Introduction to Basic Cancer Care

Cancer, also called malignancy, is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can grow into tumors, invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.

Main categories of cancer my include carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, lymphoma and central nervous system cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

Cancer cells differ from normal cells in various ways. Whereas normal cells self destruct when they become bizarre and detract from the surrounding tissues, cancer cells reproduce more abnormal cells and continue to multiply instead of self destructing.

The differences between cancer cells and normal cells may be exploited to selectively destroy and inhibit cancer growth, invasion, and spread. Both weaknesses common to all cancer cells as well weakness specific to few cancer cells may be exploited. Cancer cells generally derive energy by metabolic processes which are minimally used by normal cells. By poisoning these processes selectively with natural substances, cancer cells die while normal cells are not harmed. Generally cancer cells which reproduce faster than normal cells are more susceptible to chemotherapeutic agents and/or radiation than normal cells. Depending upon the characteristics of the individual cancer cell populations various chemotherapeutic and other agents are preferred over others. For example, in cases of pancreatic cancer the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine is likely to be more helpful than the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. In cases of breast cancer where estrogen receptors are positive cancer growth may often be addressed via hormonal modifying drugs. If the CD 20 maker is positive in cases of B cell lymphoma specific pharmaceutical monoclonal antibodies may be used to reduce tumor burden.

With advances in research and exchange of knowledge therapies are becoming more refined, specific and tailored to address the specific qualities of the cancer tissue targeted. Various tests are available: genetic, chemo-sensitivity, histological, enzymatic, etc. Such testing may be performed on cancer tissue or cells to determine susceptibility to different agents. Biofeedback testing which evaluates electromagnetic patterns created while interfacing potentially remedial substances with the body is also useful. Targeting the susceptible features of the cancer treated reduces side effects, collateral damage, and time wasted performing less than optimal therapies.

Addressing the environment in which cancer cells exist is as important as addressing the cancer cells directly. By analogy, cancer and fungus may be destroyed by similar measures. Cancer found in the human body may be poisoned with chemotherapy and burned with radiation. Fungus found growing on walls of a warm and humid room may be destroyed by spraying it with a fungicide or torching it with a flame thrower. As time passes fungus will be again found growing on the walls. If a dehumidifier is used to change the environment of the room the fungus will not occur or recur. If the environment of the human body is changed to one more conducive to health and less conducive to disease, cancer is less likely to occur or recur. The fungus may eventually disappear using dehumidification alone.

The presence of living bodily cells, normal and/or abnormal, is the product of the interaction of their genes with the environment in which they exist. Although genes can not be changed, at least presently, the environment can be modified by addressing three main areas: deficiency, toxicity, signaling. Deficiency has to due with the lack of influences that are necessary for optimal function and repair such as lack of vitamin D or lack of emotional nurturing. Toxicity has to due with the presence of influences that are deleterious to optimal function and repair such the poisonous metal mercury or depressing thoughts. Signaling has to do with the presence or lack of stimuli which foster or damage healing processes. For example, loving thoughts foster health and toxic electromagnetic fields (EMF) damage health. The use of adequate synergistic combinations of nutrition, detoxification, signaling is important in aiding and maintaining health and recovery from illness.

The synergistic use of strategies that target cancer cell destruction together with those that improve the bodily healing environment is a most logical approach to maximize outcome. The selection of strategies needs to take into account feasibility, efficacy and safety. Generally, the use of complementary strategies integrated together in a practical manner increases chances for success.

Many technologies are available as tools to tailor therapeutic strategies to fit the needs of the individual. Such strategies differ from person to person being that no two individuals are quite the same, even identical twins. Besides biological considerations patient beliefs as well as various other circumstances need to be factored into decision making. Optimally, the patient must be monitored periodically for changes in health and disease that occur over time and strategies must be modified accordingly to meet patient needs.

At Dayton Medical Center many strategies are integrated from different medical disciplines from around the world. Dr. Dayton travels and corroborates with like minded colleagues, nationally and internationally, learning and sharing concepts and technology. He often renders patient care as part of a team approach with other conventional and integrative physicians and facilities from around the globe.  Life is too dear to be left to chance alone.