Cancer
Cancer has typically been considered a disease of proliferation. But Professor Thomas Seyfried of Boston College has long been a proponent of Otto Warburg's work in the 1930s declaring that cancer originates from dysfunctional cellular respiration (a series of chemical reactions that break down glucose to produce energy). Dr. Seyfried wrote a book: Cancer as a Metabolic Disease, which outlines the scientific data that supports that cancer is a disease of the mitochondria, and it can be managed by switching the fuel sources of the cell (glucose and glutamine) to ketone bodies. As such, a personalized metabolic therapy can be used to address cancer to match an individual's unique physiology. WE believe that the etiology of the success of the Press Pulse Protocol is the lowering of deuterium and increasing Molecular Hydrogen to improve mitochondrial function. Additionally, there are a number of studies that show promise in increasing the body's natural immune devices to attack foreign (bacterial, viral and cancer) cells in order to eradicate disease, maybe even completely. This is also the same theory used in the Abscopal Effect, whereby the immune system is activated, and then a tumor is broken up by some means such as radiation or ultrasound. When the T cells and Natural Killer cells see the fragments of tumor, the immune system is able to attack all of the cancer cells seen in the body, not only at the site of fragmentation.
Improving Mitochondrial Function
Mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of cells, generating the energy currency (ATP) needed for the cell through a process called cellular respiration. They also play a role in other cellular functions, including cell signaling, calcium storage and cell death. Changes in mitochondria can lead to changes in energy metabolism and sometimes reprogram the cell nucleus and affect metabolism and cell behavior. This may contribute to drug resistance, cell proliferation and growth, as well as metastasis. It can also affect cell death, and immune escape by reducing the ability of cancer cells to be recognized by the immune system. Cancer cells cal even steal mitochondria from T cells to strengthen themselves and evade the immune system. Mitochondria are being targeted as a potential therapeutic strategy against cancer. Mitochondrial function can be enhanced by physical activity (resistance training and interval training), dietary choices and lifestyle factors (prioritizing sleep and managing stress). In addition, some believe that crucial minerals have been farmed out of our soil, impacting the gut microbiome and gut permeability.
Liquid Blood Biopsy
A liquid blood biopsy is a non-invasive blood test that analyzes tumor material such as circulating cancer stem cells, cancer cells, DNA or RNA fragments, proteins or exosomes in bodily fluids to detect cancer. Even when there is No Evidence of Disease (NED) by radiologic or other blood tumor markers, there is almost always Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) still present. This is the means by which cancer recurs and metastasizes to distant sites. Unless these CTCs are kept at a low number (I.e. below 5), cancer will recur. We believe that with a variety of supplements, dietary and lifestyle changes including stress management, CTC level and therefore cancer can be managed as a chronic disease, much like high blood pressure, diabetes or HIV.
Dr. Seyfried's Press Pulse Protocol
The mainstay of Dr. Seyfried's Press Pulse Protocol is a glucose restricted diet to reach a metabolic zone with (Press) low blood glucose and high plasma ketones. The high ketones will protect the normal cells and give them a replacement fuel source that cannot be used by cancer cells. While in ketosis, (Pulse) hyperbaric oxygen therapy, glutamine blockers (the other source of fuel for cancer cells), and even low dose radiation and chemotherapy have all been seen to have a more effective response on tumor size and proliferation. This regimen is difficult to sustain on a long term basis, especially while maintaining muscle mass. More than likely the gains are due to the decrease in deuterium, which can be achieved more easily in combination with other modalities, making it easier to optimize mitochondrial function.
There are a variety of clinical studies available addressing the different approaches to cancer. Links to some studies can be found on the Playbook for Cancer page with the link below. Some of the studies listed are ones we found particularly interesting, while the overall list of studies can be found on the link to Clinicaltrials.gov website.