Resources
As I've shared, I used a four pronged approach to my cancer recovery: food, fitness, mindset and medicine. The medical treatment ​
that resonated with me was a neoantigen vaccine in Germany. If this is not something that is accessible to you because of the travel required or possibly your tumor is not operable, here are some other options for you to consider.
(note: I used the dietary interventions discussed below but none of the medical ones listed here.)
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*** Safety is so important:
Prioritize treatments with a low risk of side effects or interactions with your current therapies.
Always consult with your oncologist to ensure any alternative approaches won’t interfere with the effectiveness of your standard treatment.
Evidence-Based and Promising Options:
Focus on treatments with at least some clinical or preclinical evidence suggesting a potential benefit for glioblastoma or similar cancers.
Complementary, Not Replacing:
Use these therapies to supplement standard care (like surgery, radiation, and temozolomide) rather than replacing them.
Monitoring:
Work with your neurooncologist to monitor for effectiveness and side effects regularly.
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Mebendazole:
Why: Crosses the blood-brain barrier, has shown anticancer effects in preclinical glioblastoma studies.
Dose: Often reported at 200-500 mg/day, taken in divided doses with meals.
Caution: Check for liver function regularly as it can cause mild liver toxicity in some cases.
Fenbendazole:
Why: Anecdotal reports suggest benefits in cancer patients; it may inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis.
Dose: Typically 222 mg/day for 3-4 days a week (e.g., 3 days on, 4 days off), taken with fatty foods for better absorption.
Ivermectin:
Why: Potential anticancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell signaling pathways (e.g., WNT/β-catenin).
Dose: 0.2-0.4 mg/kg body weight, 2-3 days a week. Be cautious of possible side effects like dizziness or nausea.
Metformin:
Why: Widely used for diabetes but has shown anti-tumor effects in various cancers, including glioblastoma, by altering metabolism.
Dose: Typically 500-2000 mg/day, depending on tolerance.
Caution: Monitor for low blood sugar and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin):
Why: May inhibit cancer cell growth and reduce inflammation.
Dose: Based on standard cholesterol-lowering doses, e.g., 10-40 mg/day.
Natural Compounds and Supplements
Curcumin (from Turmeric):
Why: Anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, may enhance the effects of chemotherapy.
Dose: 1000-2000 mg/day with black pepper or a fat source for better absorption.
Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense):
Why: Anti-inflammatory properties, particularly helpful in reducing brain swelling.
Dose: 800-1200 mg/day, often in divided doses.
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Melatonin:
Why: High doses may have anticancer effects and help improve sleep.
Dose: 10-20 mg at bedtime.
Green Tea Extract (EGCG):
Why: Antioxidant and anticancer properties.
Dose: 400-800 mg/day, taken with meals.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA):
Why: Anti-inflammatory effects and may enhance the effectiveness of some treatments.
Dose: 2000-3000 mg/day.
Why: Glioblastoma cells rely heavily on glucose for energy, and a ketogenic diet (high fat, very low carbohydrate) may starve the tumor of its primary fuel.
How: Work with a dietitian to safely implement a ketogenic diet without compromising overall nutrition.
Intermittent Fasting:
Why: May enhance the effects of standard treatments and reduce inflammation.
How: Fasting for 12-16 hours overnight or following a longer fast before treatment sessions.
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Why: May play a significant role in prevention and in the complementary management of the disease by providing protective compounds, reducing inflammation, supporting detoxification, and improving overall health.
How: Work with a dietitian to safely implement a plant-based diet without compromising overall nutrition.
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Other Experimental Approaches
Tumor Treating Fields (Optune):
Why: Non-invasive treatment that uses electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division. FDA-approved for glioblastoma and can extend survival.
How: Requires a wearable device, used for several hours a day.
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN):
Why: May modulate the immune system and inhibit cancer growth.
Dose: Typically 4.5 mg/day, taken at bedtime.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT):
Why: May improve oxygen supply to the brain and enhance the effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
Access: Available at specialized centers, often requires multiple sessions.
Why: Offers the potential for non-invasive, targeted, and less toxic cancer therapy. While still in the early stages of research, its combination of ultrasound and sonosensitizers holds promise for selectively destroying cancer cells, reducing tumor size, and potentially improving outcomes in cancer treatment. However, further research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand its clinical efficacy and the optimal conditions for its use.
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How to Proceed
Create a Plan:
Work with your oncologist or an integrative medicine specialist to create a plan that incorporates your chosen options safely.
Start Slowly:
Introduce one or two therapies at a time to monitor how your body responds.
Track Progress:
Keep detailed notes on your treatments, dosages, and any changes in symptoms or side effects.
Stay Informed:
Follow credible sources and clinical trials to stay updated on new developments.
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