By now, it's obvious that smoking can lead to disease, and that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can protect against disease. Now researchers have discovered that natural chemicals in fruits and vegetables, as well as in wine and tea, might protect smokers against one disease in particular-lung cancer.

A team of researchers in California investigated the effects of natural plant components called flavonoids in 558 people with lung cancer and 837 people without lung cancer. Researchers interviewed the participants about their history of smoking, diet, and other cancer risk factors and compared these factors between lung cancer cases and healthy controls.

Smokers who had high levels of certain flavonoids had a lower risk of developing lung cancer, the researchers reported in the journal, Cancer. This is a particularly significant finding, considering that smoking is implicated in up to 90 percent of lung cancer cases, according to Zuo-Feng Zhang, MD, PhD, Professor of Epidemiology at the UCLA School of Public Health and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Smokers who ate three servings of vegetables, drank tea, and had a glass of wine each day had a lower risk of lung cancer than those who didn't incorporate these components into their diets. Among the flavonoids that appeared to be most beneficial were catechin (found in green tea, black tea, red wine, strawberries), quercetin (found in apples, onions, beans), and kaempferol (found in red wine, apples, Brussels sprouts).

Flavonoids appear to protect against lung cancer in several ways: they prevent cancer cells from multiplying, trigger a process of programmed cancer cell death (apoptosis), block the formation of blood vessels that feed tumors, and inhibit the action of highly unstable oxidative molecules in the body called free radicals, among other functions.

The reason flavonoids affected lung cancer development in smokers but not in non-smokers might be that their antioxidant properties work specifically on the type of damaging molecules created by tobacco smoking. "Smoking results in increased oxidative stress and DNA damage, leading to lung cancer, and flavonoids' antioxidant function may reduce the damage from tobacco smoking," according to Dr. Zhang.

Why certain flavonoids are more protective against lung cancer development than others is still unknown. "Our results will encourage laboratory scientists to work on cell lines and animal models to find out why some flavonoids can, and some can't protect against cancer development among smokers," Dr. Zhang says. His team will also investigate which types of vegetables, and how many servings might offer the greatest protection against lung cancer.

Because this is the first study to document the effects of flavonoids on lung cancer, more research is needed before any real health recommendations can be made. However, it's very clear from this and past research that quitting smoking, avoiding passive smoking, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be a good way to protect against lung cancer, as well as other diseases.

Source: Cui Y, Morgenstern H, Greenland S, Tashkin DP, Mao JT, Cai L, Cozen W, Mack TM, Lu QY, Zhang ZF. Dietary flavonoid intake and lung cancer - a population-based case-control study. Cancer. Published online March 7, 2008.

The challenge in treating cancer has been to selectively target cancer cells without harming normal cells. Researchers have found a new drug that appears to do just that-they have discovered that an herbal drug called BZL101 significantly damages cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, and now they think they know how it works.

BZL 101 is an extract from the Chinese medicinal herb, Scutellaria barbata. (Flower of plant is shown at left.) In a phase 1 trial, the drug showed promise in treating advanced breast cancer, but researchers wanted to find out exactly how the drug kills cancer cells, and why it spares healthy cells. "I think it's very important to know the mechanism of action, because it's difficult to give patients drugs when you have no idea how they work," explains lead author Emma Shtivelman, PhD, Director of Cancer Research at BioNovo, Inc in Emeryville, California. "If you know the mechanisms you can target the drug more precisely and predict potential side effects, which are clear goals of research and development."

Many cancer therapies that kill cancer cells do so by a process of programmed cell death, called apoptosis. But this didn't seem to be the case with BZL101, which had the researchers wondering as to the real mechanism.

"The buzzword in cancer research for years was apoptosis-and we saw that BZL101 induces a lot of cell death, but we couldn't describe it as apoptopic cell death," says Dr. Shtivelman. In a culture of breast cancer cells, only 10 to 15 percent of the cancer cells were killed by apoptosis. For the remainder, there was obviously a different cause at work.

What the researchers found after treating cancer cell lines with BZL101 was that the drug triggers high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-highly unstable molecules that can damage DNA. "Normal cells are well equipped to cope with highly reactive oxygen species because they're harmful," according to Dr. Shtivelman. Tumor cells, though, already have high levels of ROS, and the additional ROS induced by BZL101, "takes them overboard and they die," she says. Also, because the drug inhibits glycolysis-the method cancer cells use to produce energy-it can force them to deplete their energy stores and essentially starve to death, Dr. Shtivelman and her colleagues reported in Cancer Biology & Therapy.

Because it spares healthy cells, BZL101 appears to be very safe overall. The only side effects noted so far have been mild, including constipation, nausea, and diarrhea.

The next phase of the research, which will look at the drug's effectiveness, is slated to be completed in September 2009. If the results are favorable, the researchers will move on to phase 3 trials with larger groups of patients.

The study authors believe BZL offers great promise over many current cancer therapies because of its low toxicity and limited risk of side effects. "Conventional chemotherapeutic drugs hit all proliferating cells in the body," says Dr. Shtivelman. "That's why cancer patients who are on chemotherapy lose their hair, have intestinal problems, and are frequently anemic. If that can be avoided you can increase the dose, if necessary. And with BZL101 that seems to be the case-tumor cells are ready to die when they see the drug and normal cells remain healthy."

Source: Fong S, Shoemaker M, Cadaoas J, Lo A, Liao W, Tagliaferri M, Cohen I, Shtivelman E. Molecular mechanisms underlying selective cytotoxic activity of BZL101, an extract of Scutellaria barbata, towards breast cancer cells. Cancer Biology & Therapy. 2008;7:7(4).

A treatment combining high doses of vitamins C and K helps slow the progress of prostate cancer in men who have not responded to surgery, radiation, and other standard therapies, according to a recent study in the International Journal of Medical Sciences.

prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with more than 180,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. In men whose cancer is advanced, treatment usually involves hormone therapy to lower the amount of male hormones (androgens), which fuel prostate cancer growth. However, this treatment can have side effects and it doesn't always work, particularly in men with a form of prostate cancer that doesn't rely on male hormones to grow.

In their search for new prostate cancer treatment options, researchers investigated a therapy called Apatone, which combines 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C and 5 mg of vitamin K3. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to protect cells against oxidative damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Meanwhile, vitamin K3 produces oxidative stress in the cancer cells, which kills them off via various mechanisms, says lead author Basir Tareen, MD, assistant professor of Urologic Oncology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

The study included 17 prostate cancer patients (average age, 71) who had failed standard treatments (surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy). All of the patients took 10 capsules of Apatone each day for 12 weeks.

Thirteen of the 17 patients showed a real response to the treatment based on their levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA)-a marker of prostate cancer progression. The majority of participants' PSA velocity (a measurement of how quickly PSA levels rise over time) decreased, while their PSA doubling time (the length of time it takes the PSA level to double) increased, indicating that cancer progression had slowed.

Most of the patients opted to continue treatment with Apatone after the study. Many of them said they felt "better" and more "energetic." Their PSA levels remained stable, while those who stopped taking Apatone experienced a spike in PSA levels.

Apatone appeared to be safe and well tolerated, with no major side effects reported. The only problem participants experienced was mild gastroesophageal reflux, which was relieved by taking Apatone with meals or antacids. Hormone therapy, by comparison, can lead to side effects such as hot flashes and weakened bones (osteoporosis), while chemotherapy can trigger nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. "Certainly Apatone is better tolerated than androgen deprivation or chemotherapy in terms of quality of life and side effects from what we have observed," according to Dr. Tareen.

Despite the promising results, however, the study didn't investigate whether treatment with Apatone actually prolonged patients' survival. "In order to truly show a survival benefit, we would have to have a control group of patients who did not receive Apatone," Dr. Tareen explains. "For ethical and logistical reasons, those types of placebo studies are very difficult to perform and justify."

Further research will help clarify the role of Apatone in prostate cancer treatment. "Obviously more studies need to be done in this very challenging patient population," Dr. Tareen says. An upcoming study will investigate the use of Apatone in men who are on long-term hormone therapy for prostate cancer. Researchers are also looking at whether Apatone might be useful for other types of cancers, particularly lung and skin cancers. So far the treatment appears promising.

If you are interested in learning more about vitamin therapy, be sure to speak with your licensed healthcare practitioner.

Sources:

Tareen B, Summers JL, Jamison JM, Neal DR, McGuire K, Gerson L, Diokno A. A 12 week, open label, phase I/IIa study using Apatone for the treatment of prostate cancer patients who have failed standard therapy. Int J Med Sci. 2008;5:62-67.

American Cancer Society. How many men get prostate cancer?

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, 76, the longtime Massachusetts Democrat has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Preliminary results from the biopsy revealed a malignant glioma. The most common type of malignant glioma is called glioblastoma multiforme or "GBM."

As reported in the New York Times published on May 21, 2008, Kennedy's doctors have stated that "the usual course of treatment includes combinations of various forms of radiation and chemotherapy" and that "decisions regarding the best course of treatment for Senator Kennedy will be determined after further testing and analysis."

According to published medical information, survival for patients with GBM is typically about 12 months. Our prayers go out to Mr. Kennedy and his family. Perhaps this unfortunate diagnosis may initiate a more global discussion on the continued lack of progress in treating malignant brain cancers.

No Progress in 30 Years

Despite the occasional pronouncements of "breakthroughs" the improvement in survival for GBM is practically zero over the last 30 years. According to The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, the two year Relative Survival Rate for GBM from 1973-1994 was 8.8%. It was 8.7% for the period 1973-2002. The five year Relative Survival Rate for GBM from 1973-1994 was 3.4%. It was 3.3% for the period 1973-2002. And the ten year rate for GBM from 1973-1994 and 1973-2002 was 2.3%. After nearly 30 years there has been essentially no improvement in survival despite the millions of dollars spent on research and treatment.

Targeted Therapies - "Disappointing"

In the last several years there has been research in the area of targeted therapies like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is an important signaling protein involved in the growth of blood vessels. A theory called "anti-angiogenesis" is based on the concept that it may be possible to starve a tumor by stopping the growth of new blood vessels that feed the cancer. While the theory is promising, in clinical practice with malignant gliomas the results to date have been disappointing. According to a report published in March of this year in the journal Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs, "Experience with targeted therapeutics for malignant glioma has been to date disappointing. These agents are generally well tolerated, but activity is limited."

Unconventional Thinking - Poly MVA and Antineoplastons

Has there been any progress whatsoever in treating GBM and other malignant gliomas? There has been some intriguing results, but they have not come from leading medical centers or drug companies.

Poly MVA

Poly MVA was invented by Dr. Merrill Garnett, a biochemist. It is a dietary supplement based on the nontoxic chemotherapeutic lipoic acid-palladium complex (LAPd). LAPd is a liquid crystal that works in cancer cells by transferring excess electrons from membrane fatty acids to DNA via the mitochondria. It has been used as a dietary supplement by thousands of cancer patients. According to anecdotal reports published on websites some patients who have survived glioblastoma and other malignant brain tumors believe their use of this dietary supplement may have been partly responsible. Are mainstream oncologists intrigued by these results? No. Nearly all conventional oncologists reject this dietary supplement as a potential therapeutic modality.

Dr. Burzynski's Antineplastons

According to a National Cancer Institute Factsheet:

"Antineoplastons are a group of synthetic compounds that were originally isolated from human blood and urine by Stanislaw Burzynski, M.D., Ph.D., in Houston, Texas. Dr. Burzynski has used antineoplastons to treat patients with a variety of cancers. In 1991, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) conducted a review to evaluate the clinical responses in a group of patients treated with antineoplastons at the Burzynski Research Institute in Houston. The medical records of seven brain tumor patients who were thought to have benefited from treatment with antineoplastons were reviewed by NCI. This did not constitute a clinical trial but, rather, was a retrospective review of medical records, called a "best case series." The reviewers of this series found evidence of antitumor activity, and NCI proposed that formal clinical trials be conducted to further evaluate the response rate and toxicity of antineoplastons in adults with advanced brain tumors."

These clinical trials never occurred. Nonetheless, the Burzynski Research Institute is conducting FDA approved clinical trials using antineoplastons for a variety of cancers. Results in brain tumor continue to be encouraging. In a March 2006 study published in the journal Integrative Cancer Therapies, four patients with glioblastoma were treated with antineoplastons. One of the four patients had survived (at the time of publication) more than 5 years. The results of only four patients may not be statistically valid, but if they are validated with further results it would suggest a 5- year survival of 25% compared to 3.3% with conventional therapies.

Are mainstream oncologists intrigued by the potential therapeutic value of antineoplastons? No. Nearly all oncologists reject this modality.

Conventional Oncologists Reject Unorthodox Approaches

Why do oncologists reject any potential therapy, like lipoic acid-palladium complex and Burzynski's antineoplastons, that was not created by a major medical center or a pharmaceutical company? There are many reasons possibly including:

1) These approaches represent fundamental shifts in thinking about how to treat brain cancer. To understand how Poly MVA or antineoplastons may work in the human body requires a different understanding of the biochemistry of cancer and the role of our immune systems.

2) The experience and skills of mainstream oncologists are dictated to a large degree by what they leaned in medical school and the studies they have been involved in subsequent to their graduation. These studies are often financed or partly financed by drug companies who focus on therapies that are easily patentable. Chemotherapy fits this model.

3) There may be an emotional investment. In the case of malignant gliomas many oncologists have seen hundreds of their patients pass away. To admit that they, the doctor, have been on the wrong path all along, maybe too tough to bear.

Whatever the reasons, the result has been no dramatic improvement in survival with GBM over decades. Because patients who are the ultimate consumer of these therapies generally put their lives in their doctor's hands, there is no "market demand" for thinking outside the box. Because drug companies finance the lion's share of research in this area, corporations continue to decide what is developed and what is not based on their own financial incentives. Because doctors get paid regardless of whether their patients live or die there is no burning incentive for physicians to break from the status quo. What all this means, unfortunately, is that the lack of progress will most likely continue.

But, there is hope for Mr. Kennedy and other patients diagnosed with malignant gliomas. If you are willing to be your own best advocate and expand your universe of possible treatment modalities outside of chemo, radiation, and surgery, you may be able to blaze your own path to health as others have done.

Cancer Foundations

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America - The mission of the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America is to fund research that will lead to the quickest cure for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by asbestos exposure, has very few treatment options at this time. Since the year 2001, the foundation has funded the opening of the Mesothelioma Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Parkash Gill at the USC/Norris who is currently investigating Veglin, an anti-angiogenesis agent. A Phase I study of Veglin has demonstrated some success in patients suffering from lymphoma, sarcoma, and colon and lung cancers. Phase II studies are on-going with the hope they will demonstrate continued clinical efficacy in mesothelioma and other cancers. For more information about the Phase II study of Veglin you may contact Dr. Gill through the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America. 1-800-909-Meso (6376) http://www.mesorfa.org

Immune Boosting Products

Get Healthy Again.com - This company provides a variety of immune boosting nutritional supplements designed to enhance the immune system. http://www.health-reports.com/cancer- conquest.html

Polyerga® Plus - Polyerga® Plus is a unique nutritional supplement for supporting the immune system. Although this German-developed spleen peptide technology has been used in Europe and Asia for decades, it is only now becoming available in America. Laboratory and clinically tested to improve key immune system parameters, these peptides help to regulate and stabilize the immune system. http://www.polyer gaplus.com

Legal Services

Brain Cancer Misdiagnosis Information Center - Brain Cancer Misdiagnosis Information Center provides information on the frequency of brain cancer misdiagnosis, how you can find out if you have been misdiagnosed, and what you can do about it. The Center is run by the law firm of Webb, Scarmozzino & Gunter. http://www.brai ncancerlaw.com

Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. - This law firm (and its predecessor law firms) has been a pioneer in asbestos litigation in the United States. The attorneys of Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. (GPW) have been involved in asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits since 1978. Their experienced mesothelioma lawyers participated in the gathering of evidence, such as the testimony of corporate executives and doctors, and the accumulation of corporate documents, that helped create the basis for successfully suing the asbestos industry. GPW has represented thousands of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis victims. Because of their involvement in asbestos litigation from the beginning, GPW has a clear understanding of what is required to succeed. In addition to outstanding trial experience, GPW is backed by a large arsenal of corporate documents, depositions, and medical articles with which to vigorously prosecute your asbestos case. http://www.gpwlaw. com/cm

Paul & Hanley LLP - Paul & Hanley LLP has built its reputation on mesothelioma-asbestos litigation-representing individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or serious asbestos-related diseases. They have an outstanding track record of success and have garnered many of the most significant California verdicts. Their lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion. They handle a select number of cases at a time and represent workers and families with the extra special attention required for the best possible outcome in each case. They understand your case is unique, so they take the time to get to know you and your family. Contact them today for a free and confidential consultation. They will discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions. Their toll free telephone number is 1-800- 281-9804. They look forward to helping you. http://www.phhlaw.com

Nutritional Support

Haelan Products offers Haelan 951, an international award-winning, super nutritious, fermented soybean protein beverage. Clinical research and numerous reports from doctors and cancer patients have demonstrated that Haelan 951 helps protect cancer patients from the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In addition, one study found that the soy isoflavone genistein (which is found in Haelan 951) produced greater apoptosis with both chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Apoptosis means "programmed cell death" and it is a goal of most orthodox cancer therapies. Because Haelan 951 is a nutritional supplement, not a cancer treatment, it was used in this study to offset the toxicity of the treatments, not as a cancer therapy. http://www.haelan9 51.com