EGCG – Green tea extract (epigallocatechin-3-gallate ) is on of the flavonoids present in tea leaves. The short version of its benefits is as follows: It has effect on multiple signaling pathways, modulates receptors typically present in breast cancer, suppresses proliferation signals, inhibits evasion of apoptosis in cancer, controls its replicative potential and controls tissue invasion and metastases. One could argue that instead of taking a supplement it would be good to simply drink green tea. Agree but… one has to really drink 20 cups of green tea a day. For me personally, I get palpitations after the 4th cup. EGCG is decaffeinated extract hence has no effects on heart rate. After reviewing multiple studies and articles I was able to come up with the dose: 675 mg a day (600-700 mg is OK). I prefer to take it in the morning. Another effect of EGCG is on immune system. I used it widely during the beginning of COVID-19. EGCG helps decrease viral load in the acute phase. EGCG helps to modulate immunosuppression in cancer cells. It also has epigenetic protective mechanism. EGCG helps to normalize metabolism and specifically regulate adipose cells in TNBC. Combination of traditional chemotherapeutic agents together with EGCG has shown sensitization of tumor cells, improving treatment response.
B-vitamins – I went through recommendations of large cancer centers. They advocate against vitamin B12. One naturopathic doctor cited research articles on B12 supplementations. That study showed B12 worsened cancer outcomes but when I dug into the study – it was very poorly done. The bottom line is levels of various Bs need to be checked and supplementations needed to reach OPTIMAL (not lower limit of normal) levels. For example, if on has B12 level close to 200 that is very low. It can give neuropathy in a healthy person. Why worsen effects of chemo that are no fun already? There is one caveat – vitamins need to be of good quality. Many people have MTHFR mutation that prevents them from good methylation, so they need to get methylated forms of the vitamins. Caveat #2 – B12 and folate are best absorbed if taken under the tongue. Optimal folate level is above 15. Bs are needed for normally functioning nervous system, energy production, DNA transcription, production of red blood cells. Testing is important. I prefer Designs for Health, Pure encapsulations, Thorne. However there are many other companies with good reputation such as metagenics, orthomolecular products, vital nutrients, Xymogen, etc.
Broccoprotect – or extract of broccoli. Sulforaphanes in broccoli (and the entire brassica family) play several roles in breast cancer. I use it for prevention of recurrence and during treatment. Majority of people do not get enough suforaphanes in the diet.
1. Prevention:
- Reducing Cancer Risk: Sulforaphane has been shown to induce Phase 2 enzymes, which are involved in detoxification and can protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer.
- Modulating Estrogen Metabolism: Broccoli compounds, including sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol (I3C), can influence estrogen metabolism, potentially shifting it towards less harmful metabolites. This is relevant because some breast cancers are hormone-sensitive.
2. Targeting Cancer Cells:
- Inhibiting Cell Growth and Inducing Apoptosis: Sulforaphane has been found to inhibit the growth of various breast cancer cell lines in laboratory settings and trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- Inhibiting Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs): Sulforaphane may have a preferential effect on CSCs, which are believed to play a critical role in tumor initiation, progression, and recurrence.
- Enhancing Chemotherapy Effectiveness: Sulforaphane has been shown to enhance the effects of some chemotherapy drugs used in breast cancer treatment, such as Adriamycin, cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil.
3. Mechanisms of Action:
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Sulforaphane has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation, both of which can contribute to cancer development.
Epigenetic Modulation: Sulforaphane can affect histone deacetylases (HDACs) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), which are enzymes that regulate gene expression, potentially impacting the expression of genes involved in cancer development.
Cell Cycle Arrest: Sulforaphane can induce cell cycle arrest, preventing cancer cells from dividing and multiplying uncontrollably.
Natto-Serrazime – Serrazyme (serrapeptase or serratiopeptidase) is a proteolytic enzyme with potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and it has been explored in the context of breast cancer treatment and prevention. While it’s not a standard breast cancer treatment, research suggests it may help reduce swelling and pain associated with fibrocystic breast disease and breast engorgement. Additionally, studies have shown that serrazyme can enhance the efficacy of other anti-cancer agents, such as curcumin. Natto-Serrazime™ is a unique blend of two potent fungal proteolytic enzymes, Nattozimes® (derived from the fungi Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus melleus) and Serrazimes®, which are used for cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, respiratory, and immune support. Studies have shown that Nattozimes®1 and Serrazimes® have the same thrombolytic and fibrinolytic activities as the popular enzyme products Nattokinase and Serrapeptidase; therefore, they can be used as a 1:1 substitution for these applications. Cancer has ability to increase thrombogenesis (formation of clots). Cancer thrives in thick gooey environment. Proteolytic/fibrinolytic/thrombolytic enzymes help to “thin the blood” without dangers associated with fully blown anticoagulation. Alternatively, lumbrokinase can be used (all depends what one can get and how much of blood thinning activity is needed and finances as well. I would dose Natto at 1-2 caps twice a day depending on the situation.
Curcumin (I use Curucm-email from designs for health). There are so many benefits of turmeric. It has profound anti inflammatory properties. It turns off a lot of oncogenes and turns on protective genes. It is helpful in metabolic support, cardiovascular support, management of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. I actually use it a lot as part of my pain regimen. In Ayurveda golden milk is a popular drink. I use curcumin/turmeric a lot in prevention of cancer, post support as well as support during chemotherapy and surgery (NOT during radiation!!!). Big caveats with regards to curcumin are #1 it is best taken with fat and black pepper (absorption issues are overcome when used let’s say in olive oil or fatty yogurt). #2 for purposes of oncology ideally I try to get patients to 5 grams a day which may not be easy to stomach. I doubt one can actually consume that much as a powder. It stains your teeth. So I use DFH Curcumin 400 mg in a capsule 6-8 a day. Curcumin has demonstrated the potential to inhibit tumor invasion by influencing growth factors (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and estimated glomerular filtration rate), matrix metalloproteases, NF-kB, activator protein-1, TNF-a, oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor, COX-2, N-terminal activity, tyrosine kinase protein, and angiogenic cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-23, and IL-1-beta.® Curcumin also inhibits signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation and interferes with cell cycle progression by reducing cyclin-dependent kinases expression. Curcumin has been shown to attenuate angiogenesis by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1.
Reishi Mushroom Supreme (Planetary Herbs)
This is a combination formula that contains Reishi, Shiitake, Astragalus, Schisandra, Bai-Zhu, Zhu-Ling, Eleuthera, Ligusticum, Portia, Polygala, Ginger, and Cyprus. All the herbs are immunomodulators. It is somewhat drying but is very well balanced. I think immunomodulation is critically important in cancer management. Immune system needs to be supported and stimulated on one hand. On another hand especially in the evening of immune therapy we do not want to wake up autoimmunity. The best way to handle it would be customized formulas. If one cannot get a professional herbalist consultation and had formula created especially for them this would be a go to more generic formula.