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Category: cancer

Published on Leave a comment on Cancer Vaccine For Melanoma Looks Very Promising
Melanoma skin cancer Credit: Wikipedia

The skin cancer melanoma is an incredibly deadly cancer if not caught in the early stages. This is why researchers have been studying various types of immunotherapy as a treatment for melanoma - but with inconsistent results (works for some, but not all).

Exciting new research was recently published that found that personalized vaccine plus the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) could be very successful as a melanoma treatment. Using Keytruda alone is current melanoma treatment, but adding the vaccine to Keytruda significantly improved the results.

The researchers found that a personalized vaccine called intismeran, when combined with Keytruda, cut the risk of recurrence and death from melanoma by 49% five years after the original melanoma tumors were removed. The comparison group was patients receiving just Keytruda alone. Key finding: "After five years of follow-up, 68.8% of patients who took the combination therapy remained cancer free while 49.1% of the patients in the pembrolizumab-alone group had no signs of cancer."

The combination treatment also cut the risk of the original cancer metastasizing to distant parts of the body by 59% (this was at the 5 year follow-up). Overall survival for the combination group at the 5 year follow-up was 92.2%, while for Keytruda alone it was 71.3%. Again, a significant difference

Even though this combination treatment was tested on a small group of patients (107 patients), this is a fabulous result! More expanded testing is underway. Stay tuned!

From Medical Xpress: Cancer vaccine sustains 49% melanoma reduction after 5 years

The combination of a vaccine and a drug, which both harness the immune system to attack cancer cells, has proven successful in cutting the risk of skin cancer recurrence and death by 49%, a new study shows. This reduction was calculated five years after patients had their tumors surgically removed and remains unchanged. ...continue reading "Cancer Vaccine For Melanoma Looks Very Promising"

Published on Leave a comment on High Dose Vitamin C As Part of Cancer Treatment?
Vitamin C pills Credit: Wikipedia

Researchers are studying high dose vitamin C as part of treatment for several cancers, including pancreatic cancer. These high doses of vitamin C (pharmacologic ascorbate) are not taken orally (by mouth), but in IVs (taken intravenously). It is always given alongside chemotherapy.

The intravenous vitamin C doses are 150 to 190 times larger than ordinary vitamin C tablets that are taken orally. This is because orally taken vitamin C cannot reach the blood levels needed to produce a pharmacologic effect.

Some of the results are amazing. For example, persons with pancreatic cancer it doubled survival compared to chemotherapy alone (from 8 months to 16 months) , and those receiving vitamin C used alongside standard chemotherapy had fewer side effects than when using chemotherapy alone. It is still unclear for which cancers the vitamin C treatment works and for which it doesn't.

The only problem is that pharma companies may not be interested because it can not be patented, and can't be developed as a new drug that they can make big profits off of. It's plain old vitamin C - but not as a nutritional supplement, but used as a medical drug (pharmacologic ascorbate).

Click on the link for the full story and dosing details. Excerpts from Medscape: Vitamin C’s Potential Use in Cancer Is Getting a Second Look

When Garry Buettner, PhD, who has been studying the chemistry and biochemistry of vitamin C for at least four decades, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), he applied his research to his own life — reviewing the data and designing a protocol for his treatment. ...continue reading "High Dose Vitamin C As Part of Cancer Treatment?"

Published on Leave a comment on Good News For Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Cancer cells forming a lump in pancreas Credit: Wikipedia

The pancreatic cancer treatment field is on fire. This is very good news because pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer that is typically diagnosed at late stages, and with a low survival rate (5 year survival rate of 15%).

There are a number of different treatments now undergoing clinical trials - from several vaccines, immunotherapy, the drug daraxonrasib that doubles life expectancy in those with pancreatic cancer, to other interesting treatments such as high dose vitamin C (given via IV).

The most exciting are pancreatic vaccines that are now undergoing clinical trials. They are meant to be used after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis - the goal is to prevent a recurrence of the cancer and to kill any remaining pancreatic cancer cells. They involve a person's own immune system attacking or suppressing the pancreatic cancer. Amazing research and progress is being made.
Some articles about some of the promising treatments:

The National Cancer Center's write-up: Are New Immune-Based Treatments for Kidney and Pancreatic Cancer On the Horizon?

Another type of vaccine (a mRNA vaccine) being developed in NYC, at Columbia's Pancreatic Center: Vaccine for Pancreatic Cancer Enters Phase II of Clinical Trial: Here’s What to Know

Medscape (reputable medical site) is also writing about the promising pancreatic vaccines:  Vaccine for Pancreatic Cancer and CRC Sparks Early Hope. An easier to read summary of that same study: New Vaccine May Help Stop Deadly Pancreatic Cancers From Coming Back

High-dose vitamin C (in ascorbate form, given in an IV) alongside chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer doubled survival rate and made the regular chemo drugs more tolerable for the cancer patient. From Medscape: Vitamin C’s Potential Use in Cancer Is Getting a Second Look

The drug daraxonrasib, which is awaiting FDA approval, probably this year. From NY Times: How an ‘Impossible’ Idea Led to a Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough

Published on Leave a comment on Study Finds Popular Anti-Aging Supplement Could Also Fuel Cancer Growth

Many people load up on all sorts of supplements thinking it'll give them better health and perhaps even extend their life span. But researchers found that one popular anti-aging supplement (known as spermidine) thought to extend the life-span could also be fueling the growth of cancer. How can this be?

The researchers found that the effects of polyamines (including spermidine), which are in all living cells, can either promote healthy aging or can fuel cancer growth. The difference was in which protein they influenced, and whether the cells were healthy to start with. In healthy cells they support cellular maintenance and energy production but in cancer cells they help drive rapid growth.

From Science Daily:  Scientists reveal why a popular anti-aging compound may also fuel cancer

Polyamines are naturally produced molecules present in all living cells. They play a vital role in basic biological functions, including cell growth and specialization. In recent years, scientists have focused on these compounds, especially spermidine, for their potential to support healthy aging. Often described as 'geroprotectors,' they have been shown to stimulate autophagy, a cellular recycling process that clears out damaged components. This benefit largely depends on a protein called eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A1).

At the same time, researchers have repeatedly observed high levels of polyamines in many types of cancer, where they are linked to aggressive tumor growth. This contrast has created a scientific puzzle. How can the same molecules that appear to promote longevity also be associated with cancer?
...continue reading "Study Finds Popular Anti-Aging Supplement Could Also Fuel Cancer Growth"

Published on Leave a comment on Many Baby and Toddler Foods Are Ultra-Processed
Yogurt with ultra-processed ingredients Credit: Wikipedia

There is concern in the United States about the increasing rates of colon cancer in young persons. Currently it is the leading cause of cancer in persons under 50 years. Some possible causes being examined are ultra-processed foods (over 50% of calories eaten daily by Americans), low fiber intake, and microplastics.

This is why the results of a recent study are especially concerning: about 71% of baby and toddler foods sold in the United States are ultra-processed. Snack sized packages and pouches were especially likely to having ultra-processed ingredients, as well as high levels of sugar and sodium (salt).

How to recognize ultra-processed foods? Read ingredient labels and if there is something that normally is not found in a person's kitchen, then it is ultra-processed. [Good book about this topic: Ultra-Processed People]

Examples of ingredients found in ultra-processed foods: emulsifiers, carrageenan, mono- and diglycerides, soy lecithin, polysorbate, cellulose, colors, titanium dioxide, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dextrose, whey protein, nitrates, artificial flavors, natural flavors, colors, etc. Natural flavors are laboratory concoctions, even if they are "organic".

Excerpts from Food and Wine: Nearly 3 in 4 Packaged Baby-Food Products Sold in the US Are Ultra-Processed, Study Finds

  • A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that 71% of baby and toddler foods sold in major U.S. grocery stores are ultra-processed.
  • Researchers identified more than 100 different additives in these products, with general additives, flavor enhancers, and thickeners among the most common.

...continue reading "Many Baby and Toddler Foods Are Ultra-Processed"

Published on Leave a comment on Chemical Exposure Linked to Liver Scarring
Human liver Credit: Wikipedia

Not all cleaning products or chemicals used in dry cleaning are safe to use. A recent study found that the chemical tetrachloroethylene (PERC or PCE) can cause serious liver harm in the form of liver fibrosis, and that the effects are dose dependent for liver fibrosis. The more a person is exposed, the greater the risk of developing liver fibrosis.

PERC is a chemical that used to be found in household products, such as spot removers, furniture stripper, adhesive glues, suede protectors, spray-on water repellents, but is being phased out. It is also commonly used in dry cleaning of clothing, and it has 10 years to phase out. It will continue to be used in a number of industrial settings, for example, as a degreaser. Tetrachloroethylene (PERC) is a volatile organic compound (VOC).

Liver fibrosis is the buildup of tough scar tissue in the liver resulting from chronic inflammation and persistent damage. Unfortunately, over time this scarring can progress to liver failure or liver cancer.

Bottom line: Avoid products with PERC. The danger is in inhaling the chemical's fumes or getting it on your skin (contact with the chemical). Nowadays PERC is mainly used in industrial settings (resulting in occupational exposure). It is being phased out in consumer products and dry cleaning because it is a carcinogen (cancer causing).

From Science Daily: Hidden household toxin triples liver disease risk, study finds

Liver disease most often develops due to one of three major causes: excessive alcohol use, the buildup of fat in the liver associated with obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, or viral infections such as hepatitis B and C.

Researchers from Keck Medicine of USC have identified another potential cause of liver damage. A new study published in Liver International links tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical widely used in dry cleaning and found in household products like adhesive glues, spot removers, and stainless steel polish, to serious liver harm. ...continue reading "Chemical Exposure Linked to Liver Scarring"

Published on Leave a comment on Microplastics Found In Higher Levels In Prostate Cancer Tumors
Credit: Wikipedia

Microplastics are turning up everywhere in our environment, including us. A recent small study found microplastics in 90% of human prostate cancer tumors, and at much higher levels than in nearby healthy tissue.

The tumor samples contained about 2.5 times more plastic than nearby healthy prostate tissue. This led the researchers to suggest that microplastic exposure may be a risk factor for prostate cancer. This is because chronic inflammation is considered a risk factor for the development of cancer.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (smaller than 5 millimeters) that occur as plastics get worn down, degrade, or get heated. They get into the air, water, soil, and throughout the environment. The particles are so small that after they are inhaled or ingested (in our food and water), they travel to the lungs, blood, and organs. The health effects of plastic particles in our bodies are still mainly unknown, but so far studies are finding oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

From Science Daily: Microplastics found in 90% of prostate cancer tumors, study reveals

A new study has found tiny plastic particles in nine out of 10 men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Researchers also discovered that these microplastics were present at higher concentrations in cancerous tumors than in nearby noncancerous prostate tissue. ...continue reading "Microplastics Found In Higher Levels In Prostate Cancer Tumors"

Published on Leave a comment on Weakening Formaldehyde Regulations Will Harm Us
Satellite image of U.S. Credit: Wikipedia

Many environmental protections are now in the process of being rolled back in the United States, including those for formaldehyde. This is a huge win for the chemical industry (more profits!), and a loss for us. For our health and for the environment.

Formaldehyde is used in many consumer products, such as personal care products, paints, crafting products, particle board, composite wood (e.g., furniture, cabinets), textiles, plastics, furniture foam. The problem is that it out-gasses and we inhale it, which can lead to health harms, such as effects on the skin and respiratory system and several types of cancers. Formaldehyde  causes more cancer than any other chemical in the air.

The EPA is now proposing raising levels of formaldehyde that are "safe" for us to be exposed to. It wants to double the allowable threshold levels! The EPA sets standards for chemicals that say that any level of exposure below that threshold is considered safe. Therefore, levels of exposure to formaldehyde that are now considered a cancer risk will not be if the changes are approved.

Why these rollbacks? Chemical industry friendly people are now in charge of the EPA (top staffers are from the chemical industry) and the new focus is on economic development, prioritizing business interests, and not protecting human health and the environment. Of course research scientists and research are being thrown out.

Excerpts from The Guardian: Trump’s EPA wants to weaken formaldehyde protections – this is what it could mean

Donald Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to increase the levels of exposure to highly carcinogenic formaldehyde it considers safe. If successful, people would continue to be exposed to concerning amounts of the toxin in thousands of everyday products used across the economy, experts and advocates say. ...continue reading "Weakening Formaldehyde Regulations Will Harm Us"

Published on Leave a comment on Some Food Preservatives Are Linked To Cancer
Processed meat contains preservatives. Credit: Wikipedia

Once again, preservatives found in ultra-processed foods are linked to health harms. A large study of 105,260 French adults found that higher intakes of some common food additives or preservatives are linked to certain cancers.

There was an association of higher intake of seven preservatives with a higher risk of overall cancer, and also with breast and prostate cancer. On the other hand, there was no link between overall preservatives and cancer - just with the 7 preservatives.

The researchers looked at the overall cancer rate, as well as the most common 17 preservatives, and found certain associations:  potassium sorbate with overall cancer and breast cancer, potassium metabisulfite with overall cancer and breast cancer, sodium nitrite with prostate cancer, potassium nitrate with overall cancer and breast cancer, acetates with overall cancer and breast cancer, acetic acid with overall cancer, and sodium erythorbate with overall cancer and breast cancer.

Bottom line: Read ingredient lists on food labels. Avoid foods that contain ingredients with chemical sounding names that are not normally found in a home kitchen. Those ingredients are in ultra-processed foods. Additionally, "natural flavors" are laboratory concoctions (found in ultra-processed foods).

From The Guardian: Studies link some food preservatives to higher diabetes and cancer risk

Higher consumption of some food preservatives is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer, two studies suggest.

The findings, published in the medical journals Nature Communications and the BMJ, may have important public health implications given the ubiquitous use of these additives globally, researchers said. ...continue reading "Some Food Preservatives Are Linked To Cancer"

Published on Leave a comment on Pesticides and Breast Cancer
Normal (left) vs cancerous breast (right), mammography image
Credit: National Cancer Institute

Many studies link pesticide exposure to the development of various cancers, including breast cancer. We tend to think of pesticide exposure as occurring when there is direct contact with the pesticide - for example during application, or when walking on lawns or areas with freshly applied pesticides. Yet... there are other routes that have been neglected in studies, such as washing pesticide contaminated clothes. 

At a recent webinar (42nd National Forum Series - The Pesticide Threat to Environmental Health), Carolina Panis, PhD, (Ass. Professor of Medicine at Western Paraná State University in Brazil, and Visiting Researcher at Harvard University and the University of Arizona) spoke about pesticide exposure in women and breast cancer.  She discussed her recent research showing that women occupationally exposed to pesticides (e.g., as farm workers) and diagnosed with breast cancer seem to have more aggressive disease, also at younger ages, than unexposed women. An increased mortality rate went along with this.

She also discussed an interesting finding regarding women living in farm areas (with heavy pesticide use) in Brazil. Not only is occupational exposure to pesticides linked to breast cancer, but additionally - women having chronic (daily) exposure are also exposed to pesticide residues when washing clothing used by someone who had applied pesticides. Laundry exposure! Women absorb pesticide residues (e.g., glyphosate, atrazine) from the pesticide contaminated clothing, which increases the amount of pesticides in their bodies and this is also linked to breast cancer.

The women she looked at lived in farming areas, and additionally many had their residences frequently sprayed for insects. Ultimately, women exposed to high levels of pesticides tend to develop metastatic untreatable breast cancer, and at a younger age (unlike other areas where breast cancer is highly treatable). She pointed out that pesticides also have a negative effect on the immune system.

From the article by C. Pannis and B. Lemos: Pesticide Exposure and Increased Breast Cancer Risk In Women Population Studies

Women in rural regions are at risk for exposure to pesticides by equipment decontamination, unprotected clothes washing, pesticide drift, chemical spraying in the field, and other routes of exposure in the household. Pesticides can act on mammary gland cells in direct and indirect ways, augmenting the risk for breast cancer development. ...continue reading "Pesticides and Breast Cancer"