Chemotherapy. 10 science-backed tips for patients

Chemotherapy:
10 science-backed tips for patients.
Chemotherapy is highly toxic and can cause terrible
side-effects including organ damage and premature
death.
If you decide to have chemotherapy, the following tips
will help you reduce the side effects and increase
your survival time.

Tip #1 Request a ChemosensitivityTest
A ChemosensitivityTest can tell which drugs (or
natural substances) are effective at killing your cancer
cells and which agents are not effective.
The most promising drug/substance regimen can be
selected for you, increasing the odds for treatment
success. At the same time, ineffective drugs are
avoided.
Also known as Personal Cytometric Profiling.

This study says:
…fairly consistent
evidence of these
data suggests
cytometric profiling
to be accurate, to
improve overall
tumor response,
and to increase
1-year patient
survival.

Tip #2 Prevent Cancer Cachexia
By some estimates, nearly one-third of cancer
deaths can be attributed to a wasting syndrome called
cachexia, according to the National Cancer Institute.

This study says:
Cancer Cachexia
affects 50–80 % of
advanced cancer
patients, with currently
no effective
treatments…Available
evidence suggests that
chemo…may play a key
role in the
development and
sustainment of
cachexia.

Prevent Cancer Cachexia with
MELATONIN
A hormone made by the pineal gland (tiny organ near
the center of the brain). Melatonin helps control the
body’s sleep cycle, and is an antioxidant. It is also made
in the laboratory and sold as a supplement.
– National Cancer Institute.

This study says:
…this study shows that
Melatonin may
counteract weight loss
that occurs with
progressing cancer...

CANNABINOIDS
Cancer Ireland
A type of chemical in marijuana that causes drug-like
effects all through the body, including the central
nervous system and the immune system. Cannabinoids
may help treat the symptoms of cancer or the side
effects of cancer treatment.
– National cancer institute.

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Cannabis is useful in
combatting anorexia,
chemotherapy-induced
nausea and vomiting, pain,
insomnia, and depression.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat the body cannot
make on its own.They are an essential fat, which
means they are needed to survive.We get the
omega-3 fatty acids we need from the foods we eat.
– Cleveland Clinic
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
Note:
The 3 major antioxidant
vitamins are beta-carotene,
vitamins C and vitamin E.
This study says:
In cancers where high
inflammatory stress is
usual, protein rich
supplements containing
n-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids and high
levels of antioxidant
vitamins can reverse
severe weight loss.

POMEGRANATE
A subtropical shrub or tree. Juice from the fruit may
contain substances that decrease or slow the rise of
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. It is being studied
for its ability to delay or prevent recurrent prostate
cancer.
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
COX-2 expression is increased
in cachexia...
Pomengranate juice resulted in
the highest level of COX-2
suppression (79%) compared to
treatment with single
constituents.
The effects are attributed to
synergistic activity of the various
pomegranate components
necessary for anti-inflammatory
and anti-carcinogenic activity.

ENDURANCETRAINING
Endurance exercise training consists of performing
low- to medium-intensity exercise for long periods of
time. Endurance training (such as running, cycling, or
swimming) involves the use of several large groups of
muscles and tends to be aerobic.
- Open Access Text.
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
Physical activity and exercise are
already thought to be beneficial
during cancer treatment and
survival and hold clear potential as
a non-pharmacological treatment
for muscle wasting conditions.

HYDRAZINE SULFATE
A substance that has been studied as a treatment for
cancer and as a treatment for cachexia (body
wasting) associated with advanced cancer
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
There is good evidence that
hydrazine sulfate inhibits
gluconeogenesis [converting fats or
proteins into sugar].Therefore, it
may play a role in reducing the
severity of cachexia and in
improving the quality of life of
cancer patients.
Dr. Joseph Gold, an American
research oncologist, found that in
clinical studies, the use of hydrazine
sulfate resulted in improved
appetite and reduced weight loss,
and he proposed that it be used as
an adjuvant therapy to prevent
cachexia.

LOW CARBOHYDRATE DIET
A low-carb diet limits carbohydrates — such as
those found in grains, starchy vegetables and fruit —
and emphasizes foods high in protein and fat. Many
types of low-carb diets exist. Each diet has varying
restrictions on the types and amounts of
carbohydrates you can eat
– Mayo Clinic.
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
…a switch to a low
carbohydrate/ketogenic diet has
been shown to prevent cachexia
in patients undergoing
chemotherapy, suggesting this
dietary approach may be a suitable
alternative for cancer patients at
risk of cachexia, sarcopenia, and
weight loss.

METOCLOPRAMIDE
A drug that increases the motility (movements and
contractions) of the stomach and upper intestine. It
is used to treat certain stomach problems and
nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
– National cancer institute.
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
In advanced cancer
patients with delayed
gastric emptying or
gastroparesis,
metoclopramide was
shown to be effective in
stimulating appetite and
relieving other symptoms
associated with anorexia.

MEGESTROL
A drug used in tablet form to treat advanced breast
and endometrial cancer. It is also being studied in the
treatment of anorexia and cachexia in patients with
cancer.
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Megestrol acetate can
significantly decrease the
degree of body weight
loss, and can prevent the
deterioration of appetite
in patients with head and
neck cancers receiving
radiotherapy.

Tip #3 Improve the efficacy of chemotherapy
Berberine is an alkaloid present in a number of clinically
important medicinal plants, extracts of which have been
used in chinese medicine for many years. It has multiple
therapeutic effects for metabolic disorders, microbial
infection, neoplasms, and inflammation. – Science Direct
Cancer Ireland
Improve the efficacy of chemotherapy with
BERBERINE

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
…our findings
demonstrate that
berberine sensitizes drug-
resistant breast cancer to
chemotherapy and directly
induces apoptosis
[programmed cell death].
Berberine appears to be a
promising chemosensitizer
and chemotherapeutic
drug for breast cancer
treatment.

A yellow pigment of the spice turmeric that is being
studied in cancer prevention
- National Cancer Institute.
Cancer Ireland
CURCUMIN

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
…Combinational
treatment of curcumin
enhanced therapeutic
efficacy of traditional
chemotherapeutic
drugs… combination use
of curcumin and available
anticancer drugs has
great potential to
enhance chemotherapy
efficacy and improve
clinical treatment of
cancer.

Systemic hyperthermia is deliberate heating of the
whole body to achieve an elevated core temperature
for therapeutic purposes.This practice has centuries
of historical precedence and is founded on solid
physical and biological principles
- University ofTexas Medical School.
Cancer Ireland
WHOLE BODY HYPERTHERMIA

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Whole Body
Hyperthermia combined
with chemotherapy is
efficient and safe for
advanced cancer, and is
worth generalizing
extensively.

A type of plant with thick pointed leaves, or the thick
liquid found in the leaves that is used to treat
damaged skin – Cambridge Dictionary.
Cancer Ireland
ALOE VERA

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
CONCLUSION:This
study seems to
suggest that Aloe may
be successfully
associated with
chemotherapy to
increase its efficacy in
terms of both tumor
regression rate and
survival time.

Cancer chronotherapy consists in administering
treatment at an optimal time. Because the body is
governed by precise biological rhythms, the efficacy
of anti-cancer drugs can be doubled and their
toxicity reduced five-fold depending on the exact
timing of their administration
– www.sciencedaily.com
Cancer Ireland
CIRCADIAN CHRONOTHERAPY

Cancer Ireland
Thus, the median
survival of patients
with colorectal cancer
metastases who
receive chronotherapy
has consistently
ranged from 16 to
21months, the longest
time reported for this
disease in multicentre
trials.

Tip #4 Restore your Immune System
Immune System:A complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and
the substances they make that helps the body fight infections and
other diseases - National Cancer Institute.
Studies show that chemo drugs can damage healthy immune cells.
The killing of immune cells can enhance tumor growth, allows
things like yeast to get out of control.
There are many ways to boost your immune system, including:
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
…nutritional
supplementation with
arginine, omega-3 fatty
acids and nucleotides
results in a marked
improvement of
immune functions in
cancer patients
undergoing surgery and
a reduction in infectious
complications, hospital
stay and co-morbidities.
Arginine and
Omega-3 fatty acids

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
As low NK [natural killer]
cell activity is linked to
decreased disease
resistance and increased
morbidity in persons with
cancer and HIV disease,
the authors conclude that
laughter may be a useful
cognitive-behavioral
intervention for use in
these patients.
Humour and
Laughter

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Conclusion:These
findings demonstrate that
components of the innate
immune system are
activated by sexual
arousal and orgasm…
Sexual Arousal

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Kiecolt-Glaser
discovered that the
elderly in a retirement
home who practised a
relaxation technique,
showed a significant
increase in their immune
defences against viruses
and tumors (Kiecolt-
Glaser et al., 1985).
Meditation

Cancer Ireland
Restore your Immune System with
DAILY EXERCISE
Exercise greatly improves the immune
system. It improves survival rates of some
cancer patients by 50 per cent.

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
…NK [natural killer] cell
number significantly
increases following a
single bout of
exercise…The evidence
reviewed in this paper
suggests that exercise has
immunomodulatory
effects that could alter
multiple critical phases of
immune system–tumor
cross-talk in both tumor
initiation and progression.

Cancer Ireland
Restore your Immune System with
PROBIOTICS
Top Probiotic Foods List:
Yogurt and kefir (dairy- or plant-based), Sauerkraut, Kimchi,
Kvass (a fermented beet drink), Natto, Miso, Kombucha, Raw
cheese from goat's or sheep's milk
– Betternutrition.com
Natural vitamin supplements can also be used.There’s a
full list at https://cancerireland.ie/boost-immune-system/

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Probiotic bacteria have
recently become the
focus of research
because of their anti-
cancer properties…they
have been shown to
change expression of
different genes
participating in cell
death and apoptosis,
invasion and metastasis,
cancer stem cell
maintenance as well as
cell cycle control.

Tip #5 Reduce Nausea
A number of drugs are used to treat nausea, but other, less
toxic therapies have also been proven to help patients.
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
clinical research suggests that
cannabinoid compounds may
have promise in treating
nausea in chemotherapy
patients.
…this distressing symptom
of chemotherapy treatment
…can become so severe that
as many as 20% of patients
discontinue the treatment.
Cannabinoids

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
…based on the results of
this study, it can be
generally concluded that
Zingiber officinale (in
form of ginger capsule) is
the best option among
antinausea medications to
Chemotherapy-induced
nausea and vomiting.
…massage therapy is also
recommended at certain
hours of the day and night
…
Ginger

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Evidence has shown that
hypnosis can effectively
treat anticipatory
nausea and vomiting and
early research indicates
that alternative
treatments such as
acupuncture and massage
may also be beneficial in
prevention of
nausea and vomiting.
acupuncture and
massage

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
With delayed nausea and
vomiting, the acupressure
group had a statistically
significant reduction in
the amount of vomiting
and the intensity of
nausea over time when
compared with the
placebo and usual-care
groups.
acupressure

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Conclusion: Nausea
severity was significantly
lower in the massage and
inhalation aromatherapy
groups than in the control
group. Nausea and
retching incidence was
reduced in the
aromatherapy groups
compared with that in the
control group.
massage & inhalation
aromatherapy

Tip #6 Avoid dangerous infections
White blood cells (WBCs) fight infections from bacteria,
viruses, fungi, and other pathogens (organisms that cause
infection).A low white blood cell count is one of the more
serious side effects of chemotherapy – MedlinePlus
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Neutropenia (low white
blood cell count) is a
common and potentially
dangerous side effect in
patients receiving
chemotherapy treatments
and may lead to higher risk
of infection. Preventing
infection during treatment
can result in significant
decreases in morbidity and
mortality for patients with
cancer.

Avoid Dangerous Infections - Sepsis
SEPSIS is a complication caused by the body’s
overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection
which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
For a person with cancer, any infection that is anywhere in
your body can lead to sepsis
- Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Neutropenic sepsis is
a life-threatening side-
effect of
chemotherapy—
patients are still dying
from this
complication of
treatment, and these
deaths are largely
preventable.

How can I reduce my risk for infection?
Hand washing is the number one way to prevent infections.This should include you, all members
of your household, your doctors, nurses and anyone that comes around you. Don’t be afraid to
ask people to wash their hands.
You should wash your hands:
•Before, during, and after cooking food
•Before you eat
•After going to the bathroom
•After changing diapers or helping a child to use the bathroom
•After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
•After touching trash
•After touching your pet or cleaning up after your pet
•Before and after treating a cut or wound or caring for your catheter, port, or other access
device.
Cancer Ireland

How can I reduce my risk for infection?
You should also do the following:
•Protect your skin from scrapes and cuts
•Maintain good oral and body hygiene practices
•Practice proper wound care
•Use disinfectants to keep your household surfaces free of germs
•Avoid situations where you might come into close contact with people who may be sick
•Use disinfectants to keep your household surfaces free of germs
•Protect your skin from direct contact with pet bodily waste (urine or feces)
Source: www.preventcancerinfections.org
Cancer Ireland

Tip #7 Get help with Insomnia
Sleep problems such as being unable to fall asleep and/or
stay asleep, also called insomnia, are common among
people being treated for cancer. Studies show that as many
as half of all patients have sleep-related problems.These
problems may be caused by the side effects of treatment,
medicine, long hospital stays, or stress
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Several clinical trials
have supported the
efficacy of CBT to
improve sleep of cancer
patients. CBT is now
recognized as the
treatment of choice for
insomnia comorbid with
cancer.

Tip #8 Reduce your stress and anxiety
People who have cancer may find the physical, emotional, and
social effects of the disease to be stressful.Those who attempt
to manage their stress with risky behaviors such as smoking or
drinking alcohol or who become more sedentary may have a
poorer quality of life after cancer treatment. In contrast, people
who are able to use effective coping strategies to deal with
stress, such as relaxation and stress management techniques,
have been shown to have lower levels of depression, anxiety, and
symptoms related to the cancer and its treatment
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
Reduce your stress and anxiety with
PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION &
GUIDED IMAGERY
Progressive muscle relaxation.
In this relaxation technique, you focus on slowly tensing and then relaxing
each muscle group.
This can help you focus on the difference between muscle tension and
relaxation.You can become more aware of physical sensations.
- Mayo Clinic
Guided Imagery
A technique in which a person focuses on positive images in his or her mind.
It can help people reach a relaxed, focused state and help reduce stress and
give a sense of well-being.
- National Cancer Institute

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Conclusions.The findings
showed that patients
with prostate and breast
cancer undergoing
chemotherapy treatment
can benefit from
Progressive Muscle
Relaxation (PMR) and
Guided Imagery (GI)
sessions to reduce their
anxiety and
depression…

Tip #9 Ask about
Insulin PotentiationTherapy Low Dose
With IPT the insulin works on the cell membranes and
allows chemotherapy to target cancer cells.Thus, it is the
chemotherapy that kills the cancer cells, however, because
of the insulin, the amount of chemotherapy needed is
greatly reduced, meaning the side-effects of the
chemotherapy are greatly reduced
– CancerTutor
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Overall, both the short
and long-term clinical
results using insulin in this
adjunctive or potentiating
role in cancer
chemotherapy have been
very good, – and better
when compared to
conventional practice
without insulin.

Tip #10 Reduce the effects of Chemobrain
For decades, cancer survivors have described experiencing
problems with memory, attention, and processing information
months or even years after treatment. Because so many of these
survivors had chemotherapy, this phenomenon has been called
"chemobrain" or "chemofog,"
From many sources of data, we now know patients experience
impairments not just after chemo, but after surgery, radiation,
hormonal therapy, and other treatments
- Patricia Ganz, M.D.
Cancer Ireland

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
Our findings suggest that
low-intensity exercise
may aid in preventing or
attenuating cognitive
dysfunction in patients
with various forms of
cancer undergoing
chemotherapy.

Cancer Ireland
Reduce the effects of Chemobrain with
NEUROFEEDBACK
A treatment being studied to improve brain function in certain
brain disorders and in patients treated with chemotherapy for
breast cancer. Sensors are placed on a person’s head, which allows
brain activity to be shown as patterns on a computer screen.A
beep or a tone may be used as a reward to a person for changing
certain brain activities. Neurofeedback may help cancer patients
deal with the stress and mental side effects of chemotherapy.Also
called EEG biofeedback

Cancer Ireland
This study says:
In this study, breast cancer
survivors demonstrated
significant baseline
impairments in self-
reported cognitive function.
After 10 weeks (20
sessions) of neurofeedback,
their performance in these
areas had improved to
levels indistinguishable from
population norms.

Cancer Ireland
Reduce the effects of Chemobrain with
BRAINHQ
BrainHQ is an online brain-training program made by Posit
Science. In late 2018, the National Cancer Institute
recognized BrainHQ as an evidence-based cancer
intervention.
The NCI database describes it as an intervention designed
to help breast cancer survivors troubled by chemo brain

Cancer Ireland
This presentation was brought to you by
Cancer Ireland.
I hope it is helpful to you.
To discover 100s more proven strategies and therapies
that can help you to achieve a complete recovery from
cancer, please visit
https://cancerireland.ie/

Chemotherapy. 10 science-backed tips for patients

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Chemotherapy. 10 science-backed tips for patients