Category Archives: Cancer

Can medical herbs stimulate regeneration or neuroprotection and treat neuropathic pain in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy?

Posted on by

“Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN) has a relevant impact on the quality of life of cancer patients. There are no curative conventional treatments, so further options have to be investigated. We conducted a systematic review in English and Chinese language databases to illuminate the role of medical herbs. 26 relevant studies on 5 single herbs, one extract, one receptor-agonist, and 8 combinations of herbs were identified focusing on the single herbs Acorus calamus rhizoma, Cannabis sativa fructus, Chamomilla matricaria, Ginkgo biloba, Salvia officinalis, Sweet bee venom, Fritillaria cirrhosae bulbus, and the herbal combinations Bu Yang Huan Wu, modified Bu Yang Huan Wu plus Liuwei Di Huang, modified Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Wan, Geranii herba plus Aconiti lateralis praeparata radix , Niu Che Sen Qi Wan (Goshajinkigan), Gui Zhi Jia Shu Fu Tang (Keishikajutsubuto), Huang Qi Wu Wu Tang (Ogikeishigomotsuto), and Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (Shakuyakukanzoto). The knowledge of mechanism of action is still limited, the quality of clinical trials needs further improvement, and studies have not yielded enough evidence to establish a standard practice, but a lot of promising substances have been identified.

While CIPN has multiple mechanisms of neuronal degeneration, a combination of herbs or substances might deal with multiple targets for the aim of neuroprotection or neuroregeneration in CIPN.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23983777

Texas A&M Pharmacy Researcher Fights Cancer, Pain With New Cannabinoid Receptor Drug

Posted on by

DrDaiLu

“Dr. Lu has been working to find new types of chemotherapeutic drugs that both kill pancreatic cancer and suppress the cancer pain at the same time by targeting a special G-protein coupled receptor that belongs to the biological system responsible for the effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound derived from some varieties of cannabis (hemp) or made synthetically, that is the primary psychoactive agent in marijuana and hashish.

 Dr. Lu says pancreatic cancer cells have more type 2 cannabinoid receptors than do healthy cells.

 Consequently, drug molecules that selectively activate this receptor can induce cancer cell death without affecting normal pancreatic cells, noting that when given to mice with pancreatic tumors, the molecule prevented tumor growth and suppressed the spread of cancer to healthy organs.

 Meanwhile, this class of compounds also generates painkillers comparable to morphine’s pain killing effect…”

More: http://www.bionews-tx.com/news/2013/08/20/texas-am-pharmacy-researcher-fights-cancer-pain-with-new-cannabinoid-receptor-drug/

Cannabinoids may be a target for new strategies in cancer treatment

Posted on by

“Cannabis-like substances that are produced by the body have both therapeutic and harmful properties, besides their well-known intoxicating effects, and the body’s cannabinoid system may be a target for new strategies in cancer treatment…

Cannabinoids have moreover been shown to affect the fate of cells. Cannabinoids protect some brain cells, whereas cells in certain types of brain tumors, such as glioma, are stimulated to commit controlled cell suicide (apoptosis)…

In summary, the findings of Sofia Gustafsson’s studies show that cannabinoids can be toxic for cancer cells… These findings are important for our knowledge both of the potential of the cannabinoid system as a target system for new strategies in cancer treatment…”

More: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120229/Cannabinoids-may-be-a-target-for-new-strategies-in-cancer-treatment.aspx

HAL BROWN: Medical marijuana could have eased wife’s pain

Posted on by
“My only direct personal experience with the effectiveness of medical marijuana was when my wife was dying of cancer and was on chemo. Without going deeply into details, her life became a living hell as death became imminent.
 

She was very resistant when a friend tried to persuade her to try some marijuana, which he said he could get from his son (a responsible recreational user with a good job, wife, and family). When her Dana Farber oncologist didn’t tell her NOT to try it (being reluctant to tell her TO try it, let’s call it a wink and an affirmative nod), she agreed.

She did so once, and the results were amazing. She had six full hours where her debilitating symptoms were significantly relieved. The severe persistent nausea which plagued her, despite being on three anti-nausea drugs, disappeared. Even so, she refused to try it again. She toughed it out until the end, which was a brutal four days at Brigham and Women’s, as even the strongest pain medication had no effect.

I have little doubt that eventually the chemicals which can relieve diseases and symptoms will be synthesized, and be approved as prescription medications.

Until then, it seems to me that the good of making medical marijuana available for those who get a doctor’s prescription outweighs the bad.

I think almost everyone who has had a loved one suffer with an illness which makes life unbearable, and for which marijuana would help, would agree with me. We need to deal with drug abuse aggressively in Middleboro; but making sick people pay the price for drug abusers by withholding treatment for people truly in need seems cruel and insensitive.

I urge anyone who disagrees with me to read this article from the American Cancer Society website.”

http://www.enterprisenews.com/newsnow/x1343094540/COMMENTARY-Medical-marijuana-could-have-eased-wife-s-pain

Clinical evaluation and optimal management of cancer cachexia.

Posted on by

“Cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) is a complex metabolic syndrome, different from malnutrition and sarcopenia, which is very common in cancer patients. Treatment for CACS is based on nutritional support and CACS pathophysiology-modulating drugs. The most commonly used are megestrol acetate (MA) and corticosteroids. The efficacy of MA has been confirmed by multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses. Glucocorticoids are also effective but should only be used for short periods and in selected cases. Future strategies should include intensified research into potentially effective drugs (ω-3 fatty acids, thalidomide, cannabinoids, ghrelin, bortezomib, and COX-2 inhibitors), combined treatment and new drugs (anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibodies, melanocortin, β-2 antagonists, and androgen receptor-modulating analogues). We propose a review based on the literature on the pathophysiology of CACS, the diagnostic criteria and treatment, and future strategies.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23953794

The medical necessity for medicinal cannabis: prospective, observational study evaluating the treatment in cancer patients on supportive or palliative care.

Posted on by

“Cancer patients using cannabis report better influence from the plant extract than from synthetic products… We followed patients with a medicinal cannabis license to evaluate the advantages and side effects of using cannabis by cancer patients…

 All cancer or anticancer treatment-related symptoms showed significant improvement.

 No significant side effects except for memory lessening in patients with prolonged cannabis use were noted.

Conclusion. The positive effects of cannabis on various cancer-related symptoms are tempered by reliance on self-reporting for many of the variables. Although studies with a control group are missing, the improvement in symptoms should push the use of cannabis in palliative treatment of oncology patients.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23956774

Full Text: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/510392/

Study Links Aspartame To Cancer – News/Science

Posted on by

“Study Links Aspartame To Cancer” http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500368_162-712605.html

 Controversial: The authority¿s view will be welcomed by manufacturers who use aspartame and similar sweeteners in fizzy drinks such as Diet Coke

“First Experimental Demonstration of the Multipotential Carcinogenic Effects of Aspartame Administered in the Feed to Sprague-Dawley Rats” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1392232/ 

“Aspartame administered in feed, beginning prenatally through life span, induces cancers of the liver and lung in male Swiss mice.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20886530 

“Life-Span Exposure to Low Doses of Aspartame Beginning during Prenatal Life Increases Cancer Effects in Rats” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1964906/

“Aspartame induces lymphomas and leukaemias in rats ” http://www.scribd.com/doc/74930468/Aspartame-induces-lymphomas-and-leukaemias-in-rats 

“Aspartame and Incidence of Brain Malignancies” http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/17/5/1295.long

“Aspartame bioassay findings portend human cancer hazards.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18085058 

“Sour Finding on Popular Sweetener: Increased Cancer Incidence Associated with Low-Dose Aspartame Intake” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1392271/

“Rat Study Shows Cancer, Aspartame Link” http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20051118/rat-study-shows-cancer-aspartame-link

 “Rat Study Shows Cancer, Aspartame Link” http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,176258,00.html

“Aspartame Linked to Three Types of Cancer” http://www.foxnews.com/story/2007/06/28/aspartame-linked-to-three-types-cancer/

 “Study: Aspartame linked to blood cancers” http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/336384 

“Aspartame found to cause breast cancer, leukemia and lymphomas in latest animal experiments”  http://www.naturalnews.com/021920_aspartame_public_safety.html
 

 “Aspartame Causes Cancer in Rats at Levels Currently Approved for Humans” http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/34040.php

“Aspartame linked to increased cancer risk in rats” http://www.nature.com/news/2005/051114/full/news051114-15.html 

Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer by Natural Agents From Mother Nature.

Posted on by

“Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States after cancers of the lung and the breast/prostate. While the incidence of CRC in the United States is among the highest in the world (approximately 52/100,000), its incidence in countries in India is among the lowest (approximately 7/100,000), suggesting that lifestyle factors may play a role in development of the disease. Whereas obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, a high-calorie diet, and a lack of physical activity promote this cancer, evidence indicates that foods containing folates, selenium, Vitamin D, dietary fiber, garlic, milk, calcium, spices, vegetables, and fruits are protective against CRC in humans. Numerous agents from “mother nature” (also called “nutraceuticals,”) that have potential to both prevent and treat CRC have been identified. The most significant discoveries relate to compounds such as cardamonin, celastrol, curcumin, deguelin, diosgenin, thymoquinone, tocotrienol, ursolic acid, and zerumbone. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, these agents modulate multiple targets, including transcription factors, growth factors, tumor cell survival factors, inflammatory pathways, and invasion and angiogenesis linked closely to CRC. We describe the potential of these dietary agents to suppress the growth of human CRC cells in culture and to inhibit tumor growth in animal models. We also describe clinical trials in which these agents have been tested for efficacy in humans. Because of their safety and affordability, these nutraceuticals provide a novel opportunity for treatment of CRC, an “old age” disease with an “age old” solution.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23814530

Chocolate Fights Cancer – News/Science

Posted on by

“Dark Chocolate Fights Cancer”

http://cancerdirectory.com/cancer-nutrition/dark-chocolate-fights-cancer/

“Chocolate: food as medicine/medicine as food.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11603654

“Dark chocolate will help ward off pancreatic cancer”  http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/dark-chocolate-ward-pancreatic-cancer-article-1.2484620

“Modulatory effects of polyphenols on apoptosis induction: relevance for cancer prevention.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2635670/

“Effects of dark chocolate on azoxymethane-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23859035

“Cancer protective properties of cocoa: a review of the epidemiologic evidence.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19838930

“Flavanols and procyanidins of cocoa and chocolate inhibit growth and polyamine biosynthesis of human colonic cancer cells.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11741742

“Potential for preventive effects of cocoa and cocoa polyphenols in cancer.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439478

“In-vitro effects of polyphenols from cocoa and beta-sitosterol on the growth of human prostate cancer and normal cells.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16835506

“In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Water Extract of White Cocoa Tea (Camellia ptilophylla) Against Human Prostate Cancer” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2992824/

“Inhibitory effects of cocoa tea (Camellia ptilophylla) in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 in vitro and in vivo through apoptosis.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22018604

“Chemopreventive effects of cocoa polyphenols on chronic diseases.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11682694

“Cocoa-rich diet prevents azoxymethane-induced colonic preneoplastic lesions in rats by restraining oxidative stress and cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21953728

“Antitumor activity against murine lymphoma L5178Y model of proteins from cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) seeds in relation with in vitro antioxidant activity” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2974655/

“Protective activity of Theobroma cacao L. phenolic extract on AML12 and MLP29 liver cells by preventing apoptosis and inducing autophagy.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19883072

“Effect of cacao liquor extract on tumor marker enzymes during chemical hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15117546

“Pentameric procyanidin from Theobroma cacao selectively inhibits growth of human breast cancer cells.” http://mct.aacrjournals.org/content/4/4/537.long

“Chemoprevention of lung carcinogenesis by cacao liquor proanthocyanidins in a male rat multi-organ carcinogenesis model.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12609709

“Effects of cacao liquor proanthocyanidins on PhIP-induced mutagenesis in vitro, and in vivo mammary and pancreatic tumorigenesis in female Sprague-Dawley rats.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12169385

“Antimutagenesis and anticarcinogenesis, from the past to the future.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506796

“Chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity studies of cocoa powder in rats.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1999308

“Cocoa Froths With Cancer-Preventing Compounds” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/11/031119080419.htm

“Cancer-Fighting Organic Cocoa” http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/cancer-fighting-organic-cocoa/

“Cocoa is loaded with anti-cancer phytochemicals and compounds, says research” http://www.naturalnews.com/000132.html

“Potential Role of Naturally Derived Polyphenols and Their Nanotechnology Delivery in Cancer.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23371307

“Natural polyphenols that display anticancer properties through inhibition of kinase activity.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20156174

 

Active Ingredient in Marijuana Kills Brain Cancer Cells – ABCNews

Posted on by

ABC News

 

 

“New research out of Spain suggests that THC — the active ingredient in marijuana — appears to prompt the death of brain cancer cells.

The finding is based on work with mice designed to carry human cancer tumors, as well as from an analysis of THC’s impact on tumor cells extracted from two patients coping with a highly aggressive form of brain cancer.

Explaining that the introduction of THC into the brain triggers a cellular self-digestion process known as “autophagy,” study co-author Guillermo Velasco said his team has isolated the specific pathway by which this process unfolds, and noted that it appears “to kill cancer cells, while it does not affect normal cells…”

 The findings were published in the April issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation.”: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/37948

More: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Healthday/story?id=7235037&page=1

“Cannabinoid action induces autophagy-mediated cell death through stimulation of ER stress in human glioma cells” Full Text: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673842/