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How Oxygen Fights Cancer: The Role of EWOT in Tumor Health and Immune Support - Exercising on bikes

How Oxygen Fights Cancer: The Role of EWOT in Tumor Health and Immune Support

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How Oxygen Fights Cancer: The Role of EWOT in Tumor Health and Immune Support

How Oxygen Fights Cancer: The Role of EWOT in Tumor Health and Immune Support

Cancer isn’t just a cluster of rogue cells, it’s a dynamic and evolving environment. Within that environment, oxygen plays a powerful and often underestimated role. Emerging research suggests that therapies that boost oxygen levels, such as Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT), may help to weaken tumors and strengthen the body’s own defense systems.

In this article, we’ll explore how oxygen affects the tumor microenvironment, how it lowers harmful factors like VEGF and HIF-1, and why increasing oxygen through EWOT could be a supportive tool in cancer care.

Understanding the Tumor Microenvironment

Cancer cells don’t grow in isolation. They interact with and manipulate their surroundings—blood vessels, immune cells, connective tissue, and signaling molecules—to create a supportive habitat called the tumor microenvironment (TME).

One of the defining characteristics of the TME is hypoxia—a lack of oxygen. As tumors grow rapidly, they often outpace their blood supply, leaving areas within the tumor starved for oxygen. This low-oxygen environment isn’t just a side effect; it actually helps tumors thrive.

Why Hypoxia Fuels Cancer

When oxygen levels drop, cancer cells activate survival mechanisms. Two of the most important players in this hypoxic response are:

1. HIF-1 (Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1)

HIF-1 is a transcription factor that becomes stabilized in low oxygen conditions. Once active, HIF-1 turns on genes that help cancer cells survive and spread, including those that:

  • Promote angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth)
  • Increase glucose metabolism (a hallmark of cancer)
  • Suppress immune detection

2. VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)

HIF-1 directly stimulates VEGF, a key driver of blood vessel formation. While new vessels might sound good, tumor blood vessels are often leaky and disorganized, worsening hypoxia and making it harder for chemotherapy or immune cells to reach the tumor.

In short: hypoxia → HIF-1 activation → VEGF upregulation → chaotic tumor growth and immune evasion.

How Oxygen Can Turn the Tables

By increasing oxygen availability in the tumor microenvironment, we can disrupt this vicious cycle.

Oxygen downregulates HIF-1

Oxygen is a natural suppressor of HIF-1. In well-oxygenated conditions, HIF-1 is rapidly degraded and cannot trigger the cascade of genes that protect the tumor.

Oxygen reduces VEGF expression

With lower HIF-1 activity, the production of VEGF also drops. This can help “normalize” the tumor vasculature, improving blood flow, reducing metastasis, and enhancing the delivery of therapies.

Oxygen supports the immune response

Immune cells, especially cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, require oxygen to function optimally. In a hypoxic environment, their ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells is impaired. Oxygen-rich conditions help restore immune surveillance and anti-tumor activity.

What is EWOT? (Exercise With Oxygen Therapy)

EWOT combines moderate exercise (usually on a bike or treadmill) with the inhalation of high-concentration oxygen, typically delivered through a mask hooked up to an oxygen concentrator or reservoir.

The combination of movement and high flow rate oxygen consumption creates a synergistic effect:

  • Exercise increases heart rate and blood flow
  • Oxygen is more effectively delivered to tissues, including poorly perfused areas
  • Over time, EWOT may improve microcirculation and oxygen utilization at the cellular level

This method has been used for decades in sports performance and chronic disease management, but it’s now gaining attention in integrative oncology settings.

Potential Benefits of EWOT in Cancer Care

While EWOT is not a standalone treatment for cancer, it may offer adjunctive support by:

  • Improving tissue oxygenation, especially in areas with poor blood supply
  • Lowering HIF-1 and VEGF expression, disrupting tumor growth signals
  • Enhancing immune function, helping the body mount a stronger anti-cancer response
  • Boosting mitochondrial function, which may improve energy metabolism and recovery
  • Enhancing effectiveness of therapies, such as radiation and some forms of chemotherapy, which depend on oxygen for maximum efficacy

A Word of Caution

While the science behind oxygen and cancer is compelling, it’s important to note that not all cancers behave the same way, and oxygen therapy is not a cure. Anyone considering EWOT should do so under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider—preferably one with experience in integrative oncology.

Conclusion: Oxygen as an Ally

The idea that something as simple as oxygen could weaken cancer may seem surprising, but the research is catching up to what many clinicians are already seeing in practice. By targeting the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, therapies like EWOT may help tip the balance in favor of healing.

In the battle against cancer, oxygen isn’t just a passive participant, it’s a powerful ally.

Further Reading / Sources

  • Semenza, G.L. (2012). Hypoxia-inducible factors: mediators of cancer progression and targets for cancer therapy. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences.
  • Vaupel, P. & Mayer, A. (2007). Hypoxia in cancer: significance and impact on clinical outcome. Cancer and Metastasis Reviews.
  • Allen, J. et al. (2018). The role of oxygen in cancer therapy: strategies to overcome hypoxia. Nature Reviews Cancer.

Mistletoe in Cancer Care

Mistletoe in Cancer Care: What Johns Hopkins Found and Why It Matters

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Mistletoe in Cancer Care: What Johns Hopkins Found and Why It Matters

Mistletoe in Cancer Care: What Johns Hopkins Found and Why It Matters

When you hear the word mistletoe, chances are you think of the holidays, green sprigs hanging in doorways, warm gatherings, maybe even a kiss. But there’s another side to this humble plant that’s been quietly making waves in the medical world. Researchers are now exploring mistletoe not as a festive decoration, but as a potential partner in cancer care.

At Johns Hopkins, a team of oncologists recently conducted the first U.S. clinical trial on mistletoe extract for patients with advanced cancer. Around the same time, the book Mistletoe and the Emerging Future of Integrative Oncology was published, sharing stories and insights about how this plant is already being used in integrative medicine around the world.

Together, the study and the book tell a story of ancient wisdom meeting modern science, and of new hope for patients looking for more holistic options in their care.

The Johns Hopkins Trial: A First Step in the U.S.

In 2023, the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center tested an intravenous form of mistletoe extract called Helixor M in patients with advanced, treatment-resistant cancers.

The trial was small, but the findings were encouraging:

  • Safety came first. Mistletoe was given through an IV three times a week. Even at higher doses, side effects were generally mild, things like fatigue, chills, or nausea.
  • Some patients stabilized. A number of participants had their cancer remain stable for several weeks to months, and a few even saw their tumors shrink temporarily.
  • Quality of life improved. Perhaps most striking, patients reported feeling better overall, more energy, improved mood, and a stronger sense of well-being.

For doctors, this matters. It shows that mistletoe can be safely studied in the U.S., and that it may not only affect cancer itself, but also how people feel during treatment. That’s a big deal in oncology, where side effects and exhaustion can take such a toll.

Beyond the Data: A Book of Stories and Perspective

While the Johns Hopkins trial focused on clinical safety and outcomes, the book Mistletoe and the Emerging Future of Integrative Oncology brings the human side into the picture.

Written by integrative oncologists and practitioners, the book explores mistletoe therapy as part of a larger movement to blend conventional cancer treatment with holistic approaches. In Europe, mistletoe has been used for decades alongside chemotherapy and radiation, not as a replacement, but as a complement.

Some of the key messages from the book include:

  • Healing is more than fighting disease. It’s also about restoring vitality, easing side effects, and helping patients feel like themselves again.
  • Bridging two worlds. Mistletoe symbolizes a bridge between modern science and natural medicine, offering patients the best of both.
  • Personalized care matters. No two people are the same, and mistletoe therapy can be adapted to the individual, something patients often long for in their treatment journey.

The tone is hopeful, human, and deeply patient-centered.

Why Mistletoe Could Be a Game-Changer

Cancer care is often laser-focused on the tumor. But patients know their journey is about so much more, their energy, resilience, emotions, and quality of life. That’s where therapies like mistletoe could shine.

  • It may support the immune system, helping the body cope with both cancer and conventional treatments.
  • It has shown potential to reduce side effects and improve well-being.
  • It represents a philosophy of care that honors the whole person, not just the disease.

We’re still at the beginning of this journey in the U.S., and mistletoe isn’t a stand-alone cure. But when science and holistic wisdom meet, the result is often a more compassionate, balanced approach to healing.

A Closing Reflection

It feels almost poetic: the same plant we hang in doorways to bring people together might also help bring two sides of medicine together, conventional oncology and integrative healing.

Mistletoe may be rooted in ancient tradition, but its role in modern cancer care is just beginning to blossom.

For patients and families searching for options that care for both body and spirit, this little green plant could hold surprising promise.

If you’re interested in learning more about mistletoe therapy and integrative cancer care, resources like Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and the book Mistletoe and the Emerging Future of Integrative Oncology are wonderful places to start.

High-Dose IV Vitamin C and Cancer: What You Need to Know

High-Dose IV Vitamin C and Cancer: What You Need to Know

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High-Dose IV Vitamin C and Cancer:
What You Need to Know

High-Dose IV Vitamin C and Cancer: What You Need to Know

High-dose intravenous vitamin C (IVC), typically 50 grams or more per infusion. is being studied worldwide as a promising adjunct, or integrative treatment, to conventional cancer care. At these higher doses, vitamin C acts very differently than when taken orally, and research suggests it may help shrink tumors, improve outcomes, and reduce treatment side effects.

How It Works

When given intravenously, vitamin C bypasses tight gut absorption controls and reaches blood levels 100–500 times higher than oral dosing NCI PDQ, 2024. At these concentrations, vitamin C can act as a pro-oxidant in tumors, generating hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Cancer cells, often deficient in detox enzymes, are more vulnerable to this oxidative stress, while healthy cells neutralize it effectively Chen et al., PNAS 2008.

Clinical Evidence So Far

  • Ovarian cancer: In a small randomized study, adding high-dose IVC to carboplatin and paclitaxel reduced chemotherapy-related toxicity and showed signs of improved effectiveness Ma et al., Sci Transl Med 2014.
  • Pancreatic cancer: A phase 2 randomized trial found patients receiving IVC (75 g, three times weekly) alongside gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel lived significantly longer than those on chemotherapy alone Bodeker et al., Redox Biology 2024.
  • Glioblastoma (brain cancer): In a phase I trial, IVC combined safely with radiation and temozolomide and showed encouraging survival signals Allen et al., Clin Cancer Res 2019.

These results are early but consistent: IVC is safe when monitored correctly and may improve both quality of life and survival when paired with standard treatments.

Safety and Screening

High-dose IVC is well-tolerated when patients are properly screened. Important precautions include:

  • G6PD testing: to rule out deficiency and prevent hemolysis NCI PDQ, 2024.
  • Kidney function check
  • Glucose monitoring caution: high-dose IVC can cause false high readings on fingerstick glucose meters UCSF Lab Advisory, 2019.

Synergy With Conventional Care

What excites researchers most is IVC’s synergy with standard therapies:

  • Enhancing chemotherapy effects while reducing side effects (ovarian, pancreatic).
  • Acting as a radiosensitizer, making tumors more sensitive to radiation, while protecting normal tissue Doskey et al., Cancer Res 2018.
  • Potentially supporting immune responses, with early lab data suggesting improved activity of checkpoint inhibitors.

Key Takeaway

High-dose IV vitamin C is not a cure by itself. But research, including randomized trials, is showing that when used integratively, it improves survival and reduce side effects for some cancers. With proper medical supervision and safety screening, IVC represents an exciting integrative option for patients seeking to strengthen outcomes and resilience during treatment.

References

  1. National Cancer Institute. PDQ® Vitamin C (Intravenous) – Health Professional Version.
  2. Ma Y, et al. Sci Transl Med. 2014;6(222):222ra18.
  3. Bodeker K, et al. Redox Biol. 2024;65:102299.
  4. Allen BG, et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2019;25(23):7416–7428.
  5. Chen Q, et al. PNAS. 2008;105(32):11105–11109.
  6. Doskey CM, et al. Cancer Res. 2018;78(24):6838–6848.
The Mediterranean Keto Diet for Prostate Cancer: avocado, oil, and nuts

The Mediterranean Keto Diet for Prostate Cancer: A Therapeutic Approach to Nutrition

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The Mediterranean Keto Diet for Prostate Cancer: A Therapeutic Approach to Nutrition

The Mediterranean Keto Diet for Prostate Cancer: A Therapeutic Approach to Nutrition

Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting men with prostate cancer. Emerging evidence shows that dietary strategies can influence cancer metabolism, inflammation, and overall treatment outcomes. One approach gaining interest is the Mediterranean Ketogenic Diet (Med-Keto),a therapeutic blend of two powerful dietary patterns: the cancer-targeting effects of ketosis with the anti-inflammatory and heart-protective benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

Why Consider Ketogenic Nutrition in Prostate Cancer?

Cancer cells often rely heavily on glucose (sugar) for energy. A ketogenic diet, which restricts carbohydrates and emphasizes fat as the primary fuel source, lowers circulating glucose and insulin levels while increasing ketones, an alternative fuel that healthy cells can use efficiently but cancer cells cannot. Being in Nutritional Ketosis refers to a blood level over 0.5 mmol/L BHB.  Therapeutic ketosis is 3-7 mmol/L BHB. On-going daily goal is an average blood glucose level under 85mg/dl and a blood ketone level over a 0.5 mmol/L BHB.

For prostate cancer specifically, research suggests:

  • Lower insulin and IGF-1 signaling may reduce tumor growth drivers.
  • Promotes Autophagy, which Reduces inflammation and helps modulate the tumor microenvironment.
  • Inhibits Histone Deacetylase (HDAC)
  • Destablizes tumor tissue DNA
  • Promotes Immune regulation
  • Promotes mitochondrial biogenesis

Why Add a Mediterranean Foundation?

The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, better longevity, and anti-inflammatory effects—all critical for men undergoing prostate cancer treatment. By combining it with ketogenic principles, the diet remains therapeutic yet heart-healthy.

Key Mediterranean elements include:

  • Olive oil and avocado oil as primary fats.
  • Low-mercury fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel) for omega-3s.
  • Nuts and seeds (walnuts, chia, flax, pumpkin).
  • Herbs, spices, and aromatics (garlic, rosemary, turmeric) with anti-cancer compounds.
  • Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables (spinach, kale, arugula, broccoli, cauliflower) that support detoxification and hormone metabolism.

Core Principles of a Mediterranean Keto Diet for Prostate Cancer

Low-Carb, High-Fat Balance

  • Keep daily net carbs between 20–35g to sustain ketosis.(check blood sugar and ketones twice daily to determine your ideal carb level).
  • Prioritize monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats over saturated fats.

Moderate Protein from Lean Sources

  • Choose fish, pasture-raised poultry, and plant-based proteins.
  • Limit red and processed meats, which are linked to higher prostate cancer risk.

Nutrient-Dense Vegetables 

  • Aim for 2+ servings of cruciferous and 2+ servings of leafy greens daily.
  • Include mushrooms, onions, and broccoli sprouts for added cancer-protective compounds.

Phytonutrient-Rich Extras

  • Small amounts of tomatoes (lycopene) and dark berries (anthocyanins) add targeted antioxidants.

Avoid Cow’s Dairy

  • Dairy (especially from cows) may promote insulin and IGF-1 signaling. Swap for nut-based alternatives or sheep/goat dairy in small amounts if tolerated.

Benefits for Prostate Cancer Patients

  • Metabolic health: Stabilizes blood sugar and insulin, which may reduce tumor-promoting pathways.
  • Hormone balance: Cruciferous vegetables provide sulforaphane and DIM, supporting estrogen metabolism and androgen signaling.
  • Mitochondrial function: Ketones enhance energy production in healthy cells.
  • Reduced inflammation: Omega-3s, olive oil, and polyphenols calm inflammatory cascades.
  • Cardiovascular protection: Essential since prostate cancer treatments can increase heart risks.

Practical Tips for Getting Started

Meal Framework:

  • Breakfast: Spinach and arugula salad with smoked salmon, olive oil, and avocado.
  • Lunch: Cauliflower “tabbouleh” with grilled chicken and tahini dressing.
  • Dinner: Baked wild salmon with broccoli, mushrooms, and a lemon-olive oil sauce.
  • Cooking Oils: Use olive oil for salads and low-heat, avocado oil for higher-heat cooking.
  • Snacks (if needed): Walnuts, macadamias, or cucumber slices with wild smoked salmon.
  • Seasoning: Use herbs liberally—rosemary, oregano, turmeric, and garlic are anti-inflammatory allies.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Ketogenic Diet provides a powerful, evidence-informed nutritional strategy for men with prostate cancer. By blending the cancer-metabolism benefits of ketosis with the anti-inflammatory, heart-protective strengths of the Mediterranean diet, this approach offers a sustainable path that nourishes the body, supports treatment, and promotes long-term health.

As always, dietary changes should be personalized and guided by a qualified practitioner—especially when combined with cancer therapies.

The Power of Precision: How CTC Testing Is Transforming Integrative Cancer Care

The Power of Precision: How CTC Testing Is Transforming Integrative Cancer Care

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The Power of Precision: How CTC Testing Is Transforming Integrative Cancer Care

The Power of Precision: How CTC Testing Is Transforming Integrative Cancer Care

By Dr. Allison Gandre, ND

In the evolving landscape of oncology, precision medicine is not just a buzzword — it’s a radically smarter way to treat cancer. For integrative practitioners and patients looking for evidence-based, non-toxic approaches, technologies like circulating tumor cell (CTC) testing are opening new doors.

One of the most advanced tools in this space is the Datar Exacta™ platform, which leverages blood-based tumor profiling to personalize treatment — not just with pharmaceuticals, but with repurposed drugs, nutraceuticals, and metabolic therapies.

Let’s explore how this test works and why it may be the missing piece in designing individualized cancer protocols.

What Are Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs)?

CTCs are tumor cells that have broken off from the primary tumor and are now freely circulating in the bloodstream. Unlike traditional tissue biopsies, which are invasive and static, CTC testing offers a dynamic, real-time window into tumor biology — and it does so non-invasively, from a simple blood draw.

Some CTC tests also capture circulating glial cells (CGCs), which are specific to central nervous system tumors like gliomas.

What Makes the Datar Exacta Test Unique?

The Datar Exacta™ test goes far beyond standard liquid biopsy. It integrates multiple layers of precision data, including:

1. Immunocytochemistry (ICC)

  • Measures protein expression (e.g., VEGFA, EGFR) on tumor cells.
  • Helps identify active oncogenic pathways, even in the absence of mutations.

2. Gene Expression Analysis (Fold Change)

  • Identifies overexpressed or suppressed genes — such as MMP13, MMP27, HMGCR, or HMGB1.
  • Critical for understanding tumor behavior and resistance mechanisms.

3. Functional Drug Cytotoxicity

  • Exposes isolated tumor cells to a wide panel of repurposed drugs and natural compounds (e.g., curcumin, mebendazole, artesunate).
  • Reports percentage cell death, allowing clinicians to rank and prioritize therapies based on actual tumor response.

4. Disease-Relevant Genomic Findings

  • Screens for somatic mutations in common oncogenes and tumor suppressors (e.g., IDH1/2, TP53, EGFRvIII).
  • Clarifies the tumor’s genomic landscape without needing a surgical biopsy.

Why It Matters in Integrative and Metabolic Oncology

For patients choosing a holistic, mitochondrial, or metabolic therapy approach, precision CTC testing adds a level of confidence and specificity that’s often missing from conventional care.

Targeting Without Guesswork

Many integrative protocols rely on general anti-inflammatory or immune-supportive strategies. With CTC testing, we can match repurposed drugs and natural compounds to the tumor’s actual vulnerabilities — such as using:

  • Mebendazole in tumors overexpressing MMP13
  • Artesunate in VEGFA+ cancers
  • Statins (like atorvastatin) when HMGCR is upregulated
  • Curcumin or EGCG to downregulate EGFR or HMGB1 signaling

Real-Time Treatment Refinement

Because CTC counts and gene expression can be monitored over time, this test allows clinicians to:

  • Track tumor dynamics without repeat imaging
  • Adjust therapies based on real-time biology
  • Identify early signs of resistance or progression

Natural Agents Get Validated

One of the most exciting parts of the Datar platform is its inclusion of natural and repurposed therapies in the drug sensitivity panel. This gives scientific weight to integrative tools that are often overlooked in mainstream oncology — and helps patients make evidence-based decisions about what they take.

A Clinical Example

In a patient with a brain tumor, the Exacta test may reveal:

  • EGFR and VEGFA protein overexpression (ICC+)
  • Upregulated MMP13 and MMP27 gene expression
  • HMGB1 +4.31 FC, indicating immune escape signaling
  • Strong in vitro sensitivity to resveratrol, CBD, curcumin, and EGCG

This data allows for a precision-integrative protocol combining:

  • Therapeutic ketogenic diet (for metabolic pressure)
  • Repurposed drugs like low-dose atorvastatin or artesunate
  • Natural agents with direct impact on the tumor’s pathways
  • Lifestyle tools (fasting, sauna, breathwork) to support terrain

Final Thoughts

Precision medicine is not limited to targeted chemotherapy or immunotherapy. When applied through tools like the Datar Exacta test, it can inform natural, repurposed, and metabolic strategies — empowering patients with non-toxic, scientifically aligned care.

For patients and practitioners seeking clarity, confidence, and customization, CTC-based precision testing is the future of integrative oncology — and it’s already here.

Ready to Personalize Your Cancer Plan?

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