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Developing effective integrative protocols requires extensive research and rigorous study.
With a growing focus on personalized medicine, integrative cancer care represents a promising future—one that treats the body holistically, rather than targeting just the disease.
The decision to choose between conventional and traditional medicine is a common dilemma for those affected by cancer. However, an integrative approach that combines both is emerging as the way forward.
Cancer is not just a medical diagnosis—it is a complex disease with physical, mental, and emotional implications. This year’s World Cancer Day theme, United by Unique, emphasizes that every case is different, reinforcing the need for personalized and integrative care in cancer treatment. Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Chief Mentor: Art of Healing Cancer and Director Oncology, CK Birla Hospital shares all you need to know:
With a deeper understanding of the disease, it is evident that there is no single way to treat or manage it. Cancer treatment requires a comprehensive approach that extends beyond conventional medicine. While chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery remain at the forefront, research-backed traditional medicine is also proving to be a valuable complement.
Interdependent Factors in Prognosis
Cancer can affect anyone, and emerging studies suggest that, while the disease has a physiological basis, mental, emotional, and environmental factors may also contribute to its onset. Similarly, a person diagnosed with cancer often requires multiple forms of treatment to effectively manage the disease.
Clinically, cancer is characterized by the uncontrollable division of cells, which can multiply and spread, making the condition life-threatening. Treatment strategies have evolved significantly, with areas like precision oncology—focused on genetic mutations and cancer pathways—helping tailor targeted therapies to halt cancer cell growth.
Conventional treatments such as cytotoxic chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy are ‘cidal’ treatments, meaning they actively kill cancer cells. However, this also results in damage to normal cells, leading to various side effects, such as:
Surgery – Potential disfigurement, organ loss, and reduced function.
Chemotherapy – Low blood count, nausea, hair loss, skin changes, digestive issues (diarrhea, vomiting, constipation), and sleep disturbances.
Radiation therapy – Fibrosis, scarring, skin discoloration, and loss of function in affected areas.
On the other hand, studies suggest that traditional medicine and nutraceuticals work by downregulating aberrant genomic pathways and altering the deranged metabolism of cancer cells. Unlike conventional treatments, nutraceuticals bind to multiple pathways with limited avidity, meaning they act as ‘static’ agents—slowing or weakening cancer cells while protecting normal cells. By integrating both approaches, conventional treatment effectiveness can be enhanced while minimizing toxicity and adverse effects.
Complementary, Not Replacement
Examples of Nutraceuticals and Their Cancer-Fighting Potential
Curcumin (found in turmeric): Enhances the body’s mutation repair mechanisms by upregulating the TP53 gene, which is crucial for preventing cancerous growth. It is particularly beneficial for head and neck cancers, triple-negative breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Additionally, it targets the EGFR pathway, commonly associated with lung, cervical, and head and neck cancers.
Vitamin C (present in citrus fruits): At low doses, it acts as a powerful antioxidant and boosts immune function. In high doses (administered intravenously), it becomes a pro-oxidant that enhances chemotherapy effectiveness while reducing side effects.
EGCG and Ellagic Acid (found in green tea): Inhibits the VEGF pathway, which promotes blood supply to tumors, thereby reducing cancer spread.
Quercetin (found in pomegranate and walnuts): Downregulates the MDR/MRP pathway, which is responsible for drug resistance in chemotherapy. It helps improve chemotherapy efficacy.
Sulforaphane (found in broccoli and cauliflower): Reduces inflammation around cancerous cells, limiting cancer spread and mitigating cancer-related cachexia (weakness and weight loss). It also targets the TGF-β pathway.
Resveratrol (found in berries and red wine): Reduces cancer stem cell activity by acting on the hTERT pathway, thereby lowering the risk of recurrence.
Berberine (found in yellow roots and berries, also known as Daru Haldi): Functions as a natural immunotherapy, targeting PD-1/PD-L1 receptors and the PI3KCA-mTOR pathway, which are also the targets of conventional immunotherapy drugs.
Applying Integrative Science with Caution
While nutraceuticals show significant potential in supporting cancer treatment, their application must be carefully managed. Understanding interactions between nutraceuticals and conventional therapies is crucial, as many nutraceuticals act as antioxidants. If administered within the half-life of cytotoxic chemotherapy, they may counteract its effects.
Developing effective integrative protocols requires extensive research and rigorous study. However, with a growing focus on personalized medicine, integrative cancer care represents a promising future—one that treats the body holistically, rather than targeting just the disease.
