There are some newer developments on several fronts regarding what’s new with colon cancer.
1. Biomarkers
There are a number of biomarkers that are expressed on the cell surface of colon cancer cells that can be utilized for sensitive screening tests. We may not get a single reliable biomarker test like the PSA test for prostate cancer. Rather there may be a future test involving a combination of three or more markers, which would be a sensitive screen for colon cancer (see Ref. 4).
2. The immunostimulator levamisole
has been tested in combination with the chemotherapy agent 5-fluorouracil and the cancer response rate is encouraging. This combination is much better tolerated than chemotherapy alone. Such a combination makes sense to me as the toxic side-effect of the chemotherapy is partially reversed while the cancer combating force is not diminished, but even enhanced (Ref. 5).
3. Radiation sensitizers, such as xanthenes
These are starting to show some promise as is discussed in Ref. 6. With these caffeine related chemicals tumor cells are arrested in the cell division cycle at a point where radiation can become more effective and the tumor kill cell rate is increased resulting in better clinical survival rates.This concept is not new and has been talked about in the 1970’s, however, it has matured now to the point where it can be utilized.
4. There is a lot of progress being made in imaging studies
Examples are a virtual colonoscopy, where the patient never receives colonoscopy through the rectum (Ref. 7). Instead a radiologist analyzes various CT scan images of the colon by computer and translates them into a “virtual colonoscopy”. There is no requirement for a cleansing procedure any more, just a special low residue diet two days prior to the procedure. The radiologist inserts a thin rectal probe only 1 inch into the rectum and introduces carbon dioxide in order to distend the colon. He then takes CT scan X-ray films. This procedure takes only 10 to 15 minutes and the results are instantly known. Polyps of 6 mm (=1/4″) in diameter can be detected, which is more than adequate to find colon cancer before it is invasive.
5. As mentioned before colon cancer prevention is better than a cure
Several researchers showed that food and vitamins are very effective in cutting down the colon cancer rate in man (Ref. 8). Unfortunately, man is the only creature on earth who is deliberately denying this truth and manages to foul up the hormone balance until the immune system finally breaks down and cancer occurs. I would suggest that one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal in terms of prevention is to go on a permanent zone diet (Ref.8).
6. The power of bio-identical hormones
As Ref. 9 points out progesterone replacement helps to not only prevent or improve breast cancer and prostate cancer, but also colon cancer, as this is also a glandular cancer. This was mentioned at the end of colon cancer treatment.
7. A personalized Onco-Genomics Program
The BC Cancer Clinic in Vancouver, BC utilizes a new approach, namely a “Personalized Onco-Genomics Program” (POG). Here the pathologist analyzes the tumor for gene DNA sequences using a DNA sequencer. This determines the difference of the genome of the cancer cells versus the genome of the healthy cells. In the case reported in this link a blood pressure medication was used to block the biochemical pathway that the cancer cells used to multiply. Within weeks the cancer cells melted away and the patient with incurable colon cancer experienced a cure !
Summary re. colon cancer
- Colon cancer is silent.
- Early detection of colon cancer through stool tests for occult blood and colonoscopy saves lives.
- Low fat and low cholesterol food intake will significantly reduce the risk for colon cancer.
- Vegetables, fruit and other fiber intake binds carcinogens from the stool and prevents colon and rectal cancer.
- A Toronto University study has shown that Vit. C and E can cut the colon cancer rate in half (antioxidant effect of these vitamins).
- Recent studies showed that exercise reduces the risk for colon and other cancers significantly (see this link).
References
1. Cancer: Principles &Practice of Oncology, 4th edition, by V.T. De Vita,Jr.,et. al J.B. Lippincott Co.,Philadelphia, 1993.Vol1. Chapter on Cancer of the colon.
2. Cancer: Principles&Practice of Oncology. 5th edition, volume 1. Edited by Vincent T.DeVita, Jr. et al. Lippincott-Raven Publ., Philadelphia,PA, 1997. Chapter 32, Section 7: Cancer of the colon.
3. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 34, page 328-330.
4. S Srivastava et al. Clin Cancer Res 2001 May;7(5):1118-1126.
5. RF Holcombe et al. Cancer Detect Prev 2001;25(2):183-191.
6. S Kinuya et al. J Nucl Med 2001 Apr;42(4):596-600.
7. D Chen et al. IEEE Trans Med Imaging 2000 Dec;19(12):1220-1226.
8. B. Sears: “The age-free zone”.Regan Books, Harper Collins, 2000.
9. Dr. John R. Lee, David Zava and Virginia Hopkins: “What your doctor may not tell you about breast cancer – How hormone balance can help save your life”, Wellness Central, Hachette Book Group USA, 2005. Page 29 – 38 (Chapter 2): Risk factors for breast cancer. Page 360 to 374 explains about xenohormones and how they cause estrogen dominance.
