Systems Approach to Cancer - Month 4

Presenter: Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel

Credentials:

• MA HONS (CANTAB), MB BCHIR, IFMCP, DIPIM, PG CERT, DIPION, RYT200

Disclaimer:

• This course provides health information but is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
• Legal status of herbs and products not evaluated.
• Responsibility for errors or omissions is disclaimed; no warranties on provided information.

Systems Approach to Cancer

Key Areas of Focus:

• Healthy Microbiome and GI Function
• Balanced Immune Function
• Effective Detoxification
• Healthy Circulation and Tissue Architecture
  • Promote normal blood flow and healthy coagulation
  • Inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis
• Mitochondrial and Metabolic Health
• Hormone Balance
• Balanced Methylation and Genomic Stability
• Mental, Emotional, Spiritual Health, and Biorhythms

Importance of Circulation:

• Cancer is a hypercoagulable state; high risk of DVT/PE.
• Testing fibrinogen and using systemic proteolytic enzymes (e.g., nattokinase).
• Some patients may need anticoagulants (warfarin, LMWH).
• Addressing lymphoedema and post-surgery healing.
• Interventions include regular movement and MLD.

Hallmarks of Cancer

Inducing Angiogenesis:

• Growth of new blood vessels for tumor survival.
• Controlled by balance of promoters and inhibitors.
• Pro-angiogenic factors: VEGF and bFGF.

Molecular Pathways in Angiogenesis:

• Hypoxia increases VEGF via HIF-1.
• Inflammation in TME contributes.

Obesity and Cancer

Natural Angiogenesis Inhibitors:

• Curcumin, Artemisinin, EGCG, Resveratrol, Ginseng, Thymoquinone, Tocotrienols.

Interaction with Natural Compounds:

• Caution with in vitro effects.

Invasion and Metastasis

Enabling Invasion:

• EMT in solid tumors.
• ECM degradation by MMPs.
• Loosening of tumor cell interactions.

Premetastatic Niche:

• Created by TDSFs, BMDCs, and immune/stromal components.
• Characteristics: Immunosuppression, Inflammation, Angiogenesis, Lymphangiogenesis, Organotropism, Reprogramming.

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) and Natural Compounds

Compounds with Targeting Potential:

• Curcumin, Quercetin, Resveratrol, Pterostilbene, EGCG, Sulforaphane, I3C, DIM, Genistein, Lycopene, Ursolic acid, Parthenolide, 6-shogaol, Isoliquiritigenin, Vitamin E (Tocotrienols).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Herbs in Cancer Support

• Panax Ginseng: Ginsenosides for HPA axis and fatigue.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Immune and HPA axis support.
• Magnolia spp: Sleep and anxiety support.
• Salvia miltiorrhiza: Contains tanshinones.
• Tripterygium wilfordii: Contains triptolide and celastrol.

Summary:

• Increased clotting risk in cancer.
• Natural compounds can target angiogenesis, invasion, and CSCs but clinical implications are not fully known.
• Recommended starting compounds: Curcumin, Glucosinolates, Ginger, Quercetin, Tocotrienols, Resveratrol, EGCG, Thymoquinone.

References:

• Various studies and reviews related to cancer treatment, angiogenesis, and natural compounds targeting cancer.