Systems Approach to Cancer - Lecture Notes

Lecturer: Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel

Disclaimer

• Healthcare information is provided to practitioners
• Not a substitute for medical advice
• Legal status of herbs and products not evaluated
• Information not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure diseases

Systems Approach to Cancer

• Key Health Aspects:
  • Healthy microbiome balance and GI function
  • Balanced immune function
  • Effective detoxification
  • Healthy circulation and tissue architecture
  • Mitochondrial and metabolic health
  • Hormone balance
  • Balanced methylation and genomic stability
  • Mental, emotional, and spiritual health
  • Supporting metabolic and mitochondrial health

Metabolic Dysregulation and Cancer

• Key Factors:
  • Obesity
  • Insulin resistance/diabetes
  • Raised IGF-1
  • Importance of meta-inflammation

Obesity and Cancer

• IGF-1 and Cancer:
  • IGF-1R related to therapy resistance
• Dietary Management of IGF-1 Axis:
  • Low GL/GI diet
  • Mediterranean diet
  • Moderate protein restriction effective in BRCA mutation carriers
  • Calorie restriction not feasible; requires over 50% reduction
  • Fasting and managing dairy intake crucial

PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

• Counter-regulators like AMPK
• Importance of glucose in mitochondrial dysfunction

Key Aspects during Patient Intake

• Medical and family history
• Current medications
• Nutritional assessment
• Lifestyle analysis
• Anthropometrics and recent blood test results

Testing Recommendations

• Blood tests: HbA1c, fasting glucose, fasting lipids
• Fasting insulin, HOMA-IR
• Inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP)
• Specialist tests (e.g., IGF-1)
• Genetic testing: SNPs, DNA Health

Foundational Interventions

• Low GL, anti-inflammatory, colorful, high phytonutrient, wholefood-based diet
• Moderate protein intake
• Healthy fats focus (EVOO, avocado oil, nuts/seeds, fish)
• Limited dairy intake
• Consider short-term anti-inflammatory ketogenic diet if needed
• Avoid alcohol and refined sugars
• Implement overnight fasting (13-16 hours)
• Manage sleep and stress
• Encourage regular physical activity
• Maintain healthy weight and reduce visceral fat

Specific Interventions

• Insulin Sensitivity:
  • Supplements: berberine, chromium, citrus bergamot, omega-3, bitter melon, cinnamon, green tea extract
  • Herbal remedies: Panax ginseng, tulsi
  • Gymnema used carefully due to insulin release effects
• IGF-1 Reduction:
  • Use of natural AMPK activators and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

• Target mitochondrial reprogramming as part of cancer therapy

Summary of Metabolic and Mitochondrial Health

• Assess and monitor metabolic status
• Prioritize nutrition and lifestyle changes
• Avoid added fructose, refined sugars, and alcohol
• Minimize dairy
• Incorporate fasting, exercise, and manage stress/sleep
• Consider tailored supplementation with awareness of limited evidence base

References

• Extensive list of academic references supporting the discussed topics