Treatment Options for Glioblastoma Multiforme
The Role of GLIADEL Wafers in Glioblastoma Multiforme
GLIADEL Wafer (polifeprosan 20 with carmustine implant) is a small wafer containing the cytotoxic agent BCNU (carmustine) in a biodegradable polyanhydride copolymer. GLIADEL Wafer is a localized drug delivery system that allows high concentrations of BCNU to be delivered to the tumor cavity, thereby, overcoming the adverse side-effects associated with conventional systemic administration of BCNU.
GLIADEL Wafer is biodegradable, meaning that it dissolves slowly over time and releases high concentrations of BCNU in a sustained fashion over an extended time interval.
The GLIADEL wafers are implanted into the tumor bed following surgical removal of the brain tumor. Up to 8 GLIADEL wafers are implanted into the surgical cavity after the tumor has been removed and, as the wafers dissolve, they release high concentrations of BCNU at the tumor site to destroy residual tumor cells that have not been removed by the surgery. More than 70% of the polyanhydride copolymer degrades by three weeks after implantation although "wafer remnants" can be detected even several months after implantation.
In February 2003, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved GLIADEL Wafer for use in newly diagnosed patients with high-grade malignant gliomas as an adjunct to surgery and radiation therapy. Prior to the FDA approval for use in newly diagnosed patients, GLIADEL Wafer was used only for those patients who suffered recurrence of glioblastoma multiforme and required a second surgery to remove the tumor.
The results of clinical trials have shown that GLIADEL Wafer significantly prolonged survival in both newly diagnosed patients and patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme when used as adjunctive therapy to surgery and/or radiation therapy.
The most common side-effects of GLIADEL Wafer that were observed during clinical trials included:
seizures
brain edema
wound healing problems
intracranial infections
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Medical History
14th nov 2007
-Had a seizure of the right face lasting 1-2 mins
-had numbness of the right side
-unable to spell words
-very slow in speech
!6th nov 2007
MRI done. reports show a tumor on the left frontal lobe measuring 4 x 4.5 cm
Diagnosis- glioblastoma multiforme
21st nov2007
craniotomy and excision of tumor done at sunway medical center by Dr Lee Foo Chiang
Biosy report:
The tumor is compose of high grade glial cells exhibitig marked pleormorphism, many tumor giant cells and endocapillary vascular proliferation. Necrosis is seen.
The cells are strongly positive for GFAP and EGFR. MIB-1 activity is seen in about 35% of cells; P-53 mutant protein is seen in more than75% of cells.
17 dec2007-1st feb 2008
30 fractions of radiation therapy completed
march-july 2008
6 cycles of temodar chemo therapy completed
Brain Scan (MRI and MRS)
3rd may 2008- small lesion about 1 x 1.5 cm seen. suggestive of radiation nercrosis
13th sept 2008-lesion now 1.4 x 1.5 x 2.1 cm. still suggestive of necrosis
30th dec 2008- lesion now 2.2 x 2.1 x 3.4 cm. still suggestive of necrosis
3rd feb 2009
Had 2 facial seizure lasting 1-2 min. No loss of consiousness. Admitted to hospital
Put on epillim 200mg 3x/day for fits
Put on steriod 2mg 3x/day for brain edema
4th feb 2009
Brain scan shows enhancing mass of 3 x 3.3cm with cerebal edema. Its a recurrent glioma.It is malignant.
The neurosurgeon suggest craniotomy with insertion of gliadel wafer.
Dear friends, we thank you for your support and prayers at this very trying times. I will update you all on the surgery date. Norman needs to rest more now. Even though depress and worn out, he is putting up a brave front. We will fight this bitter war till the end. God will be with us.
14th nov 2007
-Had a seizure of the right face lasting 1-2 mins
-had numbness of the right side
-unable to spell words
-very slow in speech
!6th nov 2007
MRI done. reports show a tumor on the left frontal lobe measuring 4 x 4.5 cm
Diagnosis- glioblastoma multiforme
21st nov2007
craniotomy and excision of tumor done at sunway medical center by Dr Lee Foo Chiang
Biosy report:
The tumor is compose of high grade glial cells exhibitig marked pleormorphism, many tumor giant cells and endocapillary vascular proliferation. Necrosis is seen.
The cells are strongly positive for GFAP and EGFR. MIB-1 activity is seen in about 35% of cells; P-53 mutant protein is seen in more than75% of cells.
17 dec2007-1st feb 2008
30 fractions of radiation therapy completed
march-july 2008
6 cycles of temodar chemo therapy completed
Brain Scan (MRI and MRS)
3rd may 2008- small lesion about 1 x 1.5 cm seen. suggestive of radiation nercrosis
13th sept 2008-lesion now 1.4 x 1.5 x 2.1 cm. still suggestive of necrosis
30th dec 2008- lesion now 2.2 x 2.1 x 3.4 cm. still suggestive of necrosis
3rd feb 2009
Had 2 facial seizure lasting 1-2 min. No loss of consiousness. Admitted to hospital
Put on epillim 200mg 3x/day for fits
Put on steriod 2mg 3x/day for brain edema
4th feb 2009
Brain scan shows enhancing mass of 3 x 3.3cm with cerebal edema. Its a recurrent glioma.It is malignant.
The neurosurgeon suggest craniotomy with insertion of gliadel wafer.
Dear friends, we thank you for your support and prayers at this very trying times. I will update you all on the surgery date. Norman needs to rest more now. Even though depress and worn out, he is putting up a brave front. We will fight this bitter war till the end. God will be with us.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Brain edema
On the 3oth Dec 2007 Norman had a brain scan done at HUKM. The report was bad. The previously seen enhancing lesion in the left parietal lobe measure 2.2cm x 2.1cm x 3.4cm(previously 1.4 x 1.5 x 2.1) showing significant increase in size. The edema has also worsen compare to the previous scan on 13th sept 2007.However the report says that there is no evidence of tumor recurrence. This could represent just an enlarging area of radiation necrosis. We consulted both doctors, Dr Lee Foo Chieng(neuro surgeon) and Dr Foo Yoke Ching(oncologist). We were told to repeat another scan after cny. Then only we will decide on the next step of treatment. However the brain edema was causing speech problems and norman need to take steriods.
Brain Edema
Brain edema (swelling) is a common occurrence in brain tumor patients. The swelling is caused by the accumulation of fluids in the tissue around the tumor. This exerts pressure on the brain that can lead to additional symptoms including headaches, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. Brain edema may initially be due to the tumor itself or it may occur as a result of treatment (craniotomy or radiation therapy).
The first-line treatment for brain edema is the administration of steroids. The most commonly used steroids for brain edema are prednisone and dexamethasone (Decadron). Patients who are given steroids must be carefully monitored for side-effects which may include:
weight gain
upset stomach
muscle weakness
increased susceptibility to infections
mood swings
insomnia
increased blood sugar levels - particularly dangerous in diabetics
So far, Norman did put on some weight(from gorging on new year goodies!), feels bloated all the time and worse of all,gets irritated easily(mood swings). Sob!
Brain Edema
Brain edema (swelling) is a common occurrence in brain tumor patients. The swelling is caused by the accumulation of fluids in the tissue around the tumor. This exerts pressure on the brain that can lead to additional symptoms including headaches, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. Brain edema may initially be due to the tumor itself or it may occur as a result of treatment (craniotomy or radiation therapy).
The first-line treatment for brain edema is the administration of steroids. The most commonly used steroids for brain edema are prednisone and dexamethasone (Decadron). Patients who are given steroids must be carefully monitored for side-effects which may include:
weight gain
upset stomach
muscle weakness
increased susceptibility to infections
mood swings
insomnia
increased blood sugar levels - particularly dangerous in diabetics
So far, Norman did put on some weight(from gorging on new year goodies!), feels bloated all the time and worse of all,gets irritated easily(mood swings). Sob!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
10 foods you don't have to buy organic
10 Foods You Don't Have to Buy Organic
These Fruits and Vegetables Don't Hold on to So Many Pesticides, So You Can Save Your Organic Dollars for the Ones That Do.
Asparagus
Asparagus face fewer threats from pests such as insects or disease, so fewer pesticides need to be used.
Choose: Look for firm spears with bright green or purplish compact tips. Plan on a 1/2 pound per person, and for more uniform cooking, select spears of a similar thickness. Store in the refrigerator vegetable crisper and give them a good rinse before using (even if you're going to boil them).
Avocados
Avocados have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up.
Choose: Look for avocados that are still somewhat unripe and firm to the squeeze; they'll ripen nicely on your kitchen counter in a couple of days. Store at room temperature. Although you'll be using only the meat of the avocado, it's always a good idea to rinse them before you slice them open.
Bananas
Pesticide residue remains on the banana peel, which isn't eaten.
Choose: There are basically 3 stages to a ripening banana. You'll want to choose them according to how you're going to use them. Chosen green, where the peel is pale yellow and the tips are green, their taste will be somewhat tart. These work best for frying or baking in a pie. Chosen at their next stage of ripeness, where the peel is mostly all yellow, the pulp will still be firm but their starch content will have started to turn to sugar. These also work well in pies and tarts. In the last stage of ripeness, the skins will show signs of brown spots with the peel a deeper yellow color. This is when they're sweetest and work well mashed and added to baked goods like banana bread recipes. Store at room temperature. If they're unripe, you can place them in a brown paper bag to ripen. Give the bananas a quick rinse and dry before you peel them.
Broccoli
Conventional broccoli doesn't retain so many pesticides because the crop faces fewer pest threats, which means less spraying.
Choose: Look for tightly bunched flower buds on the broccoli stalks that are immature. In other words, try not to buy them if their little yellow flowers have opened. Color-wise, the broccoli should be deep green and the stalks should be firm and not rubbery. Before use, wash in a cool water bath and change the water a couple of times in the process. Store in the refrigerator crisper.
Cabbage
Cabbage doesn't hold on to so many pesticides because a ton of spraying isn't required to grow it.
Choose: Look for cabbage heads whose leaves are tight and be sure the head is heavy for its type, and firm. For most cabbage varieties, you'll want to make sure the outer leaves are shiny and crisp. Savoy is the exception to this rule, as it forms a looser head and the leaves grow crinkly naturally. You'll want to avoid any with leaves that show signs of yellowing. Bok choy should have deep green leaves with their stems a crisp-looking white. Discard the outer leaves of a cabbage before using. You can wash and spin most cabbage leaves just like you do salad greens. Store in the refrigerator crisper.
Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi peel provides a barrier from pesticides. Give them a rinse before cutting.
Choose: Here's where your nose plays an important part when choosing fresh fruit. Sniff out kiwis that smell good. They should be plump and yield to a squeeze like that of a ripe pear. Steer clear from those with moist areas on their surface or any skin bruising. If unripe kiwi are all that are available, simply take them home and place them in a paper bag at room temperature with other fruits that need more time, such as bananas or pears. Store in the refrigerator crisper.
Mango
Sweet mango flesh is protected by its thick skin from pesticides. Still, you'll want to rinse under water before cutting open.
Choose: Depending on the variety of melon, look for those that are bright in color such as red, yellow, or orange. It should have a distinctive "fruity" smell. If there's no ripe-fruit aroma, steer clear. Mangoes should be slightly firm but yield to your touch somewhat -- the softer the mango, usually the sweeter it is. If the mango is too soft, there's a good chance that it will be rotten inside. Store in the refrigerator crisper.
Onions
Onions don't see as many pest threats, which means less pesticide spraying.
Choose: Look for onions that are firm, have a distinctive "oniony" smell that's not overpowering, and show no visible signs of damage or soft spots. Store in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator.
Papaya
Pesticide residue stays on papaya skin, but be sure to give them a wash before slicing open.
Choose: Papaya colors usually range between yellow and green. Look for those that are slightly soft and show no signs of bruising or appear shriveled. If they're not fully ripened, you can toss them in the brown bag along with your unripened kiwi fruit, peaches, and pears. Once they're ripened, store in the refrigerator crisper.
Pineapples
You won't be eating the tough pineapple skin, which protects the fruit from pesticide residue. As with all your produce, you should rinse the pineapple before cutting.
Choose: Although tempting, this is one fruit that you won't want to choose if it has a strong, sweet smell. This usually means that the pineapple is overripe and has even begun to ferment. Like all other fruits, avoid any that have soft spots, and in the case of pineapples, damage to the rind. Store in the refrigerator crisper.
These Fruits and Vegetables Don't Hold on to So Many Pesticides, So You Can Save Your Organic Dollars for the Ones That Do.
Asparagus
Asparagus face fewer threats from pests such as insects or disease, so fewer pesticides need to be used.
Choose: Look for firm spears with bright green or purplish compact tips. Plan on a 1/2 pound per person, and for more uniform cooking, select spears of a similar thickness. Store in the refrigerator vegetable crisper and give them a good rinse before using (even if you're going to boil them).
Avocados
Avocados have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up.
Choose: Look for avocados that are still somewhat unripe and firm to the squeeze; they'll ripen nicely on your kitchen counter in a couple of days. Store at room temperature. Although you'll be using only the meat of the avocado, it's always a good idea to rinse them before you slice them open.
Bananas
Pesticide residue remains on the banana peel, which isn't eaten.
Choose: There are basically 3 stages to a ripening banana. You'll want to choose them according to how you're going to use them. Chosen green, where the peel is pale yellow and the tips are green, their taste will be somewhat tart. These work best for frying or baking in a pie. Chosen at their next stage of ripeness, where the peel is mostly all yellow, the pulp will still be firm but their starch content will have started to turn to sugar. These also work well in pies and tarts. In the last stage of ripeness, the skins will show signs of brown spots with the peel a deeper yellow color. This is when they're sweetest and work well mashed and added to baked goods like banana bread recipes. Store at room temperature. If they're unripe, you can place them in a brown paper bag to ripen. Give the bananas a quick rinse and dry before you peel them.
Broccoli
Conventional broccoli doesn't retain so many pesticides because the crop faces fewer pest threats, which means less spraying.
Choose: Look for tightly bunched flower buds on the broccoli stalks that are immature. In other words, try not to buy them if their little yellow flowers have opened. Color-wise, the broccoli should be deep green and the stalks should be firm and not rubbery. Before use, wash in a cool water bath and change the water a couple of times in the process. Store in the refrigerator crisper.
Cabbage
Cabbage doesn't hold on to so many pesticides because a ton of spraying isn't required to grow it.
Choose: Look for cabbage heads whose leaves are tight and be sure the head is heavy for its type, and firm. For most cabbage varieties, you'll want to make sure the outer leaves are shiny and crisp. Savoy is the exception to this rule, as it forms a looser head and the leaves grow crinkly naturally. You'll want to avoid any with leaves that show signs of yellowing. Bok choy should have deep green leaves with their stems a crisp-looking white. Discard the outer leaves of a cabbage before using. You can wash and spin most cabbage leaves just like you do salad greens. Store in the refrigerator crisper.
Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi peel provides a barrier from pesticides. Give them a rinse before cutting.
Choose: Here's where your nose plays an important part when choosing fresh fruit. Sniff out kiwis that smell good. They should be plump and yield to a squeeze like that of a ripe pear. Steer clear from those with moist areas on their surface or any skin bruising. If unripe kiwi are all that are available, simply take them home and place them in a paper bag at room temperature with other fruits that need more time, such as bananas or pears. Store in the refrigerator crisper.
Mango
Sweet mango flesh is protected by its thick skin from pesticides. Still, you'll want to rinse under water before cutting open.
Choose: Depending on the variety of melon, look for those that are bright in color such as red, yellow, or orange. It should have a distinctive "fruity" smell. If there's no ripe-fruit aroma, steer clear. Mangoes should be slightly firm but yield to your touch somewhat -- the softer the mango, usually the sweeter it is. If the mango is too soft, there's a good chance that it will be rotten inside. Store in the refrigerator crisper.
Onions
Onions don't see as many pest threats, which means less pesticide spraying.
Choose: Look for onions that are firm, have a distinctive "oniony" smell that's not overpowering, and show no visible signs of damage or soft spots. Store in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator.
Papaya
Pesticide residue stays on papaya skin, but be sure to give them a wash before slicing open.
Choose: Papaya colors usually range between yellow and green. Look for those that are slightly soft and show no signs of bruising or appear shriveled. If they're not fully ripened, you can toss them in the brown bag along with your unripened kiwi fruit, peaches, and pears. Once they're ripened, store in the refrigerator crisper.
Pineapples
You won't be eating the tough pineapple skin, which protects the fruit from pesticide residue. As with all your produce, you should rinse the pineapple before cutting.
Choose: Although tempting, this is one fruit that you won't want to choose if it has a strong, sweet smell. This usually means that the pineapple is overripe and has even begun to ferment. Like all other fruits, avoid any that have soft spots, and in the case of pineapples, damage to the rind. Store in the refrigerator crisper.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
excessive exercise produces free radicals
Free radicals are reactive oxygen molecules that have lost an electron in interactions with other molecules. As a result, these molecules are extremely unstable and they race around stealing electrons from other molecules creating more free radicals in the process, damaging cell components. The body produces several free radical quenching enzymes as its first line of defense. They are superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Additionally the body uses antioxidant vitamins, minerals and substances found in food to counteract free radicals. Free radicals overtax the immune system and keep it so busy fighting the breakdown of the body's own cells that it cannot fight off viruses, microbes, and infections that attack it from without.
The brain is susceptible to free radical damage due to the high content of polyunsaturated fats and high mitochondrial content. Levels of vitamin C in the brain are 50 times higher than elsewhere in the body to protect brain tissue and neurotransmitters from oxidation. The free radical damage to proteins in neurons reduces their efficiency. Raising antioxidant levels not only allows damaged proteins to repair, but increases neurotransmitter levels as well. To protect the brain from free radical damage during the heightened nerve flow we need to take hydrophobic (water repelling) antioxidants like pine bark, vitamin C-Ester and alpha lipoic acid, as the blood brain barrier is impervious to hydrophilic (water loving) substances. We must aim to get more antioxidant protection into the cerebrospinal fluid.
One of the best ways we can counter and overcome the stress in our lives is through regular exercise. However not all exercise is good for fighting the free radical war. In fact excessive exercise for which the body is not prepared for can actually cause extensive oxidative damage. Free radical production goes up during exhausting, high intensity workouts and such free radical activity is associated with oxidative damage in the muscles, liver, blood and other tissues. Hence at the heaviest training levels there is increased susceptibility to cancer, heart attacks, cataracts, premature aging and decreased immunity. Some of the reasons why there is increased free radical damage during exercise are: the consumption of oxygen goes up 10-20 times, there is an increased output of Superoxide radicals by mitochondria, there is oxygen deprivation from the increased demand by tissues and the bodies antioxidant defenses are over burdened. There is an increase in free radical production in both excess oxygen and lack of oxygen conditions.
Regular lower intensity exercise minimizes the production of free radicals while strengthening the indigenous antioxidants and enzymes. Without regular exercise the body's internal defenses against free radicals (SOD, GSH, Catalase) may become too fragile for the antioxidants in our food and supplements to have their full affect. Sedentary people are twice as likely to get cancer and heart disease as active individuals. Trained muscles are resistant to oxidative damage because of the increased supply of the bodies own antioxidants. Regular training prepares the bodymind to better handle unexpected physical and emotional stresses and strains. That is exercise builds up our resistance to free radical damage from all stressors. Fast walking at the pace of 12-15 minutes per mile is ideal for returning optimum endurance benefits, without creating excess free radicals and damaging tissues. Fast walking can be as effective as jogging without the risk of injury. To strengthen our endogenous free radical defenses we need to do at least 30 continuous minutes of brisk walking three times a week. Besides this we also need to do some weight bearing strengthening exercise and some stretching as well. By maintaining strength and subtly we prevent the aches, pains and free radicals that come from physical stress to an unconditioned body.
Norman now exercise at a moderate level compares to his pre tumour days when he exercise 7 days a week! His brain scan on 13th september 2008 still shows a dead necrotic tumour which has increased slightly in size. It could still increase in size for the next 1 to 2 years due to radiation side effects. He is taking turmeric ginger juice every morning to help shrink the tumour.
The brain is susceptible to free radical damage due to the high content of polyunsaturated fats and high mitochondrial content. Levels of vitamin C in the brain are 50 times higher than elsewhere in the body to protect brain tissue and neurotransmitters from oxidation. The free radical damage to proteins in neurons reduces their efficiency. Raising antioxidant levels not only allows damaged proteins to repair, but increases neurotransmitter levels as well. To protect the brain from free radical damage during the heightened nerve flow we need to take hydrophobic (water repelling) antioxidants like pine bark, vitamin C-Ester and alpha lipoic acid, as the blood brain barrier is impervious to hydrophilic (water loving) substances. We must aim to get more antioxidant protection into the cerebrospinal fluid.
One of the best ways we can counter and overcome the stress in our lives is through regular exercise. However not all exercise is good for fighting the free radical war. In fact excessive exercise for which the body is not prepared for can actually cause extensive oxidative damage. Free radical production goes up during exhausting, high intensity workouts and such free radical activity is associated with oxidative damage in the muscles, liver, blood and other tissues. Hence at the heaviest training levels there is increased susceptibility to cancer, heart attacks, cataracts, premature aging and decreased immunity. Some of the reasons why there is increased free radical damage during exercise are: the consumption of oxygen goes up 10-20 times, there is an increased output of Superoxide radicals by mitochondria, there is oxygen deprivation from the increased demand by tissues and the bodies antioxidant defenses are over burdened. There is an increase in free radical production in both excess oxygen and lack of oxygen conditions.
Regular lower intensity exercise minimizes the production of free radicals while strengthening the indigenous antioxidants and enzymes. Without regular exercise the body's internal defenses against free radicals (SOD, GSH, Catalase) may become too fragile for the antioxidants in our food and supplements to have their full affect. Sedentary people are twice as likely to get cancer and heart disease as active individuals. Trained muscles are resistant to oxidative damage because of the increased supply of the bodies own antioxidants. Regular training prepares the bodymind to better handle unexpected physical and emotional stresses and strains. That is exercise builds up our resistance to free radical damage from all stressors. Fast walking at the pace of 12-15 minutes per mile is ideal for returning optimum endurance benefits, without creating excess free radicals and damaging tissues. Fast walking can be as effective as jogging without the risk of injury. To strengthen our endogenous free radical defenses we need to do at least 30 continuous minutes of brisk walking three times a week. Besides this we also need to do some weight bearing strengthening exercise and some stretching as well. By maintaining strength and subtly we prevent the aches, pains and free radicals that come from physical stress to an unconditioned body.
Norman now exercise at a moderate level compares to his pre tumour days when he exercise 7 days a week! His brain scan on 13th september 2008 still shows a dead necrotic tumour which has increased slightly in size. It could still increase in size for the next 1 to 2 years due to radiation side effects. He is taking turmeric ginger juice every morning to help shrink the tumour.
The Healing Power of a Wholesome Diet for Brain Tumor Patients
By Jeanne M. Wallace, PhD, CNC
What can a healthy diet accomplish?
Brain tumors are a formidable foe, and many of us view our fight against them as a war,harnessing powerful treatments like surgery, radiation and chemotherapy as the linchpin of our plan of attack. How then can “wimpy” fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods have any effect against this dreaded enemy? While wholesome foods and nutrients are not a cure for brain cancer, they can provide an important complementary strategy to help bolster the body’s regulatory “controls” against cancer. A healthy diet is one of the best ways to boost your immune system and complement your radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments…and there are several other ways good nutrition can help.
Phytonutrients: Our Cancer “Phyters”
The anti-cancer benefits of diets rich in fruits and vegetables have long been attributed to their high vitamin, mineral and fiber content. More recently, however, researchers have discovered that fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and kitchen spices contain thousands of other health-promoting compounds, collectively known as phytonutrients. Many phytonutrients appear to have significant cancer fighting properties.
Phytonutrients in many common foods have been shown to promote the death of brain tumor cells in cell culture studies. Among these are:
elemene (found in ginger)
tangeretin and limonene (in citrus peel),
catechins (in green tea)
anthocyanins (in blueberries and chokecherries).
Genistein (in soy)
Perhaps most compelling are new studies that demonstrate phytonutrients have the remarkable capacity to talk directly to and influence our genes. A growing
body of research on phytonutrients shows they can inhibit oncogenes (tumor-promoting genes) and increase the expression of tumor suppressor genes.
In addition, food-based phytonutrients are the richest source of antioxidants - far more potent than vitamin pills! The antioxidant capacity for vitamin E (one 400iu capsule) has been measured as 125 ORAC units, but it’s over 1,000 units per serving for blueberries, cinnamon, pomegranate juice, figs, prunes, raspberries, green tea, strawberries, spinach and kale. Food-based antioxidants are important for promoting gene stability and preventing mutations to the DNA of cancer cells that may lead to more aggressive behavior of tumors and/or resistance to Chemotherapy.
By Jeanne M. Wallace, PhD, CNC
What can a healthy diet accomplish?
Brain tumors are a formidable foe, and many of us view our fight against them as a war,harnessing powerful treatments like surgery, radiation and chemotherapy as the linchpin of our plan of attack. How then can “wimpy” fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods have any effect against this dreaded enemy? While wholesome foods and nutrients are not a cure for brain cancer, they can provide an important complementary strategy to help bolster the body’s regulatory “controls” against cancer. A healthy diet is one of the best ways to boost your immune system and complement your radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments…and there are several other ways good nutrition can help.
Phytonutrients: Our Cancer “Phyters”
The anti-cancer benefits of diets rich in fruits and vegetables have long been attributed to their high vitamin, mineral and fiber content. More recently, however, researchers have discovered that fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and kitchen spices contain thousands of other health-promoting compounds, collectively known as phytonutrients. Many phytonutrients appear to have significant cancer fighting properties.
Phytonutrients in many common foods have been shown to promote the death of brain tumor cells in cell culture studies. Among these are:
elemene (found in ginger)
tangeretin and limonene (in citrus peel),
catechins (in green tea)
anthocyanins (in blueberries and chokecherries).
Genistein (in soy)
Perhaps most compelling are new studies that demonstrate phytonutrients have the remarkable capacity to talk directly to and influence our genes. A growing
body of research on phytonutrients shows they can inhibit oncogenes (tumor-promoting genes) and increase the expression of tumor suppressor genes.
In addition, food-based phytonutrients are the richest source of antioxidants - far more potent than vitamin pills! The antioxidant capacity for vitamin E (one 400iu capsule) has been measured as 125 ORAC units, but it’s over 1,000 units per serving for blueberries, cinnamon, pomegranate juice, figs, prunes, raspberries, green tea, strawberries, spinach and kale. Food-based antioxidants are important for promoting gene stability and preventing mutations to the DNA of cancer cells that may lead to more aggressive behavior of tumors and/or resistance to Chemotherapy.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Brain tumor vaccine
Hope for new brain tumour vaccine
One in four brain tumours are glioblastoma multiformes
A vaccine has been developed which may be able to fight the most aggressive form of brain tumour, scientists say.
US researchers say their vaccine increased survival times for the 23 glioblastoma multiforme patients they tested it on by at least 18 months.
Only four patients went on to die from the cancer, the study to be presented at a meeting of experts in the US said.
A larger trial of the jab, which works by targeting a protein thought to drive the tumour's spread, is now planned. It uses an artificial form of the protein, which is found on the outside of 30-50% of tumours, to alert the immune system to its presence and attack it.
The brain is tricked into thinking the protein, known as EGFRvIII, is foreign, and fighter cells in the immune system are sent in.
Amy Heimberger, assistant professor of neurosurgery at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, said the vaccine was an easy-to-use "off-the-shelf" treatment that could potentially help half of all patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
She said results from the trial showed the vaccine significantly delays the progression of tumours until the cancer finds a new way to grow.
Survival times
But when tumours did grow again they did not display the EGFRvIII protein which led researchers to conclude that the vaccine had worked.
Professor Heimberger said: "This is a proof of concept, and optimal use of the vaccine may be with chemotherapy to further retard progression.
"Still, this is exciting because people have been trying to use immunotherapy against gliomas for a long time."
She also said that the median survival times were five months longer than those for GBM patients treated with the most up-to-date combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Patients with this type of tumour left untreated tend only to survive for four months.
GBMs affected adults between 40 and 60-years-old and represent about a quarter of brain tumours.
One in four brain tumours are glioblastoma multiformes
A vaccine has been developed which may be able to fight the most aggressive form of brain tumour, scientists say.
US researchers say their vaccine increased survival times for the 23 glioblastoma multiforme patients they tested it on by at least 18 months.
Only four patients went on to die from the cancer, the study to be presented at a meeting of experts in the US said.
A larger trial of the jab, which works by targeting a protein thought to drive the tumour's spread, is now planned. It uses an artificial form of the protein, which is found on the outside of 30-50% of tumours, to alert the immune system to its presence and attack it.
The brain is tricked into thinking the protein, known as EGFRvIII, is foreign, and fighter cells in the immune system are sent in.
Amy Heimberger, assistant professor of neurosurgery at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, said the vaccine was an easy-to-use "off-the-shelf" treatment that could potentially help half of all patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
She said results from the trial showed the vaccine significantly delays the progression of tumours until the cancer finds a new way to grow.
Survival times
But when tumours did grow again they did not display the EGFRvIII protein which led researchers to conclude that the vaccine had worked.
Professor Heimberger said: "This is a proof of concept, and optimal use of the vaccine may be with chemotherapy to further retard progression.
"Still, this is exciting because people have been trying to use immunotherapy against gliomas for a long time."
She also said that the median survival times were five months longer than those for GBM patients treated with the most up-to-date combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Patients with this type of tumour left untreated tend only to survive for four months.
GBMs affected adults between 40 and 60-years-old and represent about a quarter of brain tumours.
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