Life Over Cancer Blog

Dr. Block Delivered a Presentation on Fish Oil at the Society for Integrative Oncology Meeting

What cancer-related uses of fish oil have the best scientific evidence behind them? Dr. Block presented on this topic at the 10th International Society for Integrative Oncology in Vancouver, British Columbia on Sunday, October 20. 

Laboratory studies of fish oil show that it has many effects on cancer, from modifying blood viscosity to modulating treatment resistance. It has beneficial effects on the important processes of apoptosis and angiogenesis. EPA and DHA, the major omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, diminish inflammation, a critical driver of many cancer processes.

Besides lab studies, several important recent observational and clinical studies have shown the benefits of fish oil on different cancers. Breast cancer patients whose diets included the most EPA and DHA had 28% less risk of recurrence or metastasis, and 41% lower risk of mortality than those with the least. A randomized study of fish oil taken during chemotherapy for lung cancer found that patients had improved rates of tumor shrinkage, less weight loss and better retention of muscle mass. Prostate cancer patients who were given fish oil and a low fat diet before surgical removal of the prostate were found to have tumors with lower rates of cancer cell proliferation than those who ate typical Western diets. Fish oil also helped to maintain weight and immune function in gastrointestinal cancer patients who were receiving chemotherapy.  

There are very few side effects from taking fish oil. Gastrointestinal side effects, such as belching or stomach upset, can be minimized by taking enterically coated fish oil capsules. We recommend fish oil that contains added vitamin E to reduce oxidation, which fish oil is prone to.  Finally, fish oil has blood thinning effects and should be used cautiously with medications that thin the blood, and during times when blood platelets are low due to chemotherapy. If your doctor tells you, for instance, that you should not take aspirin due to low platelet counts, it is prudent to ask her/him if you should also stop fish oil supplements.

Dr. Block also discussed the study on omega-3 blood levels of prostate cancer patients by Brasky and colleagues that was discussed in this blog a few weeks ago, concluding that the results of this study did not offer any conclusive evidence of harm from taking fish oil. With the basis of randomized trials and observational studies of solid design showing benefit from taking fish oil, we continue to feel that this source of essential omega-3 fats is a healthful supplement for cancer patients.

For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, call (847) 230-9107 or visit BlockMD.com.

DIM and Breast Cancer

By Dr. Keith Block

Evidence-based medicine is an important precept throughout healthcare today. Evidence-based medicine relies on the best scientific evidence available at any particular time to help clinicians make decision in caring for patients, although it should never replace clinical judgment. In using evidence-based medicine, we look at randomized trials, laboratory results and systematic literature reviews to decide which medications and lab tests to use – or not to use.

A 2013 article that appeared in the Townsend Report – “Estrogen Metabolite Ratios: Time For Us To Let Go,” written by Jacob Schor – alerted us to a change in the status of evidence regarding one of the laboratory tests that we use. Along with many other practitioners, we have been using a test that measures two different metabolites, or breakdown products, of estrogen in the body to measure risk for breast cancer. Estrogen, specifically the molecule estradiol, is transformed in the body by different enzymes into other molecules. The particular molecules in question in the estrogen metabolite ratio test are 2-hydroxyestrone and 16α-hydroxyestrone. A series of studies dating back to the 1980’s had indicated that 2-hydroxyestrone had a relatively inhibiting effect on estrogen receptors, which modulate the effect of estrogen on breast cancer cells and other cells in the body. 16 α-hydroxyestrone, on the other hand, binds strongly to estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells, where it is thought to cause a long-lasting stimulation of the estrogen receptors. This might increase breast cancer risk or promote breast cancer growth. Because of the interest in predicting breast cancer risk, a lab test was developed that measured the ratio of “good” 2-hydroxyestrone to “bad” 16 α-hydroxyestrone. In this lab test, women with higher ratios of “good” estrogen to “bad” estrogen were thought to have less risk of breast cancer than women with low ratios (i.e., more “bad” estrogen). 

Resveratrol and Radiation

Resveratrol is a phytochemical found in high levels in grape skins. Not only is resveratrol an antioxidant, it has some cancer preventive properties as well. In addition, there’s increasing interest in its potential use in cancer treatment. Since it’s an antioxidant, and since many chemotherapies as well as radiation act by producing free radicals that can damage cellular DNA, researchers and clinicians have been cautious about combining resveratrol with conventional treatment. Dr. Block and his research team have reviewed the clinical literature on antioxidants and chemotherapy and feel this concern is misplaced. Randomized clinical trials in which antioxidants were given with chemotherapy did not show any reduction in anticancer effects compared to chemotherapy given with no antioxidants. In addition, a new paper published in the Journal of Surgical Research recently suggested that concern about combining resveratrol with radiation therapy is similarly misplaced.

Fall Thumbprint Cookies

Cookies are treats that can be enjoyed, but remember: 1 serving is 1 cookie!

Autumn Flatbread

Yes! You can have pizza — just be sure it has whole wheat and no dairy. What a great vehicle for veggies!

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 package active dry yeast

¾ tsp salt

1 cup hot water (hot to touch)

1 Tbsp canola oil

2 tsp agave nectar

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, yeast and salt.
3. Blend in water, oil and agave.
4. Stir by hand vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed (~about 3 minutes).
5. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for ~10-15 minutes in a warm, dry location.
6. Place dough in a lightly greased 12- 14 inch pizza pan. Press dough to cover bottom of pan and up sides to form a rim.
7. Bake for 10 minutes until cooked, but not brown. 

Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer

Recently the Sunday Evening Post published Life Over Cancer follower David Sumner's personal breast cancer story. In it, Sumner points out a key hole in October's Breast Cancer Awareness efforts: most people are still unaware that men can, and do, get breast cancer. 

Among the risk factors for men:

The Block Center to present at SIO Conference

The Block Center will be giving four presentations at the upcoming Society for Integrative Oncology’s (SIO) 10th Annual Conference, October 20-22, in Vancouver, BC.

The mission of the Society is to advance evidence-based, comprehensive, integrative healthcare to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. Dr. Block has been a member of the Society since its first year of existence, has served on its Board, is a member of its Clinical Practice Committee, and was the Chair of the Scientific Program at its 8th Annual Conference, held in Cleveland in 2011. He regularly gives presentations and poster sessions at Society meetings. These are the Block Center’s four presentations:  

Antioxidants as prooxidants in cancer cells. Keith I. Block, MD, Charlotte Gyllenhaal, PhD, N Mark Mead, MS. Poster session # 96. Sunday, October 20.

Case reports on cancer patients using Anvirzel, a defined extract of Nerium oleander. Keith I Block, MD; Charlotte Gyllenhaal, PhD; Robert Newman, PhD. Oral presentation, # 97. Sunday, October 20. 

Workshop: Integrating Dietary Supplements into Cancer Care: Fish Oil. Keith I. Block, MD. Sunday, October 20. 

Workshop: A Practical Look at Current Clinic and Business Models for Academic and Private Integrative Oncology Centers, and What the Future Portends: Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment. Keith I. Block, MD. Tuesday, October 22. 

For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, call (847) 230-9107 or visit BlockMD.com.

Apple Cider

Serves 8

Ingredients:

8 cups apple juice

1 orange, quartered

¼ tsp allspice

¼ tsp cinnamon

3-4 cinnamon sticks

1 tbsp agave, maple syrup or brown rice syrup (optional)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Heat to a boil; reduce to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, call (847) 230-9107 or visit BlockMD.com.

Breast Cancer and Multivitamins: A Closer Look

This week, a study made the news suggesting there’s a substantial benefit to breast cancer patients who take multivitamin-multi-mineral supplements.  This study definitely warrants a closer look.

Dr. Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University in New York, together with her colleagues, analyzed data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trials and observational study on the use of supplements as it relates to mortality due to breast cancer.  The WHI trials included 7,728 patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer during the course of the studies, and were followed for an average of 7 years after their diagnosis.  At the start of the study, a thorough assessment of diet, lifestyle and clinical condition was conducted.  We think a particularly interesting feature of the assessment was that information on what supplements were used was obtained by having patients bring their bottles of vitamins and other supplements to the clinic, so they could be accurately recorded by the researchers (as opposed to the participants providing this information to the researchers, which may not be as reliable).  The researchers tracked mortality in this population of breast cancer patients, and compared mortality of those who used versus those who did not use multivitamin-multi-mineral supplements. 

Vegan Brats with Caramelized Onions and Sauerkraut

Serves 4

Ingredients:

3 oz. extra-virgin olive oil

2 yellow onions, peeled, quartered and sliced thin

2 oz. hot mustard

8 vegan brats, diced or sliced

1-15 oz. jar Sauerkraut

2 tbsp. caraway seeds