ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR CANINE CANCER

First, please discuss everything with your vet.  Caring for a dog with cancer must be teamwork.  If you’re working with a holistic veterinarian, then perhaps a lot of this information is already known to him/her; that saves a step.  If you’re working with your regular vet, you may have to educate him/her to some new ideas.  Most vets are totally open to learning about new ways of treating an old enemy so don’t hesitate to open discussions.

Any surgical procedures that are available should be used to remove primary tumors since it is the primary tumor that can send out seeds for metastasis.  Other cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma are usually cancers of the blood, lymph system or blood vessels, which make it more difficult to locate and remove a primary growth.  In these cases, it’s probably not going to be operable but that does not translate to hopeless. 

The goal with most alternative cancer therapies is to induce apoptosis.  Apoptosis is a genetic program in all of us, and our dogs, that tells cells it’s their time to go.  Apoptosis is regulated by the P53 tumor suppressor gene (the gene has been directly linked to osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma in studies done with Rottweilers).  A mutation occurs in this process that allows mutant cells to grow out of control and that is cancer.  The different names of cancers are usually given to the type of tissue, area of the body, or system that harbors the mutant cells.  For example, mast cell cancer forms from mast cells which are naturally occurring cells in the body, spindle cell carcinoma derives from naturally occurring spindle cells etc.  I’m making this as simple as possible but it is far more complex in reality.

AVEMAR 
Avemar is derived from fermented wheat germ; it comes in powder form—in packets for humans.  The results of studies show it greatly improves survival and quality of life. There are no gastric side effects with the exception of a possible soft stool periodically; but with Avemar, there is no fear of intestinal necrosis.  It’s too new to say with certainty that it would be suitable for prevention of cancer in a cancer prone line or breed, but I cannot see why not since it does not damage healthy cells. It is an immune modulator which is important for overall health.  We know that cancer is also an immune system failure.   

Avemar originated in Hungary.  The company manufactures an identical supplement for pets called ImmunoVet but it was not available in the United States until March 2012 when the company began working with an American company to import the veterinary form of Avemar.

Avemar is derived from the germ (endosperm, or seed) of the wheat plant, and is a by-product of milling of wheat kernels to produce flour. It differs from ordinary wheat germ in that it is fermented to concentrate the substituted benzo-quinones, which are biologically active. Concentration allows the immunomodulatory effects of the substituted benzo-quinones to be obtained without the consumption of impractically large amounts of wheat germ.  The fermented wheat germ product produced is then treated with ionizing energy to reach the appropriate microbiological purity.

The finished product is rich in macro- and microelements, vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids. Its important components include herbal benzoic- and hydroquinones which have immune modulating and antimicrobial effects  Avemar is manufactured in the same technological way as Immunovet during the production of the active substances; the two production lines separate during the solidification or drying steps. Avemar contains mainly the water soluble particles of the biologically active substances, and Immunovet contains the water soluble part AND the solid parts as well.  If we look only at the raw production method, then Immunovet may contain more types of the useful molecules than does Avemar.  This tells us a lot about the ingredients.  The raw materials are mainly identical to Avemar but Immunovet gets some flaked corn during the drying and standardizing process which acts as a carrier. Technically, this makes it a totally different product than Avemar.

How does Immunovet work?

In short, Immunovet helps in immune system defenses. The product has a complex biological effect which affects both the humoral and cellular immune systems.

The mutated genes in cancer cells constantly urge these malignant cells to divide. In order to maintain the processes of rapid cell division, the cell metabolism must also be changed; the cell needs to adapt nucleic acids (RNA/DNA) and other constituents for its own use. Cancer cells adapt their metabolism to gain energy in a way that enables them to utilize the most abundant resource in circulation: glucose. (This is why so many “cancer diets” are based on no carbohydrates and no sugars.). In order to maintain a continuous proliferation, it is crucial that glucose is utilized continuously for synthetic (anabolic) biochemical processes.

Tumor cells easily adapt to this glucose-based metabolism and are capable of taking up and using enormous quantities of this molecule - up to 20-30 times more than normal cells.  One part of glucose is used by cancer cells for energy production, while another part will be used for the synthesis of nucleic acids, which are the building blocks of RNA and DNA.

To make a very complex group of processes simple for us lay people, the way Immunovet works is to decrease the glucose-uptake of tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner and inhibit the production of ribose and deoxyribose, a sugar that is the backbone of DNA.  It also inhibits key enzymes that cancer cells need to grow.  Further, Immunovet enhances TNFalpha (tumor necrosis factor alpha) production, thereby inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.  Angiogenesis is the ability of cancer cells to keep itself well supplied with blood.  It produces an enzyme that tells the circulatory system to send up more circulation or blood supply.  A lot of research in the States has been focused on anti-angiogenesis but Immunovet works on many fronts which makes it a more powerful weapon. Think of cancer as an evil entity that circumvents the natural processes in the body to establish an evil empire which builds itself into a monster!  Immunovet deconstructs cancer cells by working on many of these processes, turning them back into what they were before the onslaught of cancer which took control and cleverly used these natural processes to grow itself at an enormous rate.  

Immunovet also has an immune modulating effect by exerting a selective inhibition of MHC-I (major histo-compatibility-I) expression on the surface of tumor cells. Immunovet seems to restore the immune system to its pre-damaged condition. The MHC genes are responsible for regulating antibody recognition which means Immunovet is useful in autoimmune diseases, as well.  In Akitas, the MHC area of genes has been shown to be abnormal with 70% of Akitas prone to autoimmune diseases.  This study was done at UC Davis in the the 1990s.  Using Immunovet for prevention may also aid in preventing the onset of autoimmune diseases but keep in mind that overall health is controlled not by one supplement but with a life style change that includes fewer vaccines, fewer chemicals and grain free or raw food diets. 

There have been hundreds of clinical studies with Avemar throughout the world and more recently, in the United States. Many of these studies showed that Avemar induces apoptosis or programmed cell death of cancer cells after the first 24 hours of use. It also has significant anti-inflammatory effects and supports detoxification, aiding the body in disposing of the dead cancer cells and any toxins formed in the process of apoptosis. For breast cancer, Avemar blocks the estrogen that stimulates the growth of these cells.  All in all, Avemar is an increasingly important alternative treatment.   Results of cell studies, animal studies, and human clinical trials focused on cancer show that Avemar has exhibited significant anti-cancer effects in a broad variety of cancer types and also positive effects in auto-immune diseases.  For information on the clinical trials with humans and Avemar, visit www.avemar.com and follow the links to find a list of studies available at the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed.

How is it used?

Immunovet's immune-modulating ability makes it very useful for many treatments.  We are still discovering how it works on various body systems but so far, it is used to assist in the treatment of…

●  Immune and autoimmune diseases.

●  Benign and malignant tumors

●  Skin diseases by increasing the efficiency of the therapy of various
    infectious skin diseases.
 
●  Allergic skin inflammation and increased wound healing by helping to stop
    the licking of itchy skin.

●  Painful arthritis.

●  Overall improvement of the physical condition, and quality of life.

●  Treatment of physically rundown animals.

●  Aiding in the recovery after surgical operations.
 
●  Reduces the harm done by stress.

Side Effects

The only known side effects can be a soft stool but that is seen infrequently.  No other known other side effects have been noted.

Known Interactions

It is used in conjunction with all forms of chemotherapy and has been proven to extend survival time and quality of life in human patients without any side effects except a loose stool.  It should not be taken at the same time as vitamin C (allow a 2-hour window on either side of Immunovet). Otherwise there are no restrictions.  Adding Omega 3 essential fatty acids in the form of fish oil, preferably from wild caught fish, will enhance this product.

Important Warnings

Using Immunovet is not a substitute for clinical oncology treatment and medications. This product should be kept strictly out of the reach of children!

Contraindications

Usage is also not advised in cases of hereditary fructose intolerance or if there is hypersensitivity to wheat.

Dosage and Usage of Immunovet powder

As an adjunct to cancer treatments, the dose is 2 grams per each 25 pounds of body weight.  You can double that amount as necessary to achieve a better immune system balance.

I am using this for prevention with my dogs by giving them one half of the recommended therapeutic dose.  See the website for dosing.

To join my Yahoo group on using Avemar for cancer, send an email to:

Avemar_for_canine_cancer-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

To order the veterinary form of Avemar, called Immunovet and imported directly from Biropharma in HUngary, visit

www.immunity4pets.com

ARTEMISININ
The next effective treatment is Artemisinin (Arte) which is an extract from the wormwood plant.  Arte is used successfully to treat malaria throughout the world.    

http://www.bonecancerdogs.org/main/document/50

Cancer cells have the highest concentration of iron in their cells because they need that iron to stimulate growth, get a good blood supply going and eventually kill the host!  Arte attacks cells with the highest concentration of iron much like the malaria parasite which also contains a lot of iron.

An article appearing in Life Sciences in 2001 by Drs. Singh and Lai at the University of Washington detailed the rapid and complete destruction of a radiation-resistant breast cancer cell line in vitro.  The destruction occurred within 8 hours and had little effect on normal cells. 

Artemisinin has two semi-synthetic derivatives: Artesunate and Artemether.  A paper published in Oncology in 2001 described the cytotoxic effects of Artesunate against a wide variety of cancers including melanomas, breast, ovarian, leukemia and colon cancers. The growth of all of these cancers was inhibited by 50%.

A source for this combination of Arte and its derivatives is Wellcare Pharmaceutical Co.

www.hepalin.com

The source for the high quality Arte used at Washington State University is Holley Pharmaceuticals.  Here is their website:

http://holleypharma.com/

Arte must be given on an empty stomach.  Allow at least 3 hours to elapse after feeding and then give the Arte; wait one hour before feeding again.  Holley Phamaceutical will advise you on dosage.  I have a 140 pound dog that is on 300mg daily split into two or 150 mg twice a day.  Using fat helps the absorption—I give the capsules with some wild caught salmon oil gelcaps and in organic butter or frozen yogurt.

Give with butyrex which further helps with absorption and is also available from Holley.  Here is information on that supplement:

http://holleypharma.com/main.php3?primNavIndex=6&mainURL=%2Fpages%2Fpages938520.htm

Artemisinin has an extremely helpful Yahoo group with many people using it.  Success stories with bone cancer, leukemia and other cancers are exciting to read about:  These people answer questions and support and guide each other. 

artemisinin_and_cancer@yahoogroups.com

For more reading on Arte, visit these sites:

http://www.mwt.net/~drbrewer/canart1.htm

http://www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_doc_format/Artemisinin.cfm

http://www.townsendletter.com/Dec2002/artemisinin1202.htm

Neoplasene
Neoplasene is a treatment available from Buck Mountain Botanicals.  I have never used it topically though there are many people who have, but as an oral treatment it works this way:  A small amount is ingested with food twice a day.  It circulates within the bloodstream and attacks and kills the mutant cells wherever it finds them.  It takes over and induces apoptosis.  Where the genetic program has broken down, Neoplasene takes its place.  There is some controversy over its use because it is very powerful but it is also very effective.  You need to contact Dr. Terence Fox at Buck Mountain Botanicals to discuss its use and dosage since it is his treatment protocol.  His phone number is 1-406-232-1185.

The key to giving Neoplasene is to prep the stomach because it will induce vomiting—it is an emetic.  The vomiting is not terrible but it’s not going to help treat the cancer so prepping the stomach is vital.  You must also make certain a large amount of food and water is present to make the Neoplasene absorbable.  There is a sheet that I’ve put together to help you.  It’s called Diet for Neoplasene and it’s attached.

There are two groups available online that you should join since everyone on these groups is using Neoplasene and some of these stories will fill your heart with joy!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neoplasene_for-Cancer

The other group is even larger with a great many downloadable sheets to help you—there are over 400 people supporting each other.

theblacksalvecanceropenforum@yahoogroups.com

Dr. Fox is firm in stating two prerequisites for using Neoplasene.  (1) absolutely no NSAIDS or other forms of anti-inflammatory medicines.  The reason is simple—neoplasene heats up the cancer cells to destroy them.  By using an anti-inflammatory, you prevent the Neoplasene from doing its job.  You may notice that your dog seeks a cool place after eating.  That’s why.  By all means, use Tramadol for pain as needed, or one of the homeopathic remedies, like Traumeel.

His next request is no other treatments should be used when using Neoplasene.  Because of this statement, you really need to make certain you want to use Neoplasene and not use the other mentioned treatments which work in different ways.

ONCOPLEX
For decades, the word was out that something in cruciferous vegetables protects animals from cancer; in 1992, scientists from Johns Hopkins University identified the active constituent as a chemical called sulforaphane. Broccoli contains more sulforaphane than the other vegetables. The best source of it comes from sprouts that have grown to the second leaf stage; these seedlings contain between 10 to 100 times as much sulforaphane as a full-grown broccoli.

To date the sulforaphane research focusing on cancer has discovered that this protection results from stimulation of the body's own antioxidant and detoxification system, which is comprised of what scientists call Phase 2 Enzymes.  The enzymes eliminate carcinogens from the body before they can cause DNA damage. This action protects healthy cells from cancer triggering chemicals.

More exciting from a cutting edge point of view is a paper in the March 2000 issue of Cancer Research which reported for the first time that sulforaphane can cause cancer cells to self-destruct, that it triggers programmed cell death or apoptosis.   Research that is more recent reports on the genetic mechanisms by which these broccoli chemicals work.  For example, a recent study on breast cancer showed sulforaphane binding to mammary tissue after just a single dose of broccoli sprouts.   Earlier studies from 1997 and 2000 demonstrated that sulforaphane prevented carcinogens from triggering cancer in breast tissue. Other benefits of this supplement include increasing the liver’s capacity to detoxify potential carcinogens.  Sulforaphane glucosinolate is the precursor of sulforaphane and ONCOPLEX contains sulforaphane glucosinolate (SGS).

You, your family and your pets should all be taking Oncoplex and I do not make a penny on this recommendation!  You can order it online at the following websites:

http://www.itcpharmacy.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=458

http://www.drallmd.org/index.asp?page=productView&prevPage=products&id=473

http://www.mornin-glory.com/store/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?search=yes&hits_seen=900

http://www.theroadtohealthyliving.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=529

http://storesense.paradata.dxstorm.com/centerforholisticmedicine/Detail.bok?no=410

IP6 with INOSITOL
As mentioned above in the discussion on Arte, tumor cells utilize iron as a growth factor. Researchers are constantly searching for a drug that would be able to attach to iron molecules and remove them from the body, producing an effective anti-cancer drug, without harming the patient.  The chemotherapy drug, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), is an iron binder, but comes with severe side effects, including heart damage. 

There is a naturally occurring compound that chelates (attaches to) iron without side effects.  Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), is found naturally in seeds and bran; it selectively removes iron from abnormal cells without side effects. You can learn more about the effectiveness of this natural treatment here:

http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/ip6andincom.html

http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/25/11/2115 

I started Jazzie on IP6 with Inositol from Enzymatic Therapy.  I purchase it from The Vitamin Shoppe in my area.  She is on 6 capsules twice a day.

Lastly, I have Jazzie on a program under Dr. Charles Loops, a renowned veterinary homeopathic. He has her on cell salts and special nosodes.  The aim with homeopathy is to do not harm so whatever decisions you make, I highly recommend a telephone consult with Dr. Loops.  Jazzie has been doing well with this program and the other alternatives that we are now using.  I would have a better sense of security about treating her cancer if she were on Neoplasene, but for this dog, it is not a safe treatment. 

Visit his website:

http://www.charlesloopsdvm.com/

My goal in fighting cancer was to make my beloved friend as comfortable as possible and prolong her life. If we can turn cancer into a chronic, manageable disease instead of a fatal disease, what more can we ask?

If you need to email me, please feel free.  I totally understand the gnawing fear that goes with a cancer afflicted pet.  The feelings of helplessness can be overwhelming.

Barbara

bouyet@gmail.com 

(c) 2008-2012