Melatonin Exerts Growth Inhibition in Breast Cancer Cells

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examines the efficacy and safety of melatonin in concurrent chemotherapy or radiotherapy for solid tumors.  Wang et al (2012) discusses both in vitro and in vivo investigations of how melatonin protects healthy cells from radiation and chemotherapy toxicity.  Melatonin was found to be effective in suppressing the growth of tumors and decreasing the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.  It is also noted that additional research (see citations) has found melatonin to be effective in suppressing tumor growth in a variety of cancers such as melanoma, breast, prostate, ovarian, and colorectal cancer.

See the entire article @ SpringerLink: CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY AND PHARMACOLOGY

Integrative Cancer Therapies: A Whole-Systems Approach

A 10-year retrospective survival study investigated the use of "Pan-Asian medicine & vitamins" as therapy in a case series (n=239) of non-small lung cancer patients.  The investigation compared short-term treatment with long-term treatment (duration lasting time span of chemotherapy/radiotherapy and beyond conventional Tx).  Comparisons also included Pan-Asian medicine & vitamins plus conventional therapy with conventional therapy alone.  Results of the study suggest that there are survival advantages and benefits of using Pan-Asian medicine and vitamins combined with conventional therapy.

This comprehensive and novel research was completed by Pine Street's Clinical Director, Michael Broffman, and Research Director, Michael McCulloch.

View the entire article and abstract @ the Pine Street Foundation: (McCulloch et al., 2011)

Pine Street Foundation

Ganoderma Lucidum May Also Help in Decrease Chemotherapy-induced Side Effects

The Reishi, or Lingzhi Mushroom, has been recorded in Chinese texts as medicinal fungi for more than 2,000 years.  The fungal genus Ganoderma, refers to the closely related species of Reishi, which has been predominantly known as the "mushroom of immortality".   The development of effective treatments for colorectal cancer patients has been limited by the many, and severe side effects and toxicity.  In the study published by J.T., et al. (2006) they found that Ganoderma Lucidum extracts inhibits the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells.   The study also suggested that the Gandoderma Lucidum extract might also decrease the side effects of chemotherapy.

GANODERMA LUCIDUM EXTRACT INHIBITS PROLIFERATION OF SW 480 HUMAN COLORECTAL CANCER CELLS
Authors :J.T. Xie C.Z. Wang S. Wicks J.J.Yin... Vol. 28, No. 1  
See full article @ Experimental Oncology

YOGA FOR BREAST CANCER

This systematic review of randomized controlled trials revealed evidence of effectiveness only for yoga during chemotherapy or radiotherapy but not after completion of active treatment.  The review found that yoga improved psychological health in this patient population.
Twelve RCTs and 742 patients were included in this project.

The University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany produced this research project.  See the full article @ Can yoga improve fatigue in breast cancer patients? A systematic review.

Integrative Medicine & Health 2012

The International Research Congress is meeting in Portland this week!  The International Society for Complementary Medicine Research is a worldwide scientific non-profit professional organization of researchers, practitioners and policy makers devoted to foster co-operative and multidisciplinary research and development as well as the application of knowledge in the fields of Complementary, Traditional and Integrative Medicine.  The congress expects more than 1,000 researchers, clinicians, and trainees from around the world to attend.

See the program @ Integrative Medicine & Health Conference Program

"Global cancer rates could increase by 50% to 15 million by 2020"

The World Health Organization issued a World Cancer Report that reveals alarming statistics on the future of cancer.  Dr. Paul Kleihues, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and co-editor of the World Cancer Report, said that health practitioners and the public need to take urgent action to prevent this startling increase in cancer.  Through screening, lifestyle, and the reduction of tobacco consumption, one third of the cancer in the world can be prevented.

Source: Link to website: World Health Organization