Treatments
The Center for Advanced Medicine focuses on science-based integrative cancer treatments. This means that we do not abandon conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. After all, these treatments have the most evidence for their use. However, we believe that these treatments can often be optimized and enhanced. This is where alternative therapies such as localized hyperthermia, sono-photodynamic therapy, repurposed medications, lymphatic drainage therapy, nutrition, and mind-body therapy come into play. Based on testing, research, and our clinical experience, we use these tools to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
These are some of the cancer treatments available at The Center for Advanced Medicine:
Chemotherapy
Scientists have been questioning the “more is better” approach to chemotherapy for quite some time. The way we use chemo differs dramatically from conventional oncology. There are several distinct advantages to this approach of giving smaller doses more often.
Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT)
Insulin potentiation therapy, or IPT, can be thought of as a method of delivering chemotherapy rather than a treatment in and of itself. IPT is believed to affect the metabolism of cancer cells, making them more sensitive to chemotherapy agents (thus the reason for using significantly less chemotherapy). While we do not think it is appropriate for everyone, it can be an option for patients who have either failed full-dose chemotherapy previously, are not candidates for full-dose chemotherapy, or who prefer to try a gentler and safer approach.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
The lymphatic system plays a key role in the immune system’s ability to do its job, while also helping the body’s detoxification efforts. Lymphatic drainage therapy aims to address lymphatic congestion so that the lymphatic system can work optimally.
Mistletoe
Viscum use for cancer is mentioned in the literate starting in the early 1900s. First and foremost, Viscum is an immune system enhancing therapy. Viscum also has a cytotoxic (cancer cell-killing) effect through its inhibition of protein synthesis. Also, Viscum has an anti-cancer effect as a result of its inability to block a process known as angiogenesis.
Nutrition
There are now many scientific studies that show nutrition does make a difference in cancer treatment and prevention. By practicing integrative oncology, we make room for the importance of nutrition in any cancer treatment plan.
Mind-Body Medicine
We know there is a real connection between our thoughts and emotions and our immune system. But what about cancer? Harnessing the power of the mind has significant therapeutic implications when fighting cancer. It turns out that our mental and emotional state can impact cancer treatment.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
Cancer cells have been shown to have an abnormal resonance that differs from normal, healthy cells. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) is a simple, painless, and non-invasive way to address abnormal resonance in cancer cells. In addition, PEMF has been shown to assist in making cell membranes more permeable.
Sono-Photodynamic Therapy (SPDT)
Cancer cells become susceptible to specific frequencies of sound (sono) and light (photo) after being exposed to a special sensitizing agent. Thus, sono-photodynamic therapy provides a novel way to target cancer cells using non-toxic applications of therapeutic ultrasound and lasers.