Complimentary therapies to support cancer patients

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Complimentary therapies to support cancer patients

• Fundamental Immunology
• Understanding the mechanism of cancer
• Dysregulation of the immune system
• Correcting immune dysregulation
• Factors that stimulate metabolism/repair
• A clinical approach to the cancer patient

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1.1 Fundamental Immunology
Thymus
T Lymphocytes
Lymphoid stem cells
B Lymphocyte
Plasma cells
Natural Killer Cells
Bone marrow stem cells
erythrocytes
megakaryocytes
Myeloid stem cells
monocytes
macrophage
granulocytes
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1.1 Fundamental Immunology
Antigen enters the body
Nonspecific (Innate) response

• Neutrophils, Macrophage ( inflammation )
• Interferon (defends against viral attack)
• Natural Killer Cells (attack virally infected /
  cancer cells)
• Complement system (destruction of foreign cells)

Specific Immune response
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1.1 Fundamental Immunology
Memory B cells
Immature B cells
Plasma cells
Activated B cells
Ig (M,G,E,A,D)

• Antigen presenting cells
• Macrophage
• Dendritic cells
• Plasma (B) cells
• MHC1 and MHC2 receptors

T H 2
T Helper Lymphocytes (TH1 and TH2)
Humoral Immunity

• Antigen infected Body cells
• MHC1 receptor only

Cellular Immunity
T H 1
Activated T cells
Cytotoxic / killer T cells
Immature T cells
Memory T cells
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1.1 Fundamental Immunology

• Overview of B Lymphocytes
• B cell encounters antigen, binds the antigen,
  engulfes it, then presents antigen on MHC 2
  receptors
• T Helper cells (TH2) recognises the antigen
  presented and activates the B cell to become a
  Plasma cell, which divides, and secretes specific
  antibody (Ig)
• Some B cells become Memory B cells, and collect
  in Lymph Nodes
• Antibodies released into the blood or lymph
  (Immunoglobulins) bind with antigens, and target
  them for destruction by granulocytes,
  macrophages, etc
• B cells can produce 5 subclasses of Ig, depending
  on the type of antigen, and the location of the B
  cell. ie B cells in the gut which contact a
  parasite will produce IgE etc.
• The different classes of Ig bound antigen
  activate different parts of the granulocyte and
  macrophage population (ie IgE activates
  eosinophils and basophils (mast cells)).

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1.1 Fundamental Immunology
Overview of T lymphocytes

• T cells are activated by direct cell to cell
  contact, via antigens presented on cell surface
  receptors. MHC 2 receptors are found only on
  Antigen Presenting Cells (macrophage, dendritic
  cells, B cells), and MHC 1 receptors on any
  normal body cell.
• On activation, T cells can mature into 2 distinct
  sub groups, called CD4 (Helper T cells) by
  contact with MHC 2 antigen, and CD8 (Cytotoxic
  and Supressor T cells) by contact with MHC1
  antigen.
• T Helper cells (TH) are further divided into 2
  main classes, TH1 and TH2, and maturation into
  these types is determined by the micoenvironment
  and the type of APC.
• TH1 cells are stimulated to mature due to the
  presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa,
  and are stimulated by the cytokines IL- 12,23,18,
  IFN-B. They stimulate macrophage activation, and
  support maturation of Cytotoxic T cells. They
  release IL-2, IFN-Y, TNF-B, and are linked to
  cell mediated inflammation, and Delayed Type
  Hypersensitivity.

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1.1 Fundamental Immunology
Overview of T lymphocytes

• TH2 cells are stimulated to form due to the
  presence of soluble antigen, and the presence of
  large numbers of parasites. TH2 cells secrete
  IL-4,5,9,10 and 13, and result in eosinophil
  activation, mast cell degranulation, and
  stimulation of B cells and production of
  Immunoglobulins.
• A third class, TH3 cells, are the gut mucosal T
  cells, and play a role in balancing TH1 and TH2
  cells, and provide for oral tolerance and
  immunosupression in allergies and autoimmunity
• Cytotoxic T cells (stimulated by TH1 cells) are
  responsible for cellular destruction, and destroy
  host cells bearing foreign antigen (eg viral,
  neoplastic, transplant)
• Supressor T cells (Ts) play a role in immunologic
  tolerance, and act to supress both Cytotoxic and
  Helper T cell activity.

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1.1 Fundamental Immunology
Balance Health
TH1
TH2
Il-2, TNF, IFN
IL-4, IL-10
TH3
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1.2 Understanding Cancer
Imbalance Disease
TH2
TH1
IL-4, IL-10
TH3
Il-2, TNF, IFN
Increased Ig production Increased eosinophil and
mast cell degranulation Allergies, systemic
autoimmunity, inflammation and pain
Suppression of NK cells Suppression of Cytotoxic
T cells Increased incidence of neoplasia Increased
cellular viral infection
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1.2 Understanding Cancer
Imbalance Disease
TH1
TH2
Il-2, TNF, IFN
TH3
IL-4, IL-10
Increased tissue specific autoimmunity
Increased parasitic infection
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1.2 Understanding Cancer

• The healthy body maintains a natural balance
  between TH1 and TH2 cells
• When factors in the body lead to an imbalance,
  disease results
• The most common imbalance in both people and
  domestic pets, is an excess of TH2 cells, and a
  deficiency of TH1 cells.

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1.2 Understanding Cancer

• A deficiency of TH1 helper cells results in a
  decreased stimulus of the Cellular immune
  response, which translates to a deficiency of
  Cytotoxic (CD8) Killer T cells, and Natural
  Killer cells, which are responsible for
  destruction of host cells expressing MHC 1
  receptors (cells infected with viruses, or
  neoplastic host cells)
• The result of this imbalance is an increased risk
  of cancer and viral infection

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1.2 Understanding Cancer

• The excess of TH2 cells results in an excessive
  stimulation of the humoral immune response, and
  the resultant immunoglobulin production,
  including excessive IgE, which translates to
  over-stimmulation of eosinophils and mast cells
• Excessive Ig production results in an increase in
  the incidence of allergies, inflammation, and
  systemic autoantibody production. Eg. atopy,
  contact allergy, FAD, DJD, autoimmune haemolytic
  anaemia/thrombocytopaenia, SLE...

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1.3 Causes of Immune dysregulation

• Stress
• Toxins
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Hormones
• Insulin
• Infection, inflammation
• Parasites
• old Age

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1.3 Causes of Immune dysregulation

• Stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisone) act by
  blocking IL-12 (supressing TH1 cells), but
  stimulate APCs (antigen presenting cells) and
  therefore stimulate TH2 cell production
• Pesticides and heavy metals (environmental
  pollutants) supress TH1 cells

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1.3 Causes of Immune dysregulation

• Nutritional deficiencies created by improper
  diets, or by heavy consumption of cooked
  processed foods, results in TH1 suppression.
• Vitamins, which act not only as vital co-enzymes,
  but also as powerful anti-oxidants and free
  radical scavengers, are intrinsic to immune
  balance. As proteins, they are subject to
  denaturing during cooking, and subtle damage can
  greatly reduce their bioavailability.
• Vitamin E deficiency is directly linked to T
  cell-mediated immune dysfunction

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1.3 Causes of Immune dysregulation

• Omega 3 Essential fatty acids are also heat
  sensitive, and create a TH2 excess when deficient
• Zinc deficiency directly results in TH1
  suppression
• Iodine deficiency leads to hypothyroidism, which
  causes T cell deficiency
• Chromium deficiency causes insulin resistance,
  which in turn leads to excessive production of
  insulin, and excessive TH2 stimulation.

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1.3 Causes of Immune dysregulation

• There are 76 known macro and micro nutrients
  involved in homoeostasis. Sub standard pet foods
  can contain as little as 38 of these nutrients.
  Even top premium brand foods contain only 54.
• The full range of these elements can only be
  found in raw, unprocessed, organic foods.
• Probiotics in the large bowel play a key role in
  balancing TH1 and TH2

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1.3 Causes of Immune dysregulation

• Oestrogen and progesterone enhance TH2
  expression, and suppress Th1. This exaggerates
  allergies, but supresses tissue specific
  autoimmune disease (prevents foetal rejection).
  Eg worsens demodex
• Excessive insulin production (high sugar intake,
  carbohydrates, insulin resistance) promotes TH2
  expression.

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1.3 Causes of Immune dysregulation

• Many intracellular pathogens that infect
  macrophages can stimulate production of IL-10,
  which results in TH2 stimulation, and TH1
  suppression
• This results in suppression of the cellular
  immune response, and reduced clearance of the
  pathogen (eg FIV).
• Helminth parasites create a strong TH2 response,
  leading to eosinophil activation and abundant
  IgE.
• Old age results in general depression of the TH1
  response

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1.4 Correcting Immune dysfunction

• The key to treating the cancer patient is to
  stimulate the TH1 cells, and suppress TH2 excess.
  The net result is to restore balance to the
  immune system.
• There are several key nutrients that have this
  effect, and a range of other nutrients that
  support tissue repair and correct nutrient
  deficiencies

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1.4 Correcting Immune dysfunction

• Substances that stimulate TH1 cells, and / or
  suppress TH2 excess
• Perilla seed
• Cats Claw
• Coriolus versicolor
• Glutathione
• Grifola frondosa
• Phytosterols
• Shark Liver Oil
• Shitake mushroom
• Vitamin E (low dose)
• Zinc

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1.4 Correcting Immune dysfunction

• Substances that balance TH1 and TH2
• Astragalus membranaceus
• Bromelain
• Pro biotic bacteria
• Reiishi mushroom

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1.4 Correcting Immune dysfunction

• Perilla frutescens contains flavanoids called
  Luteolin.
• Luteolin has been clinically proven to inhibit
  the release of histamine, leukotrienes and
  prostaglandin from mast cells in a dose dependent
  manner, by suppressing TH2 excess, and blocking
  IgE formation

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1.4 Correcting Immune dysfunction

• Cats Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) stimulates
  cellular immunity, and has proven effectiveness
  against Mycoplasma, Rickettsia, Chlamydia, and is
  showing promise in treating chronic immune
  deficiency disorders like HIV and Herpes infection

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1.4 Correcting Immune dysfunction

• Coriolus versicolor (Karawatake mushroom),
  Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) and Lentinus
  edodes (Shitake mushroom) all act to enhance
  proliferation of B and T lymphocytes, activate
  macrophages, memory T cells, and stimulate
  natural killer T cells.
• They also enhance the effects of chemotherapeutic
  drugs and reduce damage to healthy tissue

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1.4 Correcting Immune dysfunction

• Plant phytosterols (sitosterol and sitosterolin)
  have been demonstrated in numerous trials in
  South Africa, to be potent immune balancers, both
  able to stimulate TH1 deficiency and suppress TH2
  excess
• Use has been focused on treatment of HIV
  infection, cervical and prostatic cancers,
  allergic conditions, and rheumatoid arthritis
  with consistent (gt50) improvements.

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1.4 Correcting Immune dysfunction

• Shark liver oil contains high levels of
  Alkylglycerols, as found in bone marrow and
  breast milk.
• They are potent stimulators of T cell counts and
  Natural Killer cells
• alkylglycerols are currently being researched for
  their use in treating HIV and immune supression

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1.4 Correcting Immune dysfunction

• Deficiencies of zinc, nitric oxide, or
  glutathione will cause a shift towards TH1
  deficiency, and TH2 excess
• Deficiency of any of the essential nutrients
  methionine, cysteine, arginine, vitamins A,B,C,E,
  zinc and selenium, which are utilised to form
  Glutathione, nitric oxide and metallothionein ,
  can lead to a TH1 deficiency

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1.4 Correcting Immune dysfunction

• Astragalus membranaceous balances the Th1/TH2
  response.
• It enhances phagocytosis and Killer T cell
  activity, increases T cell counts, and reverses
  macrophage suppression
• it also demonstrates anti-inflammatory and
  antihypertensive properties

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1.4 Correcting Immune dysfunction

• Probiotics provide for oral tolerance, by
  enhancing TH1 responses and supressing TH2.
• The prescence of probiotics in the bowel improve
  intestinal function, enhance bioavailability of
  nutrients, decrease the prevalence of allergies,
  reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance, and
  reduce the risk of certain cancers.

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1.5 Substances that promote tissue repair and
metabolism

• Shark Cartilage powder, containing GAGs,
  accelerates tissue repair in joint tissues, skin
  hair and nails, and the lining of the digestive,
  respiratory, and urogenital tracts
• It also contains antineoangiogenetic factors that
  have been shown to slow the growth of certain
  solid tumors

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1.5 Substances that promote tissue repair and
metabolism

• Antioxidants like bromelain, quercetin, vitamins
  C, E, A, betacarotene, grape seed extract, green
  tea, and pine bark extract are all powerful free
  radical scavengers (induce superoxide dismutase
  production), and provide for additional
  antioxidant protection following surgery,
  chemotherapy etc.

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1.5 Substances that promote tissue repair and
metabolism

• Colloidal minerals are the most easily
  assimilated form of nutrient supplements.
• They are in the liquid form, as found in plant
  cells, and are passively absorbed across the
  bowel wall
• Colloidal complexes contain all 76 known macro
  and micro nutrients

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1.6 A clinical approach to the cancer patient

• (1) If possible, get the animal eating a well
  balanced, total raw food diet.
• (2) Ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake
  using colloidal minerals, zinc, and multivitamins
• (3) Ensure adequate probiotics using protexin
  eod.
• (4) Start on an antioxidant supplement

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1.6 A clinical approach to the cancer patient

• (5) Stimulate tissue repair using shark cartilage
  powder
• (6) Commence immunostimulatory therapy relative
  to the state of the animal and previous history
  (ie if it had a Hx of allergies, suppress TH2 and
  stimulate TH1, or just stimulate TH1 if no Hx of
  allergies)

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Products available

• Metagenics
• Immunocare
• Luteol
• Oxygenics
• Andro NK
• 5 Mushroom Extract
• Ph 1800 777 648
• www.metagenics.com.au

• Vets All Natural
• Complete Mix
• Shark Cartilage
• Omega Blend
• Lyppards, Therapon
• www.vetsallnatural.com.au