)

has been " stymied " by my lack of progress after having such good

initial response. He's been trying to blame it on my use of the

NarCell products CytoFactors and ImmuniT which were recommended to

me by a more holistic practitioner than he. I am going to get

started on the FSO/CC regimen right away. I'll have to wean off the

the oxycodone, of course.

I have long been searching for something to apply topically to these

screaming nerve endings. In desperation, I have been applying

BoilEase (20% benzocainen a base of anhydrous lanolin, camphor,

eucalyptus oil, menthol, petrolatum, thymol, and yellow wax). Today

in my mailbox was a newsletter from the HSI Baltimore group with an

advert for something called Soothanol X2 (Ingredients: Olive Oil,

Calendula Oil, Arnica Oil, St 's Wort Oil, Cayenne, Ginger,

Natural Menthol Crystals, Wintergreen, DMSO, Limonene Oil,, Emu Oil,

and MSM. NO yeast, wheat gluten, soy protein, milk/dairy, corn,

sodium, sugar, starch, artificial coloring, preservatives or

flavoring. Directions for Use: Apply 2-3 drops (or just enough to

cover the area with a thin film of liquid). Rub in with fingertips.

Wash hands before and after use. You may notice a slight burning

sensation upon application. This is normal and may vary in intensity

depending on the person and how much is applied. Avoid contact with

eyes. Do not swallow. Keep out of reach of children.) Any thoughts

on using this?

I have some 92% pure DMSO gel here and thought perhaps I could apply

it " straight " or mix it with turmeric. Comments?

If anyone else has insight, please do jump in.

Best,

Marcy

> > Does anyone know if it shares the same characteristics as

morphine

> > in promoting angiogenisis and inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis?

> > If it does, is there anyone in the group who can suggest an

> > effective alternative to oxycodone? > > --Marcy