Minggu, Juli 19, 2009

How to Live With Multiple Myeloma

How to Live With Multiple Myeloma

Written by Alexa Canell on April 23, 2009 - 3:28pm

Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell, is an incurable but treatable disease.

A myeloma diagnosis can be devastating, it is important to remember that there are several promising new therapies. The estimated frequency of multiple myeloma is 5 to 7 new cases per 100,000 persons per year.

Multiple myeloma is characterized by excessive numbers of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow and overproduction of intact monoclonal immunoglobulin.

Hypercalcemia, anemia, renal damage, increased susceptibility to bacterial infection, and impaired production of normal immunoglobulin are common clinical manifestations of multiple myeloma. It is often also characterized by diffuse osteoporosis, usually in the pelvis, spine, ribs, and skull.

SYMPTOMS:
There are often no symptoms in the early stages of myeloma. In some cases, myeloma may be discovered by accident during routine blood testing. When present, symptoms may be vague and similar to those of other conditions.

Pain: a common early symptom of multiple myeloma is pain in the lower back or in the ribs. This is the result of tiny fractures in the bones caused by accumulation of plasma cells and weakened bone structures.

Fatigue: As the number of malignant plasma cells increases in the bone marrow, the growth and development of red blood cells in the bone marrow may be suppressed, leading to low levels of red blood cells in the blood. Anemia can result in unusual tiredness and abnormal paleness.

Nervous system dysfunction:
Weakening and collapsing bone structures may impinge on nerves, producing severe pain, tingling or numbness. Myeloma cells often produce abnormal proteins which contribute to the symptoms, and, in large amounts, cause a dangerous thickening of the blood known as hyperviscosity. The most visible aspect of myeloma disease is its effect on bones throughout the body. In the majority of patients with multiple myeloma, soft spots develop where the bone structure has been damaged. These can extend from the inner bone marrow to the outside surface of the bone. Soft spots appear as "holes" on a standard bone x-ray and are referred to asosteolytic lesions. These lesions weaken the bone, causing pain and increasing the risk of fractures.

Knowing Your treatment Options:
Information regarding treatments for the disease is constantly changing.
Deciding on a particular treatment for myeloma is a complex process. Treatment is tailored to each patient accordingly. There are several potential outcomes of treatment in myeloma. Although cures have not been documented in patients with myeloma, molecular complete responses have been achieved with some of the new therapies in clinical trials. Relapses still occur after molecular complete response, usually after a longer period of event-free survival. The choice of initial therapy is dependent on whether a patient is a candidate for high dose chemotherapy andautologous stem cell transplant a therapeutic strategy that offers improved response rates and survival in myeloma.
If a patient is not a candidate for an autologous transplant, the most common initial treatment is a combination of melphalan, a type of chemotherapy and prednisone, a type of corticosteroid . Cyclophosphamide and prednisone CP or other combinations of agents may also be used. High-dose dexamethasone another corticosteroid is often used in older patients who may be unable to tolerate other therapies, as is combination Thalomid thalidomide, Celgene and dexamethasone. .

Supportive therapies commonly used in myeloma include: Supportive care measures are an important aspect of the treatment of myeloma because they address the symptoms and complications of the disease.
Bisphosphonates, Growth factors, which help the bone marrow produce more red and white blood cells. Antibiotics, which help treat and prevent infection. Orthopedic interventions, which help control pain and improve functioning and mobility Pain control measures, such as medication, radiation, and radiopharmaceuticals such as Quadramet.

A special course of medicated enema called 'Ksheer-Basti' is used in multiple myeloma. This procedure is believed to act directly on the bone and bone marrow. Repeated courses of this procedure are effective in correcting the abnormal bone marrow and in reducing bone pain and fractures.

In addition to conventional treatments you can also use herbal treatments as well. I am not saying to stop your treatment with your oncologist but you can talk to your doctor about adding some herbal supplements to aid in your recovery and to ease some of the pain and other symptoms caused by your treatment as well as symptoms from the multiple myeloma.

Herbs are often used in combinations when combating an illness. These herbs and vitamins were picked up from different herbal combinations and are not meant to form a recipe.

Maritime Pine Bark a super antioxidant to dramatically stimulate the patients immunity and ability to fight the cancer.

Carotenoids very important for rebuilding and repair of body cells which is critical for multiple myeloma and cancer patients. Generally, a carotenoid mixture combined with a complete multi-vitamin with good mineral content will produce good results.

Lutein carotenoid that helps heal and prevent myeloma and cancer.

Vitamin A works with carotenoids

Garlic garlic has been shown to inhibit the formation of free radicals which can benefit those with cancer. Garlic also helps boost the immune system. A combination herbal immune system remedy often includes garlic.

Shiitake The shiitake mushroom stimulates a person's immune system to produce more interferon

Reishi The herb reishi mushroom serves both to boost the immune system and it also has anti-tumor fighting abilities. Normally it maybe found in an immune system herbal mixture

Blessed Thistle herb used in Europe for almost any problem and used for many inflammation problems and for cancers. Often used in a blend with myrrh and frankincense.

Red Clover Herb good for cancer therapy and works well with all of the other herbs listed on this page.

Carnitine Protects against damage from free radicals and toxins which are associated with cancerous cells.

Advanced Omega Increase to 5 tablets a day for 3 weeks then reduce to 4 tablets a day for 4 weeks then use normal dosage. The Advanced Omega should help with inflammation and pain.

These are just some of the vitamins and herbs that can help your therapy progression. I know that most vitamins and herbs can be very expensive but you can go online to Swanson Vitamins they have good quality vitamins and herbs at very low prices. Anything extra that you can do to speed up your recovery and keep you in remission is worth everything. You cant put a price on you life.

-LIQUID ORGANIC SPIRULINA

Products - Health Drink - K-LIQUID ORGANIC SPIRULINA

K-Liquid Organic Spirulina is an amazing supplement for health, energy and vitality as spirulina contains at least 12 vitamins, 11 minerals, 4 important pigments, 14 essential and non-essential fatty acids and 18 essential and non-essential amino acids.

Why choose spirulina?

  • Spirulina has an amazing high nutritional profile.
  • Spirulina is a rich source of enzymes and is the best whole-food source of Gamma Linelonic Acid (GLA). GLA is known to stimulate growth, act as anti-inflammatory and alleviate arthritic symptoms.
  • Spirulina is the richest whole food source of protein, containing up to 70% of the nutrient as compared to eggs (12%), soybeans (35%), beef (17%), dried skim milk (35%), peanuts (25%), grains (8-14%) and whole milk (3%).
  • Spirulina is rich in beta carotene. Its beta carotene is 10 times higher than that of a carrot. Beta carotene has anti-oxidant properties and plays a role in preventing heart disease and cancer.
  • Spirulina contains a whole spectrum of natural mixed carotene and xanthophylls phyto-pigments. Spirulina’s pigments include chlorophyll, carotenoids, phycocyanin and superoxide dismutase, while calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, mangananese, zinc, selenium, copper and chromium constitute its minerals content.
  • K-Liquid Organic Spirulina is an effective energy booster and an ideal food supplement for people of all ages and lifestyles. It also cleanses our body’s internal organs and boosts our immune system.
  • K-Liquid Organic Spirulina is derived from pure, unmodified and 100% natural organic spirulina. The organic spirulina is ecologically cultivated in the world’s largest spirulina farm in California , USA . The scientifically controlled cultivation spirulina is free from pesticides, herbicides and other impurities.

K-LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL

Products - Health Drink - K-LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL

K-Liquid Chlorophyll’s three main benefits:

  1. Cleansing - refers to detoxification and eliminating impurities from our body.
  2. Regulating - balances the hormones, acid and alkaline in our body.
  3. Nourishing - provides nutrients for healthy blood to increase the oxygen level and red blood count.

What is Chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is life’s natural elixir contained in the green pigment of plants. In the process known as “photosynthesis”, chlorophyll in green plants traps and stores the energy of sunlight, together with carbon dioxide in the air, water and minerals from the soil to produce food. The energy is required to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose – the chief source of energy for living organisms.

Why choose Alfalfa?

Alfalfa is chosen because it contains 4 times the chlorophyll of other vegetables. Its roots grow deep into the soil to absorb minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and etc.

One table spoon of K-Liquid Chlorophyll is equivalent to 1 kg of vegetable consumption. It is a natural source of nutrient that is vital in stimulating good health.

Fights Free Radicals to Reduce Wrinkles & Aging

The chlorophyll in alfalfa contains antioxidants, which can help reduce free radicals in our body. Free radicals weaken our body, making us more susceptible to sickness. Free radicals are an active oxidized substance, generated by our own body through metabolism (breakdown of food and oxygen), that will destroy protein, lipid and DNA. It will affect normal cells to change and cause various diseases in the human body. Free radicals are a major contributor to ageing.

Chlorophyll is rich in:

Zinc –Zinc combines with vitamin A to promote good health
Selenium –Protects and energizes body cells
Vitamin E –Anti-ageing, nourishes skin and keeps the brain active
Vitamin C –Increases alertness and possesses anti-cancer properties
Vitamin A –Strengthens the heart’s function and improves vision.

Other nutrients include protein, biotin, folic acid, pantothenic acid and minerals such as calcium, cobalt, chromium, phosphorus, silicon, potassium, manganese, magnesium and iron.

Promotes Cell Regeneration and Boosts the Immune System

Dr. Richard Willstatter and Dr. Hans Fisher have in 1915 and 1930 respectively received the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Chemistry for discovering the molecular structure of human red blood cells and chlorophyll. Due to this, chlorophyll is shown to promote cell regeneration and reproduction as well as assist in building up the immune system.

Blood Production Property

Nobel Prize recipients, Dr. Richard Willstatter and Dr. Hans Fisher further discovered that the only difference between red blood cells and chlorophyll is that chlorophyll has a magnesium atom in its nucleus while red blood cells have iron. Thus, chlorophyll can help in cases of anemia and other blood deficiency conditions.

Cleanses Body of Pesticides and Drug Residue Toxins

Nutritionist Prof. Bernard Jensen pointed out that chlorophyll is effective in reducing toxin caused by pesticides and drug residue by purging them from the body. He further observed that healthy people generally have higher blood counts compared to the sick. However, after high consumption of chlorophyll, the sick showed an increase in blood count and improved health.

Reduces the Body’s Problems

Scientist Offen Krantz found that chlorophyll is highly beneficial to patients with stomach ulcers. Chlorophyll complements the medication prescribed by doctors for stomach ulcers.

Improves Skin Problems, Beautifies Complexion

The New England Medical Journal reported that chlorophyll can help in controlling skin problems and internal infection. The American Journal of Surgery published findings by Temple University on the use of chlorophyll to treat surgical wounds and other similar conditions.

Kamis, Juli 16, 2009

ZOMETA

ZOMETA
GOLONGAN
GENERIK
Zoledronic acid.
INDIKASI
  • Pengobatan hiperkalsemia pada malignansi.
  • Pencegahan kasus yang berhubungan dengan skeletal (fraktur patologis, kompresi spinal, radiasi atau operasi tulang, atau hiperkalsemia yang diinduksi oleh tumor) pada pasien dengan keganasan tingkat lanjut yang mengenai tulang.
  • Terapi hiperkalsemia pada keganasan (HCM).
  • KONTRA INDIKASI
    Hamil dan laktasi.
    PERHATIAN
    - Gangguan hati dan ginjal berat.
    - Monitor elektrolit dan kreatinin serum.
    - Menetap status hidrasi.

    Interaksi Obat:
    Efek aditif dengan aminoglikosida.
    EFEK SAMPING
    Peningkatan suhu tubuh, flu-like syndrome, reaksi pada tempat suntikan ruam, pruritus, nyeri dada, dan gangguan gastro intestinal.
    INDEKS KEAMANAN PADA WANITA HAMIL
    D: Positif ada kejadian yang berbahaya pada janin manusia, tetapi keuntungan dari penggunaan oleh wanita hamil mungkin dapat diterima walaupun berisiko. (Misalnya jika obat digunakan untuk situasi menyelamatkan nyawa atau penyakit yang serius dimana obat yang lebih aman tidak dapat digunakan atau tidak efektif).
    KEMASAN
    Vial 4 mg/5 mL x 1's.
    DOSIS
  • Dewasa dan usia lanjut Pencegahan kasus yang berhubungan dengan skeletal pada paien dengan keganasan tulang tingkat lanjut : 4 mg sebagai 15 menit infus Intra Vena tunggal tiap 3 - 4 mgg.
  • Pasien harus diberikan suplemen kalsium 500 mg per oral dan 400 iu vitamin D per hari.
  • Terapi hiperkalsemia pada keganasan (HCM): 4 mg sebagai 15 menit infus intra vena tunggal. Tunggu 7 sampai 10 hari sebelum mengulang terapi.
  • PENYAJIAN
    Tak ada pilihan
    HARGA :
    Rp. 3.852.994/kemasan

    Multiple myeloma

    Multiple myeloma

    Definition

    By Mayo Clinic staff

    Multiple myeloma is a cancer of your plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow.

    In multiple myeloma, a group of abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) multiplies, raising the number of plasma cells to a more than normal level. The result can be erosion of your bones. The disease also interferes with the function of your bone marrow and immune system, which can lead to anemia and infection. Multiple myeloma may also cause kidney problems.

    The disease is called multiple myeloma because myeloma cells can occur in multiple bone marrow sites in your body.

    If you have multiple myeloma but don't have symptoms, your doctors may just monitor your condition. If you're experiencing symptoms, various treatments are available.


    Symptoms

    By Mayo Clinic staff

    Although multiple myeloma may not cause symptoms early in the disease, it's likely that you'll experience signs and symptoms as the disease progresses.

    Signs and symptoms of the disease can vary from person to person. Common multiple myeloma symptoms include:

    • Bone pain.
    • Presence of abnormal proteins — which can be produced by myeloma cells — in your blood or urine. These proteins — which are antibodies or parts of antibodies — are called monoclonal, or M, proteins. Often discovered during a routine exam, monoclonal proteins may indicate multiple myeloma, but also can indicate other conditions.
    • High level of calcium in your blood. This can occur when calcium from affected bones dissolves into your blood.

    If you have a high calcium level in your blood, you may experience signs and symptoms such as:

    • Excessive thirst and urination
    • Constipation
    • Nausea
    • Loss of appetite
    • Mental confusion

    Anemia can occur as myeloma cells replace oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your bone marrow, which may lead to another common symptom — fatigue.

    Other signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma may include:

    • Bone pain, particularly in your back or ribs
    • Unexplained bone fractures
    • Repeated infections — such as pneumonia, bladder or kidney infection, or sinusitis
    • Weight loss
    • Weakness or numbness in your legs

    Causes

    By Mayo Clinic staff


    Multiple myeloma

    Image showing myeloma cells

    (The growth of myeloma cells (bluish-stained cells) inhibits the growth of normal bone marrow cells.)


    Although the exact cause isn't known, doctors do know that multiple myeloma begins with one abnormal plasma cell in your bone marrow — the soft, blood-producing tissue that fills in the center of most of your bones. This abnormal cell then starts to multiply.

    Because abnormal cells don't mature and then die as normal cells do, they accumulate, eventually overwhelming the production of healthy cells. Healthy bone marrow consists of a small number of plasma cells, less than 5 percent. But in people with multiple myeloma, the number of plasma cells often increases to more than 10 percent.

    Because myeloma cells may circulate in low numbers in your blood, they can populate other bone marrow sites in your body, even far from where they began. Uncontrolled plasma cell growth can damage bones and surrounding tissue. It can also interfere with your immune system's ability to fight infections by inhibiting your body's production of normal antibodies.

    Researchers investigating cause
    Experts aren't sure why this process begins. But, researchers are studying the DNA of plasma cells to try to understand what changes occur that cause these cells to become cancer cells. Though they haven't yet discovered the cause of these changes, they have found some common abnormalities in myeloma cells. For example, many myeloma cells are missing all or part of one chromosome — chromosome 13. Cells with a missing or defective chromosome 13 tend to be more aggressive and harder to treat than are cells with a normal chromosome 13.

    A connection with MGUS
    Multiple myeloma sometimes develops from a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). MGUS is more common in adults over age 50. This condition, like multiple myeloma, is marked by the presence of M proteins — produced by abnormal plasma cells — in your blood. However, in MGUS, the amount of the abnormal proteins isn't high enough to cause harm, and no damage to the bones occurs.


    Risk factors

    By Mayo Clinic staff

    Multiple myeloma isn't contagious. Most people who develop multiple myeloma have no clearly identifiable risk factors for the disease.

    Some factors that may increase your risk of multiple myeloma include:

    • Age. The majority of people who develop multiple myeloma are older than 50, with most diagnosed around age 70. Few cases occur in people younger than 40.
    • Sex. Men are more likely to develop the disease than are women.
    • Race. Blacks are about twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma as are whites.
    • History of a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Every year 1 percent of the people with MGUS in the United States develop multiple myeloma.
    • Obesity. Your risk of multiple myeloma is increased if you're overweight or obese.

    Other factors that may increase your risk of developing multiple myeloma include exposure to radiation and working in petroleum-related industries.


    When to seek medical advice

    By Mayo Clinic staff

    If you're persistently more tired than you used to be, you've lost weight, and you experience bone pain, repeated infections, loss of appetite, excessive thirst and urination, persistent nausea, increased constipation, or weakness or numbness in your legs, your signs and symptoms may indicate multiple myeloma or other serious diseases. See your doctor to determine the underlying cause.


    Tests and diagnosis

    By Mayo Clinic staff

    Your doctor may first detect signs of multiple myeloma before you ever have symptoms — through blood and urine tests conducted during a routine physical exam. If you don't yet have symptoms, these lab tests may be repeated every few months so that your doctor can track whether your disease is progressing and determine the best time to start treatment.

    Blood and urine tests
    A blood test called serum protein electrophoresis separates your blood proteins and can detect the presence of M proteins, called an "M spike," in your blood. Parts of M proteins may also be detected in a test of your urine — when found in urine, they're referred to as Bence Jones proteins.

    If your doctor discovers M proteins, you'll likely need additional blood tests to measure blood cell counts and levels of calcium, uric acid and creatinine. Your doctor may also conduct other blood tests to check for beta2-microglobulin — another protein produced by myeloma cells — or to measure the percent of plasma cells in your bone marrow.

    Other tests
    You may also need other tests. They may include:

    • Imaging. X-rays of your skeleton can show whether your bones have any thinned-out areas, common in multiple myeloma. If a closer view of your bones is necessary, your doctor may use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scanning.
    • Bone marrow examination. Your doctor may also conduct a bone marrow examination by using a needle to remove a small sample of bone marrow tissue. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for myeloma cells.

    Staging and classification
    These tests can help confirm whether you have multiple myeloma or another condition. If tests indicate you have multiple myeloma, the results from these tests allow your doctor to classify your disease as stage 1, stage 2 or stage 3. People with stage 3 myeloma are more likely to have one or more signs of advanced disease, including greater numbers of myeloma cells and kidney failure.



    Complications

    By Mayo Clinic staff

    Multiple myeloma can result in several complications:

    • Impaired immunity. Myeloma cells inhibit the production of antibodies needed for normal immunity. Having multiple myeloma may make you more likely to develop infections, such as pneumonia, sinusitis, bladder or kidney infection, skin infections and shingles.
    • Bone problems. Multiple myeloma also can affect your bones, leading to erosion of bone mass and fractures. The condition may cause compression of your spinal cord. Signs of this medical emergency include weakness, or even paralysis, in your legs.
    • Impaired kidney function. Multiple myeloma may cause problems with kidney function, including kidney failure. Higher calcium levels in the blood related to eroding bones can interfere with your kidneys' ability to filter your blood's waste. The proteins produced by the myeloma cells can cause similar problems, especially if you become dehydrated.
    • Anemia. As cancerous cells crowd out normal blood cells, multiple myeloma can also cause anemia and other blood problems.


    Treatments and drugs

    By Mayo Clinic staff

    Generally, if you have multiple myeloma and aren't experiencing symptoms, you don't need treatment. However, your doctors will likely monitor your condition at variable intervals, checking for signs — such as increasing levels of M protein in your blood or urine — that indicate the disease is progressing. If it is, you may need treatment to help prevent symptoms. In people diagnosed with asymptomatic multiple myeloma, the risk of developing symptoms is about 10 percent a year for the first five years after learning that they have the disease.

    If you're experiencing symptoms, treatment can help relieve pain, control complications of the disease, stabilize your condition and slow the progress of the disease.

    Standard treatments for myeloma
    Though there's no cure for multiple myeloma, with good treatment results you can usually return to near-normal activity. The appropriate multiple myeloma treatment depends on your needs, medical status and general health. You may also wish to consider approved clinical trials as an option.

    Standard treatment options include:

    • Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy involves using medicines — taken orally as a pill or given through an intravenous (IV) injection — to kill myeloma cells. Chemotherapy is often given in cycles over a period of months, followed by a rest period. Often chemotherapy is discontinued during what is called a plateau phase or remission, during which your M protein level remains stable. You may need chemotherapy again if your M protein level begins to rise. Common chemotherapy drugs used to treat myeloma are melphalan (Alkeran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), vincristine (Oncovin), doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil).
    • Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone (Decadron) have been used for decades to treat multiple myeloma. They are typically given as pills. Some research suggests that high doses of steroids may not be needed, and that lower doses may be safer and more effective.
    • Stem cell transplantation. This treatment involves using high-dose chemotherapy — usually high doses of melphalan — along with transfusion of previously collected immature blood cells (stem cells) to replace diseased or damaged marrow. The stem cells can come from you or from a donor, and they may be from either blood or bone marrow.
    • Thalidomide (Thalomid). Thalidomide, a drug originally used as a sedative and to treat morning sickness in the 1950s, was removed from the market after it was found to cause severe birth defects. However, the drug received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) again in 1998, first as a treatment for skin lesions caused by leprosy. Thalidomide is currently FDA-approved in conjunction with the corticosteroid called dexamethasone for the treatment of newly diagnosed cases of multiple myeloma. This drug is given orally.
    • Bortezomib (Velcade). Velcade was the first approved drug in a new class of medications called proteasome inhibitors. It is administered intravenously. It works by blocking the action of proteasomes, which causes cancer cells to die. One study showed that bortezomib had more than twice the response rate of a commonly used drug, dexamethasone. Bortezomib is approved for use as an initial treatment for people with multiple myeloma.
    • Lenalidomide (Revlimid). Lenalidomide is chemically similar to thalidomide, but appears to be more potent and cause fewer side effects. It is given orally. Lenalidomide is FDA-approved for use in combination with dexamethasone as a treatment for people who have received at least one prior therapy for multiple myeloma.
    • Radiation therapy. This treatment uses high-energy penetrating waves to damage myeloma cells and stop their growth. Radiation therapy may be used to target myeloma cells in a specific area — for instance, to more quickly shrink a tumor that's causing pain or destroying a bone.

    Initial therapy for myeloma
    The initial chemotherapy used to treat multiple myeloma depends on whether you're considered a candidate for stem cell transplantation. Factors such as the risk of your disease progressing, your age and your general health play a part in determining whether stem cell transplantation may be right for you.

    • If you're considered a candidate for stem cell transplantation: Your initial therapy will likely exclude melphalan because this drug can have a toxic effect on stem cells, making it impossible to collect enough of them. You may begin treatment with the most common initial myeloma therapy in the United States, thalidomide plus dexamethasone. Or your doctor may instead recommend a newer regimen, lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone.

      Your stem cells will likely be collected after you've undergone three to four months of treatment with these initial agents. Your doctor may recommend undergoing the stem cell transplant soon after your cells are collected or delaying the transplant until after a relapse, if it occurs. Your age and your personal preference are important factors that will help your doctor make his or her recommendation.

    • If you're not considered a candidate for stem cell transplantation: Your initial therapy is likely to be a combination of melphalan, prednisone and thalidomide (MPT). If the side effects are intolerable, melphalan plus prednisone is another option (MP). This type of therapy is typically given for about 12 to 18 months.

    Treatments for relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma
    Most people who are treated for multiple myeloma eventually experience a relapse of the disease. And in some cases, none of the currently available, first-line therapies slow the cancer cells from multiplying. If you experience a relapse of multiple myeloma, your doctor may recommend repeating another course of the treatment that initially helped you. Another option is trying one or more of the other treatments typically used as first-line therapy, either alone or in combination.

    Research on a number of promising new treatment options is ongoing, and these drugs offer important options for those with multiple myeloma. Talk to your doctor about what clinical trials may be available to you.

    Treating complications
    Because multiple myeloma can cause a number of complications, you may also need treatment for those specific conditions. For example:

    • Back pain. Taking pain medication or wearing a back brace can help relieve the back pain you might experience with multiple myeloma.
    • Kidney complications. People with severe kidney damage may need dialysis.
    • Infections. Antibiotics may be necessary to help treat infections or to help reduce your risk of them.
    • Bone loss. You may take medications called bisphosphonates, such as pamidronate (Aredia) or zoledronic acid (Zometa), which bind to the surface of your bones and help prevent bone loss. Treatment with these drugs is associated with the risk of harm to the jawbone. If you're taking these medications, don't have dental procedures done without consulting your doctor first.
    • Anemia. If you have persistent anemia, your doctor may prescribe erythropoietin injections. Erythropoietin is a naturally occurring hormone made in the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells. Research suggests that the use of erythropoietin may increase the risk of blood clots in some people with myeloma.


    Lifestyle and home remedies

    By Mayo Clinic staff

    The following tips may help you keep multiple myeloma under control:

    • Stay active. Exercise helps keep your bones stronger. If pain keeps you from being active, ask your doctor about ways to lessen the pain.
    • Drink fluids. Drinking fluids can help keep you from becoming dehydrated. And by drinking plenty of fluids, you help dilute the Bence Jones protein fragments in your urine, which may help prevent kidney damage.
    • Eat a balanced diet. One way to promote your overall health and cope with any form of cancer is to eat well. The amount of M protein in your system isn't affected by how much protein you eat, so there's no need to limit protein intake unless told otherwise by your doctor. Don't take vitamins, herbs or medications without your doctor's approval because they may interfere with your treatment.

    Coping and support

    By Mayo Clinic staff

    A diagnosis of cancer can be extremely challenging. Remember that no matter what your concerns or prognosis, you're not alone. These strategies and resources may make dealing with cancer easier:

    • Know what to expect. Find out everything you can about your cancer — the type, stage, risks, your treatment options and their side effects. The more you know, the more active you can be in your care. In addition to talking with your doctor, look for information in your local library and on the Internet. The National Cancer Institute will answer questions over the phone from the public at 800-4-CANCER, or 800-422-6237. Or contact the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345, or -800-227-2345. Information is also available on their Web sites.
    • Be proactive. Although you may feel tired and discouraged, don't let others — including your family or your doctor — make important decisions for you. It's vital that you take an active role in your treatment.
    • Maintain a strong support system. Having a support system and a positive attitude can help you cope with any issues, pain and anxieties that might occur. Although friends and family can be your best allies, they sometimes may have trouble dealing with your illness. If so, the concern and understanding of a formal support group or others coping with cancer can be especially helpful. Although support groups aren't for everyone, they can be a good source for practical information for you and your family, too. You may also find you develop deep and lasting bonds with people who are going through the same things you are.
    • Set reasonable goals. Having goals helps you feel in control and can give you a sense of purpose. But don't choose goals you can't possibly reach. You may not be able to work a 40-hour week, for example, but you may be able to work at least part time. In fact, many people find that continuing to work can be helpful.
    • Take time for yourself. Eating well, relaxing and getting enough rest can help combat the stress and fatigue of cancer. Also, plan ahead for the downtimes, when you may need to rest more or limit what you do.
    • Stay active. Having cancer doesn't mean you have to stop doing the things you enjoy or normally do. For the most part, if you feel well enough to do something, go ahead and do it. It's important to stay involved as much as you can.

    Rabu, Juli 15, 2009

    Poly-MVA to Treat & Prevent Cancer

    The Starfish Project

    The combined effort of our whole family.

    Poly-MVA to Treat & Prevent Cancer

    leave a comment »

    polybottle“I had this terrible bone pain in my head, spine, ribs, and all over. Then the doctor told me he had discovered holes in my skull the size of nickels and dimes. I felt just terrible pain and needed to sleep all the time to escape it. I took pain pills and sleeping pills. It turned out – the final diagnosis offered by my newly acquired oncologist – that I had been struck by multiple myeloma,” states 67-year-old clergyman Kenneth Walker of Fox Island, Washington. “On March 19, 2001 he told me the diagnosis and in June he advised that because my anemia was so severe, ‘The cancer is ravaging your bone marrow – you have less than three months to live unless you undergo chemotherapy.’”

    Also referred to as malignant plasmacytoma or plasma cell myeloma or myelomatosis, multiple myeloma is a disseminated neoplasm of marrow plasma cells. The disease infiltrates bone to produce osteolytic lesions throughout the skeleton (particularly in the flat bones, vertebrae, skull, pelvis, and ribs). Standard treatment is cytotoxic chemotherapy using cyclophosphamid or melphalan – both administered with prednisone to suppress plasma cell growth and control pain. The medical profession considers this disease incurable. According to a respected reference source, within three months of diagnosis 52% of patients die; within two years, 90% die.1

    “Today, this same oncologist advises me that if I was visiting him for the first time, he would not suspect cancer had ever been present. The treatment I researched and adopted on my own saved me,” affirms Reverend Walker. “At the doctor’s request I have documented what he describes as ’such a fantastic result.’”

    Illustrative of the “fantastic result” for Ken Walker is that no symptoms of multiple myeloma remain. He is now retired and enjoying a leisure life to the fullest. During the late summer of 2001, for example, the retired clergyman and his wife spent six weeks circumnavigating Canada’s Vancouver Island in their sailboat. During the week just prior to Thanksgiving 2002, he flew to Aruba to engage in scuba diving with dive master and Oriental medicine specialist Carlos Viana, OMD, who practices holistic medicine in Aruba and throughout the Netherlands Antilles.

    Reverend Ken Walker (no relation to the author) is utilizing the newest concept in nutritional supplements, an organic “metallovitamin” and amino acid produced under three patents first issued by the US Government in October 1995 to electro-biochemist and former US Navy dentist Merrill Garnett, PhD, DDS, of Islip, Long Island, New York. This metallovitamin derived from a lipoic acid and palladium complex, will be described in detail.

    Breast Cancer Remission for Sarah J. Jones

    “During February 2002, I discovered a lump in my left breast that seemed pretty big,” says Sarah J. Jones of Denver, Colorado. “Because I could not get an evaluation appointment at the Sally Jobe Diagnostic Center in Greenwood Village, Colorado for several weeks, I researched the holistic medical literature on my own and took a number of nutritional supplements,” Sarah says. “When finally I was seen at the Sally Jobe Center, their multiple Doppler ultrasound films confirmed my breast lump as potentially cancerous. The radiologist browbeat me to have a biopsy, which I refused because of what I had learned from my reading about the spread of cancer from biopsies.

    “With hands on hips and challenge in her voice, the head nurse at Sally Jobe Center announced to me, ‘From their star shape, I guarantee that the cells in your breast lump are cancerous.’ “If that be true,” I wondered, “why do I need a biopsy?”

    Sarah is married to cancer researcher Bob Jones, inventor of the Cavitat®, a sonogram diagnostic device for detecting neuralgia-inducing cavitational osteonecrosis (NICO) arising from implanted root canal teeth. The Cavitat® is renowned for its diagnostic endodontic excellence among holistic, biological, mercury-free dentists such as those who are members of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, the Environmental Dental Association, the American Academy of Biological Dentistry, and the Holistic Dental Association. The enlightened dentists who are members of these professional organizations consider Sarah and Bob Jones holistic dental visionaries.

    “Not then or now do I receive physician-administered cancer treatment. The physician who is supervising my Doppler-ultrasound evaluations, Ob-Gyn specialist Asela C. Russell, MD, keeps insisting that I must undergo biopsy, chemotherapy, and radiation,” Sarah Jones says. “The radiologist at the Sally Jobe Center’s Invision Department, Virgini Stefanoudakis, MD, notes about me: ‘Due to her strong beliefs in holistic medicine, she [the patient] may or may not agree to biopsy.’

    “I have never undergone biopsy. Near the end of May 2002, after speaking on the phone about my breast cancer to Emmy McAllister, the director of Health Solutions Now!, Bob learned from her about the same anticancer substance containing minerals, vitamins, and amino acids used successfully by Reverend Ken Walker. Then my husband did his own literature search on the substance, Poly-MVA. Consequently, I added this liquid amino acid metallovitamin to my nutritional supplementation, two teaspoonfuls four times a day taken in purified water,” confirms Sarah. “I’ve continued this supplementation on my own without help from any oncologist, except that Sally Jobe Center Ob-Gyn Associate Asela C. Russell, MD, monitors the size of my tumor.”

    Sarah Jones concludes, “After she performed an examination of me on November 8, 2002, Dr. Russell wrote on her prescription pad: ‘Sarah Jones’ left breast mass is significantly smaller. [Now reduced to] approximately 1.5 by 1.4 centimeters [2.1 cm3] maximum dimensions.’”

    Within six months of beginning her program of nutritional supplementation with Poly-MVA, this most recent oncological measurement for the patient’s cancerous breast lump shows a reduction from her original March 15, 2002 tumor measurement of 5.382 cm3. The malignant breast tumor of Sarah Jones had shrunk by 67 percent.

    Both Sarah and Ken Walker are experiencing dramatic results from their use of the inventor’s Poly-MVA anticancer concept. The Poly-MVA name comes from the combined terms Poly meaning “many, much, more than one”; M indicating “minerals”; V signifying “vitamins”; and A symbolizing “amino acids.”2

    The PolyMVA Anticancer Concept

    A new principle in the nutritional healing of most cancer types is being presented here in the form of Poly-MVA™, the enzymatic complex of polynucleotide reductase which assists in correcting malfunctional nucleic acids in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of genes.3

    To explain: the nucleotide component is a single building block or step up the “spiral staircase” of DNA. Nucleotides show up as vital units in DNA because they are the basic molecular structures that control cell division and replication. The reductase enzyme catalyzes oxidation/reduction by which any substance gains one or more electrons; and this enzyme invariably assists in bringing about DNA repair. Subsequently, the polynucleotide reductase that is part of the Poly-MVA molecule biochemically affects multiple units of DNA by functioning as a gene-restoring nutrient.4

    As stated, the Poly-MVA molecule is a lipoic acid palladium (LAPd) complex, which accomplishes such therapeutic restoration in several ways:

    1) Its vitamin complex portion improves synergy with other essential nutrients inside the errant gene.

    2) Its metallic components activate cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12).

    3) Its alpha lipoic amino acid component aids in energy transfer within cells, which characteristically is highly specific for transferring electron energy from a normal metabolic hydrogen carrier to nucleic acids.

    Poly-MVA’s inventor, Merrill Garnett, DDS, PhD, emphasizes that he chose to bind palladium (Pd) to alpha lipoic acid (ALA) because this amino acid is both water and fat-soluble and able to travel everywhere in the human body, even through the blood-brain barrier, taking the palladium molecule with it.

    Dr. Garnett, whose Garnett McKeen Laboratory is located in Islip, New York, has produced a self-published book, First Pulse: A Personal Journey in Cancer Research. In it, the author-scientist offers a philosophical, highly technical but interesting anecdotal-filled discussion of how he came to create his invention. Dr. Garnett searched for singular substances for binding together the various ingredients which make up Poly-MVA. He found the therapeutic component in the platinum-derived palladium mineral, poisonous in the hands of an allopathic dentist, but life-saving for someone suffering from cancer. Yet Pd would be poisonous to cancer patients too, if it were not bound tightly to alpha lipoic acid and “sequestered” in the molecule as cobalt is sequestered in vitamin B12. Thus, Pd forms an organic metallovitamin-lipoic acid complex that joins with cobalt (Co), a part of the vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) complex.5

    Dr. Garnett created Poly-MVA based on knowledge unknown before he discovered the Second Genetic Code, a huge scientific breakthrough and probably the crowning achievement of his career. (See the Garnett book for details about the highly complicated Second Genetic Code discovery.)

    Dr. Garnett discovered that palladium acts as an excellent catalyst for combining oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H); the metal absorbs over 900 times its volume of hydrogen. He adapts Pd for strengthening the actions of other molecules too; e.g., iron (Fe) holds together the active parts of hemoglobin, and its holding action is reinforced in the presence of palladium. Other amino acids besides alpha lipoic acid make up some part of the Garnett formulation.

    Poly-MVA Eliminates Brain Cancer for Mark Olsztyn

    Now 38 years old, Mark Olsztyn, the son of Stanley R. Olsztyn, MD(H), popular holistic and homeopathic physician of Phoenix, Arizona, was diagnosed in 1993 with a Stage IV frontal lobe brain tumor the size of a walnut. After excision it was judged to be a low-grade pilocynic astrocytoma. Recommended follow-up was merely with periodic diagnostic Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The imaging was done for five years until Mark decided he was in wonderful shape with no more need for diagnostics.

    “While working in Boston, Mark eventually visited his local physician for a routine checkup and a second tumor was found to have grown in the same location of his brain. Surgery turned up that my son now was affected by glioblastoma multiforme, a much more serious condition than the first,” explains Dr. Olsztyn. “The tumor showed as unencapsulated, highly malignant, growing rapidly, and infiltrating extensively. In Boston, he took a full course of radiation therapy and then started on chemotherapy. Realizing that he was not going to live very long, Mark decided to return home to Phoenix expecting to die with his loved ones around him.

    “When he came back to Phoenix in early 1998 I became an active participant in his care,” states Dr. Olsztyn. “I put him on a nutritional program, carried on discussions with oncologists about chemotherapy, and acquired Poly-MVA for Mark’s daily use. I invited both Dr. Merrill Garnett and Dr. Albert Sanchez, Sr., to lecture about it at our monthly Arizona Homeopathic Medical Association meeting.

    “While simultaneously taking Poly-MVA and chemotherapy, my son decided to discontinue the chemotherapy altogether because of severe side effects he was experiencing. He therefore uses only his regular large daily doses of Poly-MVA,” Dr. Olsztyn says. “From mid-1998, the only contact Mark has had with conventional oncological medicine is for diagnostic MRIs. Poly-MVA is the only treatment he has taken, and for nearly five years there remains no visible evidence of tumor regrowth. My son is asymptomatic and semi-annual MRI examinations are negative for brain cancer.

    “I have recommended Poly-MVA to many people because of my extremely favorable impression of the Garnett concept from several viewpoints: First, the theoretical explanation of how it works makes sense,” states Dr. Olsztyn. “Second, the product is completely safe and definitely effective for healthy tissue. Third, it is highly selective for malignant tissue, by influencing oxygen, water, and electrical inputs to the malignancy.

    “Patients I’ve observed taking Poly-MVA have thrived. Numbers of them are following its protocol now. In my opinion Dr. Garnett and Dr. Sanchez are providing a really well thought out, safe treatment for all types of malignancies. They should be commended,” affirms Dr. Stanley R. Olsztyn.

    The Poly-MVA Mechanism of Action

    As reported in An Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide to Cancer, “A major factor in the success of Poly-MVA has been to provide an electron energy transfer mechanism from normal metabolic hydrogen carriers to nucleic acids. Poly-MVA induces energy-dependent changes in the shape of DNA or RNA [ribonucleic acid] as a result of the new reduced state it induces in the nucleotides.”6

    Dr. Garnett’s newly conceived molecule of lipoic acid palladium (LAPd) complex repairs the abnormally altered gene that sets potential cancer mechanisms in motion by following the recommended protocol for PolyMVA. The now deceased oncology therapist Rudy Falk, MD, of Barrie, Ontario, Canada, had repeatedly stated, “The greatest use of Poly-MVA is as a cancer prophylactic.”

    Dr. Falk experimented with Poly-MVA for several years at the University of Toronto; he was one of the first physicians worldwide to investigate the new anticancer remedy. After years of research he firmly believed that ingesting 1/2 tsp. daily of Poly-MVA would prevent cancer. Today there is an important ongoing Practioners’ Study of Poly-MVA to see if Dr. Falk was correct; that it’s a preventative. The volunteer practitioners and their families are participating in this 20-year study to see if they can beat the odds against cancer, because as high as malignancy statistics are among the general population, they are even more elevated among health practitioners.

    A general surgeon from the Dominican Republic, Ahmad Nasri, MD, took over the late Dr. Falk’s Barrie, Ontario practice nearly two years ago. Continuing to utilize Poly-MVA onward from 1997 in his own country, Dr. Nasri advises: “Going back almost fifteen years, Dr. Falk had combined the Palladium Lipoic Complex with hyaluronic acid as a targeting agent and applied them together for their anticancer effects, both intravenously and orally. [Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan found in lubricating proteoglycans of human synovial fluid, vitreous humor, cartilage, blood vessels, skin, and the umbilical cord.]

    “Dr. Falk and I also had added low dose chemotherapy, high dose vitamins, H2O2, other minerals, and vaccines to Dr. Garnett’s organic mineral complex. Poly-MVA was one of our most important cancer remission tools,” continues Dr. Nasri. “With Dr. Falk working in Canada and me in the Dominican Republic, we achieved excellent results against most cancers. We observed tumor shrinkage, cancer down staging from Stage 4 to Stage 2, pain reduction, and additional therapeutic effects. Cancer patients we had started on this protocol even eight years ago remain in good health by self-administration of the oral liquid and periodically receiving intravenous booster injections of Poly-MVA. My practice today involves following the patients’ progress with tumor markers, and resuming their IV treatment if necessary. Today I can definitely offer at least six cancer case histories of patients who stay in good shape from their taking Poly-MVA.”

    Poly-MVA is manufactured as a liquid mostly for oral ingestion, although some physicians administer it intravenously.

    Dr. Falk’s original anticancer usage protocol strictly for cancer prevention consisted of only 1/2 teaspoonful a day of Poly-MVA. For therapy, a new and updated Poly-MVA protocol is now enthusiastically recommended by the Advanced Medicine and Research Center (AMARC) of Chula Vista, California. The protocol is presented in a publication written by Albert Sanchez, Sr., PhD, EdS, and made available by AMARC.7

    Recognized Poly-MVA Therapeutic Benefits

    From the established therapeutic effects of its alpha lipoic acid/palladium complex, Poly-MVA provides at least 13 recognized anticancer benefits. The benefits are reproduced here from observations described by Dr. Merrill Garnett in a series of reports published on his animal studies conducted at the Garnett McKeen Laboratory in Islip, New York. One by one over time, he has advised that the lipoic acid/palladium complex (LAPd) does the following:8

    1. LAPd causes an indefinite variety of immune system responses, but with specific manifestations as indicated in the twelve additional attributes listed below.

    2. LAPd seeks out and destroys cancer cells anywhere in the body by stealing their electromagnetic energy.

    3. LAPd invigorates normal cells and helps to repair any damage the invasive cancer may have left behind.

    4. LAPd reduces tumor size or causes the tumor to shink.

    5. LAPd produces an idiosyncratic set of effects which include a pattern of lag-arrest-slow death of cancer cells from an inhibition of their energy metabolism.

    6. LAPd prevents sterol biosynthesis, thereby preventing new cancer cell plasma membrane synthesis.

    7. LAPd shows a very large fraction of sensitive cancer cells as a morphological feature.

    8. LAPd promotes the growth of proliferating normal cells surrounding a core of central tumor necrosis consisting of dead cancer cells.

    9. LAPd stimulates the infiltration of leukocytes for the removal of cancer cell debris.

    10. LAPd has absolutely no toxic reaction – no adverse side effects.

    11. LAPd accomplishes its therapeutic benefits in both animals and humans.

    12. LAPd works against cancer of many types not only as an orally administered liquid but also perhaps even more effectively as an intravenous injection.

    13. LAPd reduces the incidence of cachexia with a potential for increased body weight of the frail cancer patient.

    Being aware of the LAPd actions in Poly-MVA, Robert D. Milne, MD, Medical Director of the Milne Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, has employed the metallovitamin complex for a family member and for the adjunctive nutritional healing of cancer in numbers of patients. He does not treat cancer but offers his patients nutritional support for their cancer. Poly-MVA is one of the more vital nutrients that Dr. Milne recommends.

    “After undergoing a full oncological evaluation, my father-in-law at age 69 asked me to help him with a potentially deadly 14-cm by 2.5 cm-size Stage 3 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder producing right-ureter obstruction,” explains Dr. Milne. “Hospitalized in a critical care unit for ten days with acute respiratory distress syndrome from his adverse reaction to chemotherapy, my father-in-law was no longer a candidate for cytotoxic therapy. Upon my educating him about Poly-MVA, he undertook a therapeutic trial of this nutritional agent. With the Poly-MVA, I also recommended that he take 500 mg daily of coenzyme Q10 and 25 tablets daily of pancreatic enzymes. The treatment proved successful for him.

    “His original tumor biopsy taken July 2001 was reported by the pathologist as ‘invasive carcinoma Grade 2 with invasion into the muscularis propria.’ Using just the nutritional program I had recommended,” says Dr. Milne, “a report on the six-month followup biopsy of my father-in-law’s tumor on January 11, 2002 stated, ‘There is no cancer.’ And his CAT scan showed, ‘No evidence of the tumor in this patient’s bladder.’

    “I believe that the Poly-MVA adjunct for this patient was exceedingly helpful, and the work of Dr. Merrill Garnett is truly remarkable. It’s different from any other therapy that has ever been done against cancer,” says Dr. Robert D. Milne. “Based on my father-in-law’s excellent result and the results experienced by many others, I truly believe that Poly-MVA is worth trying by any person who has cancer or wants to prevent its onset.”

    Resources

    Further information about Merrill Garnett, PhD, DDS, and his work in the field of bio-energetics may be found on Dr. Garnett’s website at www.electrogenetics.com

    People wanting additional information about Poly-MVA should visit the particular website at www.polymva.com

    Anyone requiring a contact list of cancer survivors who have benefited from Poly-MVA and for a second list of over 150 health professionals who provide patients with Poly-MVA, should visit the survivors’ website at www.polymvasurvivors.com

    Health professionals and others seeking information about how to participate in the Practitioners’ Study on Poly-MVA, may acquire a complimentary practitioners’ informational packet, which includes Dr. Garnett’s published book, First Pulse, plus more general material about the LAPd molecule of Poly-MVA. Make your request to Emmy McAllister at Health Solutions Now!, P.O. Box 1177, Snohomish, Washington 98291; 425-334-9644; Fax 425-334-9834; Email: HealthSolutionsNow@earthlink.net

    Ms. Emmy McAllister is the information agent representing the charitable organization responsible for supporting Dr. Merrill Garnett’s metallochemical research, the Advanced Medicine and Research Center (AMARC), Albert Sanchez, PhD, EdS, President, 539 Telegraph Canyon Road, #281, Chula Vista, California 91910; 619-628-4751 or 619-628-4745; Fax 619-628-4749; Email: answers2cancer@hotmail.com.

    Health professionals having more technical biochemical/physiological questions may telephone the inventor/creator of Poly-MVA, Dr. Merrill Garnett, directly at his office in Islip, New York at 631-774-3821.

    Persons wishing to acquire a supply of oral Poly-MVA and other nutritional substances may contact the primary commercial source in North America, AMARC Enterprises, Inc., Albert Sanchez, Jr., President; 866-Poly-MVA i.e. 866-765-9682; Email: info@polymva.com.

    For further information about his multiple myeloma remission experience, contact Reverend Ken Walker, 221 Bella Vista Drive, Fox Island, Washington 98333; 253-549-7676; Email: kwalk@centurytel.net

    For further information about her breast cancer reduction experience, contact Sarah Jones, Cavitat Medical Tech Inc., 10691 East Bethany Drive, Suite 900, Aurora, Colorado 80014-2670; 303-755-2688.

    For further information about therapy for his son Mark or other patients taking the Poly-MVA, contact Stanley R. Olsztyn, MD, 4350 East Camelback Road, Suite B-220, Phoenix, Arizona 85018; 602-840-8424; Email: srolsztyn@aol.com

    For further information about his experience administering Poly-MVA and the adaptation of Dr. Rudy Falk’s original protocol, contact Ahmed Nasri, MD, 730 Essa Road, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 9E9; Tel. 705-735-2354; Email: ncim@hotmail.com.

    For his summary judgement about the anticancer qualities of Poly-MVA, contact Robert D. Milne, M.D., Medical Director of the Milne Medical Center, 2110 Pinto Lane, Las Vegas, Nevada 89106; 702-385-1393; Email: mmc@ivcm.com.

    Source: Townsend Letter

    What Is Cancer ?

    What Is Cancer ?

    Cancer develops when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of control. Although there are many kinds of cancer, they all start because of out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.

    Normal body cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion. During the early years of a person’s life, normal cells divide more rapidly until the person becomes an adult. After that, cells in most parts of the body divide only to replace worn-out or dying cells and to repair injuries.

    Because cancer cells continue to grow and divide, they are different from normal cells. Instead of dying, they outlive normal cells and continue to form new abnormal cells.

    Cancer cells develop because of damage to DNA. This substance is in every cell and directs all activities. Most of the time when DNA becomes damaged the body is able to repair it. In cancer cells, the damaged DNA is not repaired. People can inherit damaged DNA, which accounts for inherited cancers. More often, though, a person’s DNA becomes damaged by exposure to something in the environment, like smoking.

    Cancer usually forms as a tumor. Some cancers, like leukemia, do not form tumors. Instead, these cancer cells involve the blood and blood-forming organs and circulate through other tissues where they grow.

    Often, cancer cells travel to other parts of the body where they begin to grow and replace normal tissue. This process is called metastasis. Regardless of where a cancer may spread, however, it is always named for the place it began. For instance, breast cancer that spreads to the liver is still called breast cancer, not liver cancer.

    Not all tumors are cancerous. Benign (noncancerous) tumors do not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body and, with very rare exceptions, are not life threatening.

    Different types of cancer can behave very differently. For example, lung cancer and breast cancer are very different diseases. They grow at different rates and respond to different treatments. That is why people with cancer need treatment that is aimed at their particular kind of cancer.

    Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Half of all men and one third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes. Today, millions of people are living with cancer or have had cancer. The risk of developing most types of cancer can be reduced by changes in a person’s lifestyle, for example, by quitting smoking and eating a better diet. The sooner a cancer is found and treatment begins, the better are the chances for living for many years.

    Source : www.cancerhelps.com

    Bagaimana Bawang Putih Melawan Kanker?

    Bagaimana Bawang Putih Melawan Kanker? Bookmark and Share


    Dalam masyarakat modern bawang putih (Allium sativum) dipercaya dapat mencegah serangan jantung, penggumpalan darah, menurunkan kadar kolesterol, tekanan darah, kadar gula darah, mengurangi tukak lambung, penawar racun, pembunuh bakteri/jamur/parasit, pengikat radikal bebas, dan banyak lagi yang lain. Benarkah bumbu masakan sehari-hari ini dapat menyembuhkan kanker juga?

    Berbagai studi memang menunjukkan kemampuan bawang putih dalam mencegah dan mengobati kanker, terutama yang disebabkan oleh bahan-bahan kimia berbahaya, seperti kanker prostat, perut, kolorektal (usus dan dubur), payudara, liver, kulit, dan paru-paru.

    Bawang Putih
    Bawang Putih Melawan Kanker
    Zat-zat aktif dalam bawang putih antara lain vitamin A, B, C, kalsium, potasium, besi, karoten, dan selenium. Yang paling dominan dalam memerangi kanker adalah komponen allyl sulfur seperti diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, S-allyl cysteine, S-allylmercaptocysteine, allicin, dan ajoene. Zat-zat tersebut mencegah pembentukan dan pengaktifan nitrosamin di dalam tubuh, juga memblokir aflatoxin, azoxymethane, benzo(a)pyrene, dan lain-lain, yang kesemuanya merupakan zat karsinogen (pemicu kanker).

    Pada tahap berikutnya komponen-komponen tersebut dapat mencegah mutasi gen, menghambat proliferasi (pertumbuhan/pembelahan) sel-sel kanker, memperbaiki struktur DNA yang rusak, bahkan merangsang sel kanker untuk bunuh diri (apoptosis).

    Di sisi lain bawang putih juga berperan sebagai antioksidan, mengeluarkan racun dari dalam tubuh, dan membunuh kuman Helicobacter pylori yang dapat memicu berbagai macam kanker perut.

    Cara Mengkonsumsi

    Sudah tentu kerja zat-zat aktif bawang putih itu tergantung pada banyak hal, misalnya tanah di mana bawang putih itu tumbuh (berpengaruh pada kadar zat-zat aktif bawang putih), komposisi zat makanan lain yang dikonsumsi bersamaan dengannya, juga cara mempersiapkan dan mengkonsumsi bawang putih itu sendiri. Kombinasi dengan selenium, asam lemak tertentu (misal asam linoleat), dan vitamin A, dapat meningkatkan kemampuan bawang putih untuk menghambat proliferasi dan meningkatkan apoptosis.

    Tetapi perlu disadari bahwa proses pengolahan bawang putih dapat mematikan daya kerja zat-zat antikanker itu. Satu menit saja diproses dalam microwave, hilanglah khasiat bawang putih sebagai antikanker. Begitu juga kalau dipanaskan dalam proses pemasakan lain. Jadi bagaimana? Haruskah bawang putih itu ditelan mentah-mentah?

    Ternyata sederhana saja. Hancurkan bawang putih (digeprak, diiris tipis, atau diuleg) kemudian biarkan selama 15 menit sebelum dimasak (digunakan sebagai bumbu masak). Dalam waktu 15 menit itu terjadi reaksi kimia yang mengaktifkan zat-zat antikanker golongan allyl sulfur di atas, yang tidak rusak walau dimasak. Tetapi kalau setelah dihancurkan langsung dimasak, reaksi kimia itu tidak terjadi, otomatis khasiat antikankernya hilang.

    Kalau mau, bawang putih juga boleh dikonsumsi mentah. Tapi tetap saja harus dihancurkan dulu dan dibiarkan selama 15 menit. Lalu bagaimana kalau bawang akan disajikan utuh, misalnya dalam acar? Cukup kupas kemudian potong sedikit ujung-ujungnya. Lumayan, masih memiliki khasiat antikanker walau tidak sebagus kalau dihancurkan.

    Potensi Bahaya

    Mudah sekali bukan, menggunakan bawang putih untuk pencegahan dan pengobatan kanker? Harganya murah dan mudah didapat pula. Tetapi waspadalah, bukan berarti bawang putih boleh dikonsumsi sembarangan. Jangan mengira bahwa semakin banyak mengkonsumsi bawang putih semakin baik hasilnya.

    Dosis yang disarankan untuk konsumsi bawang putih adalah 4-5 gram bawang putih segar/hari (kira-kira 1-2 siung). Kalau terlalu banyak, selain menimbulkan bau tidak sedap pada nafas dan kulit, kadang menimbulkan alergi, gangguan pencernaan (muntah, diare, iritasi, produksi gas berlebihan), asma bronkial, dermatitis, mengurangi kadar protein dan kalsium dalam darah, juga mengurangi produksi sperma.

    Terlalu banyak bawang putih meningkatkan resiko perdarahan karena kemampuannya dalam mencegah pembekuan darah. Karena itu pada penderita yang hendak atau baru saja menjalani pembedahan, konsumsi bawang putih sebaiknya dibatasi.

    Bawang putih juga meningkatkan kerja enzim-enzim dalam hati untuk membuang racun dari dalam tubuh. Pada orang sehat kemampuan ini sangat bermanfaat, tetapi hati-hatilah, dia juga bisa membuang obat-obat yang Anda telan dan obat-obat kemoterapi . Pengobatan Anda menjadi sia-sia, bukan? Karena itu, kalau Anda ingin menambah konsumsi bawang putih atau menggunakan produk suplemennya, konsultasilah dulu dengan dokter.

    Catatan:
    Bawang merah dan bawang bombay juga memiliki manfaat antikanker, jadi perlakukanlah sama dengan bawang putih dalam proses memasaknya. (Titah Rahayu/rumahkanker.com)

    Keladi Tikus

    Keladi Tikus

    Satu lagi tanaman ajaib ditemukan di Indonesia, namanya “KELADI TIKUS (Typhonium Flagelliforme/ Rodent Tuber)”. Ia terbukti bisa membunuh berbagai sel kanker dalam waktu singkat.

    Keladi Tikus mengandung anti neoplastik atau anti kanker, selain juga bisa berkhasiat sebagai antivirus dan anti bakteri. Efek Farmokologi inilah yang menjadi obat utama untuk mengatasi kanker stadium lanjut, maupun penyakit-penyakit lainnya.

    Tanaman Keladi Tikus bersifat rekonstruktif, sel-sel yang masih bagus dijaga, sel-sel yang mati/rusak dibangun kembali. Banyak pasien yang kondisinya membaik setelah mengkonsumsi Keladi Tikus.Hal ini sudah kami buktikan sendiri.

    Awal pembuatan Kapsul Keladi Tikus ini dimulai waktu salah satu keluarga kami terkena kanker leher rahim yang sudah parah. Pengobatan secara medis sudah tidak bisa dilakukan lagi oleh Dokter. Seluruh badannya bengkak dan hanya bisa berbaring di tempat tidur. Akhirnya kami memutuskan untuk membawa beliau pulang dan mengobatinya dengan obat herbal. Kakak yang apoteker (lihat di my profile) membuat kapsul untuk dikonsumsi beliau. Setelah mengkonsumsi selama 2 bulan kami membawa beliau ke Rumah Sakit untuk menjalani tes ulang. Hasilnya sungguh mengejutkan. Kanker yang semula sudah stadium 3 sudah turun menjadi stadium 1 dan Dokter menyarankan untuk melakukan kemoterapi dan operasi yang tadinya sama sekali tidak bisa dilakukan. Dan akhirnya 1 bulan kemudian Beliau sudah terbebas dari kanker yang hampir merenggut nyawanya. Dalam menjalani kemoterapipun beliau sama sekali tidak merasakan efek buruk seperti mual, rambut rontok, dll.

    Akhirnya kami memasarkan kapsul Keladi Tikus ini untuk bisa membantu orang yang membutuhkan.

    Manfaat Keladi Tikus

    Penyakit-penyakit yang bisa disembuhkan antara lain:

    1. Berbagai kanker seperti payudara, paru-paru,usus besar-rectum, liver, prostat, ginjal,leher rahim, tenggorokan, tulang, otak, limpa, leukimia, empedu, pankreas dan hepatitis (Media Indonesia)

    2. Penyakit-penyakit berat lainnya seperti: Diabetes Melitus, demam berdarah, radang otak, radang tenggorokan, typus, ambeien akut, sakit gigi, keputihan, kista, sinus (gangguan hidung), hernia, biduran dan semua penyakit yang disebabkan virus dan bakteri.

    3. Mengurangi secara luar biasa efek samping kemoterapi (seperti: rambut rontok, kulit kusam, mual-mual)

    4. Menghentikan perdarahan baik diluar maupun didalam tubuh

    5. Untuk anak-anak bisa mengobati berbagai radang dan sakit gigi.

    6. Dapat mendeteksi terdapatnya sel-sel ganas (kanker) dalam tubuh pada stadium awal (gejala-gejala).

    Pantangan

    1. Yang perlu diperhatikan oleh pasien kanker dalam menjalankan pengobatan dengan Keladi Tikus yaitu tidak mengkonsumsi: Rokok, Alkohol, Tape, Nanas, Nangka, Durian, Makanan pedas, Bakso, gorengan, Minuman bersoda, Es, Kecambah, Sawi Hijau, makanan yang mengandung zat besi dan makanan yang mengandung Vetsin / MSG karena hal tersebut dapat menetralisir efek dari obat Keladi Tikus

    2. Wanita hamil tidak boleh mengkonsumsi Keladi Tikus.

    3. Pada orang yang sensitif, Keladi Tikus dapat menimbulkan rasa mual, bila itu terjadi penambahan gula atau madu bisa menetralisir rasa tersebut, hanya perlu diperhatikan bagi penderita Diabetes

    Kemasan

    Kami sediakan dalam bentuk kapsul : 1 paket berisi 120 kapsul

    Dosis & Aturan Pakai

    3 X 1-5 kapsul sehari (diminum setelah makan)

    Apabila menjalani kemoterapi, kapsul Keladi Tikus diberikan 1 minggu setelah kemoterapi.

    Informasi dan Pemesanan:

    +62 85 730730716 / +62 31 3948245

    Menimbang Pengobatan Alternatif

    Menimbang Pengobatan Alternatif Bookmark and Share


    Walaupun namanya pengobatan alternatif, pengobatan ini sering menjadi pilihan pertama para penderita kanker, terutama yang sudah stadium lanjut atau takut dioperasi. Ragamnya sangat banyak, dari minum ramuan, pijat, tusuk jarum, doa, tenaga dalam, sampai yang bersifat supranatural.

    Pada mulanya kalangan kedokteran bersikap sangat sinis dan menganggap pengobatan alternatif tidak bisa dipertanggungjawabkan karena tidak didukung riset medis yang memadai. Tetapi semakin banyaknya fakta-fakta keberhasilan membuat mereka tergoda untuk melakukan riset.

    Hasilnya? Semakin lama semakin banyak teknik pengobatan alternatif yang diakui, bahkan digunakan para dokter sebagai terapi komplementer untuk mendapatkan tingkat kesembuhan yang lebih baik.

    Ada puluhan, bahkan ratusan teknik pengobatan alternatif. Tiap negara, tiap daerah, bahkan tiap komunitas punya teknik sendiri. Secara umum, pengobatan alternatif dapat dibagi menjadi beberapa golongan besar:

    Ramuan Tradisional

    Pada umumnya bersifat meningkatkan daya tahan tubuh untuk mencegah dan melawan sel kanker, tetapi ada juga yang bisa membunuh sel kanker secara langsung, atau mencegah penyebaran kanker.

    Di Indonesia dikenal beragam bahan tradisional untuk pengobatan kanker, misalnya mahkota dewa, mengkudu, buah merah, kunir putih, sambungnyawa, tapak dara, bawang putih, benalu teh, dan sebagainya. Ada yang sudah dikemas baik dalam bentuk kapsul, tablet, maupun sirup, ada yang masih dalam bentuk bahan segar/kering yang harus direbus dulu.

    Satu hal yang harus Anda ingat sebelum mengkonsumsi ramuan tradisional adalah, tidak semua bahan cocok untuk semua jenis kanker. Kunir putih misalnya, ternyata cocok untuk kanker mulut, kerongkongan, usus, payudara, kulit, tetapi belum terbukti cocok untuk kanker jenis lain. Sedang produk berbahan dasar kedelai cocok untuk kanker payudara, kanker prostat, usus besar, maupun paru-paru.

    Lingkungan di mana tanaman bahan ramuan itu hidup dan cara perawatannya juga berpengaruh cukup besar pada tingkat efektivitasnya. Contohnya bawang putih yang tumbuh di lereng gunung Rinjani, Lombok, diketahui lebih efektif untuk pengobatan kanker dibanding bawang putih dari daerah lain, karena mengandung selenium yang lebih tinggi.

    Jadi Anda tidak bisa sembarangan, asal menuruti kata orang. Cari tahu bahan alami apa yang paling cocok untuk kanker Anda, atau lebih baik datanglah kepada ahlinya atau ke klinik obat tradisional di rumah sakit-rumah sakit terkemuka, dan mintalah ramuan yang paling tepat untuk Anda. Minumlah secara rutin menurut dosis dan dalam jangka waktu yang disarankan. Jangan lupa mengkonsultasikan jadwalnya dengan dokter Anda, agar efeknya tidak bertabrakan dengan efek obat medis Anda.

    Pengobatan Secara Fisik

    Termasuk dalam pengobatan secara fisik ini adalah pijat tradisional, pijat refleksi, akupunktur, akupressur, tenaga dalam, terapi oksigen hiperbarik, kop, dan sejenisnya. Secara medis belum terbukti pengobatan ini menyembuhkan kanker secara langsung, tetapi diakui bisa mengurangi rasa sakit, menimbulkan rasa nyaman, menghilangkan stres, dan meningkatkan kualitas hidup/kebugaran, sehingga penderita lebih siap menjalani pengobatan medis.

    Tidak hanya klinik-klinik kecil yang menyediakan pengobatan ini, kini rumah sakit-rumah sakit besar juga banyak yang melakukannya, dengan pengawasan dokter ahli yang belajar secara khusus.

    Pengobatan Psikis

    Menurut penganut pengobatan ini, penyakit timbul akibat terganggunya keseimbangan tubuh, jiwa, pikiran, dan kehidupan spiritual seseorang. Karenanya pengobatan ini bertujuan untuk mengembalikan keseimbangan itu, yang pada gilirannya akan membuat organ-organ tubuh bekerja normal, dan memulihkan kesehatannya.

    Contoh pengobatan yang bersifat terapi psikis ini adalah meditasi, yoga, doa/dzikir, hipnotis, olah napas, terapi musik, aromaterapi, ayurveda, dan sebagainya. Kegiatan ini diyakini dapat memperkuat mental, mengurangi stres dan kecemasan, menumbuhkan sikap positif, dan memperkuat kemauan hidup. Juga dapat mengurangi efek samping pengobatan, meningkatkan efektivitas pengobatan medis, dan mempercepat penyembuhan.

    Berbagai agama di dunia memiliki kepercayaan masing-masing mengenai mukjizat penyembuhan illahiah. Penganut Islam umpamanya, percaya bahwa shalat tahajjud, doa, dan dzikir dapat menyembuhkan berbagai penyakit yang secara medis dianggap tak tersembuhkan. Penganut Kristen, Katolik, Hindu, dan agama-agama lain memiliki keyakinannya masing-masing. Demikian juga penganut aliran kepercayaan, bahkan komunitas-komunitas kecil di kampung-kampung.

    Sementara nalar manusia belum mampu menerangkan terjadinya mukjizat ini, sebagian orang mencoba mengilmiahkannya dengan berteori bahwa ketenangan jiwa dan kondisi spiritual yang sehatlah yang meningkatkan kesehatan fisik secara umum.

    Diet dan Nutrisi

    Diet dan nutrisi berperan penting dalam upaya mencegah dan menghambat pertumbuhan kanker. Pola makan yang salah (kurang serat, terlalu banyak lemak, komposisi tidak seimbang, banyak mengandung pewarna/pengawet/perasa buatan, atau cara memasak yang salah) merupakan salah satu pemicu penyakit kanker. Maka satu-satunya cara untuk memperbaikinya adalah mengubah pola makan yang salah menjadi pola makan yang sehat.

    Di sisi lain, zat-zat gizi makanan dan minuman dapat juga dimanfaatkan untuk melawan kanker dengan berbagai cara. Ada yang bekerja dengan cara meningkatkan kekebalan tubuh, ada yang menetralisir efek buruk zat-zat pemicu kanker, ada yang mencegah mutasi gen, ada yang bisa memperbaiki kembali gen-gen yang rusak, ada yang bisa mencegah terjadinya metastase (penyebaran sel kanker), bahkan ada juga yang memicu sel kanker untuk melakukan bunuh diri (apoptosis).

    Karena itu, mengatur diet dan nutrisi secara tepat merupakan satu hal yang harus dilakukan bersama-sama dengan upaya pengobatan kanker lainnya. Tanyakan kepada dokter atau ahli nutrisi mengenai makanan apa yang harus Anda hindari atau sebaliknya harus Anda konsumsi untuk mendukung pengobatan kanker Anda.

    Vitamin, Mineral, Makanan Suplemen

    Masih banyak lagi ragam pengobatan alternatif untuk kanker, khususnya yang diproduksi oleh pabrik-pabrik farmasi dan dipasarkan sebagai vitamin atau makanan suplemen. Di Indonesia kita mengenal produk-produk lebah seperti madu, royal jelly, propolis; juga sirip ikan hiu, minyak ikan, chlorella, teh hijau, ginseng, dan sebagainya yang diklaim bisa menyembuhkan kanker. Demikian juga vitamin A dan beta karoten, vitamin B, C, E, K yang berfungsi sebagai antioksidan untuk mencegah pembentukan dan penyebaran sel kanker.

    Lain-lain

    Klinik-klinik pengobatan kanker juga memiliki beragam teknik pengobatan lain yang belum sepenuhnya diterima kalangan medis, misal kemoterapi herbal, infus T-cell (berasal dari thymus sapi) yang dikatakan bisa membunuh sel-sel kanker, penggunaan obat-obat tertentu untuk membersihkan tubuh dari racun dan logam berat sumber radikal bebas, dan sebagainya.

    Sementara itu di berbagai daerah terdapat berbagai teknik pengobatan supranatural yang tampak tidak masuk akal, tetapi toh banyak yang mencoba. Misal mendiagnosa penyakit lewat seekor ayam, memindahkan penyakit kepada binatang/telur/kayu/buah, dan banyak lagi lainnya.

    Sekalipun dokter agak skeptis terhadap berbagai jenis pengobatan alternatif itu, tidak ada salahnya Anda mencoba. Dokter berpegang pada teknik pengobatan (barat) yang sudah teruji secara klinis, sedang berbagai pengobatan alternatif pada umumnya berasal dari pengobatan tradisional (timur) yang digunakan dan terbukti efektif secara turun-temurun, tetapi banyak yang belum diuji secara klinis. Keputusannya tetap di tangan Anda. Toh tidak sedikit obat-obat tradisional yang setelah diuji secara klinis kemudian diadopsi menjadi obat-obat medis modern, seperti obat kemoterapi vincristine dan vinblastine, yang diambil dari ekstrak daun tapak dara.

    Akan lebih maksimal hasilnya kalau pengobatan alternatif yang Anda pilih dilaksanakan bersama-sama dengan pengobatan medis, sehingga bisa saling mendukung. Yang penting Anda harus perpegang pada 4 Tepat dan 1 Waspada: tepat indikasi, tepat obat, tepat dosis, tepat penderita, serta waspada terhadap efek samping. Dan sudah pasti, selalu berkonsultasilah dengan dokter Anda. (Titah Rahayu/rumahkanker.com)

    Selasa, Juli 14, 2009

    Terapi Nutrisi Dan Herbal Untuk Kanker

    Terapi Nutrisi Dan Herbal Untuk Kanker Bookmark and Share


    Sampai detik ini penyakit kanker menjadi ancaman, sementara obat spesifik untuk menghentikan perkembangan sel kanker belum juga ditemukan. Toh upaya pencegahan terus diusahakan dengan terapi radiasi dan sitostatika.

    Namun sebagian penderita lebih memilih terapi alternatif. Guna menakar besarnya manfaat dan risiko terapi alternatif, sangat diperlukan pemahaman tentang cara kerja terapi alternatif, termasuk penggunaan suplemen makanan (senyawa antioksidan serta vitamin mineral) dan preparat herbal yang dapat bekerja melawan kanker.

    Berbagai jenis makanan ternyata terbukti mengandung zat-zat antikanker. Bahkan tumis campuran brokoli, sawi, kembang kol, wortel, tomat, dan daging ikan amat kaya dengan unsur antioksidan.

    Berbagai senyawa tertentu seperti alil sulfida dalam bawang putih , kurkumin dalam kunyit, isoflavon dalam kedelai, likofen dalam tomat, polifenol dalam teh hijau, revesratrol dalam kulit buah anggur merah, dan sulforafan dalam brokoli merupakan makanan pencegah kanker. Beberapa vitamin dan mineral juga merupakan antioksidan yang sering dipromosikan untuk pencegahan kanker: beta-karoten, vitamin C, E, dan selenium.

    Untuk terapi herbal, ada bermacam tumbuhan yang berdasarkan pengalaman empiris, bisa melawan kanker. Di antaranya benalu (Dendrophtoe petandra), tapak dara (Catharanthus roseus), meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L), kunir putih (Kaempferia rotunda L), tangguh (Pettiveria alliacea) dan jamur maitake (Grifola frondosa).

    Kanker akan muncul bila DNA sel normal mengalami kerusakan sehingga menyebabkan mutasi genetik. Kalau ini tidak segera dikoreksi, perbanyakan sel yang DNA-nya rusak tersebut potensial menghasilkan sel kanker. Padahal perbanyakan sel dimaksudkan untuk pemulihan sel-sel yang aus atau rusak.

    Dari sisi ilmu gizi, dua unsur yang dapat merusak DNA sel normal adalah radikal bebas dan karsinogen. Radikal bebas dapat dihasilkan lewat metabolisme tubuh atau dari lingkungan di sekeliling kita (gas buangan pabrik dan kendaraan, asap rokok, zat-zat kimia seperti insektisida, zat kimia atau bahan aditif dalam makanan). Untunglah radikal bebas dapat diikat dan dinetralkan oleh beberapa senyawa, vitamin dan mineral yang bersifat antioksidan.

    Adapun senyawa antioksidan yang menetralkan radikal bebas adalah polifenol (teh hijau), likofen (tomat), beta-karotin (wortel), serta beberapa senyawa lain dalam sayuran atau buah.

    Khusus mengenai likofen dalam tomat, senyawa ini terikat kuat dengan serat buah tersebut. Untuk membebaskannya, tomat harus dimasak dahulu dengan sedikit minyak, mengingat sifat likofen yang mudah larut dalam minyak.

    Penelitian Universitas Harvard terhadap 48.000 orang pada tahun 1995 menunjukkan, orang yang memakan 10 kali hidangan yang mengandung tomat per minggu akan turun risikonya terkena kanker prostat sampai hampir separuhnya. Vitamin C, E, dan selenium yang banyak terdapat dalam buah, sayuran, kecambah, serta biji-bijian juga merupakan antioksidan yang menetralkan radikal bebas.

    Unsur kedua adalah zat karsinogen dalam makanan. Zat ini sebenarnya berasal dari prokarsinogen yang oleh enzim fase I dalam hati diubah menjadi karsinogen. Sementara itu, enzim fase II akan membuang residu produk enzim fase I, sehingga dapat menghambat pembentukan sel kanker. Jika enzim fase I bisa disebut enzim yang jahat, maka enzim fase II merupakan enzim yang baik.

    Enzim fase I ternyata dapat dihambat oleh senyawa alil sulfida dalam bawang putih sehingga perubahan prokarsinogen menjadi karsinogen bisa dikurangi. Salah satu contoh karsinogen yang terkenal adalah senyawa nitrosamin yang dihasilkan pembakaran daging/ikan (misal sate hangus) dan minyak jelantah yang sudah berkali-kali dipakai. Vitamin C berperan sebagai antioksidan yang menghambat pembentukan nitrosamin dalam saluran cerna.

    Sedangkan produksi enzim fase II dapat ditingkatkan oleh sulforafan yang banyak dijumpai dalam brokoli, kembang kol, dan sawi. Karena itu, menu sayuran yang terdiri atas brokoli, sawi, kembang kol, wortel, tomat, dan ikan ditumis sedikit minyak dan bawang putih merupakan salah satu menu pilihan yang kaya akan unsur antioksidan.

    Menekan Pertumbuhan Sel Kanker

    Jika kerusakan DNA sel normal tidak juga berhasil dicegah oleh senyawa atau vitamin/mineral yang bersifat antioksidan, atau bila sudah telanjur terbentuk sel-sel kanker, tindakan yang bisa kita lakukan adalah menekan pertumbuhan sel kanker tersebut. Pertumbuhan sel kanker berlangsung cepat setelah sel tersebut mendapatkan asam lemak omega-6. Untuk mengurangi pengaruh asam lemak ini serta mengusirnya dari dalam sel kanker, asam lemak omega-3 yang banyak terdapat pada ikan laut dingin memiliki peranan penting. Asam lemak omega-3 yang juga dikenal dengan EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) atau gama-lenolenat, merupakan salah satu lemak esensial.

    Beberapa jenis sel kanker juga dapat tumbuh dengan cepat bila dipicu oleh hormon estrogen manusia, seperti sel kanker pada payudara. Dalam hal ini isoflavon yang merupakan fitoestrogen dalam kedelai ternyata kompetitif dengan estrogen manusia. Sehingga konsumsi isoflavon kedelai akan membantu menghambat pertumbuhan kanker yang dipicu oleh estrogen manusia tersebut. Dari sini kita dapat memahami peranan tempe, tahu dan susu kedelai sebagai makanan pencegah pertumbuhan kanker.

    Untuk menghambat metastase sel kanker, kita harus mengetahui cara sel tersebut menyebar. Ada dua cara sel kanker ber-metastase: melalui angiogenesis (pembentukan pembuluh darah yang baru) dan penghancuran kolagen yang merupakan kerangka sel normal. Dengan demikian metastase akan dapat dihambat bila angiogenesis dapat dicegah; sementara kolagen yang rusak bisa diperbaiki oleh tubuh sendiri dengan memanfaatkan makanan tertentu.

    Untuk angiogenesis, sel kanker melepaskan growth factors. Produksi growth factors ternyata dapat dihambat oleh preparat inhibitor cox-2 yang mencakup resveratrol dalam kulit anggur merah, kurkumin dalam kunyit dan genestein dalam kedelai.

    Perombakan kolagen oleh sel kanker terjadi dengan bantuan enzim kolagenase yang diproduksi sel kanker sendiri.

    Preparat nutrisi yang dapat menghambat proses perombakan ini adalah vitamin C dan tulang rawan ikan hiu. Di samping ikut merangsang pembentukan interferon yang memerangi sel-sel kanker, vitamin C ternyata dapat memperbaiki kerusakan kolagen dengan membuat kolagen baru lewat hidroksilasi prolin. Barangkali peranan inilah yang melandasi pernyataan kontroversial dari seorang pemenang hadiah nobel dalam bidang kimia dan perdamaian, Linus Carl Pauling, mengenai terapi nutrisi kanker dengan megadosis vitamin C .

    Bentuk nutrisi lainnya yang dapat membantu perbaikan kolagen adalah tulang rawan ikan hiu yang banyak disebut-sebut sebagai salah satu obat kanker. Memang tulang rawan ikan hiu merupakan sumber kolagen yang dapat memberikan bahan alami bagi sel-sel tubuh untuk sintetis kolagen.

    Terapi herbal

    Senyawa flavonoid kuersetin dalam benalu diperkirakan bekerja sebagai inhibitor enzim isomerase DNA sel kanker (berperan dalam proses perbanyakan dan peningkatan keganasan kanker). Tapak dara diketahui pula memiliki dua senyawa golongan alkaloid vinka yang berkhasiat menghambat perbanyakan dan penyebaran sel kanker. Kedua senyawa tersebut adalah vinkristin dan vinblastin.

    Selain itu tapak dara mengandung alkaloid catharanthin, yang mirip dengan senyawa dalam plasma sel kanker. Penyerapan senyawa ini ke dalam sel kanker diprakirakan akan mendesak dan melarutkan inti sel kanker tersebut.

    Tanaman meniran dan kunir putih juga memiliki khasiat antikanker lewat kerja imunomodulator -nya. Ekstrak kedua tanaman ini pada percobaan mencit ternyata memperbanyak jumlah limfosit, meningkatkan toksisitas sel pembunuh kanker (natural killer) dan sintetis antibodi spesifik. Sifat-sifat di atas akan menguatkan mekanisme pertahanan tubuh terhadap virus maupun sel kanker.

    Daun tangguh juga diduga mempunyai khasiat penyembuh kanker karena diduga berasal dari senyawa mirip interferon yakni suatu antibodi alami terhadap virus dan sel kanker. Cara memberantas kanker dengan menghancurkan virus penyebab kanker yang dapat merusak DNA sel normal menjadi sel kanker. Daun tangguh ini katanya lebih berkhasiat untuk jenis kanker prostat, dubur, dan saluran napas.

    Jamur maitake pun sebagai obat kanker telah diteliti lewat kombinasi ekstrak jamur dengan preparat sitostatika kepada sejumlah penderita kanker. Menurut Dr. Iwan T. Budiarso, peneliti pada Balitbang Depkes RI, maitake bukan hanya meringankan gejala kanker payudara, paru-paru dan hati, tetapi juga mengurangi akibat sampingan yang ditimbulkan oleh sitostatika. Senyawa plosakarida B 1-6 glukans dalam maitake diyakini berperan menghambat pertumbuhan serta penyebaran sel kanker lewat peningkatan efektivitas semua sel dalam sistem pertahanan tubuh di samping meningkatkan sensitivitas sel kanker terhadap sitostatika dan radiasi.

    dr. Andry Hartono SpGK, dokter ahli nutrisi RS Panti Rapih, Yogyakarta
    sumber: http://www.indomedia.com/intisari/1999/oktober/terapi.htm