High dose IV vitamin C has been used for decades and more research is proving that this care is safe and effective when used before, during, and after standard therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. At high doses intravenously, it acts as a pro-oxdiant, providing further damage to cancer cell via the production of peroxides.

Benefits:

• meaningful reductions in tumour volume
• faster recovery after surgery
• decreased infections
• greatly improved quality of life
• improvements in life expectancy.

Further information:

• www.nzma.org.nz
• www.kumc.edu
• History of Vitamin C and Cancer
• IV Vitamin C Mechanism of Action -1
• IV Vitamin C Mechanism of Action -2
• IV Vitamin C Pharmacology
• IV Vitamin C in Cancer Care Options
• IV Vitamin C in Advanced Cancers
• IV Vitamin C in Brain Cancer
• IV Vitamin C in Breast Cancer -1
• IV Vitamin C in Breast Cancer -2
• IV Vitamin C with Chemo References

Mistletoe therapy has been used for almost a century in many European countries as an adjunctive to chemotherapy and radiation. Administered as an injection just under the skin or intravenously, mistletoe has numerous benefits to patients undergoing standard cancer therapy.

Benefits include improvement in the following areas:

• weight and appetite
• pain
• quality of life
• survival
• inhibition of blood vessel growth in tumours
• white blood cell counts, leading to less infections and missed chemotherapy appointments

Further information:

• Mistletoe trial
• Mistletoe Phase I trial
• Mistletoe in Pancreatic Cancer with Chemo
• Mistletoe in Pancreatic Cancer
• Mistletoe in Colorectal Cancer
• Mistletoe in Breast, Ovarian, & Lung Cancers
• Mistletoe in Breast Cancer -1
• Mistletoe in Breast Cancer -2
• Mistletoe in Advanced Cancers -1
• Mistletoe in Advanced Cancers -2
• Mistletoe and White Blood Cell Protection
• Mistletoe and Chemo
• Mistletoe and Chemo & Radiation

The majority of patients undergoing cancer therapy look to take supplements, vitamins, and other nutrients during their therapy. It is of paramount importance that patients are counselled properly to ensure that what they are taking is not interfering with standard therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation. We create a plan specific to your cancer type and care, reassessing and modifying as necessary .

Benefits include addressing the following areas, which are directly and indirectly linked to cancer development and therapy, all of which are important when taking an integrative approach to cancer care:

• chronic inflammation
• blood sugar control
• immune system support
• care of infection
• blood vessel growth
• metastasis

Further information:

• Vitamin D & Colorectal Cancer
• Vitamin D & Breast Cancer
• Mushrooms & the Immune System
• Mushroom Complexes & Cancer
• I3C & Hormone positive Breast Cancer
• Fish Oil & Chemo
• DIM & Prostate Cancer
• Curcumin & Chemo
• CoQ10 & Chemotoxicity
• Copper & Breast Cancer
• Boswelia & Brain Metastasis
• Antioxidants & Chemo

Often a cancer diagnosis can bring questions and fear into what a person is putting into their mouths and on their bodies. As well, dietary needs change throughout therapy and certain nutrients are needed in higher quantities during different stages of therapy. We aim to provide easy to follow plans given your specific needs. Not all cancers behave the same and not every patient requires the same support. Plans are reassessed and changed as needed based on patient feedback and blood work results.

Further information:

• Nutrition & Cancer
• Ketogenic Diet & Cancer
• Cancer Prevention & Lifestyle
• Calories & Cancer
• Blood Sugar Control & Breast Cancer

Acupuncture can be used successfully to care for and manage side effects from chemotherapy and radiation, such as nausea, anxiety, insomnia, hot flashes, and pain.

Vitamin C is by far the most common and most researched integrative IV therapy used; however there are a number of other promising vitamins, minerals and compounds, some of which are listed here:

• Glutathione
• Chelation
• Alpha Lipoic Acid

After care is just as important as care during therapy. A specific detoxification plan is just the beginning in helping with the recovery of standard care such as chemotherapy and radiation. Personal history of environmental exposures, as well as common environmental, diet and lifestyle contributors to cancer are evaluated; plans are then put in place to help resolve potential contributors to recurrence.

Physical examination is an important component of assessing care response as well as educating patients on signs and symptoms of recurrences. Typically a physical exam is based upon specific diagnosis and needs.

Current medical imaging and pathology reports are reviewed in depth in order to provide patient education. Lab tests will help determine the specific care approach taken based on individual biochemical requirements.

The following includes a sample of testing available:

Blood tests

• Standard blood tests done through Calgary Lab Services – for example: inflammation, tumour, and blood vessel growth markers; blood sugar testing
• Food sensitivity testing done through Rocky Mountain Analytical – results can guide digestive tract healing post-chemotherapy and/or radiation

Urine testing

• Standard Dipstick test (in-house) – urinary tract infections, pH assessment
• Toxic heavy metals test discovers whether carcinogenic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, gadalinium, and cadmium are stored in your tissues
• DUTCH hormone metabolite testing
• FLUIDS IQ gastrointestinal, inflammation, and oxidation testing

Saliva testing

• Hormone testing – indicates tissue levels of various hormones