Health Advice Followed by Only 3% of U.S. Citizens(5/12/2005) Researchers from Michigan State University have reported that only 3% of U.S. citizens follow a healthy life style as defined by non-smoking, healthy weight, consuming five or more fruits and vegetables per day and participate in regular exercise.
ACS Issues Report on Nutrition and Physical Activity in Cancer Prevention and Treatment(11/11/2003) The American Cancer Society has published a “Guide for Informed Choices” concerning nutrition and physical activity during and after cancer treatment. This 24-page document appeared in the September/October 2003 issue of the
ACS Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Increased Use of Alternative Treatments, Especially Soy Products, for Treatment of Menopausal Women with Breast Cancer(7/17/2002) Women who have had breast cancer are aware of the association of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the increased incidence of breast cancer recurrence and uterine cancer. Physicians are also reluctant to prescribe HRT for menopausal symptoms for the same reason. Thus, women with menopausal symptoms are often left on their own to try and control these symptoms.
Too Much Vitamin A Can Lead to Hip Fractures(1/24/2003) Vitamin A (retinol) is one of the antioxidant vitamins that is often taken by individuals for the “prevention” of various kinds of cancer. Vitamin A comes from fish, liver, kidney and dairy products and is often added to processed foods. Approximately one-third of the U.S. population take vitamin A supplements. Beta carotene can also be converted to vitamin A in the body. It has been known for some time that individuals can suffer from vitamin A deficiency and vitamin A excess. The current recommended intake of vitamin A is 0.7 mg per day for women and 0.9 mg per day for men. Researchers have determined that there is a very narrow level of vitamin A blood levels that are optimal. One of the consequences of vitamin A excess that has recently become more important is the impact of excess vitamin A on bone metabolism. It has been demonstrated that excess quantities of vitamin A can cause bone resorption and lead to or exacerbate osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a major health problem as the population of both men and women become older. One of the consequences of osteoporosis is hip fracture. Researchers in Sweden have linked excess blood levels of vitamin A to the incidence of hip fractures and have reported their results in the January 23, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
Chinese Herbal Medicines Frequently Contaminated with Harmful Drugs(11/8/2002) By an act of the U.S. Congress, herbal medicines and other over the counter “supplements” or “alternative medicines” are not subject to control by the Food and Drug Administration. Since there is no federal regulation, there is essentially no quality control enforcement of these products. There is evidence that some Chinese herbal medicines could be of some benefit, but it is becoming increasingly clear that many of the products on the market may not only be ineffective but may be harmful. Recently, an English physician has reviewed the published information concerning the adulteration of Chinese herbal medicines and published the results in the August 2002 issue of the
Journal of Internal Medicine. This physician was able to identify 18 reports, 2 case series and 4 analytical investigations regarding this issue. He concluded that adulteration of Chinese herbal medicines with synthetic drugs is a potentially serious problem which needs to be addressed by adequate regulatory measures.
Parental Medications Can Affect The Incidence of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Offspring(10/7/2002) Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent cancer in children in all cultures. The etiology of childhood ALL is unknown, but some researchers suspect that fetal exposure to carcinogens could play a role. It has been shown in other studies that maternal use of folic acid is associated with a lower incidence of ALL. An increased incidence of ALL has been observed in children whose mothers are anemic. However, little is known about fetal exposure to other agents such as mind altering drugs like amphetamines (present in diet pills) and marijuana. The effect of paternal drug use on ALL has also not been explored.
The Herbal Supplement, PC-SPES, Used for Treating Prostate Cancer Contains Variable Amounts of Synthetic Drugs(9/5/2002) PC-SPES is an herbal mixture used to treat prostate cancer that has recently been recalled. The
PC in the name is for prostate cancer and the
spes is spanish and latin for hope. It is unknown how many prostate cancer patients have taken this drug or are currently buying it from other countries. PC-SPES is supposed to contain seven medicinal herbs and saw palmetto. However, one patient taking PC-SPES was found to have the anticoagulant warfarin in his blood. Warfarin is most frequently used as rat poison. There are several published studies which suggest that PC-SPES may have activity for treating prostate cancer and researchers have been curious about the actual ingredients of the herbal compound. It has been known for some time that substances in PC-SPES have estrogenic and thrombotic activity. Researchers from UC San Diego have now found that various lots of PC-SPES contain diethylstilbesterol, indomethacin and warfarin. They published their results in the September 4, 2002 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Chinese Herbal Medicines Frequently Contaminated with Harmful Drugs(11/8/2002) By an act of the U.S. Congress, herbal medicines and other over the counter “supplements” or “alternative medicines” are not subject to control by the Food and Drug Administration. Since there is no federal regulation, there is essentially no quality control enforcement of these products. There is evidence that some Chinese herbal medicines could be of some benefit, but it is becoming increasingly clear that many of the products on the market may not only be ineffective but may be harmful. Recently, an English physician has reviewed the published information concerning the adulteration of Chinese herbal medicines and published the results in the August 2002 issue of the
Journal of Internal Medicine. This physician was able to identify 18 reports, 2 case series and 4 analytical investigations regarding this issue. He concluded that adulteration of Chinese herbal medicines with synthetic drugs is a potentially serious problem which needs to be addressed by adequate regulatory measures.
The Herbal Supplement, PC-SPES, Used for Treating Prostate Cancer Contains Variable Amounts of Synthetic Drugs(9/5/2002) PC-SPES is an herbal mixture used to treat prostate cancer that has recently been recalled. The
PC in the name is for prostate cancer and the
spes is spanish and latin for hope. It is unknown how many prostate cancer patients have taken this drug or are currently buying it from other countries. PC-SPES is supposed to contain seven medicinal herbs and saw palmetto. However, one patient taking PC-SPES was found to have the anticoagulant warfarin in his blood. Warfarin is most frequently used as rat poison. There are several published studies which suggest that PC-SPES may have activity for treating prostate cancer and researchers have been curious about the actual ingredients of the herbal compound. It has been known for some time that substances in PC-SPES have estrogenic and thrombotic activity. Researchers from UC San Diego have now found that various lots of PC-SPES contain diethylstilbesterol, indomethacin and warfarin. They published their results in the September 4, 2002 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Biologic-Orthomolecular Systems
Elderly Under Represented In Clinical Trials(3/31/2003) It is well known that elderly individuals account for most of the cancers and participate in relatively few clinical trials compared to younger individuals. Patients over the age of 65 account for 61% of all new cancer cases and 70% of all cancer deaths. As the “baby boomers” age over the next decade, there should be even more cases of cancer and cancer deaths among the elderly. The reasons for non-participation are multifactorial including restrictive protocol design, insurance issues and co-morbid conditions that preclude participation.
Higher Intake of Antioxidants Does Not Reduce the Risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin(1/14/2003) Sun exposure, ultraviolet B (UBV) radiation, is the most common environmental factor implicated in the etiology of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. One of the hypotheses is that exposure to UVB radiation leads to the depletion of antioxidants in the skin. Antioxidants are contained in several vitamins which have the potential of reducing the adverse effects of sun exposure in the skin. It has been demonstrated that the combined use of beta-carotene with vitamins C and E decreases reactive oxygen radicals and reduces sunburn reactions. It has therefore been postulated that a high intake of antioxidant vitamins could lead to a lower incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. There have been few clinical trials to test this hypothesis.
Parental Medications Can Affect The Incidence of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Offspring(10/7/2002) Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent cancer in children in all cultures. The etiology of childhood ALL is unknown, but some researchers suspect that fetal exposure to carcinogens could play a role. It has been shown in other studies that maternal use of folic acid is associated with a lower incidence of ALL. An increased incidence of ALL has been observed in children whose mothers are anemic. However, little is known about fetal exposure to other agents such as mind altering drugs like amphetamines (present in diet pills) and marijuana. The effect of paternal drug use on ALL has also not been explored.
Vitamin Supplementation Use During Pregnancy Decreases the Incidence of Neuroblastoma(8/28/2002) It is generally recommended that pregnant women receive vitamin supplementation during pregnancy to assure normal growth and development of the fetus. Several studies have suggested that vitamin supplementation during pregnancy can prevent birth defects in the fetus. There have also been associations established between vitamin supplementation and the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors. In fact, it has been suggested that the widespread use of vitamin supplementation in pregnant women has led to a decrease in the incidence of childhood medulloblastoma. However, the role of vitamin supplementation during pregnancy in the prevention of neuroblastoma has not been extensively explored. Researchers for several institutions in the U.S. and Canada have reported in the September 2002 issue of the journal of
Epidemiology that vitamin supplementation during pregnancy may decrease the incidence of neuroblastoma.
Increased Use of Alternative Treatments, Especially Soy Products, for Treatment of Menopausal Women with Breast Cancer(7/17/2002) Women who have had breast cancer are aware of the association of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the increased incidence of breast cancer recurrence and uterine cancer. Physicians are also reluctant to prescribe HRT for menopausal symptoms for the same reason. Thus, women with menopausal symptoms are often left on their own to try and control these symptoms.
Chinese Herbal Medicine May Increase Effectiveness of Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer(1/25/2006) A combined analysis of 34 studies, performed by researchers at the University of California at Berkeley, suggests that Astragalus-based Chinese herbal medicine may increase the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy regimens for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Chinese Herbal Medicines Frequently Contaminated with Harmful Drugs(11/8/2002) By an act of the U.S. Congress, herbal medicines and other over the counter “supplements” or “alternative medicines” are not subject to control by the Food and Drug Administration. Since there is no federal regulation, there is essentially no quality control enforcement of these products. There is evidence that some Chinese herbal medicines could be of some benefit, but it is becoming increasingly clear that many of the products on the market may not only be ineffective but may be harmful. Recently, an English physician has reviewed the published information concerning the adulteration of Chinese herbal medicines and published the results in the August 2002 issue of the
Journal of Internal Medicine. This physician was able to identify 18 reports, 2 case series and 4 analytical investigations regarding this issue. He concluded that adulteration of Chinese herbal medicines with synthetic drugs is a potentially serious problem which needs to be addressed by adequate regulatory measures.
The Herbal Supplement, PC-SPES, Used for Treating Prostate Cancer Contains Variable Amounts of Synthetic Drugs(9/5/2002) PC-SPES is an herbal mixture used to treat prostate cancer that has recently been recalled. The
PC in the name is for prostate cancer and the
spes is spanish and latin for hope. It is unknown how many prostate cancer patients have taken this drug or are currently buying it from other countries. PC-SPES is supposed to contain seven medicinal herbs and saw palmetto. However, one patient taking PC-SPES was found to have the anticoagulant warfarin in his blood. Warfarin is most frequently used as rat poison. There are several published studies which suggest that PC-SPES may have activity for treating prostate cancer and researchers have been curious about the actual ingredients of the herbal compound. It has been known for some time that substances in PC-SPES have estrogenic and thrombotic activity. Researchers from UC San Diego have now found that various lots of PC-SPES contain diethylstilbesterol, indomethacin and warfarin. They published their results in the September 4, 2002 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
St. John's Wort (SJW) Interferes With the Metabolism of Irinotecan(8/23/2002) One of the major concerns about the use of alternative or complimentary medicines is the interactions with conventional treatments for cancer. Patients and physicians have to be cognizant of the interactions of alternative or complementary therapies with chemotherapeutic agents used to treat cancer. St. John's Wort (SJW) is an herbal medicine used to treat depression. Unfortunately, SJW has an effect on the cytochrome P450 enzyme system and drug-transporting proteins. St. John’s Wort induces the expression of the cytochrome P450 CYP3A4 isoform in intestinal and hepatic cells and induces the expression of MDR1 P-glycoprotein in intestinal cells. Irinotecan is eliminated via CYP3A4- and P-glycoprotein-mediated routes. Thus, SJW could interfere with the action of irinotecan in patients with colon cancer. Researchers in Holland determined the effects of SJW on the metabolism of irinotecan in 5 patients and reported their results in the August 20, 2002 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute. They concluded that patients with colon cancer receiving irinotecan should not receive SJW.
Green Tea Does Not Appear Effective for Treating Androgen Dependent Metastatic Prostate Cancer(5/2/2002) Green tea is one of the many alternative or complimentary medicines that are taken by patients to prevent or treat cancer. Green tea contains polyphenols, which induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibits tumor growth in culture systems of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Phase I testing has established the maximum amount of green tea that is tolerable in patients.
Institute of Medicine of the National Academies Publishes Guidelines for Exercise and Diet(9/10/2002) Obesity is a major problem in the US and is getting a lot of press lately. Although obesity is generally linked to heart disease and other chronic illnesses there is an association between obesity and many cancers. Increased incidences of cancer in obese individuals have been documented for pancreatic, breast, ovarian and colon cancer. In addition, some studies have shown a relationship between exercise and cancer which is also related to obesity. Independently, the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables has been associated with a decreased incidence of most cancers. There have been numerous fads in diets over the past 50 years. The most recent resurrection has been the high fat diet called the Atkins’ diet where fats are unrestricted and carbohydrates curtailed. It’s probably in response to the relative popularity of this diet that the new Guidelines were issued. These guidelines can be read in entirety at http://www.nap.edu or printed copies can be obtained from the National Academy Press; tel. (202) 334-3313 or 1-800-624-6242. These guidelines were developed with the prevention of chronic diseases in mind but they can also be considered guidelines for cancer prevention.
Mind Body Intervention
Hypnosis Decreases Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Survivors(9/23/2008) Researchers from Baylor University, University of Texas, and Johns Hopkins University have reported that hypnosis appears to reduce perceived hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on September 22.
No Evidence That Coping Styles Influence Cancer Outcomes(11/13/2002) Patients with cancer are usually urged to keep up a “fighting” spirit in order to achieve better outcomes. Physicians and nurses convey to patients that their active participation and not “giving up” will affect treatment outcomes. The implication is that the psychological coping style of an individual patient will affect survival. This issue has been studied by several investigators. The most commonly used terms for study include “fighting spirit” and “helplessness/hopelessness”. In the November 9 issue of the
British Medical Journal, a Canadian researcher reported the results of a systematic review which suggests that there is no consistent association between psychological coping and outcome of cancer treatment.
Women with Breast Cancer who have “Stressful” Life Experiences do not have an Increase in Recurrences(6/25/2002) Some studies have suggested that women with breast cancer who have stressful life experiences have a greater chance of cancer recurrence than women with less stressful lives. This is a difficult observation to confirm since having cancer is a stress by itself. However, some studies imply that women with breast cancer who apparently handle stress better than others have a better survival.
Nutrition and Special Diets
Vitamin E and Vitamin C Supplementation Does Not Appear to Prevent Cancer(11/26/2008) Long-term supplementation with vitamin E and vitamin C may not prevent cancer, according to data from the Physician’s Health Study II, which was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research’s Seventh Annual International Conference in Washington, D.C. on November 16, 2008.
Vitamin E Does Not Prevent Cancer in Women(7/11/2005) Researchers affiliated with the Women’s Health Study have concluded that the long-term administration of vitamin E (600 IU of alfa-tocopherol every other day) does not lower the incidence of cancer.
ACS Issues Report on Nutrition and Physical Activity in Cancer Prevention and Treatment(11/11/2003) The American Cancer Society has published a “Guide for Informed Choices” concerning nutrition and physical activity during and after cancer treatment. This 24-page document appeared in the September/October 2003 issue of the
ACS Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
High Fish Diet Lowers the Incidence of Prostate Cancer(1/29/2003) Although the cause or causes of prostate cancer are not currently known, environmental factors are generally thought to be more important than genetic factors. In the U.S., the incidence of prostate cancer increases dramatically with increasing age. It is unusual for prostate cancer to occur in men under the age of 50. Prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 55, with the average age at diagnosis being 70. The risk of prostate cancer increases exponentially after age 50. In fact, by the age of 60, as many as 34% of men show early evidence of prostate cancer, whereas 70% of men in their 80s have the disease.
Allium Vegetables may Lower the Risk of Prostate Cancer(11/15/2002) Consumption of garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, and chives (allium vegetables) has been inconsistently reported to protect against stomach and colorectal cancers. The purported protective effect may be related to organosulfur compounds, which inhibit carcinogenesis and have been shown to inhibit cancers of the stomach, esophagus, colon, mammary gland and lung of experimental animals. The exact mechanisms of the cancer-preventive effects are not clear, although several hypotheses have been proposed. Organosulfur compounds modulate the activity of several metabolizing enzymes that activate (cytochrome P450s) or detoxify (glutathione S-transferases) carcinogens and inhibit the formation of DNA adducts in several target tissues. Antiproliferative activity has been described in several tumor cell lines, which is possibly mediated by induction of apoptosis and alterations of the cell cycle. Allium vegetables and organosulfur compounds are thus possible cancer-preventive agents. In the November 15, 2002 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Chinese investigators have reported that a diet high in allium vegetables is associated with a lower incidence of localized prostate cancer.
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