Alternative compliments for Breast Cancer Therapy

1. Prevention
a.  I3C Stops cancer cells from growing
In 1991 researcher at the Institute for Hormone Research announced that they had been able to induce the body to concert the strong estrogen (estradiol) into the weaker form (estriol) without using drugs.  Estriol is considered to be more desirable form of estrogen and is less active than estradiol, so when it occupies the estrogen receptors, it effectively blocks estradiols; strong growth signals.

The substance used was Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) a phytochemical isolated from cruciferous vegetables ( Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, Kale, Green Cabbage, mustard seeds, etc.)

In 1997, researchers at Strang Cancer Research Laboratory  at Rockefeller University discovered that when I3C changes” strong estrogen into weak estrogen”, it stops human cancer cells from growing (54-61%) and provokes the cells to self-destruct (apoptosis).

Indol 3 Carbanol can be taken as a supplement. 

b. Flavonoids

Soy contains genistein, which belongs to a group of substances called flavonoids.  Studies have demonstrated that genistein has certain anti-estrogenic properties and can inhibit the development of breast cancer cell.  Soy can inhibit the growth of new capillaries that supply blood to growing tumors or cancerous tissue (angio-genesis). Soy has a anti-angiogenesis effect on cancer.  The thought is that if you prevent the blood supply to the tissue, you basically starve the cancer to death.

Quercetin is another flavonoid that inhibits cell growth and proliferation.  It is only effective in a water-soluble form and used as a dietary supplement.  It is difficult to find.  We can get it through the center.  It is also a great source of information.  Much of this information in this paper comes from their research. 

Curcumin, another flavonoid inhibits the growth of estrogen – receptor– positive breast cancer cells that were induced by pesticides. Pesticides and other petrochemicals have estrogenic effects.

Soy products should be stopped one week prior to radiation therapy.  Soy inhibits the effect of the radiation on the cells. 

C.  Melatonin
Melatonin blocks estrogen receptors somewhat similarly to the the drug tamoxifen without the long-term side effect of tamoxifen.  It also directly inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and boosts the production of the immune components that attacks metastasize cancer cells.

D.  CoQ 10 (Coenzyme Q 10) 
Has demonstrated promise in treating breast cancer. Although there are only a few studies, the safe nature of CoQ 10 coupled with this promising research suggests that breast cancer patients should take 100mg, 3 times a day.  It is important to take it in a oil form such as fish oil or flax, since dry powder does not readily absorbed without it.
It is important not to take this during Chemo, however, it can be taken three days after your chemo treatment.  CoQ 10 can help prevent cardiomyopathy which can be a side effect of the Chemo.

E.  Green Tea
Ingredients in Green Tea, (epigallocatechin gallate) have been shown to be beneficial in treating cancer.  It is more for prevention than a treatment due to the amount of tea that is needed to be consumed as a treatment.  For treatment one can take decaf green tea supplements made as an extract.  Four to Ten capsules are needed daily as therapy.

Treatment During Chemotherapy

A.  Thymic Protein A
This supports the thymus gland, a major part of your immune system.  Thymic A boosts the immune system by stimulating the action of T-4 (helper cells) lymphocytes to locate foreign substances such as virus, bacteria or abnormal cells, and send T-8 (killer cells) lymphocytes to destroy them.  It is used after taking Chemotherapy to boost the immune system.  The immune system is hit fairly hard by Chemo and infection is always a concern during this therapy. 

B.  Antioxidants

Most Dietary Antioxidants and their derivatives, at high doses enhance the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy by protecting the normal cells, and decreasing some of the toxicity.  There are however, two antioxidant that do not fall under this category: Glutathione and Superoxide Dismutase.  This is because they protect both the normal cells and the cancer cells.  So be sure to read the formulation of your Antioxidants before taking them with Chemo.


C.  Tocotrienols (Vitamin e derivatives)

This Antioxidant has shown to be effective in inhibiting cancer cell growth.  Tocotrienols can be taken prior, during, and after Chemotherapy.

D.  Maitake D extract

Miatake is an edible mushroom form the species Grifola frondosa.  The D fraction is a polysaccharide called beta-glucan.  It has been studied in Japan for its ability to enhance the immune system (interleukin 1 and 2, and natural killer cells) and can work synergistically with chemotherapy to kill cancer cells and prevent metastasis. 


We wish to thank Jorge Carrera, M.D. from Encinitas Integrated Wellness Center for providing us with this research.  We would also like to thank the Life Extension Foundation for their extensive library of research on Alternative Therapies.
By Rev. Margo Carrera - Trance Therapist, Shaman, and 
Co-Founder of The San Diego Community Wellness Center and Vital Force Institute

 Come and Join me at the San Diego Community Wellness Center. 
Tel: 760-635-1777. 
The San Diego Community Wellness Center is located at
 285 N. El Camino Real, Suite 211, Encinitas CA, 92024.