Schachter Center for Complementary Medicine

Our Treatment Program for Cancer

by Dr. Michael B. Schachter, MD, CNS, FACAM

The longstanding, generally accepted medical approach to the treatment of cancer has been to attempt to destroy the cancer by aggressive methods. The cancer is regarded as a foreign body that has to be removed or annihilated by surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Though some cancers respond well to this approach, many others do not. In fact in a number of cases this type of treatment does more harm than good for the patient with cancer.

There is a growing trend in medicine today to investigate other approaches--an interest in the immune system, nutrition, and prevention. This is where our philosophy lies.

OUR PHILOSOPHY FOR THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CANCER

Our approach rests on the assumption that cancer is a systemic, not a local disease, even before it reaches advanced stages. Our strategy is to support and enhance the body's defense functions, to mobilize internal healing forces--all to assist the body in neutralizing and/or breaking down the cancer. Patients may sometimes live for long periods of time even though cancer cells are still present in their bodies, as long as they keep their defenses nourished and strong.

TYPES OF PATIENTS TREATED

Cancer patients who are undergoing conventional cancer therapy with an oncologist or radiotherapist who wish to have nutritional and immune system support during their treatment. Patients report a reduction in side effects from the conventional modalities while on our program and their therapeutic results seem to be better.

Patients who have exhausted conventional therapies. We offer a program that we believe may extend life or at least improve the quality of life in many cases.

Patients who have undergone conventional cancer treatment, have gone into remission and who would like a preventive program to enhance their defenses to reduce the chances of recurrence.

Patients with suspected or proven cancer by biopsy who refuse any type of conventional treatment. We offer a program to attempt cancer control using a variety of alternative modalities, particularly for those cases where traditional treatment does not offer good results.

Patients without evidence of cancer at the present time who have a family history of cancer or who simply want a program to help reduce the risk of developing cancer.

KEY AREAS OF OUR PROGRAM FOR CANCER MANAGEMENT

Educational Aspects of the Program

We have an extensive collection of educational books, audio tapes and video tapes on all aspects of cancer prevention and treatment. A patient may purchase and/or borrow these items to better understand his/her condition and treatment options. We prefer that the patient be extremely knowledgeable and take an active role in his treatment.

Dietary Changes

Diet plays an important role in determining whether or not we develop cancer. Recent studies suggest that diet and nutrition play a major role in the occurrence of a large percentage of cancers. We recommend a shift to a more healthful diet and lifestyle for achieving optimal functioning of the patient's immune system and the body as a whole. Our patients are asked to avoid tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, artificial and synthetic chemicals, white flour and white sugar. At the same time, we suggest that the patient eat whole, unprocessed foods--such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as brown rice and buckwheat, and moderate amounts of high quality, low fat protein foods. We work with the patient to individualize the dietary program to best meet his or her needs and desires.

Oral Nutritional Supplements (and other relatively non-toxic medications)

Considerable evidence exists that indicates specific nutrients play a role in protecting individuals from developing cancer. We prescribe these nutrients on an individual basis, often using laboratory testing to help adjust dosages. Examples of some of the nutrients that we emphasize in our cancer program are vitamin A, Beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and others. Proteolytic enzymes seem to aid both in digestion and possibly in dissolving the protective coating around cancer cells, enabling a better performance of either the body's defenses or other forms of treatment. We often recommend these enzymes both with meals and in between meals.

A variety of other natural substances can be used to nourish the body and enhance the defenses of the cancer patient. To this end, we often recommend shark cartilage, bovine tracheal cartilage, various herbs or herbal combinations, some of the B vitamins, urea to help treat or prevent liver metastases and many others.

Certain relatively non-toxic medications like hydrazine sulfate may be used to stimulate cancer patient's appetite, increase sense of well being, and possibly arrest or slow down the cancer's growth.

Detoxification Procedures

Cancer may sometimes develop because of the buildup of toxic substances in the body. As cancer cells break down, the body may be adversely affected by the release of these toxic substances. We recommend various procedures to help cleanse and detoxify the body. Among these are: 1) reducing toxic substances entering the body, 2) recommending an improved diet with high fiber intake, 3) keeping the colon clean by working toward regular bowel movements, using bowel cleansing products such as Bentonite and psyllium seeds, 4) normalizing the bacteria in the colon by having the patient take acidophilus and other similar nutritional products, 5) using cleansing enemas when indicated, 6) evaluating phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification pathways and taking therapeutic measures to correct any abnormalities, 7) stimulating the liver to detoxify with coffee enemas when necessary (as originally proposed by Dr. Max Gerson in his non-toxic approach to treating cancer), 8) using chelation therapy to remove heavy minerals when there is evidence that the body is overloaded with them-this may include recommendations for removal of mercury amalgam dental fillings and treatment with a chelating agent--DMPS.

Injectable Therapeutic Programs

Injectable programs can be administered in several ways. These include: 1) intramuscular injections (IM), which are injected into the muscle--usually a buttock or an arm, (2) intravenous injections or pushes, which are injected directly into the vein by a nurse or physician over several minutes, (3) intravenous infusions or drips, in which a needle or catheter is inserted into the vein. The therapeutic solution in a bottle is slowly dripped into the vein over a half-hour to three or four hours, (4) intradermal or subcutaneous injection, in which a small volume of a substance is injected into (intradermal) the skin or just below (subcutaneous) the skin.

Injectable programs offer several advantages to oral programs. The injected substance is always absorbed completely. Oral supplements may have a variable absorption and one can never be too sure how much is actually getting to the desired location. When injected, high concentrations of nutrients or other therapeutic substances can be directed to the desired location. These high concentrations are often necessary for maximum therapeutic benefit. Oral administration does not allow high levels in the blood stream because of the limitations of intestinal absorption.

The kinds of injections we frequently use with cancer patients include intravenous pushes or infusions of high dosages of vitamin C, glutathione, a variety of minerals (including selenium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and chromium)--all of which either enhance the body's defenses against cancer, improve the patient's sense of well being, or directly affect cancer cells in a therapeutic way.

Intramuscular injections of various nutrients including calcium, magnesium, the B vitamins, and trace minerals may be used. This is particularly useful for a patient with an impaired appetite or malabsorption problems.

intravenous hydrogen peroxide therapy may be useful. Hydrogen peroxide or ozonated water baths may be beneficial at home.

Psychosocial Support

Evidence increasingly demonstrates that attitudes, beliefs and personal stresses affect both the development of illness and how effectively our bodies fight back once it has developed. We believe in helping every patient to cope with disease on all levels and in an optimistic and hopeful, yet honest manner. Toward this end, we provide comprehensive, on site, individual and/or group support programs based on the work of Dr. Bernie Siegel, Carl and Stephanie Simonton, Lawrence LeShan and others. We strongly encourage our patients to take advantage of the benefits of these programs to enhance their healing processes.

Other Therapeutic Approaches

We constantly look for methods of balancing the body's defenses to deal with the cancer. We encourage fresh air, exercise as tolerated--both aerobic and stretching--plenty of rest and sufficient sleep. Cancer patients have imbalances in the electromagnetic system and we may recommend acupuncture, biomagnetic therapy or homeopathy to correct these imbalances. Additionally, massage or body manipulation may be recommended. We work closely with a dentist to help prevent dental problems from interfering with healing. For example, in some cases, the recommendation may be made to remove dental amalgams.

SUMMARY

Our approach to treating our cancer patients is to develop an integrated, individualized treatment plan. The objective of the plan is to improve the quality of the person's life and to help either control the cancer for extended periods of time or to prevent a recurrence in someone who has had cancer. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, learn about their bodies and illness, and explore options and alternatives. We support the patient in his or her journey to recovery and optimal health.