Contents

New Breakthrough Treatment Discovered for Bowel Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

New Drug Developed by Israeli Researchers That Kills Multiple
Leukemic Proteins at Once!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast Succeeded in Creating
a Ray of Hope for Bowel Cancer Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
P53 Gene Suppression Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
LOXO-292 Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the
Treatment of Lung & Thyroid Cancers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Large Colorectal Lesions Removed Without Surgery with the Help of
High-Tech Robotic Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Supramolecule Engineered to Fight Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15
Novel Blood Tests Help in Predicting Risks & Survival of
Kidney Cancer 5 Years Before Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
New Drug Combo to Lead Fight Against Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Green Tea – More Benefits with Each Sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Magic Bullet Technique Effectively Targets Only Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . 23
A New Drug Combination Shrinks Tumors in
Chemotherapy-Resistant Lung and Ovarian Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
New Drug Combination Could Help Curb Melanoma That
Has Spread to Brain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
First Non-Chemotherapy Treatment for Rare Blood Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Immunotherapy – A New Form of Lung Cancer Treatment!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
How Could Genes be Helpful in Curing Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Can Artificial Intelligence Combat Pancreatic Cancer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
China’s Med-Tech Benefits the World with its Non-Invasive
Treatment for Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

ii Contents
Neem Oil Could Help Prevent Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Discovery of T-cells Hidden in Bone Marrow Can Help Beat
Brain Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Cancer Survivor, A Record Breaker Cyclist, Sets Upon a
New Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Breaking – Cancer Research Finds Malaria Protein As a Method of
Diagnosing Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Breast Cancer Drug Proves Promising in Phase III Clinical Trials. . . . . . . . . . 47
New Chemical Found That Can Cause Self-Destruction in the
Brain Cancer Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Emerging Hopeful Glioblastoma Treatments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Apples Reduce Chance of Cancer With Up To 25% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Researchers Explore Gene Therapy to Treat Endometrial Cancer. . . . . . . . . 55
New Treatment to Prevent Pleural Mesothelioma Recurrence. . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Safe Amount of Alcohol to Drink Is Zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
New Five Minute Procedure to Help With Enlarged Prostate. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Why You Should Start Drinking Chamomile Tea Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Cholesterol-Lowering Drug, Statin, Can Better Blood
Cancer Treatments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Nivolumab Receives FDA Accelerated Approval for Treating Small
Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Prevent Colon Cancer with These Six Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Cancer Blood Test Based on Protein Produced by Malarial Parasite can
Revolutionize Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Mesothelin Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Efficacy in
Early Stages of Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Additional Inhibitor Could Reduce Brain Cancer Resistance
to Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Contents iii
 Adelaide Researchers Looking for Better Treatment for
Prostate Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Innovative Genetic Testing Service to Help Cancer Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Beating Cancer by Discovering the Benefits of Beetroot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Cancer-Targeted Immunotherapy for Offering Protection Against
Metastases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Cure for Acute Leukemia Within Reach - First Time in 40 Years. . . . . . . . . . . 86
Benefits of Having Carrots Everyday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
A Recent Ground-Breaking Study Could Minimize the
Side Effects of CAR T-Cell Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Cancer Should Not Have to Be a Death Sentence!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Cancer May be Prevented by Maintain Body pH Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Simple Blood Test Can Reveal Skin Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Experimental Dog Treatment Could Save Human Lives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Cell Immunotherapy Provides Potential Cure for Advanced
Pancreatic Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Health Risks for Occasional Smokers Considerably Higher than
Previously Believed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Clubbed Nails May Indicate Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Cancer Patient Fights Terminal Cancer Through Alternative
Treatments!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Avoiding Getting Tattoos Lowers Cancer Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Carol Neufeld’s, A Cancer Fighter, Inspirational Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Has Surprising Results On
Cancer Survivor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
China approves Breakthrough Therapy Drug for Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . 114
Cell-to-Cell Communication Opens Way for Better Cancer Treatment. . . . 116
Lesser Risk of Kidney Cancer with more Vitamin D Binding Protein. . . . . . 118

iv Contents
Array BioPharma Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation
for BRAFTOVI in Combination Drugs for Colorectal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Know About the Too Good-to-be-True Health Benefits of Turmeric. . . . . . 122
Garlic, the Ultimate Panacea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Kale and Broccoli Could Prevent Colon Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Supercomputer Joins Fight Against Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Studies Suggest Aspirin Keeps Colorectal Cancer Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Photodynamic Theory Beats Lung Cancer!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Innovative Therapy to Cut Radiation Sessions for Prostate Cancer . . . . . . 134
Treatments Ensuring Quality of Life for Lung Cancer Patients! . . . . . . . . . . 136
Special Genes Discovered in Elephants That Resist Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
A Major Vulnerability of Childhood Leukemia Discovered!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
New Drug Puts Cancer Cells in Permanent Suspension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Ways of Reducing the Risk of Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Chinese Tree Bark Compound Shows Anticancer Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Protein That Inhibits Breast Cancer Suppression Finally Blocked. . . . . . . . 148
Groundbreaking Immunotherapy Leads to Complete Remission
of Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
University Of Toledo Professor Working On Cutting Edge Cancer
Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
4 Little Girls Who Beat Cancer Reunite at Hospital for Touching Photo. . . . . 154
CAR T-Cell Therapy Might Alter the Treatment of Mesothelioma. . . . . . . . . 156
FDA Extends Age Limit for HPV Vaccine to Include Adults
between 27 And 45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Drinking More Water can Help in Reducing Bladder Infections
in Women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
‘Death Cap’ Mushroom Could Aid in Cancer Fight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Contents v
 Genetic testing: Not a One-and-Done Deal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
The Immune System of the Alpaca Reveals a Potential Treatment
for Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
New Cancer Vaccine Shows Early Promise For Patients With
Her2-Positive Cancers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer Approved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Connection to Healthy Diets Imply Lower Risks of Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Surgeons at Pennsylvania “Light Up” Tumors for Boosting
the Chances of Mesothelioma Survival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Taming Pediatric Leukemia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Top Do’s & Don’ts for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Nanoparticles, High Tech Weapons Fighting Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Australia Working on Breakthrough Blood Test for
Detecting Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
HPV Vaccine Removes Dozens of Tumors from Patient
With Advanced Skin Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Cancer Cells Engineered to Trigger a Death Switch in
Other Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Prostate Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Sarcomas and
More Cancer Types Now Linked to Lynch Syndrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Hundreds of Kidney, Skin and Blood Cancer Patients
May Be Cured from Breakthrough Drug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Discovery Blocks Vicious Cycle of Inflammation and Tumor Growth. . . . . . 197
Nanoparticles can Help Battle Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Delta-tocotrienol Inhibitors Might Reduce Risk of
Tumor Invasion and Metastasis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

vi Contents
Study Spares Breast Cancer Patients from
Unnecessary Chemotherapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Long-term Study Reveals Lower Cancer Incidence from
Vegetable and Fruit Diet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
New FDA Approved Drug Enters Leukemia Fight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Cancer Treatment by Targeting Telomeres & Telomerase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
LOXO-101 Receives Breakthrough Therapy Designation from FDA and
Is Ready to Fight Solid Tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Turmeric Can Cure Stomach Cancer: According to JNU Study. . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Modified Poliovirus Helps Treat Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Olive Oil – The Amazing Elixir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
How To Minimize The Risks Of Pancreatic Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
XTANDI Treatment for Prostate Cancer Gets FDA Approval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Urine Color: A Cancer Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Prevent Ovarian Cancer with Aspirin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
All-new Advanced CAR-T Treatment Might Give Hope to the
Cancer Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
“Promising” Treatment Trial Gives New Hope for the
Deadliest Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Vaccination for Hepatitis B Might Help in Preventing
Pancreatic Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Newly Identified Biomarker Could Pave the Way for
Personalized Bladder Cancer Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
A Light-Emitting Wireless Implant to Kill Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
More Vitamin D May Offer Less Risk of Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Kidney Cancer Cure via Protein Targeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
New Study Could “Pause & Reverse” Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Contents vii
 New Initiative Could Prove Life-saving for Indians Suffering
from Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
When People Care There is HOPE!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Revolution in Melanoma Treatment for Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Blood Tests can Help in Predicting the Treatment for
Patients with Prostate Cancer: Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Merck’s Keytruda on Its Way to Dealing with Head &
Neck Cancer Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
New Peptide Drug Targets Liver Cancer from Within. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Oral Bacteria – a Breakthrough Passage in Weight Loss,
Cancer Treatment, and Overall Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
How Your Diet Feeds Pancreatic Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
FDA Issues Breakthrough Therapy Designation for LENVIMA. . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Possible Male Breast Cancer Signs You Should Be Aware of . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Could Wart Vaccines Really Treat Skin Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Cancer Cannot Take Away Who You Are!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
New Cancer Treatment: Molecularly Targeted Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Arsenic Shows Surprising Benefits in Cancer Fight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Walnuts May be Able to Prevent Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
The Sweet Potato – An Unexpected Weapon against Breast Cancer?. . . . . 279
New Vaccine Completely Removes Cancer in Mice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Innovative Head and Neck Cancer Therapies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Early Age Drinking May Lead To Aggressive Prostate
Cancer Later In Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Combination of Molecules Found to be Effective in the
Treatment of Cancer in Mice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293

viii Contents
Scientists Discovered a Drug Target for Neurodegenerative
Diseases & Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Red Meat May Not be as Bad as We Have Been Told – You decide!. . . . . . . 297
Primary Tumors Found to Inhibit Secondary Tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Stem Cells Could Be an Effective Drug Delivery Tool for
Brain Cancer in Children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Metabolic Differences in Kidney Tumors Could Help
Better Treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Top Ways to Give Your Brain a Boost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Eating Broccoli While Pregnant Could Help in
Preventing Breast Cancer in Child. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Switchable CAR-T Cells Target Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. . . . . . . 309
FR900359, Discovered from Plants to Reduces Tumor Growth
in Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Saving Healthy Cells in Brain Cancer Treatment, Synthetically. . . . . . . . . . 313
New Treatment Discovered to Fight Melanoma Better Than
Traditional Vaccine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Discovery of New Metal-Based Inhibitor May Improve Treatments
for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .317
Could E. Coli Treatment Cure Crohn’s Disease?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of
Gastrointestinal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
A Tumor Suppressor – BRCA Associated Protein. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
New Treatment for Hairy Cell Leukemia Approved By the FDA. . . . . . . . . . . 325
New Drug Can Help in Fighting Liver Cancer with Fewer Side Effects. . . . . 327
The Numerous Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Treatment Might Help in Reducing the Risk of Esophageal
Adenocarcinoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Junk Food Can Lead To Cancer According To Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

Contents ix
 Head and Neck Trial with NBTXR3 Nanoparticles Shows Promise. . . . . . . . 335
Zika Virus Offers Promise for Treating Fatal Brain Cancer
As Per a Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
This Week in Oncology News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Top Health Benefits of Cinnamon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Grapes May Help in Stopping the Growth of Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Top Medicinal & Health Properties of Cayenne Pepper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Breaking Treatment Displays Promising Results in
Fighting Bladder Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Cutting Edge Radiotherapy Machine Introduced in the U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Vaccine to Possibly Treat Head and Neck Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Benefits of Flax Seed Could Include Cancer Prevention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
How can Blueberries Help in Killing Cancer Cells?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
New Bladder Cancer Drug Shows Impressive Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Japan Approves New Treatment for Advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. . . . . 365
New Vaccine to Possibly Treat Incurable HPV-Related Cancers. . . . . . . . . . 367
Imfinzi Can Help To Fight Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Pediatric Osteosarcoma Drug Receives Orphan Drug Designation. . . . . . . 371
The Prognostic Importance of Antigen 45 (CT45) in Extending Life
of an Ovarian Cancer Patient. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Fighting Pancreatic Cancer! There is HOPE!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
FDA Approved for Leukemia! – Copiktra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Kevin Schwartzel saved the Life of Johnny Sawyer Dyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

x Contents
Two Leading Cancer Immunotherapy Researchers Receive
the 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Benefits of Antioxidants for the Overall Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
FDA Greenlights First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Personalized Vaccine Could Become New Norm for
Treating HER2-Positive Tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
First Case of Complete Immunotherapy Response for
Kidney Cancer Patient. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Genetic Tumor Mapping Could Save Countless Lives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Amazonian Plant Could Have Miraculous Anticancer Properties. . . . . . . . . 393
Milk Could Restore Gustatory and Olfactory Sensations to
Chemo Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
New Drug Enhances the Harvest of Bone Marrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Birmingham Hospitals Making Use of Herpes Virus for
Treating Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Categories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401

Contents xi
Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer Breakthroughs, Colorectal Cancer

New Breakthrough Treatment

Discovered for Bowel Cancer

A
new research by the researchers from Queen’s University Belfast
might be able to change the outcome of survival in patients with
bowel cancer across the world. The study is considered first of
its kind and has been funded by The Chancellor of Queen’s University
Belfast via Tom Moran Scholarship.
The therapeutic treatment could target and decimate bowel cancer
cells. It can improve the survival rate for patients diagnosed with very
poor survival outcome. The research includes the examination of gene
signatures to investigate Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), which is
a stress-response pathway pertaining to a bunch of cells. This UPR
could be utilized to treat bowel cancer in cases in which patients have
become resistant to treatments or have a poor survival outcome.

New Breakthrough Treatment Discovered for Bowel Cancer 1

 The study focused on two groups of these bowel cancer patients after
a year of their diagnosis, one of which did well as compared to the
other which had a poor outcome. They focused on the human gene,
Braf, consisting of a protein called B-Raf. It sends a signal from the
cell surface for cell growth and survival. When this gene is mutated,
it makes these cells cancerous.
Braf mutants are not as aggressive as other cancerous cells but the catch
is that they do not get treated well by conventional cancer therapies
and treatments. However, a cellular process has been discovered by
the researchers that might be exploitable to the cause. As per Dr.
Nicholas Forsythe, the lead researcher, the aggressive biology of these
cancers can be utilized against them.
UPR is a pathway that enables cells to survive through stressful
periods. However, this pathway is hijacked by highly stressed cancer
cells for their survival. The researchers were able to overload this
process by stressing the cells to such a point that they killed themselves
(apoptosis), by the use of a specific drugs combination.
Hence, the unique research is good news for patients with bowel
cancer. This research has paved way for more clinical trials testing
the effectiveness of such drug agents to enhance survival outcome of
patients with BRAFMT colorectal cancerous tumors. A pursuit for
synthesizing new drugs based on this study is underway.

2 New Breakthrough Treatment Discovered for Bowel Cancer

Blood Cancer, Bone Cancer, Breaking Cancer Research,
Colorectal Cancer, Leukemia Cancer, Melanoma

New Drug Developed by Israeli

Researchers That Kills Multiple
Leukemic Proteins at Once!

A
cute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is one of the most aggressive
forms of cancers, harming bone marrow and causing it to
produce abnormal myeloblasts. Little innovation has arrived
regarding its treatments, given its variety and amount of proteins
causing cancerous cells to rapidly multiply and preventing them from
chemotherapy treatments. However, researchers from the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem might have come up with a dose of hope.
The researchers have established a new biological drug which acts as
a cluster bomb. The molecule has been developed by manipulating a
cancer cell chemically which succeeds in attacking multiple leukemic
proteins in a go, taking away leukemic cells’ ability to activate

New Drug Developed by Israeli Researchers That Kills Multiple Leukemic Proteins at Once! 3
 more proteins in order to escape or evade given therapy. It destroys
oncogenes as well as activates P53 (a tumor suppressor gene).
Mice injected with acute leukemia showed 50 percent of cure rate. The
drug portrayed dramatic changes right after a single dose. According
to the researchers, almost all the signs of leukemia vanished overnight
in the mice. There were mice with leukemia as well as those injected
with human leukemia. Researchers claim that the drug worked on
even the most aggressive type of human leukemia.
AML has been treated with chemotherapy and stem cell injections so
far. This new drug comes in a pill form. It can cover the work of 3-4
other drugs which enables the patients to avoid additional therapies
and their intense side effects.
The phase 1 clinical study of this drug is hoped to be started at the
start of 2019. The drug is projected to take 2-3 years before it can be
commercialized. Researchers are now working on how to extend the
use of this drug for other types of cancers like melanoma, lymphoma,
colorectal and multiple myeloma cancers.

4 New Drug Developed by Israeli Researchers That Kills Multiple Leukemic Proteins at Once!
Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer Breakthroughs, Colorectal Cancer

Researchers at Queen’s University

Belfast Succeeded in Creating a Ray of
Hope for Bowel Cancer Patients

C
onstant hard work had been continued by researchers to increase
the age limit for the patients suffering from bowel cancer. The
basic aim was to increase the number of survivors and to create
a ray of hope in patients all over the globe.
Finally, the researchers got what they were looking for!
Late Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast through Tom Moran
Scholarship aided a project which aimed to invent a therapy for bowel
cancer patients, improving their lives and increasing their chances of
survival. It had never been done before.
A research project was established where two groups of patients were
formed. The focus was to find out how a bunch of cells respond to

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast Succeeded in Creating a Ray of Hope 5

 stress. Gene signatures were determined and this kind of response was
called as Unfolded Protein Response. Then this response was thought
to treat bowel cancer. In a study it was confirmed, that an end UPR
pathway aids a cell to fight with stress period. It was also seen that
highly stressed cancer cells used the UPR for survival. There was a
need to be wise now. Apoptosis is the self-death of cells which was
the need here. Dr. Forsythe gave an idea that cancer cells can also
be stressed by combining some drugs in a specific proportion and
survival for cancer cells would come to an end. It was apoptosis.
The Braf gene was the leader both in treating cancer and causing
cancer. It contained a protein called as B-Raf which could help in
signal transmission from the cell surface which is the basic agenda for
survival. Similarly, mutations cause cancer and B-Raf mutants are not
easy to be diagnosed by conventional methods.
Finally, researchers at Queen’s University discovered a cellular process
to kill cancer cells by keeping in view the aggressive nature of cancer
cells. Research is still being carried out to bring up chances for
survival of more and more people suffering from bowel cancer and
colorectal tumors. Drugs are being designed for better survival of
cancer patients.

6 Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast Succeeded in Creating a Ray of Hope

Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer Cures, Cancer Technology,
Colorectal Cancer

P53 Gene Suppression Inhibits

Colorectal Cancer Growth

U
nder the supervision of Professor Ute Moll, a team of researchers
from the Department of Pathology at Stony Brook University
School of Medicine showed that ablating a certain protein could
translate into reduced tumor growth with colorectal cancer (CRC).
Genetic manipulation is one of the procedures that are currently at the
forefront in terms of cancer treatments. Designing targeted solutions
that are more efficient and safer for patients is one of the methods
that is hoped to significantly improve outcomes and general health
in cancer cases.
In CRCs, the disease creates certain mutations, and approximately
sixty percent of times it is linked with the p53 gene, creating an
alteration for mutp53 R248Q by exchanging Arginine (R) for

P53 Gene Suppression Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Growth 7

 Glutamine (Q). Ablating the gene resulted in stopping tumor growth
and reduced tumor invasiveness for about fifty percent of patients.
The international team found that the treatment was, in fact, halting
Stat3 activation, a known cancer marker.
Dr. Moll remarked that “We discovered that in p53-mediated
colorectal cancer driven by the most common mutant form of p53,
there is an exploitable tumor dependence on continued expression of
the mutant protein for the tumors to thrive”.
Furthermore, the use of a molecular drug 17AAG on Hsp90, another
enzyme that is associated with p53, displayed similar effects in
inhibiting tumor progression.
The article concludes by saying: “data suggests that this and similar
p53 mutants represent actionable drug targets responsive to treatment
by removal, for example with Hsp90 inhibitors”.
These findings suggest that, in the near future, genetic treatments
could be employed to stop cancer even before it has time to develop.
In the United States alone, more than 140.000 new CRC cases are
discovered each year.

8 P53 Gene Suppression Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Growth

Breakthrough FDA Designation, Lung Cancer, Thyroid Cancer

LOXO-292 Receives FDA Breakthrough

Therapy Designation for the Treatment
of Lung & Thyroid Cancers

T
he United States FDA (Food & Drug Administration) recently
granted the Breakthrough Therapy Designation to LOXO-292
for the treatment of lung & thyroid cancers. LOXO-292 is a
RET inhibitor that is used for the treatment of the individuals having
metastatic RET fusion-positive NSCLC (Non-small Cell Lung Cancer).
The drug is given to the patients who might require systemic therapy
and might be having the disease progression after the platinum-based
chemotherapy along with an anti-programmed cell death protein 1
(PD-1) or PD-L1 (an anti-programmed death ligand 1) therapy.
The LOXO-292 is also for the treatment of the patients having RET-
mutant medullary thyroid cancer – requiring systemic therapy and

LOXO-292 Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation 9

 having disease progression after the prior treatment and still might
not have an acceptable alternative option for the treatment.
The LOXO-292 drug was designed with the purpose of inhibiting the
native RE signaling along with anticipating the acquired resistance
processes that could otherwise restrict the activities of the given
therapeutic approach. The activation of the RET point mutations
contributes to around 60 percent of medullary thyroid cancer. Both
RET-mutant and RET-fusion cancers are mainly dependent on the
single-activated RET kinase for the overall proliferation & survival.
This dependency is referred to as “oncogene addiction.” Oncogene
addiction is responsible for rendering such kinds of tumors highly
susceptible to the respective small-molecule inhibitors that could be
targeting the RET.

10 LOXO-292 Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation

Colorectal Cancer

Large Colorectal Lesions Removed

Without Surgery with the Help of
High-Tech Robotic Systems

E
very year, around 140,000 individuals in the United States are
diagnosed with colorectal cancer – a malignant form of cancer
that develops from a small polyp into tumor over the passage of
time. The screening process with the help of colonoscopy helps in
the detection & removal of the polyps – as such aiding in both the
early detection & prevention of colorectal cancers. However, when
the polyps become too large or difficult to get rid of by colonoscopy,
surgery is required.
In the latest technological advancement, the innovative robotic
system can now help in the removal of the colorectal lesions without
the involvement of any surgery. With the collaboration between
the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and the Division

Large Colorectal Lesions Removed Without Surgery with the Help of High-Tech Robotic Systems 11
 of Colorectal Surgery at NYU Langone Health has been the first-
ever center in New York to make use of the revolutionary Flex
Robotic System inside the gastrointestinal tract. While working
together, the leading colorectal surgeon named Mitchell Bernstein
and gastroenterologist named Seth A. Gross, were able to remove a
massive, premalignant colorectal lesion inside a woman. The woman
after the removal of the colorectal lesion was discharged later on the
same day itself.
This is the first time that a high-tech robotic platform has been
incorporated in the process of gastrointestinal endoscopy. This gives
the hope for future robot-aided surgeries in the effective treatment of
major diseases and ailments – all across the world.

12 Large Colorectal Lesions Removed Without Surgery with the Help of High-Tech Robotic Systems
Breaking Cancer Research

Supramolecule Engineered to
Fight Cancer

T
he battle against cancer is becoming more and more high-tech, as
scientists from Brigham and Women’s Hospital create a molecule
that can disable cancer cells.
The field of immunotherapy is currently buzzing, with new discoveries
and advancements happening seemingly every day. A new ally is
currently showing a lot of promise in laboratory trials and is expected
to make an important contribution of its own. Named AK750, the
synthesized molecule is highly complex and has a dual action.
One of the reasons why cancer is so difficult to tackle is because it
can hide from the immune system, by signaling a certain pathway,
CSF-1R. This starts a process which “polarizes tumor-associated
macrophages from an antitumor M1 phenotype to a pro-tumorigenic
M2 phenotype”. At this stage, antibodies just don’t recognize the

Supramolecule Engineered to Fight Cancer 13

 abnormal cells as a danger. A second clever ploy that cancer uses
is to signal the protein alpha (SIRPα) receptor on macrophages to
effectively tell them not to attack.
AK750 works by inhibiting both processes, CD47–SIRPα and MCSF–
CSF-1R signaling, revealing the tumor cells and enabling the body to
fight the disease.
Estimates from the World Health Organization put cancer as the
second cause of death worldwide. It’s not only a medical problem
but also an economic burden and a social issue.
This new wave of biological therapies presents a number of advantages
over traditional courses of cancer treatment. They are less toxic to
the body and cause fewer side effects, compared to both standard
chemotherapy and radiation. Overall, they appear to also be more
efficient, but so far are capable of working only on certain types of
cancer.
As with every new experimental treatment, a lot more testing is
required before it can be marketed to the general public.

14 Supramolecule Engineered to Fight Cancer

Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Endometrial
Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Lung Cancer, Nutrition, Prevention,
Stomach Cancer, Uterine Cancer Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer,
Colorectal Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles,
Lung Cancer, Nutrition, Prevention, Stomach Cancer, Uterine Cancer

Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be

on Your Plate Every day?

L
ove those fiber-rich, blood sugar-friendly, hormone-booster
vegetables? Good for you! This is because the healthy cruciferous
vegetables are known to be forming an integral part of healthy
lifestyles adopted by a majority of the world’s fit population.
The cruciferous vegetables obtain their name after the cross shape of
the petals that they grow in. Some of the most common examples of
the cruciferous vegetables that are grown across the world include
cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, kale, arugula, Brussels sprouts, Bok
choy, turnips, and collard greens.

Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day? 15

 How can Cruciferous Vegetables Help in Fighting Cancer?
Cruciferous vegetables out there are known for providing several
nutritional benefits along with prevention of various diseases including
cancer.
In a recent study, it was found that the individuals who were in the
habit of consuming more cruciferous veggies had the lowest risks of
developing breast cancer. Cruciferous veggies are also known to be
effective in reducing the overall risks of other hormone-based cancers
including cervical and endometrial cancers. Researchers believe that
this could be linked to the presence of a hormone-balancing compound
that is found in the cruciferous vegetables referred to as “Indole-3-
Carbinol.”
In various other studies, the consumption of cruciferous vegetables
has also been linked with the reduction in the risks of developing other
types of cancers including lung, stomach, rectal, and colon cancer.
In addition to being a great source of antioxidants, the cruciferous
veggies also contain a compound known as “glucosinolates” – that
could be the key factor in fighting cancer. With this finding, it can be
highly effective in including a cruciferous vegetable-rich diet every day
to reduce the overall risks of developing cancer.

16 Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?

Healthy Lifestyles, Kidney Cancer, Prevention

Novel Blood Tests Help in Predicting

Risks & Survival of Kidney Cancer
5 Years Before Diagnosis

A
major bio marker of kidney disease can help in predicting the
“clear cell kidney cancer” – the most common form of kidney
cancer – several years before the actual diagnosis. The KIM-1
(Kidney Injury Molecule -1) could be detected in blood & urine which
is generally present at lower volumes in individuals with healthy
lifestyles.
The KIM-1 turns out to be a vital and highly useful biomarker for
predicting any major kidney injury. In a recent study that was published
in the journal Clinical Cancer Research by BWH Investigators,
explored that fact that whether or not a blood test can help in detecting
the higher levels of KIM-1 in the patients who might develop the
risks of developing kidney cancer – after around 5 years. The results

Novel Blood Tests Help in Predicting Risks & Survival of Kidney Cancer 5 Years Before Diagnosis 17
 of the study reveal that KIM-1 biomarker helped in substantially
distinguishing between those who had the risks of developing kidney
cancer and those who did not.
The early detection of kidney cancer could be life-saving in several
ways. It can also help in the prevention of kidney cancer effectively.
The scientists claim that they can cure kidney cancer when it will
be detected at an early stage. Kidney cancer, however, turns out to
be asymptomatic and several patients who have kidney cancer have
usually developed the advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. The
results of the study reveal that with further refinement in the tests,
KIM-1 is known to have the potential of identifying the patients with
early stages of curable kidney cancer in an effective manner.

18 Novel Blood Tests Help in Predicting Risks & Survival of Kidney Cancer 5 Years Before Diagnosis
Breaking Cancer Research, Melanoma Cancer, Skin Cancer

New Drug Combo to Lead

Fight Against Melanoma

C
ombining encorafenib (Braftovi) with binimetinib (Mektovi)
has yielded better results than any other form of treatment for
advanced melanomacurrently on the market.
A phase 3 COLUMBUS trial showed that patients put on a course
of encorafenib at 450 mg a day and binimetinib at 45 mg twice
daily (COMBO450), had up to 39% improved outcome compared
to any previous treatments. The overall survival rate went up, from
16.9 months to 33.6 months, and median progression-free survival
(PFS) from 7.3 months to 14.9 months. These very promising results
prompted a quick FDA approval.
It seems that the superior effectiveness lies within their ability to target
the BRAF mutation, common in most cases of melanoma. The gene
provides information for protein formation within cells and is also

New Drug Combo to Lead Fight Against Melanoma 19

 responsible for helping with cell growth and division. Unfortunately,
when the BRAF mutation occurs, it can cause normal cells to become
cancerous.
The genetic defect has been studied intensely in recent years and
was the basis for another wave of cancer drugs from 2010, with
vemurafenib and dabrafenib (Tafinlar), though less impressive. The
new duo of Braftovi and Mektovi is also safer and better tolerated.
As with most serious medication, there are some possible side effects,
including fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and pain.
While melanoma is one of the less common types of cancer, it is one
of the more deadly. There are about 130.000 new cases each year
worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and the rate
of incidence is climbing.
Find out more about this treatment at their page here.

20 New Drug Combo to Lead Fight Against Melanoma

Breast Cancer, Esophagus Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles,
Liver Cancer, Lung Cancer, Nutrition, Prevention

Green Tea – More Benefits with

Each Sip

M
ost people drink green tea just as a warm beverage or as a
supplement for their weight loss diet, but in fact, it has a
multitude of health benefits, and you should take advantage
of them right away.
If you are not a morning person and require a cup of coffee to get
your day started, you will be happy to hear that green tea also has
considerable levels of caffeine, just slightly less. The trade would
additionally help you with a number of natural antioxidants that
improve skin condition, get rid of toxins in the body and generally
boost the immune system.
Green tea, or Camellia sinensis, is already proven to reduce the risk
of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It also does a great job

Green Tea – More Benefits with Each Sip 21

 at protecting the heart by reducing low-density lipoprotein (more
commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol”) and increasing high-
density lipoprotein (the so-called “good cholesterol”) thanks to its
rich composition.
One of the more important interactions is connected to one particular
polyphenol, catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) responsible
for cell replication and known to slow blood vessel formation
around tumors causing tumor cell death. EGCG has shown to relieve
radiation-induced dermatitis for patients suffering from breast cancer
and be effective against acute radiation-induced esophagitis in lung
cancer. Similarly, Epigallocatechin (ECG) is linked with disrupting
leukemic cells from multiplying.
A number of studies are suggesting potential cancer preventive
properties, most notably for liver and colorectal types. Green tea
supplements and extracts are used for therapy in several post-radical
treatments. Other noteworthy applications include improving mental
function, preventing tooth decay, and even lowering the risk of
Alzheimer or dementia.
While it is generally considered safe, taken in high doses it can cause
difficulty sleeping and irritability.
One cup a day could provide so many health benefits that it just seems
wrong not to do it.

22 Green Tea – More Benefits with Each Sip

Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer, Cancer Technology

Magic Bullet Technique Effectively

Targets Only Cancer Cells

T
he idea of “Magic Bullet” is an old medical concept given by a
German Nobel laureate Paul Ehrlich in 1900. The concept is
to develop a medicine that can eliminate all tumor cells quietly
without harming normal cells, from any place they might be situated
in. Researchers from MU (University of Missouri), have come up with
such a specialized technique.
The study evaluates the workings of smart nanoparticles known
as aptamers. Aptamers can bind to specific targets along with any
therapeutic drug attached to them. The concept can be used to target
cancer cells.
Burke-Aguero, working in the Department of Molecular Biology and
Immunology in MU, explains that molecules are three-dimensional,
and they can have certain small patches attached to them like a

Magic Bullet Technique Effectively Targets Only Cancer Cells 23

 molecular Velcro, so that if these molecules come across another
molecule with just the right shape and Velcro patch, it can stick against
it quite snugly. He further adds that some aptamers can attach this
way to those proteins which are abundant on the surface of certain
tumor cells and not on normal cells. In this way, these aptamers bind
to those proteins and are recycled into the tumor cells themselves
along with whatever drug or payload you attach with the aptamer.
Testing this concept, in the latest study, such nanoparticles were
engineered along with a fluorescent cargo that imitated and visualized
the interaction of a cancer-targeting drug. When these aptamers
were placed among target cancer cells as well as non-target cells,
the fluorescent cargo was found to be attached to malignant cancer
cells, meaning that aptamers reached their successful target cells. The
cargo used is ten times larger than the molecular size investigators
conventionally work with, according to Burke-Aguero. He says that
more ways are open for manufacturing larger cargos which could be
used to target various tumor cells in multiple ways.
There are other hurdles to cope up with, such as long-term effects of
these aptamers, or other physical aspects that can hamper the way of
these drugs from reaching the target cells, for example, the structure
of tumors can be poorly vascularized or dense, says Scott Verbridge
from Virginia Tech’s School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences.
However, Burke-Aguero, calls the study an important milestone
in an important journey to make nanoparticle drug delivery more
controllable and effective. Hopefully, these aptamers will prove
beneficial to be loaded with therapeutic drugs for targeting cancer.

24 Magic Bullet Technique Effectively Targets Only Cancer Cells

Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer

A New Drug Combination Shrinks Tumors

in Chemotherapy-Resistant Lung and
Ovarian Cancer

A
recent study with a new drug combination has been conducted
involving half of ovarian cancer and a third consisting of lung
cancer patients, who had established resistance to chemotherapy.
A total of 4,227 women had passed away in the UK in 2016 due to
ovarian cancer and 35,260 patients from lung cancer. Professor Paul
Workman from ICR says that such drug combinations could help
tackle adaption, drug resistance and evolution of cancer.
In the study, a drug called vistusertib has been combined with
chemotherapy that has succeeded in stalling the way cancer cells
tend to resist treatment and spread and grow. The result in the early
stages of study exceeded the expectations so much that now a phase
2 trial of the study is taking place. Dr. Susana Banerjee from The

A New Drug Combination Shrinks Tumors in Chemotherapy-Resistant Lung and Ovarian Cancer 25
 Royal Marsden deems this option as very encouraging as no other
alternative is available for women with relapsed ovarian cancer.
In the large trial of the study, 140 women suffering from relapsed
ovarian cancer participated and were given paclitaxel (standard
chemotherapy) in combination with vistusertib. Researchers from
The Royal Marsden, ICR and other 9 such centers have tested the
combination on forty patients with squamous non-small lung cancer
and 25 women with high-level ovarian cancer. All these patients had
standard chemotherapy resistance. Initially, the tolerance of the drug
combination was tested and only a few side effects were observed.
52% ovarian cancer patients along with 35% lung cancer patients
had 30% of their tumors shrunken. The growth inhibited for 5.8
months on average.
A previous study had found that ovarian cancers resisting chemotherapy
possessed a higher level of p-S6K molecule that increased cancer cell
growth. In the current study, patients were given paclitaxel (80mg/
m2) with vistusertib (50mg) twice a day for three days over 6 weeks.
Vistusertib successfully canceled the mentioned function of p-S6K by
targeting the protein, mTOR1 and 2, which activates it. Hence cancer
cells stopped growing and resisting treatment, surprising researchers
with effective results.
This exciting news has given a lot of hope for patients who have
grown resistant to standard treatments. Hopefully, this may pave way
for more effective treatment for such patients.

26 A New Drug Combination Shrinks Tumors in Chemotherapy-Resistant Lung and Ovarian Cancer
Brain Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Lung Cancer, Melanoma Cancer,
Skin Cancer

New Drug Combination Could Help Curb

Melanoma That Has Spread to Brain

M
elanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that can be
deadlier if it encroaches into the brain. If it reaches the brain,
less than twenty percent of patients survive for more than
a year with traditional treatment. However, a recent study with a
new drug combination comes with hope for such patients and had
proven to increase their lifespans for more than a year for 82% of
such patients.
The drugs involved in the combination are ipilimumab (Yervoy) and
nivolumab (Opdivo), also the part of the class known as checkpoint
inhibitors. These drugs work to activate the immune system which
shrinks the brain tumors in turn in many melanoma patients. It served
to prolong the life of 94 patients from 28 medical centers situated in
the United States.

New Drug Combination Could Help Curb Melanoma That Has Spread to Brain 27
 Enabling the immune system of a patient to fight against cancer by such
checkpoint inhibitors can lead to long term remissions from severe
forms of cancer, like lung and kidney cancer as well as melanoma.
Such a technique is called as immunotherapy. It may not work in
every case but when it does, it may show wonders.
Dr. Hussein A. Tawbi, the first author of this study, calls it great news
that may help many melanoma patients and other patients in general.
He suggests that this drug combination should be made part of initial
treatment for such melanoma patients and that these drugs should
also be put under test for patients with other types of cancer that have
reached the brain. According to his estimate, 200,000 patients emerge
per year alone in the U.S. who develop brain tumors projecting from
other types of cancer.
The results are not applicable for Glioblastoma or any brain cancer
that has started with in the brain first. Dr. Tawbi mentions that studies
with drug combinations are underway which can help such patients
as well.

28 New Drug Combination Could Help Curb Melanoma That Has Spread to Brain
Blood Cancer, Non-hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer

First Non-Chemotherapy Treatment for

Rare Blood Cancer

P
harmaceutical giants AbbVie, Janssen and Genentech have
combined their efforts to offer a new therapy course involving
a combination of drugs meant to help people suffering from
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM).
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of Imbruvica
(ibrutinib) and Rituxan (rituximab) combo in the treatment of a rare
and incurable type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that affects B
cells. Patients now have a less taxing alternative to the current standard
treatment – chemotherapy. In a press release, the Head of Clinical
Development, Thorsten Graef, M.D., Ph.D. said: “We are pleased to
have IMBRUVICA approved, both as a single agent and combination
therapy with rituximab, to provide an additional efficacious treatment
option for people living with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia”.
The decision comes as a result of extensive research culminating with
a very revealing clinical trial. 150 participants were administered daily

First Non-Chemotherapy Treatment for Rare Blood Cancer 29

 oral doses of 420mg Ibrutinib and intravenous Rituximab, 375 mg/
m2 in two 4-week cycles. At 30 months after the initial session, the
progression-free survival (PFS) rate for ibrutinib–rituximab was 82%
compared to 28% with placebo–rituximab. Significant increases in
hemoglobin level were also observed.
The most frequent side effects experienced by patients were: bruises
(37%), pain (35%), hemorrhage (32%), diarrhea (28%), rashes
(24%), arthralgia (24%), nausea (21%), and hypertension (20%).
Imbruvica blocks a protein called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK),
responsible for the survival and spread of malignant B cells. Rituxan
binds to the CD20 antigen of B-cell tumors and then employs the
body’s natural defenses to attack and kill them.
According to the presentation abstract, the Imbruvica – Rituxan
combination “should be considered a standard therapeutic option for
patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia”.

30 First Non-Chemotherapy Treatment for Rare Blood Cancer

Colorectal Cancer, Esophagus Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer,
Lung Cancer, Melanoma Cancer, Non-hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer,
Skin Cancer, Uterine Cancer

Immunotherapy – A New Form of

Lung Cancer Treatment!

T
his recent treatment option works by supporting and boosting
the body’s natural immune system in the fight against cancer.
In spite of sustained efforts from every national health institution
and even international groups, like the World Health Organization,
lung cancer continues to be a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
A general lack of awareness, the tendency to ignore the first signs
of disease and, for some, just the thought of having to undergo
chemotherapy, all contribute to making the malignancy even more
terrible.
Fortunately, a new form of treatment has been shown to be more
effective and improve survival rates compared to the current options,
while at the same presenting fewer negative effects.

Immunotherapy – A New Form of Lung Cancer Treatment! 31

 Immunotherapy helps existing antibodies either block an abnormal
protein in the cancer cell or bolster their ability to locate and neutralize
the affected cells. Scientists found that lung cancer was exploiting a
certain immune checkpoint, PD-L1, to escape detection. By using an
inhibitor like Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), the body’s immune system
became better at fighting back.
Studies revealed that Pembrolizumab immunotherapy could increase
median survival rates from one to 2.5 years and above. Another
advantage is fewer less impactful side effects. While chemotherapy
is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, hair loss and low blood
count, the most common reactions for Keytruda were rash, fatigue,
and thyroid gland dysfunction.
Immunotherapy is also faster, with sessions taking only half an hour
every three weeks compared to chemotherapy, which can require
three or four hours.
So far, the treatment has exhibited the best results for non-small cell
lung cancer, but is being recommended for other forms of cancer
where it presented significant positive results, including head and neck
squamous cell carcinoma, classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), primary
mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), gastric or gastroesophageal
junction (GEJ), melanoma and urothelial cancer.
Pembrolizumab/Kaytruda is an FDA approved the drug and is slowly
becoming a standard treatment.

32 Immunotherapy – A New Form of Lung Cancer Treatment!

Breast Cancer, Cancer Cures, Colorectal Cancer,
Leukemia Cancer, Lung Cancer, Melanoma Cancer,
Prostate Cancer, Stomach Cancer

How Could Genes be Helpful

in Curing Cancer?

S
cientists have found that certain mutations are most commonly
found in the cells of some typical types of cancers. As such,
finding the specific mutations in the cells can help in diagnosing
the particular type of cancer. By testing the cells for the purpose of
mutation can be used after the diagnosis process for seeing how the
particular cancer is responding to the given treatment. As a result,
genes have been found to be useful as an effective cancer cure in the
coming times.

Genes & Cancer Prognosis

In some specific cancers, gene changes of particular sorts can be
used for predicting which patients are likely to have better or worse

How Could Genes be Helpful in Curing Cancer? 33

 outcomes. This fact can help in guiding the overall intensity of the
treatment.
For some typical cancers, the tests that observed the expression
(activity) of several genes at once could be useful in the prediction
of cancer and cancer cure. Such tests, referred to as “gene expression
panels,” are usually performed on the cancer samples. These tests
are available for several types of cancers including prostate, breast,
and colon cancers. The subsequent tests can help in predicting which
patients are more likely to have the cancers return after the treatment.

Genes & Cancer Treatment

There are certain drugs that have been developed for targeting some
of the specific gene changes in particular cancers. Usually, such drugs
target the protein made by the presence of an abnormal gene (not the
gene itself).
The drugs that aim at targeting the gene mutations can turn out
useful in a wide number of cancer cures including non-small lung
cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and even
melanoma.
There are several researchers out there who are very hopeful about
the future of cancer treatment with the help of genes.

34 How Could Genes be Helpful in Curing Cancer?

Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer Technology, Pancreatic Cancer

Can Artificial Intelligence Combat

Pancreatic Cancer?

A
s per a recent report, it has been found that patients with pancreatic
cancer have only 7 percent chances of surviving after the diagnosis
of the fatal disease for more than five years. This figure as stated
by Elliot K. Fishman – a leading researcher & radiologist at the John
Hopkins Hospital is the lowest rate for any cancer.
In the latest findings, the John Hopkins Hospital researchers have come
up with the observation that the technology of Artificial Intelligence
(AI) and deep Machine Learning can be utilized for changing the
statistic of the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Deep learning has become a major part of the modern technology-
driven world. Several industries across the world are making use of
this revolutionary technology towards developing high-end automated
solutions.

Can Artificial Intelligence Combat Pancreatic Cancer? 35

 Utilizing the same, Fishman at the John Hopkins Hospital aims at
spotting pancreatic cancer sooner than the ongoing human efforts by
making use of the GPU-accelerated deep learning Artificial Intelligence
to the task of combating cancer. Fishman is assisting in the training
of the deep learning algorithms for spotting minute textural changes
to the pancreas tissues along with the nearby organs. These changes
seem to be the first-ever signs of pancreatic cancer.
Deep learning methods can be used for earlier diagnosis of cancer.
Fishman estimates that nearly third of the cases as observed by him
could be detected around 4 to 10 months earlier with the help of this
breakthrough technology.
The ability to optimize the overall analysis of each study is one of the
primary goals of the project. It is something that the researchers believe
that they can accomplish positively. The main aim of the project is
to change the trajectory of the treatment of pancreatic cancer and
ultimately, the rate of patient survival.

36 Can Artificial Intelligence Combat Pancreatic Cancer?

Alternative Cancer Treatments, Cancer

China’s Med-Tech Benefits the

World with its Non-Invasive
Treatment for Cancer

A
t the recent China Expo 2018 held in Chongqing, China – a
high-tech focused ultrasound system for the treatment of cancer
tumors was developed by the nation. This research of treatments
for cancer has gained interest from all over the world.
The all-new ultrasound system referred to as the “Haifu Knife”
comes with the specialized feature – it can help in treating cancer
tumors present on the soft tissues without even cutting the body
open or invading the body with a laparoscope. Therefore, the given
revolutionary med-tech by China is termed to be completely non-
invasive for the treatment of cancer.
The system makes use of the principle of focalizing the ultrasound just
outside the body onto the target tumor cancer cells inside the body. As

China’s Med-Tech Benefits the World with its Non-Invasive Treatment for Cancer 37

 such, this non-invasivemedical technology is able to produce a higher
temperature of around 65-100 degrees Celsius at the focalized point.
This, it tends to induce the irresistible and spontaneous necrosis of the
tumors without damaging the surrounding tissues. Peng Xiang – the
European Manager of the International Department of Chongqing
Haifu Medical Technology Ltd, demonstrated the working of the
ultrasound machine.
As the machine causes no significant injury to the skin & the surrounding
tissues, the operation would require no sterilized operating room. In
addition to this, there is no requirement for general anesthesia except
for minimal analgesia during the treatment.
A surgery that took place with the Haifu Knife equipment at the
reputed HUMT Hospital of Barcelona University, Spain took around
only 15 minutes for ablating the cancer tumor of 4.5cm dimension –
as per the doctor who performed the surgery.
Given the significance of the particular non-invasive treatment for
fighting cancer, the world can look up with new hopes in the field of
effective cancer treatment.

38 China’s Med-Tech Benefits the World with its Non-Invasive Treatment for Cancer

Breast Cancer, Prevention, Prostate Cancer

Neem Oil Could Help Prevent Cancer

F
ound in Indian sub-continent, Neem is an herb used for medicinal
purposes. Its use is common in traditional medicine and Ayurveda.
It has important anti-oxidants such as nimbin and azadirachtin,
which boost its medicinal uses. Its color could range from pale yellow
to green. Its essential oil can be obtained from its fruit and seeds by
solvent extraction, cold pressing technique or steam distillation.
Majorly its benefits can be antiseptic, antihistamine, antioxidant,
antifungal, antipyretic. Could all these factors help prevent cancer?
The answer is maybe because one of the most import benefits of this
herb is that it prevents cancer. The high content of antioxidants in
neem neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and any sort
of cell damage. It may be a beneficial tool against different types of
cancer such as prostate cancer and breast cancer. The most noticeable
function of Neem Oil is that it reverses the formation of malignant
tumors, reducing the ability of the cancer to spread. It also could
help in lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases and rheumatoid

Neem Oil Could Help Prevent Cancer 39

 arthritis. It may help reduce inflammation caused in any affected
muscle and tissues.
Neem oil is anti-microbial; hence it may help in boosting the
performance of the immune system, cancelling out any serious types
of infections. Moreover, it prevents ulcer formation in the stomach
because it regulates the pH level of the stomach. Loss of appetite
is a common side effect after any surgery, a prolonged infection or
any other illness, causing the patient to lose weight and lead to poor
absorption of the nutrients. Neem oil is an excellent form of an
appetizer that can enhance a patient’s appetite and help in gaining
weight.
However, certain side effects should be kept in mind. Consuming Neem
Oilinternally is capable of irritating respiratory tract. Its consumption
in large quantity could lead to bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn
and nausea. Sudden huge intake can lead to rapid reduction in sugar
levels of the blood. Pregnant women should not ingest it as it can
trigger menstrual flow, causing a miscarriage. Men with fertility issues
should avoid its use.
Hence, using Neem Oil in suitable quantity could serve to be beneficial
for not only preventing cancer but many other forms of diseases.
Gaining your GP’s advice is also necessary.

40 Neem Oil Could Help Prevent Cancer

Breaking Cancer Research, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer,
Melanoma Cancer, Skin Cancer 

Discovery of T-cells Hidden in Bone

Marrow Can Help Beat Brain Cancer

N
ot a single type of immunotherapy is available or approved by
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating brain
cancer. None of the trials have borne good clinical results.
However, recently in a research at Duke University, a breakthrough
discovery has been made which may turn the tables around.
Peter E. Fecci, M.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Brain Tumor
Immunotherapy Program at the Department of Neurosurgery in Duke
University. He reveals the key information regarding the research;
researchers have found that the most integral parts of the immune
system known as T-cells which disappear from the immune system in
brain cancer, were found hidden in the bone marrow of the patients.
If we return these T-cells to their respective places, immunotherapy
can work better against brain cancer.

Discovery of T-cells Hidden in Bone Marrow Can Help Beat Brain Cancer 41
 Cancer tends to take upon the body’s immune system, causing T-cell
dysfunction which needs to be activated to reboot immune system.
GBM (glioblastoma) in particular is very immune suppressive tumor;
T-cell are actually missing in the body. Previously, it was thought
it occurred due to radiation or chemotherapy or maybe steroids
whereas it is discovered now that patient had an immune system of
an older person way before getting any treatment. T-cells were looked
for in the blood and spleen, but there weren’t any there as well as the
lymphoid organs appeared shrunken – an eccentric symptom to take
place.
Researchers then examined the bone marrow, for the reason that
maybe T-cells were not being produced enough but what they found
was surprising. Not only were the T-cells present in the bone marrow,
they were five times more than they should be. This was observed in
all the patients and mice who had brain cancer.
The case is not specific to brain cancer, be it lung cancer or breast cancer
or melanoma, the shrinkage of the spleens was only because T-cells
were hiding in the bone marrow. The problem of the dysfunction was
in T-cells; they were getting rid of the receptor called S1P1 which
would normally get them out of the bone marrow. Researchers
devised a way with a genetic alteration that caused these receptors to
stick with T-cells in mice; T-cells managed to get out and the immune
system activated quite well against the brain tumors.
The discovery is a big step forward, hopefully paving way for an FDA
approved immunotherapy for brain cancer.

42 Discovery of T-cells Hidden in Bone Marrow Can Help Beat Brain Cancer
Hope Stories 

Cancer Survivor, A Record Breaker

Cyclist, Sets Upon a New Challenge

J
ames Golding has survived cancer, not only once but twice. And
neither time did he let go of his strong will. After battling cancer
for the first time, he took part in a charity ride to celebrate the
first anniversary of being cleared off from cancer. In that ride, he was
involved in a car accident which he survived back in 2010.
After going through cancer twice, Golding set on a cycling spree and
succeeded in breaking the world record of total distance covered in
seven days through cycling by crossing 1,766.2 miles. This is one of
the most incredible achievements. Golding now is set upon a new
challenge, he is taking part in a big biking ride for charity. The ride
would include 1.136 km long route of the OVO Energy tour of Britain,
extending from Wales up to London.
The charity ride will be taken alongside Phil Jones, who is the
managing director of technology giant Brother UK. One day before
the professionals get into the saddle, Golding and Jones will complete
every stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain. The starting point of
the route is Pembrey Country Park situated in Wales, continuing till

Cancer Survivor, A Record Breaker Cyclist, Sets Upon a New Challenge 43

 London within eight days. It will begin on first September and call
into Warwickshire on the way.
The aim of the charity ride is to raise 50,000 pounds, depositing the
funds in Dave Rayner Fund. It is a voluntary organization that aims
to support young riders from Britain whose goal is to race abroad.
Golding tells that the ride and charity target was Phil’s idea as he
and his company were turning fifty this year. Golding considers Phil
as a great friend who has guided him in a lot of decisions regarding
business and in the pursuit of his goals.
The most important thing for Golding is that he gets to ride his bike
which he believes has steered him out of difficult situations. Golding
believes he is fortunate, he has beaten cancer twice, his second child
was born this year whereas he was told having a kid would be an
impossibility for him. He vigilantly follows his dream of supporting
young people with their goals.
Our hero was also named “Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of
Birmingham Awards” earlier this year, after having raised three-
million pounds for charity!

44 Cancer Survivor, A Record Breaker Cyclist, Sets Upon a New Challenge

Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer 

Breaking – Cancer Research Finds

Malaria Protein As a Method of
Diagnosing Cancer

B
reaking – cancer research finds malaria protein as the key to
diagnosing cancer, in a recent study. The scientists around the
world keep researching new ways to diagnose and treat cancer
effectively towards improving the overall survival rates of the
patients – all around the world.
In an attempt towards this direction, a team of researchers has found
malaria protein as the key to diagnosing cancer in its early stages. A
team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen discovered
the new method of detecting cancer. The findings of the research were
posted in Nature Communications that explained how the specific
malaria protein has the capability of detecting the early-stage cancer
cells found in blood.

Breaking – Cancer Research Finds Malaria Protein As a Method of Diagnosing Cancer 45

 The particular malaria protein has been found to stick to the cancer
cells in the blood samples – making it simpler to diagnose cancer in
its early stages. The team of researchers hopes that this method can be
immensely useful in effective cancer screenings in the coming future.
The development of effective cancer blood tests has been increasingly
difficult until now. To top it all, the large number of different types
of cancers makes it even more difficult to come across the single
biomarker that can be used in detecting all of them at once.
The specific malaria protein – referred to as “VAR2CSA”, acts like a
magnet to the tumor cells and thus, grips onto any cell that is found
to harbor the targeted sugar molecule. The research has already
yielded some amazing results. By making use of the malaria protein,
the researchers have been able to retrieve as many as 9 cancer cells
in the period.

46 Breaking – Cancer Research Finds Malaria Protein As a Method of Diagnosing Cancer

Breaking Cancer Research, Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Drug Proves Promising in

Phase III Clinical Trials

W
omen who have been diagnosed with advanced breast
cancer – carrying the BRCA1 & BRCA2 gene mutations, an
experimental cancer drug can help in improving the overall
survival rates.
The BRCA mutations are usually linked to enhancing the risk
for aggressive ovarian cancer & breast cancer. The drug, namely
“talazoparib,” is known for working by blocking the enzyme known as
PARP (Poly ADP ribose polymerase). Thus, the drug has been effective
in preventing cancer cells from killing the cells that are healthy.
In the phase III clinical trials of as many as 431 women – the trials were
funded by the makers of the drug, the women who received the drug
“talazoparib” were known to live longer without any progression of

Breast Cancer Drug Proves Promising in Phase III Clinical Trials 47

 the cancer cells than those who received the standard chemotherapy
sessions by an average of around three months.
Dr. Jennifer Litton – the lead researcher at the University of Texas, said
that for women having metastatic cancer and BRCA mutation, the
drugs which acted as PARP inhibitors could be highly recommended.
When the mutations are working properly, BRCA can actually help in
repairing the damaged DNA and preventing tumors, while BRCA1 &
BRCA2 go against each other and could encourage the breast cancer
cells.
The PARP inhibitors are known to block the additional DNA repairing
pathway. The anti-tumor effects of the drug “talazoparib” – the PARP
inhibitor can be encouraged in the patients having BRCA mutations.
Hopes still continue towards investigating the utilization of the PARP
inhibitors in the patients having breast cancer with BRCA mutations.

48 Breast Cancer Drug Proves Promising in Phase III Clinical Trials

Brain Cancer, Breaking Cancer Research 

New Chemical Found That Can

Cause Self-Destruction in the
Brain Cancer Cells

G
lioblastoma is a fatal form of brain cancer. The tumors of
Glioblastoma emerge from the supportive tissues of the brain–
getting an ample supply of blood. This makes the treatment of
brain cancer even more difficult as the malignant cells continue to
multiply rapidly.
However, new research that has been carried out by the team of
researchers might serve to be the solution for brain cancer – that
could stop the brain cancer cells from spreading out too fast. The
research has discovered a new synthetic chemical compound known
as the “KHS101” – which is responsible for cutting off the “energy
supply” to the brain cancer cells.

New Chemical Found That Can Cause Self-Destruction in the Brain Cancer Cells 49

 A UK-led study carried out by the team of international scientists
at the University of Leeds has reported that this chemical might
begin addressing the decade-long absence of the potential for new
treatments for brain cancer.
The new chemical – KHS101 works by disrupting the activities of the
mitochondria – the battery powerhouse which is known to power the
cells of the organisms along with the metabolism in the tumor cells.
Dr. Heiko Wurdak – the professor at the University of Leeds, said
that when they started the research, they thought that the chemical
KHS101 might help in slowing down the growth of glioblastoma.
However, they were surprised to find that the chemical resulted in the
self-destruction of the brain cancer cells when they were exposed to it.
While the results of the findings seem encouraging, experimental
rigorous testing is further required before trying out the KHS101 on
the patients.

50 New Chemical Found That Can Cause Self-Destruction in the Brain Cancer Cells

Brain Cancer, Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer Technology

Emerging Hopeful Glioblastoma

Treatments

C
ancer is one of the biggest burdens on society and a global
health issue. A great deal of sustained effort is being poured into
research and clinical trials, and even though progress is steady,
current treatment options are still limited and not as effective for all
cases.
The term cancer describes a series of diseases that cause unregulated
cell growth, and in the case of glioblastoma, it is glial cells. They have
a role in modulating nerve signal propagation, controlling the uptake
of neurotransmitters, but also neural recovery and local immunity,
some of the most important tasks required for good brain functioning.
A glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain malignancy, accounting
for about 17% of all brain tumors and with a mortality rate of more
than 15.000 cases each year. For some decades now, the standard
treatment consisted of surgery and heavy chemotherapy, with limited
success. New targeted approaches are being developed, safer and
promising better results.

Emerging Hopeful Glioblastoma Treatments 51

 Genetic research is being used to try and suppress the MDA-9/
Syntenin gene causing widespread death among tumor cells. By
altering autophagy, the process through which the brain clears debris
and performs maintenance, this method would essentially allow the
destruction of affected cells from within.
Another treatment option that is currently being tested involves the
DCVax-L vaccine. This is a procedure where cancer cells are harvested
from patients, the dendritic cells reprogrammed to target those specific
mutations, and then injected back. Trials are still going, but results
so far are promising. There are significant improvements in survival
rates, around 30% for the initial 30 months and more than 25% at
the three-year mark.
These innovative new therapies have shown their effectiveness and
will help improve the lives of millions of people struggling with the
terrible diagnosis of glioblastoma.

52 Emerging Hopeful Glioblastoma Treatments

Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer,
Healthy Lifestyles, Lung Cancer, Prevention

Apples Reduce Chance of Cancer

With Up To 25%

I
t seems that the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”
might actually have a seed of truth.
A massive investigative project was conducted by researchers
from the University of Perugia into claims that a natural diet full of
vegetables and fruits does actually influence the risk of developing
cancer. While there was a lot of information on the subject, reports
varied considerably – big differences in terms of sample sizes, intake
amounts, span of time etc.
Out of all the possible candidates, they settled on apples. “Our
interest was attracted by apples as they are the most consumed fruit
in European countries and a rich source of phytochemicals”.

Apples Reduce Chance of Cancer With Up To 25% 53

 They scoured through thousands of studies and reports from medical
literature (on PubMed, Web of Science and Embase) and concluded
that “the current meta-analysis provides convincing evidence
supporting the hypothesis of the protective ability of apples in the
aetiology of cancer”.
“A significant reduction of risk was observed” with colorectal cancer
and breast cancer, and a high intake of apple was “significantly
associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer”. The levels of influence
varied, but in some cases, it ranged up to 25%.
“Apple consumption was associated with a reduced risk of cancer in
the lung, colon-rectum, oral cavity, digestive tract and breast.”
Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are
cheap, available all year round and there are a number of options
to choose from. Have an apple a day so that you too can keep the
oncologist away!

54 Apples Reduce Chance of Cancer With Up To 25%

Endometrial Cancer, Ovarian Cancer 

Researchers Explore Gene Therapy to

Treat Endometrial Cancer

G
enetic studies have brought a great contribution to the
understanding and treatment of many conditions and diseases.
Scientists from Australia are hoping to explain the mechanisms
behind ovarian cancer and possibly come up with a more effective
form of therapy
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of
malignancy worldwide. Because of the lack of awareness and the fact
that signs are often neglected, conventional treatments are not always
efficient enough.
Caroline Ford, a leading researcher at the University of New South
Wales in Australia, has been doing important research, focusing on
two genes that appear mostly at the initial stages of development.
ROR1 and ROR2 are thought to be responsible for promoting
metastasis and the rapid growth and spread of tumors.

Researchers Explore Gene Therapy to Treat Endometrial Cancer 55

 She addresses the issue by saying: “I hope that through our work we
can make it easier for women to be tested for gynecological cancers
and that as a society we can remove the awkwardness and stigma that
prevents women seeking medical advice.”
Mrs. Ford is eager to replicate and further the results of a clinical test
for Cirmtuzumab, a drug that targets ROR1 in patients with chronic
lymphocytic leukemia and apply it to ovarian cancer. If successful,
she is hoping that it might open the door for other types of cancer,
in particular endometrial. Even though it has a lower mortality rate,
a significant percentage of patients develop an aggressive form of the
disease.
“For those with a less aggressive type of endometrial cancer, the
treatment is more often than not a hysterectomy, which still means
they must undergo major invasive surgery”, she noted.
With determined and dedicated doctors, such as Caroline Ford,
it seems like only a matter of time before more efficient personalized
treatments specifically tailored for each patient to become the standard
form of therapy.

56 Researchers Explore Gene Therapy to Treat Endometrial Cancer

Breaking Cancer Research, Mesothelioma Cancer 

New Treatment to Prevent Pleural

Mesothelioma Recurrence

O
ne of the biggest problems with treating any type of cancer is
trying to limit the chances of the disease coming back. Italian
scientists have come up with an ingenious way of concentrating
the therapy on a specific area.
The standard course of treatment for pleural mesothelioma patients
is radiation followed by surgery and then intravenous chemotherapy
drugs. The procedure has limited success in preventing recurrence and
has also the downside of making patients suffer the toxic side effects
of the drugs, reducing their quality of life.
One emerging alternative solution comes from Italy and involves
placing a polymer film coated with cancer drugs, pemetrexed and
cisplatin, directly on the mesothelial surface right after the operation.
This method has shown very little toxic side effects and allows for
higher concentration drugs to be administered.

New Treatment to Prevent Pleural Mesothelioma Recurrence 57

 Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of asbestos-related
cancers and affects the outer lining of the lungs and inner lining of
the chest cavities. It has a long period of latency and can take from
20 to 50 years to manifest, after initial exposure.
The study suggests that “The local administration of drug-loaded
polymer implants appears an ideal chemotherapy strategy especially
for patients in which surgery is already selected as a viable therapeutic
option.”
The material is hydrophilic, thin and flexible and at the same time
sufficiently resistant to be inserted intrapleurally. It only takes about
two hours for the drugs to permeate the tissue.
It is these sorts of targeted treatments that will provide the best results
both in terms of efficiency and when it comes to patient safety and
wellbeing.

58 New Treatment to Prevent Pleural Mesothelioma Recurrence

Breast Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles 

Safe Amount of Alcohol to Drink Is Zero

I
n moderation, alcohol is generally considered to be safe and even
thought to provide some health benefits. A recent study comes and
contradicts many of these previous claims and recommends as little
consumption as possible.
An extended international project involving 195 countries and
spanning for more than two and a half decades, brought to light
some concerning data. While there is some data supporting the idea
that moderate drinking can be beneficial for some specific diseases,
in particular heart disease and diabetes, the study warns that “these
protective effects were offset by the risks associated with cancers,
which increased monotonically with consumption”.
The article, published in The Lancet, provides a number of worrying
statistics. For example, it was estimated that in 2016, alcohol use led
to 2.8 million deaths worldwide and was the primary risk factor in
premature death and disability among people with ages between 15

Safe Amount of Alcohol to Drink Is Zero 59

 and 49 years. Young people are more at risk, especially men, as their
attributable burden was about three times greater than for women.
The authors suggest that past findings are not as reliable as previously
believed, because of small sample sizes, inadequate conditions of
testing, non-optimal choices for control groups and results focused
on specific conditions and not overall health.
With more than 2.4 billion regular drinkers, the study alerts that
alcohol use is becoming a global issue and that the measures proposed
by the World Health Organization might not be enough. It urges
governments and lawmakers to take action as the “results point to a
need to revisit alcohol control policies and health programmes”.
The paper concludes that: “We found that the risk of all-cause
mortality, and of cancers specifically, rises with increasing levels of
consumption, and the level of consumption that minimises health
loss is zero. These results suggest that alcohol control policies might
need to be revised worldwide, refocusing on efforts to lower overall
population-level consumption”.

60 Safe Amount of Alcohol to Drink Is Zero

Breaking Cancer Research, Healthy Lifestyles, Prostate Cancer 

New Five Minute Procedure to Help With

Enlarged Prostate

W
hile it is not considered a serious health issue, an enlarged
prostate creates considerable discomfort and can lead to a
series of associated problems. This new treatment does not
involve any surgery and presents minimal side effects.
It is estimated that 50% of men over the age of 60 will show signs
of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH), and as
time passes, the percentage also increases. BPH happens when the
urethra narrows and the bladder needs to exert more pressure leading
to the bladder muscle to contract even when it shouldn’t. This results
in frequent trips to the bathroom and a constant feeling of uneasiness.
An enlarged prostate does not increase the risk or is an indication
of cancer, but symptoms can be similar to a regular checkup is
recommended. Left untreated, patients can develop some related
issues, like bladder stones, infections, damage to kidneys.

New Five Minute Procedure to Help With Enlarged Prostate 61

 There is a surgical option that is effective, transurethral resection of
the prostate (TURP), but it is often avoided because of possible risks
including bleedings and erectile dysfunctions.
A breakthrough minimally invasive procedure, called Rezum, could
become the new standard. Under local anesthetic, a thin tube is
inserted into the urethra, and bursts of steam are directed towards the
prostate. This reduces the surrounding tissue and shrinks the gland.
This form of therapy offers a quicker recovery, less inconvenience and
is comparable with TURP on effectiveness, but with fewer adverse
effects.
Professor Hashim Ahmed of Hampshire Hospitals, one of the doctors
that performed the first interventions, said that “This treatment will
not only be a better alternative for men facing a longer procedure
with added recovery time but we can also offer to those who are on
life-long medication who opted not to have surgery because they were
worried about side effects of traditional surgery.”

62 New Five Minute Procedure to Help With Enlarged Prostate

Healthy Lifestyles, Prevention, Thyroid Cancer 

Why You Should Start Drinking

Chamomile Tea Today

N
ature has always provided a helping hand when needed, and
it is fascinating to see that even serious diseases with which
modern medicine is struggling today, like cancer, could have a
more simple answer at hand.
Chamomile describes a series of plants similar to daisies that have
been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. Going back
to ancient Egypt, a cup of tea would be a common remedy for fever,
pains or infections, while oils would be used in aromatherapy and
embalming.
In the present day, chamomile is a typical ingredient for cosmetic
products (creams, oils), in cooking recipes (aromatic sweets or drinks)
and a number of medications treating anything from the common
cold to cardiovascular diseases.

Why You Should Start Drinking Chamomile Tea Today 63

 The most substantial health benefit was highlighted by a 2015 study
which suggested that chamomile tea could have a role in reducing the
risk of thyroid cancer. Clinical trials were conducted in Greece and
involved 113 patients with thyroid cancer, 286 with benign thyroid
diseases and a test group of 138 people. The test consisted of drinking
one to six cups of tea per week, over the course of several years.
Results were surprising and showed that long-term usage was linked
with a significant reduction of almost 70 to 80 percent.
The article concludes that: “Our findings suggest for the first time
that drinking herbal teas, especially chamomile, protects from thyroid
cancer as well as other benign thyroid diseases”.
It seems that the effect can be attributed to the polyphenols, flavonoids,
and catechin which abound in chamomile. The antioxidant elements
help the thyroid gland regulate the metabolism and produce thyroid
hormone biosynthesis.
Chamomile is generally well tolerated, but you should avoid it if
you know to have an allergy to plants such as chrysanthemum or
marigold.
Have a cup of chamomile tea and sleep well, knowing that mother
nature is protecting you!

64 Why You Should Start Drinking Chamomile Tea Today

Blood Cancer, Leukemia Cancer 

Cholesterol-Lowering Drug, Statin,

Can Better Blood Cancer Treatments

L
eukemia initiates in bone marrow, where blood cells are formed,
causing accumulation of abnormal white blood cells. The most
common type of blood cancer is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
(CLL). Venetoclax is the drug federally approved which is used to
treat blood cancers.
Venetoclax activates particular pathways that regulate cell death,
hence promoting cancer cell death in CLL. The drug is a better
alternative than chemotherapy. However, a recent study, appearing
in Science Translational Medicine, reveals that cholesterol-lowering
drug, Statin, shows anti-cancer functions against multiple forms of
cancer.
Statin puts a stop to a specific pathway that reduces cholesterol
production in the body, however, this blockage also leads to lowering

Cholesterol-Lowering Drug, Statin, Can Better Blood Cancer Treatments 65

 the production of proteins that promote cancer growth. Researchers
from the University of California have now conducted an experiment
on combining the two drugs, Venetoclax and Statin, to see if it can
better the treatment of blood cancer.
The combination of Venetoclax and Statin was tested in a cancer cell
culture. It was found that this combo can better kill cancer cells than
either of them alone. Similar results were observed in a preclinical
animal model of lymphoma. Further conducted experiments confirmed
which pathways were altered that led to enhance the anti-cancer effect
of Venetoclax.
Past clinical studies reveal that intake of Statin alongside Venetoclax
triggered more response in CLL patients. The findings, therefore, are
more supported. The data further shows that Statins can alter the
biology of CLL cells in such a way that they are more susceptible to
Venetoclax effect. Presence of this clinical data proffers a profound
ground upon which further studies will be conducted to better the
treatment of blood cancers.

66 Cholesterol-Lowering Drug, Statin, Can Better Blood Cancer Treatments

Lung Cancer

Nivolumab Receives FDA Accelerated

Approval for Treating Small Cell Lung
Cancer

F
or the first time, almost after two decades, a new drug has gained
FDA approval for treating metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
The drug, nivolumab, has been approved for those patients who
have not gone through a successful platinum-based chemotherapy or
any other type. Nivolumab now is the first ever immuno-oncology
drug for this disease.
The study that backs up FDA’s approval involves patients who have
metastatic or advanced tumors and platinum-based chemotherapy has
failed to stop the progression of their cancer. 109 such patients were
given 3mg/kg nivolumab, in every two weeks, without any regard
to PD-L1 status. Tumor assessment was started six weeks after the

Nivolumab Receives FDA Accelerated Approval for Treating Small Cell Lung Cancer 67
 treatment and subsequent six weeks for six months. Later on, the
assessment was done after every 12 weeks.
According to the data from Blinded Independent Central Review,
13 patients showed a complete response to the therapy, 12 patients
exhibited partial response and 1 patient showed a full response to the
therapy. Average response duration was 17.9 months for a patient
who showed a response.
As for the AEs (adverse events), dyspnea, pneumonitis, pneumonia,
dehydration and pleural effusion were noticed in 2% of the
patients. Common AEs consisted of constipation, cough, dyspnea,
musculoskeletal pain, low appetite, diarrhea, nausea and fatigue in
about 20% of the patient.
Keeping the overall response rate in view, FDA gave accelerated
approval to the use of Nivolumab. The response duration was also
better. Approval will be continued if further supported by future
studies.

68 Nivolumab Receives FDA Accelerated Approval for Treating Small Cell Lung Cancer
Colorectal Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Prevention

Prevent Colon Cancer with These

Six Foods

A
part from genetic factor, colon cancer can be kept at bay if you
take care of your diet. The risk of this disease increases with age
and maintaining a diet benefiting your gut health can protect
you. Here are six foods that can push away the risk of colorectal
cancer.
Recently, a new research has revealed that certain leafy green
vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and kale can help prevent colon
cancer, regulating the gut’s health. The digestion of these vegetables
produces a compound called indole-3-carbinol I3C that lowers
inflammation in mice with cancer and lowers the risk of colon cancer
in mice altogether. This compound decreased the number of tumors
in mice with colon cancer.

Prevent Colon Cancer with These Six Foods 69

 Cheese is commonly regarded as not so healthy food; however, its
moderate intake can do wonders for your health. It has a rich content
of calcium and good calcium level is known to lower colon cancer
risk. Adding a slice of cheese into your sandwich can benefit your gut.
A diet which is high in whole grains also lowers the risk of colon
cancer. Brown rice, whole wheat bread instead of white bread, pastas
can lower the risk of colon cancer. In contrast, a diet containing
processed meats and red meat increases the risk of colon cancer.
Lycopene is a phytochemical known to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Tomatoes and tomatoes containing products like ketchup contains
lycopene. Adding few tomatoes in your sandwich or salad can cut
away the risk of colon cancer. It effectively inhibits the growth of
colon cancer cells.
Fish such as salmon and mackerel have a compound called Omega-3s
that lowers the risk of colon cancer. Patients of colon cancer ingesting
salmon or mackerel can actually diminish the possibility of dying
from this disease. Swap that piece of red meat steak with a good piece
of salmon and help your body fight colon cancer!
Lastly, food with higher content of fiber can keep colon cancer at
bay. Especially, kidney beans and legumes are full of fiber, lowering
colon cancer risk. Beans are thought to prevent any form of tumors
producing in the colorectal area.
Hence, a diet rich in these six foods can help you fight colorectal
cancer and make your gut healthier than ever.

70 Prevent Colon Cancer with These Six Foods

Blood Cancer, Liver Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer 

Cancer Blood Test Based on Protein

Produced by Malarial Parasite can
Revolutionize Cancer 

E
xisting cancer blood tests utilize antibodies that can bind to
various kinds of cell surface proteins associated with cancer. Not
all cancers have such markers and the biggest difficulty in the
field of oncology is the accuracy of determining the stage at which
the cancer is.
However, a new research by Danish researchers can turn the tables
around. The method of detection pertains to a 2015 discovery,
according to which, a protein produced by malarial parasite, can
stick to cell-surface cancer cells whose occurrence is observed in 95%
cancer types. Applying this concept in the laboratory, they infused a
magnetic bead into a synthetically made malarial protein known as
rVAR2 and released it into a blood sample. Remarkably, the protein

Cancer Blood Test Based on Protein Produced by Malarial Parasite can Revolutionize Cancer  71
 bound to the malignant circulating tumor cells (CTCs) only and the
researchers were able to isolate tumors from healthy cells through a
magnet.
Repetitive studies are required to demonstrate the results further,
however, published in Nature Communications, the results of the
research claim to not only detect cancer at stage 1 (before it spreads)
but at any other stage. It may also detect the phase in which cells of
the primary tumor transform into an invasive migratory mode, yet to
settle into secondary tumor formation. This phase otherwise is very
hard to detect. Metastatic cancer causes about 90 percent of death
due to cancer (7.4 million people worldwide).
Lead author, Ali Salanti, claims that this method can detect a substantial
number of cancer cells than any existing test. The researchers
conducted the experiment on prostate, colorectal, breast, lung cancers,
osteosarcoma and melanoma cell lines. The protein was found to stick
to all cancer cell types, bypassing healthy cells, particularly in liver,
lung and pancreatic cancer cases. When 10 isolated pancreatic cancer
cells were added into multiple healthy blood samples containing
about 25 billion RBCs and 35 million WBCs, rVAR2 caught 8 to 9
cancer cells each time.
Salanti adds that based upon the number of tumor cells their method
catches, it would be easy to tell whether a cancer is aggressive or not
and respective treatment could be given as soon as possible.
Having conducted the experiment with successful results in a large
pool of pancreatic cancer patients, hopefully, this new cancer blood
test is hoped to serve as the most efficient form of detecting cancer
at any stage!

72 Cancer Blood Test Based on Protein Produced by Malarial Parasite can Revolutionize Cancer 
Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma Cancer,
Ovarian Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer 

Mesothelin Targeted CAR T-Cell

Therapy Shows Efficacy in Early Stages
of Treatment

A
recent ongoing study has tested Mesothelin-targeted (CAR)
T-cell Therapy and it showed efficacy within the phase one of
the trial, in patients with mesothelioma, pleural disease, breast
cancer, non-small cell lung cancer. Followed by PD-1 checkpoint
inhibition treatment showed better results with hard-to-treat solid
tumors. The results have been announced at American Society of Gene
and Cell Therapy 2018 Annual Meeting.
Mesothelin is a beneficial therapeutic target as its presence is not
observed on normal mesothelial cells. It is a cell-surface antigen that
helps in differentiating tumors and is present in many cancers such
as pancreatic, lung, pleural, breast, ovarian and mesothelioma itself.

Mesothelin Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Efficacy in Early Stages of Treatment 73

 13 patients have been treated in the phase 1 trial of the study, infused
with mesothelin targeted iCasM28z CAR T-cell therapy. Single
doses varying from 3×105 cells/kg to 1×107 cells/kg of CAR T-cell
therapy were given across six cohorts. The cohort from 2 to 6 was
also preconditioned with 1.5 g/m2 intravenous cyclophosphamide.
11 out of 13 patients are alive still. One patient out of the 10 which
received cyclophosphamide showed a full metabolic response and one
other patient showed a partial response. Three of these patients had
stabilized the disease. 8 out of the 10 patients had CAR t-cells in their
peripheral blood.
Clinical AEs (adverse events) included pleuritis, pericarditis and
peritonitis with 1 patient developing grade 3 febrile neutropenia
induced by cyclophosphamide.
Based on the preclinical evidence, 6 patients were treated with
subsequent PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint inhibition treatment. All of these
patients are still alive at the data cutoff. One of these 6 patients showed
a full metabolic response, two experienced partial response, one
acquired stabilized disease, with 2 patients experiencing progressive
disease. Five of these patients didn’t undergo any following therapies
with the presence of CAR T-cell still observed in their peripheral
blood. No serious AEs exceeding grade 2 have been noticed following
anti-PD-1 Therapy.
The efficacy of this treatment has been pointed out in 73-years
old mesothelioma patient by Abdusumilli (principal investigator
in the study). He received 3×105 cells/kg dose of iCasM28z CAR
T-cell therapy with cyclophosphamide, followed by Keytruda. He
has experienced full metabolic response with the presence of CAR
T-cells in peripheral blood and tissue even by the end of 32 weeks.
The patient has not undergone any subsequent treatments even after
approximately a year.
Hence, this therapy portrays early signs of efficacy in the treatment of
cancers with mesothelin tumor-differentiation antigen.

74 Mesothelin Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Efficacy in Early Stages of Treatment

Brain Cancer

Additional Inhibitor Could Reduce Brain

Cancer Resistance to Treatment

R
esistance to treatment is one of the biggest issues when treating
glioblastoma. The addition of a new inhibitor to the process
could make the tumors far more susceptible to treatment and
drastically improve success rates.
According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, more than
24,000 new cases of malignant glioblastoma are discovered each year
in the United States, making it one of the most common primary
brain tumors. Because of its aggressive nature, the median survival
rate for patients is just 14 months, so finding better therapy courses
is a priority.
One current treatment option recommended for brain cancer works
by effectively preventing the tumor from accessing blood vessels by
targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thus cutting off
its supply of energy and oxygen.

Additional Inhibitor Could Reduce Brain Cancer Resistance to Treatment 75

 Initial results were somewhat underwhelming until researchers
identified another platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) that was
being used by the tumor to protect itself. The cancer was mutating
the endothelial cells, making them resistant to anti-VEGF therapies.
Inhibiting this PDGF/NF-κB/Snail pathway stopped the tumor
endothelial cells from transforming, rendering the cancer vulnerable.
“This could be the key to solving the biggest problem in the field of
anti-vascular cancer therapies,” said assistant professor of Radiation
Oncology at Penn Yi Fan, MD, Ph.D. “Tumors are highly resistant
to anti-VEGF therapies alone, but our study shows the flaw is in the
current treatment, not the concept itself”.
The study opens up some very promising opportunities and could
become an important stepping stone for new and improved cancer
treatment therapies

76 Additional Inhibitor Could Reduce Brain Cancer Resistance to Treatment

Breaking Cancer Research, Prostate Cancer 

Adelaide Researchers Looking for Better

Treatment for Prostate Cancer

D
r. Luke Selth and Professor Lisa Butler, University of Adelaide’s
Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men’s Health, struggle to
find better treatments with accurate tools to efficiently diagnose
prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most frequent non-skin-based
cancer, affecting more than 18,000 Australian men and taking 3000
lives each year.
Luke and his team are focusing on two areas of prostate cancer. One
of these is Androgen Receptor (AR) that mainly drives prostate cancer
growth. The effort to study this area more is due to the fact that only
survival benefiting therapies are available which do not actually kill
the cancer. The second area is microRNAs which, according to Luke,
promote and inhibit metastasis; they have the ability to prevent the
process and can be used as markers of aggressive prostate cancer due
to their leakage in the blood from the tumors.

Adelaide Researchers Looking for Better Treatment for Prostate Cancer 77

 Thompson, 76-years old prostate cancer patient, talks about radiation
and hormone therapy that caused him serious side effects. He discusses
how the problem with prostate cancer is that no such technology has
been established that can detect whether the cancer is aggressive or
passive, and lack of that knowledge makes the treatment difficult.
Thompson’s friend, Priori, has also undergone the same treatment but
he faces mild side effects, with weight gain from hormone therapy as
the major problem, even though he actively rides his bike.
Professor Butler focuses her research on finding new medical tests that
can provide more information about the progress of the cancer when
it is first diagnosed. Options for treatments are limited with most
patients being treated in the same manner. The goal of these tests is
to provide the right treatment at the right time. Butler and her team
focus on molecules called “lipids”, instead of microRNAs, which can
indicate aggressiveness of prostate cancer as well as lifestyle impact
on diet and obesity.
Both researchers admit that a lot of advanced discoveries and
therapies are coming forth in the past five years of research. These
breakthroughs indicate the progress of understanding how to treat
prostate cancer. Multiple treatment options are being developed.
Seth claims to have seen the most aggressive state of this disease
being treated with substantial improvements. This motivates Seth to
be strongly devoted to the research because, for him, it genuinely
impacts “patients and society”.
Such continuous research will surely bring more profound results.

78 Adelaide Researchers Looking for Better Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Blood Cancer, Breaking Cancer Research

Innovative Genetic Testing Service to

Help Cancer Patients

A
partnership program between Pathology Queensland and Metro
South Hospital and Health Service is offering a breakthrough
genetic service meant to improve medical care for cancer patients.
At the new Australian Translational Genomics Centre (ATGC),
researchers have identified and classified genetic mutations in 100
patients suffering from blood cancer. They are hoping that data
collected from examining exome sequencing will help doctors make
a better prognosis and suggest the likely response for the different
treatment options.
“For 75 percent of patients the genetic mutations that were identified
could inform doctors about how the patients would respond to
particular treatments for their cancers, allowing personalised

Innovative Genetic Testing Service to Help Cancer Patients 79

 treatment to improve patient outcomes and avoid procedures not
likely to be effective”, according to the press release.
This type of next-generation DNA testing has proven to be very
effective especially for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, which
combined represent the third largest cause of cancer deaths in
Australia.
Professor Matt Brown, ATGC Director, noted that “in 60 percent
of all the blood cancer patients tested, clinically informative genetic
mutations were identified that had not been picked up by current
standard genetic testing”.
The technology is also being used to help doctors determine if a
leukemia patient requires a bone marrow transplant or not.
Dr. Brown added that “Queensland already has outstanding clinical
services for blood cancer patients, and our testing has given these
expert clinicians guidance as to how to provide the best possible
treatment for blood cancer patients in three out of four patients
tested”.
The program is expanding and scientists hope to apply this sort of
diagnostic tool for other types of cancer as well.

80 Innovative Genetic Testing Service to Help Cancer Patients

Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention 

Beating Cancer by Discovering the

Benefits of Beetroot

B
eets have been long known to have amazing health benefits by
serving as nutritional sources of natural foods. However, in the
recent times, more than ever, beetroots have been scientifically
proven to have additional nutritional values and can help in the
prevention of cancer.
Labeled as “beetroot chemotherapy” after research by some health
experts, the scientific research finds that there have been surprising
cases of remission in the cancer patients who were asked to consume
beetroot on a daily basis.
Beetroot is a famous root vegetable – with its characteristic red color.
The vegetable is also rich in various nutrients including potassium,
manganese, iron, sulfur, magnesium, phosphorus, and several other
minerals. In addition to the nutrition importance, the additional

Beating Cancer by Discovering the Benefits of Beetroot 81

 combination of certain elements along with specific concentrations –
helps in the prevention of cancer.
Beetroots are low-calorie foods that are full of nutrients. The overall
health benefits of beetroots are extensive. The vegetable is also rich in
antioxidants which can help in reducing the risks of chronic diseases
including dementia, heart diseases, type2 diabetes, and even cancer.
The potassium in the vegetable plays a vital role in the regulation of
blood pressure. As with other plant foods, the team of researchers has
examined the potential impact of beet inflammation. It was discovered
that beetroot has anti-inflammatory effects and thus, reduces the risks
of heart diseases, oxidative stress, and cognitive impairment caused
by free radicals. However, more research is required in the field to
understand the effects of beetroot in supplementing the overall human
health.
As beets are vegetables that are completely healthy to consume, one
of the biggest advantages to cancer-fighting from beetroots is that
you do not have to worry about any side effects while including this
in your daily lifestyle.
Beets have been long known to have amazing health benefits by
serving as nutritional sources of natural foods. However, in the recent
times, more than ever, beetroots have been scientifically proven to
have additional nutritional values and can help in the prevention of
cancer.
Labeled as “beetroot chemotherapy” after research by some health
experts, the scientific research finds that there have been surprising
cases of remission in the cancer patients who were asked to consume
beetroot on a daily basis.
Beetroot is a famous root vegetable – with its characteristic red color.
The vegetable is also rich in various nutrients including potassium,
manganese, iron, sulfur, magnesium, phosphorus, and several other
minerals. In addition to the nutrition importance, the additional
combination of certain elements along with specific concentrations –
helps in the prevention of cancer.
Beetroots are low-calorie foods that are full of nutrients. The overall
health benefits of beetroots are extensive. The vegetable is also rich in

82 Beating Cancer by Discovering the Benefits of Beetroot

antioxidants which can help in reducing the risks of chronic diseases
including dementia, heart diseases, type2 diabetes, and even cancer.
The potassium in the vegetable plays a vital role in the regulation of
blood pressure. As with other plant foods, the team of researchers has
examined the potential impact of beet inflammation. It was discovered
that beetroot has anti-inflammatory effects and thus, reduces the risks
of heart diseases, oxidative stress, and cognitive impairment caused
by free radicals. However, more research is required in the field to
understand the effects of beetroot in supplementing the overall human
health.
As beets are vegetables that are completely healthy to consume, one
of the biggest advantages to cancer-fighting from beetroots is that
you do not have to worry about any side effects while including this
in your daily lifestyle.

Beating Cancer by Discovering the Benefits of Beetroot 83

 Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer

Cancer-Targeted Immunotherapy for

Offering Protection Against Metastases

A
team of medical scientists at the VIB-UGent Center for Medical
Biotechnology has recently taken remedial steps towards the
development of the cancer-targeted immunotherapy for offering
protection against metastases. The research team has been successful
in developing a treatment in mice that can successfully destroy a part
of the tumor. In addition to this, the new form of cancer-targeted
treatment will also help in stimulating the body’s immune system for
attacking persistent cancer surviving cells.
The team of researchers has demonstrated that the treatment would
also provide protection against the development of tumor formation
in other parts of the body as well. The results of the research have
been published in Nature Communications.
Treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy are effective in
destroying the cancer cells. However, these treatments also tend to

84 Cancer-Targeted Immunotherapy for Offering Protection Against Metastases

destroy the healthy cells of the human body. Developing on the given
knowledge, the team of researchers went forward with looking for
an effective way to provoke necroptosis in the cancer cells. Thus,
this will help in teaching the healthy immune system of the body to
fight against the disease by attacking the tumor cells. The team of
researchers went ahead with exploring “MLKL” – a type of protein
that plays a vital role in the process of necroptosis for the purpose of
the research goal.
The leading member of the research team stated that they have been
successful in developing the cancer-targeted immune therapy that can
cause a part of the cancer cells to generate the MLKL protein and
then, activate the body’s immune system. This will attack the tumor
cells that must have survived after the initial treatment.
The given cancer-targeted research of treatments not only inhibits
the growth of primary tumors but will also offer protection against
disseminated and untreated tumors.

Cancer-Targeted Immunotherapy for Offering Protection Against Metastases 85

 Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer Cures, Leukemia Cancer 

Cure for Acute Leukemia Within Reach -

First Time in 40 Years

A
cute leukemia happens to be one of the most aggressive forms
of cancer out there. While other forms of cancer might have
received the benefits of some type of cure & treatments, there
has not been any positive news when it comes to the patients having
acute leukemia – until now!
In new research, the team of researchers at the Hebrew University
of Jerusalem has come up with the all-new biological drug that can
help in treating leukemia. Professor Yinon Ben-Neriah along with his
research team at the university has developed the biological drug that
has been tested positive for around 50 percent of the lab mice tests
having acute myeloid leukemia.
Myeloid leukemia is responsible for producing a high quantity of
the specific type of proteins – together they form up the leukemic

86 Cure for Acute Leukemia Within Reach - First Time in 40 Years

cells that promote rapid growth and eventually death protection from
treatments like chemotherapy.
Until now, most of the biological drugs for treating acute leukemia
had been targeting only the individual leukemic proteins. However,
in the latest “targeted therapy” treatments, most of the leukemic cells
rapidly activated the other subsequent proteins for blocking the drug.
The result was that the leukemic cells became resistant to the drugs
and this led to the renewal of the disease.
However, the all-new biological drug developed by the team of
researchers led by Ben-Neriah functions like a group bomb. It is
known for attacking several leukemic cells at a time. Thus, it makes
it difficult for the leukemic cells to reactivate the other proteins that
could evade the therapy. In addition to this, the drug also accomplishes
the task of 2-3 individual drugs – reducing the exposure of the cancer
patients to additional treatments and the unnecessary need for dealing
with the potential side effects

Cure for Acute Leukemia Within Reach - First Time in 40 Years 87

 Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention 

Benefits of Having Carrots Everyday

V
ibrant orange carrots are much healthier than you expected
when you consume it on a daily basis. A lifestyle with “a carrot a
day” can help in the prevention of several diseases and promote
healthy nutrition all over.
Carrots are known to lower the risk of heart attack, reduce cholesterol
levels, reduce the signs of premature aging, improve vision significantly,
and also help in the prevention of various types of cancers – a recent
study suggests. In addition to these nutritional benefits, when you eat
carrots on a daily basis, it can also help in improving the quality of
skin, improving digestion, boosting the immune system, detoxifying
the body, boosting oral health, and protecting from a wide range of
cardiovascular diseases.
Carrots are low in calories and contain no fat. To top it all, they are
responsible for supplying significant doses of essential vitamins &
minerals to the body. While they might be immensely beneficial on

88 Benefits of Having Carrots Everyday

their own, carrots also contain mild flavor that makes them a versatile
nutritional component to be added to several types of delicious recipes.
Daucus Carrots are the most common types of vegetables that are
grown across the world. The carrots are also utilized in a wide range
of delicious dishes and cuisines all over the world. The major benefits
of the carrots could be contributed to the presence of fiber and beta-
carotene content. Carrots are also good sources of vitamins A, K,
C, B8, antioxidants, potassium, folate, iron, copper, and manganese.
Carrot oil is considered great for hair & skin.
Carrots also have antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help in
boosting the overall immune system of the body. So, next time you
are craving for some snack time, why not grab these healthy, fresh
veggies for optimum health?

Benefits of Having Carrots Everyday 89

 Blood Cancer, Breaking Cancer Research 

A Recent Ground-Breaking Study Could

Minimize the Side Effects of CAR T-Cell
Therapy

C
ar T-cell immunotherapy has shown results where it has cleaned
swept the diseases in terminal cases, however, still, there are cases
where there are not successes and patients still suffer some fatal
side effects. Hopefully, a study conducted by Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson
Cancer Research Center might eradicate these side effects and look
into differing aspects of these treatments.
Researchers examined the two main parts of CAR T-cell therapy; the
T-cells of the patients that fight against the disease and a synthetic
CAR (chimeric antigen receptor), fed into those T-cells to assist them
finding and destroying cancer cells, through the process of signaling.
Dr. Stan Riddell, Fred Hutch’s immunotherapy research center’s leader,
says that the mechanism of this signaling by the receptors is learned in

90 A Recent Ground-Breaking Study Could Minimize the Side Effects of CAR T-Cell Therapy
the study, as this has not been previously understood well. Dr. Riddell
along with Dr. Amanda Paulovich (mass spectrometry expert) and
Alex Salter examined and compared two different molecules used in
CAR T therapy, CD28 and 4-1BB.
Previously scientist thought that these molecules influenced the
behavior of the treatment because they used different proteins for
signaling. However, this is not the case. Salter from this study mentions
that the difference of behavior of the treatments originates from
the two receptor molecules themselves. They vary in the speed and
strength of their signaling. 4-1BB emits a weaker and slower signal in
contrast to CD28 emitting a faster and stronger signal. Surprisingly,
the stronger and faster receptor CD28 performs worse than 4-1 BB
when they were observed in mice with lymphoma.
CD28 had a strong anti-tumor action in the start but it receded as
it exhausted the T-cells. Whereas 4-1 BB did not exhaust the T-cells
and they retained their function. CD28 also leads to higher level of
cytokines due to its rapid signaling, which may have adverse side
effects.
Salter modified CD28 CAR to weaken its signal, increasing the
effectiveness of treatment by nulling the side effects. This design
should be followed in future CAR treatments, Salter says.
Understanding the mechanism of the CAR T treatment can reveal
more effective ways to tune the therapy to work better for the patients.
This way CAR T-cell therapies could become safer for people with the
passage of time and study.

A Recent Ground-Breaking Study Could Minimize the Side Effects of CAR T-Cell Therapy 91
 Cancer, Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer 

Cancer Should Not Have to Be a

Death Sentence!

O
ne of the most traumatic experiences of life is to be diagnosed
with cancer. For long, the news of cancer development was
synonyms to a death sentence. But, now, science is shifting this
cruel course of life towards hope and optimism for healthy survival.
Now, various studies have come across with better treatments
and diagnostic tests that are revolutionizing the field of oncology.
Developments in immunotherapy and many alternatives to
chemotherapy itself are coming forth. Researches are being conducted
to minimize the side effects of anti-cancer drugs. Many cancers are
now treatable and sensitive cancers like lung and ovarian cancers have
seen better treatments.
Cancer’s power to dissipate the quality of patients’ lives is now being
taken away. Over the past decade, numerous breakthroughs have

92 Cancer Should Not Have to Be a Death Sentence!

come forth with good results, that allows the patients to spend more
quality time with friends and families.
The quest for beating cancer is continuously active in science and
research. With these good researchers constantly trying to better
results at our backs, we have hope for a bright future for patients.
We have heard a lot of the severity of cancers but now, it is being
replaced by daily news of better treatments and recommendations.
There are now so many cases where patients have beaten terminal
stages of cancer.
With this in mind, taking a cancer diagnosis as a death call is the last
thing we should do. We need to research by ourselves about various
alternatives for each type of cancer, interact with more patients who
have made it through cancer, ask our doctors to fill us in more about
dietary and exercise routines that could lower cancer, maintain our
mental peace with hope for a good future. No one is simply alone in
the battle against cancer now. Scientists and doctors throughout the
world are struggling to improve life for such patients. Families and
friends across the globe are there to lend support and care.
It is true that now we have the ability to curb cancer and fight
against it in a way that hasn’t been precedented before. We are more
experienced, more knowledgeable, stronger and more hopeful!

Cancer Should Not Have to Be a Death Sentence! 93

 Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Prevention

Cancer May be Prevented by

Maintain Body pH Level

p
H (potential of hydrogen) is a scale from 0-14 through which
we measure acidity or alkalinity of the body. The 0-6 range
indicates that a substance is acidic and a range of 8-14 indicates
that a substance is basic (alkaline). The maintenance of pH levels
slightly inclining more towards basicity (approximately 7.35 pH) is
considered to be optimum for the transfer of oxygen in the body.
However, our certain life choices can deplete the alkalinity of our
body, without which acidity increases, causing acidosis. Poor eating
habits, alcohol consumption, more intake of antibiotics, artificial
food colors and flavors, a higher level of sodium and preservatives
can cause this depletion. Sleeping habits, excessive exercise routine,
pollution, chemical and radiation exposure, chronic stress conditions
can affect the basicity of our body as well.

94 Cancer May be Prevented by Maintain Body pH Level

The excess of acid in our body gets stored in body tissues, deteriorating
their shape and function with time. It oxidizes arteries and veins,
harming them. Organs and cell walls also get harmed, even making
the blood acidic. For the removal of acid from the blood, the body
deposit it into cells, making them toxic and acidic. Many of these
cells die whereas many times, these toxic cells do not die but adapt to
the new acidic environment, thus becoming abnormal and malignant.
These malignant cells do not respond to DNA memory code or brain
truncation hence they divide and grow more without any order. These
growing cells become cancerous and cause the body to become more
acidic.
Cancer thrives in an acidic environment according to many kinds of
research, in fact, pH levels of the body can indicate the likelihood of
a person getting cancer. Making the body alkaline is one of the major
fighting tools against cancer, which can take months if cancer has
already developed.
Hence, changing lifestyle could help lower the risk of cancer. Alkalinity
can be increased by modifying your diet with leafy green vegetables,
avocados, Brussel sprouts and wheatgrass. The omission of refined
sugars, processed carbohydrates can help you achieve optimum
pH level. Alkali dietary supplements can be taken, only as per your
physician’s advice. To lower stress levels, yoga and meditation can help.
Exercise can also help, although over exercise boosts the production
of adrenaline and cortisol which can produce acids in turn.
Hence maintaining a balance of lifestyle, diet and mental health could
keep you safe from the risk of cancer.

Cancer May be Prevented by Maintain Body pH Level 95

 Breaking Cancer Research, Melanoma Cancer, Skin Cancer

Simple Blood Test Can Reveal

Skin Cancer

A
ustralian scientists claim to have developed a breakthrough
blood test that can detect skin cancer in the early stages and
considerably improve patient outcome.
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer and the rate of incidence
is currently on the rise. While the ozone layer shields against most
of the harmful UV rays coming from the Sun, continued exposure
and a history of sunburns increase the risk considerably. The World
Health Organization estimates that more than 130.000 new cases are
discovered each year.
There are a number of testing methods currently used, including visual
examination (usually with using dermoscopy) or reflectance confocal
microscopy, though not always reliable. Even the most trusted way of
taking a skin sample for biopsy cannot detect melanoma in the initial
stages and can be quite uncomfortable and expensive.
A team from the Melanoma Research Group at Edith Cowan
University in Perth, lead by Professor Mel Ziman, has announced

96 Simple Blood Test Can Reveal Skin Cancer

that it has developed a routine blood test that improves melanoma
screening. Following a trial that involved 209 participants, the test
was able to correctly pick up early-stage melanoma in 81.5 percent
of cases.
Their approach takes advantages of the fact that the body starts
producing auto-antibodies at the first signs of abnormal cell
production. If identified soon, melanoma has a high survival rate,
upwards of 90%, though the chances drop dramatically for patients
with later stages.
At the moment, the test can only detect this type of skin cancer, but
doctors hope that these sort of advances will also create awareness
and people will be more inclined to have regular checks.

Simple Blood Test Can Reveal Skin Cancer 97

 Brain Cancer 

Experimental Dog Treatment Could Save

Human Lives

T
he incredible survival story of one dog could become the source
for a new brain cancer treatment for humans.
Emily is a 10-year-old Portuguese water dog and she was
diagnosed with brain cancer at the beginning of the year. Her owner,
Laura Kamienski, felt devastated upon hearing the news but was not
yet ready to just give on her longtime friend.
Even though treatment options for glioblastoma are very limited when
it comes to animals, Laura did not lose hope and when she heard
about the medical trials at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary
Medicine, she knew they had to try.
The procedure was risky and involved injecting the drug directly into
the tumor, in order to protect as much of the healthy tissue as possible.

98 Experimental Dog Treatment Could Save Human Lives

Dr. John Rossmeisl, a neurologist at Virginia Tech, explained that
every step of the proceeding is carefully monitored on the MRI to
ensure the drug covers all of the tumors and the patient’s vitals are
within normal levels.
The results were so spectacular that the National Institutes of Health
are now helping with the funding for the trial and are closely following
the situation.
Six weeks after the surgery, Emily is back to her old self. Subsequent
MRI scans have shown that the tumors have shrunk and are dying off,
and Laura is happy and grateful to have her friend healthy.
While the treatment does not represent a cure, it could be an important
step ahead in cancer treatment. Scientists are currently looking at
ways of improving the method, and maybe one day, mirror the results
with human trials.

Experimental Dog Treatment Could Save Human Lives 99

 Breaking Cancer Research, Liver Cancer, Lung Cancer,
Pancreatic Cancer 

Cell Immunotherapy Provides Potential

Cure for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

A
team of researchers at UNSW Sydney & the California Institute
of Biomedical Research (CALIBR) has found out success with
an all-new, revolutionary cell-based immunotherapy for the
treatment of pancreatic cancer. A new scientific way of providing
treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer by making use of “killer
cells” has shown immense hope & promise in the field of medical
science.
The treatment has been conducted on mice and has been found to
be completely cancer-free by getting rid of the cancer cells that might
have already spread to lungs & liver. In the given study, the team of
researchers took pancreatic cancer cells from the patients who were in
the later stages of the disease. Then, the researchers transplanted the
cancer cells into mice. After this, the team went forward with taking

100 Cell Immunotherapy Provides Potential Cure for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
the immune cells of the patient and modifying them for specifically
identifying and eliminating the tumor cells. This is the reason such
immune cells are referred to as CAR-T cells or “educative killer cells.”
Professor Chris Heeschen stated that after the injection of the educative
killer or CAR-T cells into mice, the team was able to find the cancer
cells in the body, stick to the same with the help of surface markers,
and then, eventually destroy the tumor cells. The treatment has been
found to be so effective that the mice went cancer-free completely.
In addition to finding great hop for the treatment of advanced
pancreatic cancer in the coming times, the team of researchers
was also successful in introducing a new, revolutionary technology
allowing the researchers to control the activity of the killer or CAR-T
cells completely.

Cell Immunotherapy Provides Potential Cure for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer 101
 Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Lung Cancer, Prevention 

Health Risks for Occasional Smokers

Considerably Higher than Previously
Believed

M
ost people are aware of the health risks associated with smoking
– increased chance of developing cardiovascular or respiratory
diseases, diabetes, arthritis, a wide number of forms of cancer,
to name a few. Just because occasional smokers have fewer cigarettes
on average, doesn’t mean that they are safe from contracting these
complications.
Reports from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) paint
a more troubling picture than previously believed. The latest article
highlights some staggering statistics regarding occasional smokers:
“smoking only about one cigarette per day carries almost half the
risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke when compared
to smoking 20 cigarettes per day”. This seems to correlate with a

102 Health Risks for Occasional Smokers Considerably Higher than Previously Believed
previous report coming from Norway suggesting that occasional
smokers had a 38% higher mortality rate compared to non-smokers.
When it comes to lung cancer, the same release mentions that “women
between 35 and 49 years of age who smoke 1 – 4 cigarettes a day are
five times more likely to develop lung cancer when compared with
non – smokers. In men, the risk is threefold”.
The stats are particularly worrying for Ireland, where it is estimated
that about one in five adult smokers does so occasionally. Furthermore,
occasional smokers are more likely to smoke in social situations,
especially when there is also alcohol involved.
When it comes to countermeasures, the RCPI Policy Group on Tobacco
stated that the most effective way of deterring from smoking is tobacco
taxation. For every 1% increase in tax, there is an approximate 0.4%
reduction in smokers.
Reducing smoking-related health risks is a priority in the 21st century,
especially considering that the average smoker loses about 10 quality
years of life because of smoking.

Health Risks for Occasional Smokers Considerably Higher than Previously Believed 103
 Cancer, Lung Cancer 

Clubbed Nails May Indicate Lung Cancer

I
t is a common practice among people that if they notice any kind
of strange symptom, like an unusual lump, a rough hoarse voice,
any sort of foreign body sensation, a long-lasting pimple, they go to
see their physician as soon as possible. However, clubbing of the nails
caused by the swelling of the fingertips is one symptom that might not
be taken seriously whereas it can be an indicator of chronic diseases,
specifically, lung cancer.
A woman, JeanJeannie Williams Taylor, from the United Kingdom
recently posted an image of her clubbed nail on social media and
surprisingly, she found out it is a symptom of lung cancer. She had
asked her followers if such a nail was seen by anyone and consequently,
she was urged by one follower to go for a thorough checkup. The
advice appeared a “tad extreme” for her, however, she took it and
went for a checkup.

104 Clubbed Nails May Indicate Lung Cancer

She went through a series of tests; chest x-ray, PET scan, CT scan,
Bloodwork, MRI scan and lung biopsy. After two weeks, Taylor got her
diagnosis results which revealed she had cancer in both lungs. Taylor
had no idea that clubbed nails could be associated with lung cancer.
She hopes to spread awareness regarding this unusual symptom for
other people who might be going through some stage of lung cancer.
“Clubbed nails”, however, are seen as a red flag in the medical
community. Clubbed nails indicate that the patient has some kind
of lung disease or a heart disease or gastrointestinal disease. Dr.
Eric Presser, an MD, thoracic surgeon, further adds that these nails
can indicate  pulmonary fibrosis, malabsorption (ulcerative colitis
or Crohn’s disease), mesothelioma or any such health conditions.
Dilation of blood vessels can also cause curving of the nail-bed.
This symptom does not necessarily point towards chronic diseases
always, in fact, many cases tend to be benign. With these results in
mind, it is a major requirement to keep your body conditions tuned
in. If any such change like “clubbed nails” appears in your body,
instantly, contact your doctor.

Clubbed Nails May Indicate Lung Cancer 105

 Alternative Cancer Treatments, Bladder Cancer, Lung Cancer

Cancer Patient Fights Terminal Cancer

Through Alternative Treatments!

C
arol Armstrong has fought with cancer for about twenty years
to the point when her cancer was announced to be incurable.
She was given just few months to live and the family had been
distraught with this result. However, Carol and her family, refused to
give up and took to look for any other remedy possible.
Carol was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer, which she managed to live
with through regular checkups and hospital visits. Carol claims that
the cancer never limited her. Even though her doctors had termed
her cancer to be low-grade, that it would not go out of the bladder,
a routine check-up conducted previous year revealed the presence
of tumors in her left lung. The tumor was in the near vicinity of the
heart and thus, it was almost impossible to operate on it. As a result,
Carol was given three to twelve months to live. This utterly shocked
the whole family.

106 Cancer Patient Fights Terminal Cancer Through Alternative Treatments!

However, Carol’s husband, Rob Armstrong and her four daughters
did not accept any form of defeat, they struggled to find some
alternative treatment and scoured through the internet. Their research
paid off and they came across Japan. They contacted the best of the
best doctors, Professor Hiroshi Terunuma, from Biotherapy Institute
of Japan, with the help of an Australian cancer navigation specialist.
Within a week, Carol was in Japan for her first appointment.
In Japan, she went though proton beam therapy and several
immunotherapy cell treatments. After, going through proton beam
therapy (targeted radiation treatment), white blood cells were injected
into her which were taken and stored before. After three treatments,
her tumors reduced to the size of 28mm from 37mm. It is reduced to
such a point now that it is barely detectable, with no other signs of
cancer in her body.
Carol Armstrong and her husband believe that the medical treatment
should fill in the patients more about alternative solutions. As far as
the cost of the treatment is concerned, Armstrong said it was a low six-
figure sum which could have been five-figure, if weren’t for travelling
expenses. In short, the couple deem overseas cancer treatment to be
within the realm of possibility.
The lesson from Carol Armstrong story is that even in most hopeless
of cases, we should struggle to look for alternative treatments and not
give up in any case.

Cancer Patient Fights Terminal Cancer Through Alternative Treatments! 107

 Healthy Lifestyles, Prevention

Avoiding Getting Tattoos Lowers

Cancer Risk

E
uropean Union’s watchdog claims that ingredients used in making
tattoos’ ink can cause cancer. A vote for restriction on about 4,000
chemicals is required of the member states. Given the statistics,
12% of Europeans have tattoos, mostly appearing among ages from
18 to 35. Tattoos constitute permanent ingredients that can cause any
harmful effect in a lifespan.
The major concern is the lack of jurisdiction over what actually
goes into the tattoos, the ingredients bought from various chains
of suppliers to distributors and then to parlors. No standardized
requirement is issued upon them across the EU. According to Tony
Raita, from Finnish Tattooist Association, the cheap ink ingredients
being imported from China can be a potential problem, users mostly
do not know what goes into their inks and that can be really dangerous.

108 Avoiding Getting Tattoos Lowers Cancer Risk

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has taken hold on the lack
of regulation regarding the ink chemicals in tattoos and announced in
October that restriction will be issued on dangerous chemicals, both
in tattoos and permanent makeup.
ECHA report does not give evidence of any direct link between tattoo
ink and cancer, apart from some examples of carcinogenic chemicals
used in the ink. A study published in Scientific Reports in 2017 proved
the presence of tattoo ink’s pigment particles in the lymph nodes of
the patients, which are crucial filtering points for the body’s immune
system. The long-term effect of these pigments on cancer is not yet
tracked. According to Dr. Hiram Castillo-Michel, the author of the
study, they do not make an appearance until years or decades and
linking them to tattoos is difficult; it would require tracking large
cohorts for decades for deriving epidemiological data that can guide
us regarding the link between cancer and tattoo ingredients.
So far, skin cancer has been also less associated with tattoos. Only 50
examples of such skin cancers on tattoos have been found out, that
too, after extensive research through medical literature, according to
the authors of a 2012 review in the Lancet Oncology medical journal.
The association thus so far is coincidental.
Hence, people looking to get tattoos or have tattoos should inquire
more about the ink ingredients in the tattoos and contact their doctors
regarding any side effects or infections. To avoid cancer risk, they
should avoid getting one.

Avoiding Getting Tattoos Lowers Cancer Risk 109

 Hope Stories, Ovarian Cancer 

Carol Neufeld’s, A Cancer Fighter,

Inspirational Story

C
oming 28th August, a persistent cancer fighter, Carol Neufeld,
will be battling with ovarian cancer for 10 years. When she was
first diagnosed with cancer, she like most of the patients, could
not believe what she had was severe and when she was briefed with
treatment options, all she could think was, “What’s the use.” She
continued her fight though, went into remission after chemotherapy
that lasted 18 months. The next round of chemo, called Doxel, made
her feel like she was scorched under her arms and legs. Her battle
continued, and with it, she resolutely fought.
But among all these hardships, Carol found a purpose in helping
other people. She found more meaning in what she had than what
she had not, she claimed to be yet blessed with her husband, her
children, her grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. She believes
she is blessed to have God, to have the doctor she met at her initial

110 Carol Neufeld’s, A Cancer Fighter, Inspirational Story

treatments. She projects this positivity in her wish, “I’d pray that I
could bring somebody hope.”
The beautiful memories Carol recalls are the conversations during her
treatments she had with her fellow patients, to whom she listened,
she provided them hope and inspiration. She misses those treatments
because of what good she made out of it, and whenever, she goes back,
she meets everyone she knows and even those she does not. She is a
free happy spirit, when she goes around, offering hugs and hope to
all she comes across.
Carol recalls the people of her community at the church who still pray
for her, through teary eyes. She derives immense strength from their
support and prayers. Carol believes cancer has changed her life and
has made her a fighter, an “energizer bunny” who refuses to quit! She
recalls how she founds mirth in playing with her grandkids and great-
grandkids. How she would grow out her hair with a hopeful outlook
on her future to come. Carol’s source of inspiration comes from her
youngest son who was diagnosed with cancer as a young adult, who
is a survivor for 16 years now.
Carol prays that she sees each of her children graduate, marry and
see her great-grandchildren, with whom she has been blessed. She is
a strong believer and even looks forward to the home she believes she
will have in heaven. Her hope apparently has no boundaries and so
should not yours!

Reference:
http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/doxil.aspx

Carol Neufeld’s, A Cancer Fighter, Inspirational Story 111

 Alternative Cancer Treatments, Cancer, Cancer Cures,
Cancer Technology, Stomach Cancer

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Has

Surprising Results On Cancer Survivor

F
or David Wolfe, the same radiation treatment that saved his life
more than 10 years prior was now seriously affecting his health
and threatening to permanently confine him to a wheelchair. In
pain and out of options, he agreed to take part in an alternative form
of therapy.
In 2002 David was diagnosed with anal cancer. He followed the
standard radiation treatment at the University of Pennsylvania
Hospital and was declared healthy. With this terrible event behind
him, he picked up the pieces and for almost a decade lived a normal
life.
Everything changed in early 2013 when he started experiencing hip
pains. At first, the 55-year-old blamed aging and decided to tone

112 Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Has Surprising Results On Cancer Survivor

down his usual five-mile runs, but the symptoms were getting worse.
Numbness, cramps, weakness and shooting pains made his existence
a continuous nightmare, to the point that he could barely stand and
even sitting was a challenge.
For three long years, David was desperate for answers. In the end,
he found out the cause of pains – radiation-induced injuries from his
cancer treatment.
Dr. Michael Stubblefield from the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation,
a leading expert in radiation fibrosis syndrome, explained that during
his treatment, the DNA from cells located in his abdomen and pelvis
was damaged and they began producing fibrin. The protein has a role
in clotting and started to obstruct circulation to ligaments, tendons,
muscles, and nerves.
Ironically enough, it was James Metz, one of the oncologists that
first handled his case in 2002, that recommended to him hyperbaric
oxygen therapy. Originally designed to help deep-sea divers suffering
decompression sickness, and to combat carbon monoxide poisoning,
the controversial treatment has been used to treat all sorts of
conditions, from cancer to syphilis, with mixed results.
Up to six hours a day, for sixty days straight, David spent inhaling
pure oxygen. The results were astonishing. After a few weeks, he was
able to give up the pain medication and eventually was fit enough to
go back to a full-time job.
His amazing recovery is a lesson of will and should remind everyone
to never give up, no matter how hard the situation seems to be.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Has Surprising Results On Cancer Survivor 113

 Breast Cancer, Cancer Breakthroughs

China approves Breakthrough Therapy

Drug for Breast Cancer

O
n July 31st, the China National Drug Administration (CNDA)
has approved the use of IBRANCE (palbociclib), a cyclin-
dependent Kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor designed for the
treatment of hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth
factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) advanced or metastatic
breast cancer.
Cancer is slowly becoming the leading cause of death at a global level,
and unfortunately, China is one of the countries that has the worst
statistics. Among the approximately 270.000 new breast cancer cases
discovered each year, the mortality rate is close to 25%. Because of
lack of awareness and limited testing facilities, about one-tenth of
patients are diagnosed in the latter stages, meaning fewer treatment
options are available. Early breast cancer patients that undergo therapy

114 China approves Breakthrough Therapy Drug for Breast Cancer

still have between thirty and forty percent chance of recurrence and
possibly developing advanced breast cancer.
The introduction of IBRANCE is hoped to be just the first step in a
series of new personalized treatments. Palbociclib is an oral inhibitor
that targets the CDKs 4 and 6 regulators, known cancer indicators,
disrupting the proliferation of tumor cells.
Tests that involved IBRANCE in combination with letrozole,
conducted on patients with HR+/HER2-, resulted in median PFS
of 24.8 months, a considerable improvement from what standard
courses offered, just 14.5 months. The drug was already successfully
deployed in 86 countries, including the U.S. and most of E.U.
Pfizer, a leading pharmaceutical company and manufacturer of
IBRANCE, is working closely with the Chinese government as part of
the ‘Healthy China 2030‘ initiative. Even though it is the second largest
economy in the world, China still struggles with many health issues,
mostly because of overpopulation and uneven resource distribution.
This was an important measure that will hopefully improve the health
care for the millions of people that desperately need it.

China approves Breakthrough Therapy Drug for Breast Cancer 115

 Cancer, Cancer Cures, Prevention

Cell-to-Cell Communication Opens Way

for Better Cancer Treatment

R
esearch is now being conducted in the ways through which cells
communicate with one another, as it can open a key to improving
treatments of serious diseases like cancer. One particular family
of such signaling molecules are known as Wnt Proteins which are
transported in between cells. These molecules signal for various cell
developmental processes.
The mechanism behind the transmission of Wnt proteins has been
found out just recently, that certain cell protrusions known as
cytonemes play a major role in the transmission of the signal for
controlling the rate of cell division.
Previously, researchers have believed that these signaling molecules
were in fact secreted by the cells into the extracellular space, from
where they would diffuse. Professor Steffen Scholpp, the Principal

116 Cell-to-Cell Communication Opens Way for Better Cancer Treatment

Investigator in the recent research, says that the result of their
research is in contrast with the previously held beliefs; that is there
are certain cell protrusions (cytonemes) which connect all the cells in
a multicellular body. These findings portray a precise and controlled
transmission of information in between sender and target cells.
The excessive cell division that can form into various types of cancer is
caused by unnecessary Wnt signaling. This research could help target
cytoneme production to lower excessive transmission of the signal
causing cell division. Apart from the formation of cytoneme, Wnt can
transcend to areas of the cell membrane. It interacts with a receptor
called Ror2. It is for the first time that we see a protein controlling its
own transport mechanism.
Wnt signaling also pertains to the formation of an embryo, healing of
a wound, cell regeneration and organ development. Hence, the area of
study can be extended in examining its role in various developmental
disorders.
Professor Scholpp further adds that their research has made it easy to
understand the aspects of the information grid in the tissue’s matrix.
The way these cell protrusions form a web can tell how certain changes
in its connections would alter its course of actions. Further studies
at molecular, cellular and tissue level are required to study through
the functions and structures of these cell protrusions thoroughly,
especially when they undergo contact-based signaling.

Cell-to-Cell Communication Opens Way for Better Cancer Treatment 117

 Healthy Lifestyles, Kidney Cancer, Nutrition, Prevention

Lesser Risk of Kidney Cancer with more

Vitamin D Binding Protein

A
study conducted for the second time establishes that with
more vitamin D binding protein circulation, there is a lesser
risk of developing kidney cancer. The related findings are in
correspondence with the previous results that also demonstrated the
inverse relationship between Vitamin D binding protein and risk of
kidney cancer, specifically Renal Cell Carcinoma, RCC.
The current study has been conducted since 1992, initiated in the
American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II (CPS-II)
Nutrition Cohort, involving 39,371 people who submitted their
blood sample, with no presence of cancer prior to submission. Prior
to June 30, 2009, it was observed that 87 out of these people went
through a primary diagnosis of RCC. The data related to diagnosis
was assimilated by means of self-reported questionnaires, medical
records’ reviews and NDI (the National Death Index).

118 Lesser Risk of Kidney Cancer with more Vitamin D Binding Protein
The results revealed that a higher level of serum DPB concentration
led to a lowered risk of RCC. Those participants who had higher
levels of DPB were younger, mostly females, non-smokers and had a
lower BMI (body mass index).
According to Dr. Alison Mondul, an assistant professor of epidemiology
at the University of Michigan and the author of this study, it has
been revealed that risk of developing kidney cancer is not caused by
vitamin D itself, however, to estimate the presence of free vitamin D
versus that which is bound in circulation seems important as other
molecular structures like hormones in our body can have an effect
on us if they are free. However, free Vitamin D was also found to be
not associated with the development of renal cell carcinoma. These
associations are positive in colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, lung
cancer and bladder cancer, however, for renal sites, the case of vitamin
D’s effect differs and it requires more research.
DPB has been found to influence cancer formation in this case, outside
of its general role of transporting Vitamin D metabolites to various
sites in our bodies. The statistical power of the study is meager
because of the rarity of RCC cases. Further studies will be conducted
in the non-white population as kidney cancer incidence occurs more
in black men in the United States than white men.

Lesser Risk of Kidney Cancer with more Vitamin D Binding Protein 119
 Cancer Breakthroughs, Colorectal Cancer 

Array BioPharma Receives FDA

Breakthrough Therapy Designation for
BRAFTOVI in Combination Drugs for
Colorectal Cancer

A
rray BioPharma recently made the announcement that is has
received the Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the
United States FDA (Food & Drug Administration) for the
drug encorafenib BRAFTOVI in combination with the drugs namely
binimetinib (MEKTOVI) & cetuximab for the treatment of the
patients having BRAF V600E mutation metastatic colorectal cancer
(mCRC). The patients who have BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC tend to
have a higher mortality rate (usually double) in the case of the patients
having mCRC without the mutation. In the current scenario, there
are no specific therapies that are approved for meeting the treatment
requirements of such patients.

120 Array BioPharma Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for BRAFTOVI
The Breakthrough Therapy Designation is an FDA-approved process
of expediting the development & review of the drugs that are aimed
at treating a serious health condition. In this designation process,
the preliminary clinical evidence suggests that they might be able to
demonstrate significant improvement over the existing therapies on
over a single clinically crucial endpoint.
BRAFTOVI, also referred to as “encorafenib,” is a small oral molecule
“BRAF” kinase inhibitor. At the same time, MEKTOVI, also known
as “binimetinib,” is yet another small oral molecule MEK inhibitor.
These drugs are aimed at targeting the key enzymes in the MAPK
referring to the pathway RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK. In the United States,
the drug combination of BRAFTOVI & MEKTOVI is given approval
by the FDA for the treatment of metastatic or unresectable melanoma
with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations.
Colorectal cancer, amongst all other forms of cancer, is the third most
common type of cancer occurring men across the world. By giving the
patients the combination of the drugs is expected to bring some hope
into the treatment of colorectal cancer in the coming times

Array BioPharma Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for BRAFTOVI 121
 Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention 

Know About the Too Good-to-be-True

Health Benefits of Turmeric

I
f you tend to have some ailment, there are good chances that you
might be suggested the idea of some turmeric-based treatment at
some point in life. There are thousands of manuscripts and reports
published about the potential health benefits of “curcumin” – the
active ingredient found in turmeric.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a world-famous spice that appears similar to ginger.
The spice is known for its bright yellow shade and is usually used
in preparing a wide range of cuisines. Also referred to as the “Indian
Saffron,” the spice is grown widespread across India along with other
areas including Asia & Central America. Turmeric is known to add
flavors to the dishes and is also a major component of several religious
ceremonies. Its medicinal usage has been in practice in the ancient
science of Ayurveda for the past 4,000 years.

122 Know About the Too Good-to-be-True Health Benefits of Turmeric

There are plenty of studies that are aimed at emphasizing the
importance of turmeric in promoting nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
Turmeric has known to be helpful in controlling knee pain & arthritis.
It is also famous for decreasing the likelihood of heart attacks after
undergoing bypass surgery.
Turmeric’s Link to Treating Diseases
Turmeric has been linked with treating major ailments including
Alzheimer’s and glaucoma diseases. The active component of turmeric
“curcumin” is known not to get dissolved easily. Therefore, instead
of selecting the method of adding turmeric in the form of cuisines or
capsules as the mode of treatment, the researchers went forward with
using eye drops containing curcumin infused with a stabilizer. This
increased the solubility of curcumin, and the sample was tested on the
rat subject at least twice a day.
Using the high-end nanotechnology, the scientists were able to
direct curcumin into the dying cells. This process is referred to as
“neuroprotection.”

Know About the Too Good-to-be-True Health Benefits of Turmeric 123

 Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention, Stomach Cancer

Garlic, the Ultimate Panacea

O
ne of the oldest and most common spices used daily throughout
the world, garlic has a unique taste that you either love or hate.
Claims of medicinal properties go back at least as far as Ancient
Egypt, where it was prescribed as a stimulant or for fighting infections.
Recent scientific studies exploring their rumors have brought to light
some unexpected results.
Even though the modern pharmaceutical industry still relies, at least
in part, on natural remedies, folk medicine continues to exist, in spite
of having no or little proven scientific data. While in most cases, the
healing properties are non-existent or exaggerated, garlic seems to
have incredible hidden potential and may help fight a series of diseases
and conditions.
Garlic is rich in vitamins B and C as well as many essential minerals
like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium. A growing number
of supplements are based on garlic or garlic extract.

124 Garlic, the Ultimate Panacea

Several studies and experiments have highlighted “an inverse
correlation between garlic consumption and reduced risk of
cardiovascular disease progression”. This is extremely relevant news
seeing how cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death
worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
Garlic, as well as other plants from the Allium family, like onions,
leeks, shallots and chives, have been shown to have some “protective
associations against cancers, particularly cancers of the gastrointestinal
tract.” The combination of allitridum and selenium seems to be the
one responsible for reducing the risk of tumors.
Antifungal and antibacterial properties were also presented, though
on a lower level than previously thought. Garlic has been suggested
as potential treatment for other conditions including osteoarthritis,
atherosclerosis and even warts, hair loss and dementia.
With so many health benefits, it is no wonder that garlic is considered
one of the best natural panaceas.

Garlic, the Ultimate Panacea 125

 Colorectal Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention 

Kale and Broccoli Could Prevent

Colon Cancer

A
team of researchers from the Francis Crick Institute is
investigating claims that diets which include certain vegetables,
like kale, cabbage and broccoli, could, in fact, reduce gut
inflammation and the overall risk of developing colon cancer.
While it is well established that natural and balanced diets have great
influence when it comes to protecting the body from developing
certain conditions or diseases, the underlying mechanisms still remain
unclear. The recent article that appeared in the medical journal
Immunity, examined the health benefits of an indole-3-carbinol (I3C)
rich diet and revealed some interesting results.
I3C is a compound found mostly in cruciferous plants (cabbage,
broccoli, Brussel sprouts etc.) and is responsible for activating the
aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) protein. AhR acts like a sensor that

126 Kale and Broccoli Could Prevent Colon Cancer

transmits signals to immune cells and epithelial cells in the stomach
in order to protect from inflammatory responses.
What is even more interesting is that in cases where the cancer was
already developing, switching to an I3C enhanced diet resulted in
significantly fewer tumors, many of which were benign.
Dr. Gitta Stockinger, group leader at the Francis Crick Institute
mentioned that “These findings are a cause for optimism; while we
can’t change the genetic factors that increase our risk of cancer, we
can probably mitigate these risks by adopting an appropriate diet
with plenty of vegetables“.
A new round of clinical trials is expected to start in the near future to
hopefully confirm these findings and open the way for safer and more
efficient options for treating and managing cancer. In the meantime,
stay healthy by regularly eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Kale and Broccoli Could Prevent Colon Cancer 127

 Breast Cancer, Cancer Technology, Liver Cancer,
Mesothelioma Cancer

Supercomputer Joins Fight

Against Cancer

C
omputer giants IBM have partnered with the Memorial Sloan
Kettering Cancer Center in order to help the oncology community
by providing one of the most complex artificial intelligence units
in existence, Watson.
Medicine is one of the fields that has benefited the most from
technological evolution, and can now boast some impressive
innovations like nanoparticles targeting specific cells in the body,
extremely precise and powerful medical lasers or robot-assisted
interventions. These tools are extraordinary and have saved or
improved the lives of countless patients, but now, a new ally is hoping
to further tip the balance in our favor, an artificial brain.

128 Supercomputer Joins Fight Against Cancer

Watson combines exceptional analytical and computational abilities
with artificial intelligence to assimilate visual or auditory data, process
it and predict the best course of treatment.
At the moment, it is practically impossible to keep up with the ever-
increasing amount of literature dedicated to cancer research, and this
is where a solution like Watson can truly make a difference. By learning
as much information about the disease, including types, symptoms,
treatments that are available and factoring in personal information
about the patient, like age, gender, medical history, Watson can best
gauge what steps need to be taken.
Currently, the supercomputer is trained in thirteen different types of
cancer, among them breast cancer, one of the most common forms
that has a high mortality rate, with more diseases soon to be indexed.
Even with billions of transistors, it still takes a considerable amount
of time and some human supervision to absorb the sheer amount of
information. Progress is somewhat slow but steady.
Hopefully, some of the more aggressive strains, like liver cancer or
Mesothelioma, will get to be diagnosed much faster and have better
suited treatment options, increasing life expectancy and general health
care.

Supercomputer Joins Fight Against Cancer 129

 Cancer Cures, Colorectal Cancer 

Studies Suggest Aspirin Keeps

Colorectal Cancer Away

A
spirin, one of the most common over the counter drugs, generally
taken for pain, fever or inflammation, seems to have another
potential use – the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or simply aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drug (NSAID) and works by inhibiting the enzyme
cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) responsible for the production of
prostanoids, mainly thromboxane and prostaglandins. This, in turn,
affects the formation of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2
(PTGS2 of COX2) an agent associated with a number of types of
cancer.
While the exact mechanism through which ASA acts to prevent
colorectal cancer is still unknown, it seems that by disrupting
phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling, there is a reduction

130 Studies Suggest Aspirin Keeps Colorectal Cancer Away

in cell proliferation, tumor angiogenesis and reduced immune
surveillance of cancer cells.
There are a number of studies currently available, each using different
methods and doses, showing reductions in incidence anywhere
between 15% and 40%. It seems that the longer the treatment period
with higher doses, the more noticeable the results are, but also more
pronounced side effects.
A review by Catherine Dubé and associate doctors, found reductions
between 13% and 28% with doses ranging from 81 mg to 325 mg
per day, though the beneficial effects only started to appear after one
year of treatment.
Another study conducted by Flossmann and colleagues showed a 36%
reduction of CRC incidence for patients who had been administered
300mg daily doses for at least 5 years. Even so, the positive benefits
became observable after 10 years.
While the results look very promising, it is important to note that
research is still underway and this path of medication is not yet
approved by the FDA for the general public.

Studies Suggest Aspirin Keeps Colorectal Cancer Away 131

 Colorectal Cancer, Hope Stories, Kidney Cancer, Lung Cancer

Photodynamic Theory Beats

Lung Cancer!

J
ohn Sansone discovered he had kidney cancer back in 2012 when
he noticed blood coming in his stool and a sharp pain at his side.
He went through a surgery which removed the tumor growing on
his kidney. He was relieved, but nine months later, he noticed blood
in his coughs. Consequently, his reports showed the cancer to have
reemerged, reaching his lungs.
The diagnosis had come right after 9 months of his marriage and
served like a death call for Sansone. He believed he wouldn’t live for
as long as none of the treatments quite worked on him, except for
a short while. He was left nauseous and weak and utterly hopeless.
But then he recalls his treatment at the Cancer Treatment Centers of
America, at the hands of Dr. Sharad Chandrika.

132 Photodynamic Theory Beats Lung Cancer!

Dr. Chandrika was a beckon of hope for Sansone who helped him
stay optimistic while she decided how to treat him. Sansone calls
the treatment center as “Cheers Hospital” because of the humble
staff who would know his name and not treat him like a number.
Sansone knew his tumor was the size of a lemon, that blocked his
airways, he recalls feeling like choking and being unable to breathe.
Dr. Chandrika grew more worried when she discovered in the regular
Bronchoscopies (inspection of the lung through a camera-tube), that
Sansone had developed pneumonia and was required to be given two
to three liters of Oxygen constantly.
Dr. Chandrika knew she had to try something new and that’s when
she was introduced to photodynamic therapy (PDT). An extremely
photosensitive chemical called Porfimer is injected into the patient’s
body in this therapy. This chemical was easily absorbed by the cancers
cells, thus making them highly sensitive to light. PDT had not been
used on many works but Dr. Chandrika had to give it a try since no
other treatment worked.
Two days after Sansone was injected with the chemical, a fiber
optic cable attached with laser light was put into his body. The light
when shined on the tumor, caused it to swell and blood vessels to
break down, which is how cancer cells die. Within 2-3 sessions, the
treatment was finalized by removing the dead cells. Later, Sansone
got off from the oxygen, had no pneumonia and no requirement for
bronchoscopies!
Sansone message to all cancer patients is to hang in there, as doctors
are now coming up with so many new effective treatments!

Photodynamic Theory Beats Lung Cancer! 133

 Alternative Cancer Treatments, Cancer Cures,
Cancer Technology, Prostate Cancer

Innovative Therapy to Cut Radiation

Sessions for Prostate Cancer

W
ith more than 160.000 new cases each year, prostate cancer is
the second most common types of cancer in the United States.
It is estimated that approximately 30.000 people will die as a
result, just in 2018.
These statistics might soon see dramatic changes, as a new form of
radiotherapy, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), is currently
showing impressive results. The procedure involves thin beams of
radiation aimed directly at the tumor, from different angles. The
technique allows the application of high doses of radiation with little
damage to nearby healthy tissue.

134 Innovative Therapy to Cut Radiation Sessions for Prostate Cancer

The standard course of radiation therapy involves 37 sessions, but
with this new targeted approach, the number could be reduced to
only 5.
At the moment, SABR is only suitable for patients with smaller cancer.
As with most serious medical treatments, it does come with some
possible side effects, these include tiredness, skin reactions, soreness
and swelling, but should subside within weeks.
Clinical trials combined SABR and SpaceOAR, a hydrogel designed
to alleviate the side effects of radiation therapy in cases of prostate
cancer. Inserted between the prostate gland and the rectum, the
minimally intrusive technology helps create a bigger distance between
the tumor and other tissue.
Mr. Gordon Robinson, aged 70, one of the patients that underwent
the procedure said “If it wasn’t for this research, I simply would not
be here. My family and I are so thankful to the doctors who have
helped us. This treatment has allowed me to live my life again.”
The trial is still underway and hopes to collect more data in order
to further improve the quality of the procedure and provide a better
outcome for all suffering from prostate cancer.

Innovative Therapy to Cut Radiation Sessions for Prostate Cancer 135

 Cancer Cures, Healthy Lifestyles, Lung Cancer

Treatments Ensuring Quality of Life for

Lung Cancer Patients!

T
he number of deaths due to lung cancer is more than those
caused by any other type of cancer, for both men and women,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim. According to
the American Cancer Society, 234,030 new cases of lung cancer will
appear in 2018 and out of these, 154,050 are expected to not make
it through the disease.
However, according to the American Cancer Society, the North
American Association of Central Cancer Registries and the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, the death rate due to lung cancer
was low from 2011 to 2016. The data for these findings was from
forty-two states, about 89% of the total population of the country.
With so many people suffering from this disease, the most important
thing is to ensure that these patients maintain a quality of life. Doctors

136 Treatments Ensuring Quality of Life for Lung Cancer Patients!

from Portsmouth Regional Hospital look for various ways that can
better the quality of life for lung cancer patients.
According to Dr. Yoko Fukuda who is a physician in oncology,
hematology and internal medicine, treatments like immunotherapy
and other targeted treatments can improve patient’s quality of life.
They could spend more time with their friends and families, rather
than at the hospital. They can participate more in various activities,
they can go travelling or any recreational exercise.
Immunotherapy can be beneficial for this purpose. The body’s immune
system itself is stimulated to act against cancer. It is made to recognize
cancer cells better and destroy them effectively. On the other hand,
targeted treatments use a specific drug to act against a recognized
mutation in the patient. These options are way better than going for
chemotherapy.
Fukuda adds that there is no need for losing hair, sit for eight hours
in a hospital chair, instead treatments like immunotherapy should be
sought after. She says this because she had seen her patients who were
older than 94, benefiting more from new alternative treatments.
Hence, quality of life should be made a priority while looking for
effective treatments and doctors should enlist various treatment
options.

Treatments Ensuring Quality of Life for Lung Cancer Patients! 137

 Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer, Cancer Cures, Cancer
Technology, Prevention

Special Genes Discovered in Elephants

That Resist Cancer

O
ne of the few animals that can resist cancer is elephants. Naked
Mole Rats and Sharks are also found to resist cancer. However,
the discovery of this characteristic in elephants is recent and
researchers look for ways to understand and apply the concept of
cancer resistance in elephants to human biology.
Scientists from the University of Chicago have discovered a specific
gene that prevents cells in elephants from developing cancer, called
LIF6. The cells activate LIF6 if any sort of damage takes place in the
cells. LIF6 has the ability to break down the mitochondria of these
cells, killing them eventually. This way dead cells do not pass on the
DNA and cancer fails to spread.

138 Special Genes Discovered in Elephants That Resist Cancer

The gene LIF6 is unique to elephants, however, it can be made to work
in other animals. The researchers tested the workings of this gene
in mice with cancer and surprisingly, the gene worked and the cells
were killed before the cancer could spread. Hence, elephants promise
further fruitful researches.
As for the sharks, they also have genetic defenses against cancer.
Naked mole rats are capable of producing a molecule in between their
cells that gives them more flexibility in the underground tunnels. This
molecule also serves to work against cancer and make them immune
to it. But, so far, these mechanisms in sharks and naked mole rats, do
not work against cancer in humans, in fact, they worsen the outcomes.
The reason behind this phenomenon is yet unknown.
Now the next target subject for the researchers is elephants.
Researchers are looking to test LIF6 in humans because if it works in
elephants and treated cancer in mice, hopefully, its beneficial effects
can be projected into human biology!

Special Genes Discovered in Elephants That Resist Cancer 139

 Breaking Cancer Research, Breakthrough Therapy
Designation, Cancer Cures, Cancer Technology, Leukemia Cancer 

A Major Vulnerability of Childhood

Leukemia Discovered!

C
hildhood leukemia is a severe case to be treated. Over the years,
better treatments have come forth but a few particular types of
this cancer remain incurable, such as the mixed lineage leukemia,
with the death rate of 50%.
But now recent research is making an appearance in an issue in journal
PNAS, reveals that a protein called LEDGF/p75 is regulated by a molecular
modification that alters its electric charge, called phosphorylation.
LEDGF/p75 plays role in the regulation of gene expression by attaching
other proteins to particular epigenetic spots on chromatin. This function
is hindered by two diseases, mixed lineage leukemia and HIV. There
is not much known about LEDGF/p75 interactions with its binding
partners in this biological regulation which limited better way of
targeting LEDGF/p75 interactions in these diseases.

140 A Major Vulnerability of Childhood Leukemia Discovered!

However, recently in an extensive structural analysis, researchers
have discovered a structurally conserved specific binding mood that
is attributed to all LEDGF/p75 binders, necessary for the interaction
to take place. This discovery opened ways for the researchers to
investigate other previously unknown interactions that take place
between LEDGF/p75 and other transcriptional regulatory factors.
These factors are known well in the medical community and include
important regulators like Mediator complex. This revealed that
LEDGF/p75 interacts with a greater number of factors than was
thought. The binding is found to be modulated by phosphorylation
by an enzyme (Casein Kinase 2).
With the help of this breakthrough, researchers developed new
therapeutic strategies. The team demonstrated the concept by
successfully eliminating phosphorylation sites present in MLL1, one
LEDGF/p75 binding partner. It reduced the ability of leukemic cells to
stay in a cancerous state. The interaction is a requirement for cancers
cells only and do not affect the normal functioning of blood cells.
In inhibiting the phosphorylation that makes the binding of LEDGF/p75
and MLL1 possible, new therapeutic strategies can be initiated against
mixed lineage leukemia. Due to its adherence only to a cancer cell, more
effective therapies will hopefully come forth.

A Major Vulnerability of Childhood Leukemia Discovered! 141

 Blood Cancer

New Drug Puts Cancer Cells in

Permanent Suspension

T
his new approach is the result of more than a decade of research
and testing done by scientists at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
in Melbourne, Australia.
Under the coordination of Associate Professor Tim Thomas and
Associate Professor Anne Voss, the team has been focusing on
inhibiting KAT6A and KAT6B proteins, known malignancy markers.
Both of these two compounds are responsible for cell proliferation,
effectively driving tumor growth.
“Early on, we discovered that genetically depleting KAT6A
quadrupled the life expectancy in animal models of blood cancers
called lymphoma. Armed with the knowledge that KAT6A is an
important driver of cancer, we began to look for ways of inhibiting
the protein to treat cancer”, said Professor Thomas.

142 New Drug Puts Cancer Cells in Permanent Suspension

While effective, chemotherapy and radiation present some important
downsides. They work by causing irreversible DNA damage to cells,
affecting cancerous and healthy ones alike. This results in side effects
such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, susceptibility to infection or even
increased risk of other cancers developing.
“Rather than causing potentially dangerous DNA damage, as
chemotherapy and radiotherapy do, this new class of anti-cancer
drugs simply puts cancer cells into a permanent sleep”, said Voss.
The WM-8014 and WM-1119 courses represent a “lateral” approach.
Safer, more potent and more precise, they can become a new tool to
substantially delay cancer recurrence.
“This new class of compounds stops cancer cells dividing by switching
off their ability to ‘trigger’ the start of the cell cycle. The technical term
is cell senescence. The cells are not dead, but they can no longer divide
and proliferate. Without this ability, the cancer cells are effectively
stopped in their tracks”.
New cancer treatments are expected to stem from these findings,
improving overall care and patient outcome.

New Drug Puts Cancer Cells in Permanent Suspension 143

 Breast Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention

Ways of Reducing the Risk of Cancer

I
n case you haven’t heard, October is Breast Cancer Awareness
Month! This is an international campaign, supported by thousands
of organizations around the world, which tries to draw attention on
this issue and promote early detection and treatment.
According to estimates from the World Cancer Research Fund,
2018 brought more than 2 million new breast cancer cases. As with
many of the other types of malignancy, genetics and hormones play
an important role in one’s chance of developing cancer, but there
are other factors, which you can have a bit more control over, that
influence this outcome.

Ways-of-Reducing-the-Risk-of-Cancer
How can you reduce the risk of developing breast (or other types of)
cancer?

144 Ways of Reducing the Risk of Cancer

Recently, more and more studies have surfaced confirming the link
between nutrition and physical activity and cancer prevention, its
progression or the possibility of recurrence. The short version is: be
active, try to maintain a healthy weight, opt for natural and organic
produce, and you should have a better chance of avoiding this terrible
disease.
Research shows that weight management is particularly important,
especially as women go along in age. Menopause and obesity greatly
increase the risk of developing hormone-related cancers, including
breast cancer. The recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity
is a good place to start. You can spend this time doing something as
simple as a brisk walk, dancing or maybe even bicycling.
When it comes to dieting, it seems that foods rich in phytonutrients
provide the best cancer-fighting benefits. Try having a wide variety
of colorful fruits and vegetables, and also whole grains. Aim to have
about half of the plate with greens. For proteins, consider swapping
red meat for fish or seafood.
Remember to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day, and try to
avoid sugary drinks and alcohol as much as possible.
A healthy lifestyle will keep you better protected against cancer,
so why not try some of these suggestions, at least for the month of
October.

Ways of Reducing the Risk of Cancer 145

 Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer

Chinese Tree Bark Compound Shows

Anticancer Properties

A
ccording to a recent study, a natural derivative found in a rare
Chinese tree, namely Camptothecin, presents a strong antitumor
characteristic and offers a low toxicity profile.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common form of
cancer with an articularly low outcome. Even the more aggressive
courses of treatment only produce about 6-8% five year survival rates.
The fact that pancreatic tumors are very dense makes the delivery
of cancer-fighting drugs a big challenge. This is where the work of a
research team from the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
comes in.
According to their press release, “a novel camptothecin analogue
named FL118, which does not use TOP1 as its anticancer therapeutic
target, effectively eliminated human colorectal and head/neck tumors

146 Chinese Tree Bark Compound Shows Anticancer Properties

that had become resistant to the two FDA-approved camptothecin
compounds”.
During their trials, Fengzhi Li, PhD, Associate Professor of Oncology
in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and senior
author of the paper, noticed that FL118 “preferentially killed drug-
resistant cancer cells and reduced the formation of new tumorspheres
by killing cancer stem cells”. Alone, FL118 was effective at eliminating
pancreatic tumors, and combined gemcitabine managed to suppress
even resistant strains.
When talking about their findings, Dr. Li stated that: “Drugs that can
more effectively reach and eliminate pancreatic tumors are urgently
needed to treat this devastating disease”. He added that “FL118’s
high anticancer efficacy, along with its favorable toxicology profile,
is consistent with the fact that this drug targets several key proteins
involved in pancreatic cancer progression and treatment resistance”.
There has been a recent focus in trying to find natural solutions for
treating a number of serious conditions, especially cancer. These
alternative compounds offer a number of advantages, most notably
being safer and cleaner on the body

Chinese Tree Bark Compound Shows Anticancer Properties 147

 Breaking Cancer Research, Breast Cancer

Protein That Inhibits Breast Cancer

Suppression Finally Blocked

T
he majority of breast cancers present with an abnormality in the
p53 gene, a powerful tumor suppressor. In its absence or if it is
damaged, patients have a higher risk of developing the disease
or the resulting tumor becoming particularly resistant to treatment.
“Despite decades of research, there had been no satisfactory way to
overcome the deleterious effects of p53 loss – until now”, said Sanjay
Awasthi, a professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
(TTUHSC) School of Medicine and research leader. This even raised
the interest of the Department of Defense, who awarded him a grant
based on his study, “Prevention of Breast Cancer by Haploinsufficiency
of RALBP1”.

Protein-That-Inhibits-Breast-Cancer-Suppression-Finally-Blocked
The P53 gene is called “the guardian of the genome”, as it is essential
for regulating cell division and the prevention of tumor formation. “If

148 Protein That Inhibits Breast Cancer Suppression Finally Blocked

it is missing the genes that cause cancer, then they become abnormal
and essentially cause cancer in a large number of people. About 68
percent of all cancers have an abnormality of this gene and some of
those have a complete loss of the gene”.
Dr. Awasthi actually followed in the footsteps of his father, Yogesh C.
Awasthi, who was part of the team that started initial work on the
project more than 40 years ago. Originally trying to create an enzyme
that would defend the body, in time the focus shifted, and Awasthi
managed to synthesize a whole new protein for the job.
Recently, he presented his findings: “We showed for the first time that
blocking the stress-responsive protein called Rlip (Rlip76 or RALBP1)
defeats the deleterious effects of p53 loss more effectively”.
Surprisingly, the drugs that block Rlip have a number of other health
benefits that are being tested, including signs that it might reduce
blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides. This could open the door to
new treatments not only in oncology but also for diabetes or obesity
therapies.

Protein That Inhibits Breast Cancer Suppression Finally Blocked 149

 Breaking Cancer Research, Breast Cancer

Groundbreaking Immunotherapy Leads

to Complete Remission of Breast Cancer

B
iological therapies have been a big focus in the recent landscape
of cancer treatments. These are treatments relying on substances
made from living organisms and used to treat malignancies.
Among the different approaches, Adoptive Cell Transfer (ACT)
has already shown some incredible potential when it managed to
completely remove any trace of the disease from a patient suffering
from breast cancer. This is a procedure where the most active T cells,
a specific kind of immune antibody, are harvested from the tumor,
grown in laboratory conditions and then injected back into the body.

Groundbreaking-Immunotherapy-Leads-to-Complete-Remission-
of-Breast Cancer
The article describing this remarkable case detailed how ACT along
with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILS) were used to target the
particular tumor mutation. After previously unsuccessful courses of

150 Groundbreaking Immunotherapy Leads to Complete Remission of Breast Cancer

chemotherapy and hormonal treatments, the patient made a complete
recovery and continues to be cancer free.
“Adoptive transfer of these mutant-protein-specific TILs in
conjunction with interleukin (IL)-2 and checkpoint blockade mediated
the complete durable regression of metastatic breast cancer, which is
now ongoing for >22 months, and it represents a new immunotherapy
approach for the treatment of these patients”.
By comparing the DNA and RNA of the tumor with that of normal
tissue researcher determined 62 mutations and proceeded to test TILs
that might be able to recognize the abnormal cells.
Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Surgery Branch at
NCI’s Center for Cancer Research (CCR) and lead scientist stated that:
“We’ve developed a high-throughput method to identify mutations
present in a cancer that are recognized by the immune system”.
This approach will hopefully open the way to treating other forms
of cancer too.
As Dr. Rosenberg mentioned: “This research is experimental right
now. But because this new approach to immunotherapy is dependent
on mutations, not on cancer type, it is in a sense a blueprint we can
use for the treatment of many types of cancer”.

Groundbreaking Immunotherapy Leads to Complete Remission of Breast Cancer 151

 Breaking Cancer Research, Breast Cancer

University Of Toledo Professor Working

On Cutting Edge Cancer Research

C
ancer is the most lethal disease and finding its potential treatment
is the biggest challenge for the scientists. The major hindrance
in cancer research is the requirement of funds. Recently, the
University of Toledo got a huge fund by Susan G. Komen of Northwest
Ohio for a cutting-edge research to find novel treatments for a very
aggressive and recurring Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC).
Research depicts about 15% of the breast cancer to be TNBC affecting
younger people more.

University-Of-Toledo-Professor-Working-On-Cutting-Edge-
Cancer-Research
Dr. Amit Tiwari, an Assistant Professor in the College of Pharmacy in
UT has discovered a promising new drug for Triple Negative Breast
Cancer where patients resist conventional chemotherapy. He opines
that cancer cells should be targeted in a non-conventional way in

152 University Of Toledo Professor Working On Cutting Edge Cancer Research

order to overcome multi-drug resistance and increase survival rates.
In this regard, drug-resistant factors must be targeted along with
Triple Negative Breast Cancer with specially designed and developed
molecules.
The research will soon reach clinical trials and benefit patients in
about 3-5 years due to generous funding by Komen. Dr. Tiwari is
working with his team of graduate students in which a member from
Rwanda, Angelique Nyinawabera stated that what keeps her morale
high for the research is the struggle by her close people in fighting
cancer and the breast patients should know for sure that the scientists
are fighting along with them to come up with a cure.
Dr. Tiwari highly acknowledged the investment by Komen by stating
that words cure and cancer were heard due to such research funds.
He further expressed that there were few obstacles and challenges
in the research but they were soon going to find a cure as cancer is
absolutely treatable. More money could help reach the clinical trials
in less than two years for which people should take part in the races
for the cure!

University Of Toledo Professor Working On Cutting Edge Cancer Research 153

 Hope Stories, Leukemia Cancer, Lung Cancer

4 Little Girls Who Beat Cancer Reunite at

Hospital for Touching Photo

T
he most heart-shattering thing is to see small and innocent children
attacked by fatal diseases like cancer. The ages when they should
be playing with their toys, they receive severe chemotherapeutic
treatments to get rid of cancer. Cancer occurs irrespective of the ages
and has no mercy on the tiny tots. Such merciless was the story of
four little girls who fought their ways successfully through cancer.

154 4 Little Girls Who Beat Cancer Reunite at Hospital for Touching Photo
McKinley, Chloe, Ava, and Lauren are the pretty little girls who
defeated cancer at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Florida.
During their treatments in 2016, the four became fast friends in the
hospital halls becoming a silver lining in the cloud for each other. At
that time, they gathered for a photo shoot for the first time that had
been on the fly. Ava, Lauren, and McKinley were diagnosed with acute
lymphoblastic leukemia and Chloe was diagnosed with a rare lung
cancer at the ages of 2 and 3. The girls reunited a few days back to
pose for a colossal photo.
Ava’s mother, Alyssa Luciano told that the first picture of the four
friends was taken together during their active treatments when they
were all bald little babies. Lauren’s mother, Shawna Glynn stated
that the friendship of the girls help in easing their difficulties, like
Lauren didn’t have any hair but seeing her friends look the same way
provided her normalcy. Lauren’s treatment has been completed a few
days back. McKinley’s mother, Karen Moore told that seeing the girls
strong together was a great source of comfort for the parents.
The girls again gathered in 2017 for another photo session wearing
T-shirts with printed motivational words. However, the reunion of
the girls this year for the photo shoot is more meaningful as each
wore gold T-shirts with “survivor” written on them providing strength
and hope to other children fighting cancer in the Childhood Cancer
Awareness month of September. The mothers of the fantastic four are
very happy with their motivational friendship and plan to meet next
year again for another photo to track their recoveries.

4 Little Girls Who Beat Cancer Reunite at Hospital for Touching Photo 155
 Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma Cancer

CAR T-Cell Therapy Might Alter the

Treatment of Mesothelioma

D
r. Prasad Adusumilli – the leading scientist and Thoracic
surgeon at MSK (Memorial Sloan Kettering) Cancer Center
believes that personalized gene therapy can soon help in
changing the manner pleural mesothelioma is being treated in the
current scenario.
Currently, Dr. Prasad is serving as the principal investigator of a
phase I clinical trial that involves the participation of customized
immune cells – referred to as CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor)
T-cells, showing relevant improvement in the overall treatment of
mesothelioma. As per Dr. Prasad, the revolutionary CAR T-cells might
change the overall method of treating mesothelioma in the coming
times.

156 CAR T-Cell Therapy Might Alter the Treatment of Mesothelioma

CAR-T-Cell-Therapy-Might-Alter-the-Treatment-of-Mesothelioma
CAR T-Cells Working Over Solid Tumors
Dr. Prasad singled out a patient of 73 years having mesothelioma
with the help of the CAR T-cell therapy along with the combination
of Keytruda. This combination helped in improving the overall
efficiency and extending the duration of the given type of treatment.
The patient obtained the complete suite of metabolic response to the
given treatment. Moreover, the patient is doing well in the current
scenario after 16 months – without any further treatment.
As a major part of the clinical trials including breast cancer as well as
lung cancer patients, five other patients having mesothelioma received
the given combination. Out of them, two reflected partial response,
two responded having progressive disease, and one responded with
stable disease.
All of the patients are still alive since the treatment and have not
shown any signs of side effects. Gene therapy in the treatment of
mesothelioma consists of the laboratory reprogramming of the self T
cells of the patient’s body. It helps in the removal of cells with the help
of a specific protein that has been aimed at a particular target before
it returns the same to the patient.

The Effectiveness of CAR T-Cell Therapy

The revolutionary CAR T-cell therapy functions by aiding the
own immune system of the patient towards better recognizing &
destroying the cancer cells. The United States FDA (Food and Drug
Administration) had given approval to the first gene therapy for
treating pediatric leukemia in the year 2017. This provides for the
official commencement of a new, revolutionary treatment approach
to the treatment of cancer.
Dr. Prasad states that this might be the future of cancer treatment.
As a group at MSK, the team of researchers is conducting a more in-
depth study to observe the true results of the treatment.

CAR T-Cell Therapy Might Alter the Treatment of Mesothelioma 157

 Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, Testicular Cancer

FDA Extends Age Limit for HPV Vaccine to

Include Adults between 27 and 45

T
he Food and Drug Administration has decided to support
vaccination for older adults that previously were not eligible. By
raising the age limit, there is a potential for protecting another
generation from the cancer-causing disease.
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is an umbrella term for more than
150 related viruses that are transmitted through intimate contact. The
infection either presents no symptoms or leads to warts, but generally
tends to go away on its own.
In recent years, a clear connection has been revealed between some
forms of HPV and an increased risk of cancer. In most cases, it affects
the genital area, for both men and women, but can also appear in the
back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.

158 FDA Extends Age Limit for HPV Vaccine to Include Adults between 27 and 45
“Today’s approval represents an important opportunity to help
prevent HPV-related diseases and cancers in a broader age range,” said
Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics
Evaluation and Research in a press release.
He added that “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has
stated that HPV vaccination prior to becoming infected with the HPV
types covered by the vaccine has the potential to prevent more than
90 percent of these cancers, or 31,200 cases every year, from ever
developing”.
Gardasil 9, the vaccine recommended for the procedure could help
protect the estimated 14 million new cases diagnosed each year in the
United States. Among them, approximately 16.000 people will die
from cervical cancer caused by certain HPV viruses.
Cherise Rohr-Allegrini, of The Immunization Partnership in San
Antonio, commented that “There’s a sweet spot between age 9 and
15 where with just two shots you develop sufficient immunity to be
protected, but that doesn’t mean it’s not effective the older you are.
Over 15, we require three shots to get that level of immunity, and
we’ve now seen adults, as well, can become sufficiently immune if
they’ve gotten the three shots“.
Cherise is a long-time advocate of vaccination and says that even
if you test positive for one strain, it is “definitely worthwhile to get
vaccinated to prevent infections with other strains of HPV”.

FDA Extends Age Limit for HPV Vaccine to Include Adults between 27 and 45 159
 Healthy Lifestyles, Prevention, Uterine Cancer

Drinking More Water can Help in

Reducing Bladder Infections in Women

A
s women, drinking additionally 1.5 liters of water on a daily
basis can help in reducing bladder infections – especially in
premenopausal women by around 50%. This has been observed
by a recent study led by Dr. Yair Lotan –Professor of Urology at the
Simmons Cancer Center.
Under the impact of the controlled trials, women who had the habit
of drinking of additional around 1.5 liters of water on a daily basis
reflect around 48 percent fewer cases of repeated bladder infections in
comparison to those who consumed lesser amounts than the desired
volume of daily water intake. Women drinking more water turned out
to be healthy in the long run. Reduced bladed infections can also help
to prevent several diseases.

160 Drinking More Water can Help in Reducing Bladder Infections in Women
Dr. Lotan states that there stands a significant difference in the overall
health of women who consumed more water daily. The given findings
prove beneficial as more than half of the women’s population around
the world report bladder infections – one of the most common
infections in women.
The physicians in the given finding suggest that increased fluid
intake can help in reducing bacteria growth. Moreover, it also helps
in limiting the ability of bacteria to attach itself to the bladder and
cause infections. The common symptoms that are associated with
uncomplicated cystitis – a common UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
are difficult or pain during urination, the feeling of the full urinary
bladder, increased frequency or urgency of urination, possibly blood
in the urine, and mild tenderness towards the lower abdominal area.
As most of the cases of bladder infections in women are treated with
the help of antibiotics, the increase in the fluid intake could help in
reducing the use of antibiotics at the same time. As such, this helps in
controlling the antibiotic resistance of the body as per the researchers.
In this study, Dr. Lotan makes use of robotic, minimally invasive, and
open surgical methods for treating kidney, bladder, prostate, testicular,
and ureteral cancer. He is a leading surgeon at UT Southwestern’s
Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Lotan is
clinically recognized for his contributions in the field of coming up
with urine markers for bladder cancer treatment along with molecular
markers in other forms of urologic cancers.

Drinking More Water can Help in Reducing Bladder Infections in Women 161
 Breaking Cancer Research, Pancreatic Cancer

‘Death Cap’ Mushroom Could Aid in

Cancer Fight

A
good general rule is to stay away from poisonous plants, especially
ones that have such a threatening name, but researchers from
The University of British Columbia were not deterred. They
managed to synthesize a compound from the deadly mushroom in
the hope it can be used to treat cancer cells.
The story might sound a bit strange at first – using a known poison
to fight tumors, but in reality, there have been similar theories starting
with the early 1980s. In fact, only a few years ago, there was a study
that tested this exact claim, though the investigation did not go further
because of how difficult it is to extract samples.
Amanita phalloides, or more commonly the “Death cap” mushroom,
produces α-amanitin, a bicyclic octapeptide regarded as one of the
deadliest known peptide toxins on Earth. Just managing to derive the

162 ‘Death Cap’ Mushroom Could Aid in Cancer Fight

compound can be seen as an achievement. At first, they had to make
a delicate 6-hydroxy-tryptathionine cross-link that could easily form
an unwanted oxindole, then use a Strecker amino acid reaction, and
finally, add a bulky oxidant to the mix.
After all that came the animal trials. When injecting the particle in
laboratory mice exposed to pancreatic cancer, they observed a positive
response in about 60 percent of subjects. These are encouraging figures,
especially seeing how this form of malignancy can be particularly
difficult to treat.
In the long run, the team hopes to improve outcomes and potentially
replicate the results with human testing. If everything goes according
to plan, they estimate to have a synthetic drug ready in the next four
years.

‘Death Cap’ Mushroom Could Aid in Cancer Fight 163

 Breaking Cancer Research

Genetic testing: Not a

One-and-Done Deal

G
enetic testing holds a special place in revealing genetic changes
that are involved in causing hereditary cancers. Testing
laboratories have been encouraged by a new research study at
UT Southwestern Medical Center to update their records and aware
physicians when the genes are reclassified. Genetic testing results
from 1.45 million people were revised which depicted the subsequent
reclassification of likely or unlikely cancer association of about 25
percent of “variants of uncertain significance”.
Genetic variations are classified as “benign,” “likely benign,” “variant
of uncertain significance,” “likely pathogenic,” or “pathogenic”.
Reclassification of a variant to be “pathogenic” might matter a lot
to the patient. A patient might add MRI scans to their mammogram
screening program or want to have prophylactic surgery if he has a
broken BRCA gene. Likewise, if a variation is reclassified as “benign”

164 Genetic testing: Not a One-and-Done Deal

from “variant of uncertain significance”, it can be very vital for a
patient’s relief.
A usual gene contains about 27,000 base pairs (A-T, G-C) that make
up a DNA whereas a few genes comprise of 2 million of these bases,
increasing the chances of variations. Dr. Theo Ross, Professor of
Internal Medicine and senior author of the study stated that new
families having an increased inherited predisposition to cancer might
be identified. The detailed genetic studies on their DNA might disclose
new information which can further be analyzed and verified by
biochemical, collective familial and functional studies leading to the
development of new therapeutic strategies.
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a
study that reviewed test results for hereditary cancer genes for which
60,000 amended reports were issued out of 1.67 million initial
reports. Reclassification process changed about 24.9 percent “variant
of uncertain significance” to the majority being benign. This study
implies that testing laboratories must review gene variant information
regularly alerting the physicians about it. Physicians must be aware
of common reclassifications and rapidly advancing knowledge about
gene variants. Patients should be informed of reclassifications by their
physicians so that they can make well-suited choices.

References:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180925140415.htm
https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/articles/year-2018/
cancer-related-gene-variations.html

Genetic testing: Not a One-and-Done Deal 165

 Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer Breakthroughs

The Immune System of the Alpaca

Reveals a Potential Treatment for Cancer

C
ancer is the major cause of deaths all around the world and
scientists are working hard to find its potential treatments.
Sometimes, the prospective treatments are found in the natural
world like the immune system of camelids. EGF (Epidermal Growth
Factor) causes cancer when dysregulated and numerous therapeutic
tools that have the potential to block its activity have been described
by Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) and the Vrije
Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
No inhibitors have been designed for EGF up till now, but researchers
have isolated a family of nanobodies from camelids derived from
alpacas which possess a therapeutic effect by inhibiting EGF.
Previously, the advanced treatments have been established against the
EGR receptor (EGFR) but the patients developed resistance leading
to the decreased efficacy. The new inhibitors have been designed by

166 The Immune System of the Alpaca Reveals a Potential Treatment for Cancer
employing an evolving biotech tool, nanobodies which have high-
affinity for EGF.

Treatment for Cancer

Immune response
EGF protein was produced by IRB Barcelona and administration to
alpacas was done by their Belgian colleagues. A series of nanobodies
was produced as an immune response against the strange antigen in
these animals which are potent inhibitors of EGF. The IRB Barcelona
team used biophysical techniques to characterize high-affinity ligands
and analyze the interactions in cells in vitro and in human cancer cells.
Ernest Giralt, head of the Peptide and Proteins Lab at IRB Barcelona
stated that they had challenged nature by finding a tightly binding
molecule to EGF by injecting EGF into the alpaca. This drug is highly
benefitting for the patients who have established resistance to the
EGFR inhibitors available currently. The pharmacological effect of
these new nanobodies is yet to be evaluated in cell and animal models
of cancer.

References:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181002103005.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20033049

The Immune System of the Alpaca Reveals a Potential Treatment for Cancer 167
 Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer

New Cancer Vaccine Shows Early Promise

For Patients With Her2-Positive Cancers

T
he major challenge these days lies in finding an effective treatment
against all types of cancers. Developing potential vaccinations
is an important effort in this regard where many scientists are
making their marks. A new vaccine has recently been developed which
is of a great advantage to patients with metastatic HER2-positive
cancers who had not received any HER2-targeted therapeutic before.
6 out of 11 cancerous patients depicted clinical benefit after receiving
more than the lowest dose of the vaccine.

New-Cancer-Vaccine-Shows-Early-Promise-For-Patients-With-
Her2-Positive-Cancers
According to Jay A. Berzofsky, immunotherapy is by far most
successful as it has lesser side effects than traditional chemotherapy
and destroys cancer by rationalizing the exquisite specificity of the

168 New Cancer Vaccine Shows Early Promise For Patients With Her2-Positive Cancers
immune system. Here, an immune response is triggered by using a
vaccine approach against HER2 that might be a cause of ovarian,
breast, lung, gastroesophageal and colorectal cancers. The novel
vaccine developed for HER2-overexpressing cancers has shown
promising results paving new therapeutic paths.
Berzofsky and colleagues customize the vaccines for each patient by
using immune cells isolated from their blood which is then modified
in several ways and injected back to the patients intradermally. This
vaccine has a huge potential of eliminating established and aggressive
tumors in addition to lung metastases in mice. During the dose
escalation portion of clinical trials, it was observed that the patients
did not respond to 5 million dendritic cells per injection but about
54% patients responded to 10 million or 20 million dendritic cells per
injection. The dose was safely increased to 40 million dendritic cells
per injection which offered enhanced clinical benefit.
The researchers plan to combine the vaccine with checkpoint inhibitor
therapy in future to increase the number of benefitting patients. The
only limitation of the treatment is that it has no placebo control with
a relatively small, phase I clinical trial. However, the additional trials
will be satisfactorily promising.

References:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180930153540.htm

New Cancer Vaccine Shows Early Promise For Patients With Her2-Positive Cancers 169
 Bladder Cancer, Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Head and
Neck Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Lung Cancer, Melanoma Cancer,
Non-hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer, Skin Cancer

First Treatment for Advanced Skin

Cancer Approved

T
he FDA has just announced that Libtayo is now officially the
first and only form of treatment for patients with cutaneous
squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) or locally advanced CSCC
who do not qualify for courses of radiation or surgery.
In a press release, Michael R. Migden, M.D., Professor at The
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and lead investigator
in the pivotal CSCC clinical program, said: “Today’s FDA decision is
great news for patients with advanced CSCC, who previously had
no approved treatment options. This is especially true because these
patients are no longer candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
Libtayo is an important new immunotherapy option for U.S. physicians
to help address a significant unmet need in this patient group.”

170 First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer Approved

This new drug is part of the recent wave of checkpoint inhibitors
designed to target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. So far, they have shown
a lot of promise in treating a variety of tumors, including melanoma,
non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head and
neck cancers, and Hodgkin lymphoma.
In clinical trials, Libtayo has managed to reach an efficiency of almost
50%, shrinking or completely removing tumors in about half of the
108 patients enrolled.
Right from the start of the evaluation process, the FDA has recognized
the importance of this medicine, granting it Breakthrough Therapy
Designation in and Priority Review. These are special labels offered
to drugs that present significant improvements in safety or efficacy in
treating serious conditions.
Olivier Brandicourt, M.D. and Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi, the
company that produces the drug, stated that: “In the U.S., CSCC
accounts for one in five skin cancers, and the number of new diagnoses
is increasing. We believe Libtayo has the potential to make a difference
for U.S. patients with advanced CSCC, as it helps to fill a critical gap
in treatment options. We are committed to bringing this important
medicine to patients in other countries around the world as quickly
as possible“.

First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer Approved 171

 Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Cures, Esophagus Cancer,
Healthy Lifestyles, Lung Cancer, Nutrition, Pancreatic Cancer,
Prevention, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer, Stomach Cancer,
Throat Cancer, Uterine Cancer

PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to

Patients With Small Cell Lung Cancer

P
ARP inhibitors are approved by the Food and Drug Administration
for the treatment of certain breast and ovarian cancers. But could
they one day be given the green light to help patients with the
deadliest form of lung cancer? Early study findings published in the
Journal of Clinical Oncology show promising results.
Investigators at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
in Houston discovered that adding the PARP inhibitor veliparib to
a standard chemotherapy regimen improved overall responses rates
(ORR) in patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
“Small cell lung cancer is one of the most difficult to treat cancers
once it has relapsed because it is so drug resistant,” Lauren Averett
Byers, M.D., associate professor of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical

172 PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With Small Cell Lung Cancer
Oncology, told CURE in an interview. “There are currently no
approved targeted drugs for small cell lung cancer and no established
biomarkers to guide treatment selection for patients, even though
research from several groups has now shown that there are different
subsets of small cell lung cancer that, in the lab, respond differently
to specific targeted therapies.”
The phase 2 trial, which was supported by funding from the National
Institutes of Health (NIH)/NCI and The LUNGevity Foundation,
included 104 patients with relapsed SCLC, including some with
advanced disease with brain metastasis, from seven cancer centers
in the United States. Many patients had failed prior standard
chemotherapy.
In the trial, patients randomly received either veliparib or placebo
twice daily with the chemotherapy agent Temodar (temozolomide),
which are both oral medications. This occurred between 2012 and
2015.
Although progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint,
the investigators determined there was no statistically significant
difference between both groups. PFS was 36 percent in the Temodar/
veliparib group compared with 27 percent in the Temodar/placebo
group. In addition, overall survival (OS) was similar between the two
groups at 8.2 months and seven months, respectively.
However, investigators saw a significant difference in ORR, which
was almost three times higher in the Temodar/veliparib group
compared with the Temodar/placebo group (39 percent versus 14
percent, respectively).
“To find that the addition of the targeted PARP inhibitor therapy
enhanced response rates, and to demonstrate a novel, easy to perform
biomarker could potentially help us identify those patients who
get benefit from adding veliparib to chemotherapy, was incredibly
exciting,” Byers said.
Researchers also determined that a group of patients whose tumors
expressed the protein SLFN11 — about half of patients with SCLC
have this at the time their cancer is diagnosed — experienced a PFS
(5.7 versus 3.6 months) and OS (12.2 versus 7.5 months) benefit.

PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With Small Cell Lung Cancer 173
 “SLFN11’s job is to make sure that cells with lots of DNA damage
don’t keep trying to replicate themselves and, rather, undergo cell
death, which is why we think this makes sense as a biomarker for
PARP inhibitor therapy, not just for lung cancer but potentially for
other cancers where PARP inhibitors are used as well,” Byers said.
“If these results are validated in other studies, it could become the
first predictive biomarker for SCLC and allow us to apply a more
personalized approach to treating SCLC,” she added.
Although some toxicities were experienced, such as blood count
deficiencies, treatment generally was well tolerated, Byers said.
“The main side effect was that we saw on patient’s blood work that
they often had lower blood counts, especially platelets and white
blood cells, which is a known side effect of these two drugs,” she
said. “During the trial, we ended up decreasing the starting dose of
the chemotherapy (Temodar) which helped address the low blood
counts.”
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States
for men and women. In 2018, more than 240,000 adults will either
receive a diagnosis of SCLC or non-small cell lung cancer — the more
common type of the disease.
To examine this further, Byers is testing veliparib at a higher dose
in combination with Temodar in the frontline setting. Through an
NIH grant Byers will also be able to study whether PARP inhibitors,
combined with immunotherapies, improve responses in SCLC.
“(This trial) shows the potential for translational research,” Byers
said. “I hope in the next few years PARP inhibitors will become a
treatment we can offer our patients routinely.”

174 PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With Small Cell Lung Cancer
Breast Cancer, Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Healthy
Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention, Prostate Cancer

Connection to Healthy Diets Imply

Lower Risks of Cancer

A
diet that aims at encouraging healthy eating along with physical
activity while discouraging alcohol consumption has been linked
to the lowered risks of cancer including breast, prostate, and
colorectal cancers.
A recent study published in Cancer Research – a leading journal of the
American Association for Cancer Research stated the importance of a
healthy diet towards lowering the overall risks of developing cancer.
The research headed by Mathilde Touvier – head of the Nutritional
Epidemiology Research Team was found saying that amongst all the
possible risk factors being linked to cancer, proper nutrition & ample
physical activity are the best-known modifiable lifestyle aspects that
could contribute to lowering the overall risks.

Connection to Healthy Diets Imply Lower Risks of Cancer 175

 WCRF/AICR (World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for
Cancer Research) has revealed that in developed nations of the world,
around 35 percent cases of breast cancers & around 45 percent cases
of colorectal cancers could be easily avoided by ensuring a stronger
connection of a healthier diet & lifestyle. As such, it is vital to
understand the importance of proper nutrition & diet management
in controlling & preventing cancers.
Towards encouraging healthy & nutritional eating, several
organizations have come up with proper dietary recommendations.
Researchers have found that all the diets are associated with some
form of reduced cancer risks.
For examining the links between the four major nutritional indices &
cancer risks, the team of researchers obtained data from the NutriNet-
Sante study – aimed at investigating the links between nutrition &
health in a typical French cohort. The researchers after this study
concluded that “synergistic contribution” of a nutritional, healthy
diet served more significant than a single dietary recommendation.
Therefore, it is important to note that every lifestyle factor matters
and it is never too late to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

176 Connection to Healthy Diets Imply Lower Risks of Cancer

Cancer Technology, Mesothelioma Cancer

Surgeons at Pennsylvania “Light Up”

Tumors for Boosting the Chances of
Mesothelioma Survival

A
group of surgeons at the University of Pennsylvania is conducting
experiments upon a new technology that could substantially
enhance the chances of survival amongst the Mesothelioma
patients. This is done by ensuring that patients having malignant
pleural mesothelioma can have their cancers removed.
The complete removal of the cancer cells can create a major difference
between life & death. This is because even the slightest remnants of
the cancer cells could quickly grow back into tumors. However, the
process of the complete resection known as “macroscopic complete
resection” is not easy.
Therefore, for improving the chances of removing as many cancer cells
as possible, the team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania

Surgeons at Pennsylvania “Light Up” Tumors for Boosting the Chances of Mesothelioma Survival 177
 at the Abramson Cancer Center has come up with the innovative
technology -“TumorGlow”. This technology is a type of intraoperative
imaging technique that makes even the slightest clusters of cancer cells
glow under the impact of the near-infrared light rays.
As per the study, this advanced technique has the capability of
improving the overall precision & accuracy of treating cancer during
surgeries. It also helps in facilitating the earliest detection of the small
cancer tumors for ensuring better outcomes of the cancer treatment.
Towards testing the overall success & feasibility of the given “light up”
technique, the team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania
took help from 20 patients having malignant pleural mesothelioma.
The patients who were about to have their cancer surgeries were
injected with the given dye of the “TumorGlow” machine 24 hours
before the operation.
During the cancer surgery, the doctors made use of the infrared light
to help them guide to as many groups of cancer cells as possible.
The given samples of cancer cells that looked suspicious were then
removed.

178 Surgeons at Pennsylvania “Light Up” Tumors for Boosting the Chances of Mesothelioma Survival
Cancer Cures, Leukemia Cancer

Taming Pediatric Leukemia

L
eukemia  research  by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical
Center gives us hope on a higher percentage of getting leukemia
cured.
AML or Acute Myeloid Leukemia is caused by a disruption on the
genetic programming of blood cells with the defect of chromosome
11q23. The survival rate is ranging from 20-40 percent. This urged
the scientists of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to look for a more
effective treatment by doing a research with mice and donated human
cells.
According to H. Leighton Grimes, PhD, principal investigator and
Sarah Meyer, PhD, a former member of the Grimes Laboratory, the
cancerous blood cells died and were replaced by healthy white blood
cells when scientists blocked the target molecule on human AML cells
in combination with other known treatments.

Taming Pediatric Leukemia 179

 With the online publication of Journal of Experimental Medicine, the
research suggests possible development on more effective treatment
for AML, but according to Grimes, the findings of the research are
not ready for clinical application.
Grimes, the director of the Cancer Pathology Program at Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital said: “Our work provides a complete mechanistic
look into the function of genetic and molecular programs driving
this leukemia, and it exploits these processes to identify actionable
therapeutic targets. We still have extensive additional testing to
conduct in laboratory animal models of AML before knowing if this
approach will translate to patient care.”
To identify sets of genes that show up in high numbers in MLL-AF9
leukemia, scientists conducted additional testing on the cells included
computer-assisted analysis of the Molecular Signature Database.
Additional biochemical testing on the cells was also conducted. With
these tests, researchers found out that miR-196 directly targets and
inhibits a gene called Cdkn1b/p27Kip1 (cyclin-Dependent Kinase
Inhibitormolecular programming in leukemia stem cell that allows
the cell to maintain aggressive MLL-AF9 leukemia.
According to Grimes normal blood stem cells or hematopoietic stem
cells are not able to survive extensive cell division. The researchers
discovered that when miR-196 targets Cdkn1b/p27Kip1, it quickens
MLL-AF9 progression by abnormally linking stem cell activity with
the growth of leukemia cells.
AML is killed depending on the dosage used with the experiment with
human AML cell lines. Scientists are also applying this research with
other tested treatments to see if they can get a more combined effect
with AML treatment. Researchers approach the study to “represent a
new opportunity for AML therapeutics.”

180 Taming Pediatric Leukemia

Pancreatic Cancer

Top Do’s & Don’ts for Pancreatic

Cancer Treatment

P
ancreatic cancer is known to grow slowly and spread quickly – before
it gets discovered. This is the reason why most of the pancreatic
cancer cases are quite typical to diagnose & treat properly. If you
have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and you are suggested in-
depth pancreatic cancer treatment – what should you do?
To start with, you must feel confident about the pancreatic treatment
that you will receive from the given healthcare team. You must seek a
healthcare team that is able to emotionally, physically, and mentally
understand your specific requirements. If you are just about to begin
your pancreatic cancer treatment, here are some top do’s & don’ts
for you to consider:
■■ DO See a Proper Specialist: When you visit a medical specialist
dealing in the field of pancreatic cancer, you can help in

Top Do’s & Don’ts for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment 181

 improving the overall outcomes of the treatment. It is strongly
recommended that you should see a specialist or pancreatic
cancer expert who has relevant expertise in the given field and
understand your case properly.
■■ DO Look Out for a Highly Professional Surgeon: Towards
confirming both the eligibility and performing the surgery
accurately, you should seek a highly professional & well-
qualified pancreatic cancer surgeon. The surgeon must be
adept at conducting the pancreatic cancer surgery known as
“pancreaticoduodenectomy” – also referred to as the “Whipple
Procedure”.
■■ DO NOT Wait to Regard Clinical Trials:  If you have been
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer of any level, it is considered the
best to not waste any time further. Clinical trials are conducted
to investigate and create new treatments for cancer. Therefore,
you must consider the clinical trials as you begin with trying out
the treatment options for pancreatic cancer.
Last but not the least, you should not feel alone in your pancreatic
cancer treatment at any time!

182 Top Do’s & Don’ts for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Brain Cancer, Cancer Cures, Cancer Technology

Nanoparticles, High Tech Weapons

Fighting Brain Cancer

B
iomedical research involving nanoparticles is being tested as it
could pave the way for a new and more effective drug-delivering
method against glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain
cancer.
Nanotechnology might be the key to figuring out a cure for cancer
once and for all. Scientists are using microscopic particles that are
embedded with powerful drugs to target specific cancer cells. Their
ability to permeate the blood-brain barrier makes them ideal for a
more directed and controlled approach.
The latest development was creating a nanoparticle able to transport
two different compounds: one that actively damages and reduces the
tumor cells, and another that renders them unable to regenerate.

Nanoparticles, High Tech Weapons Fighting Brain Cancer 183

 Trials so far are looking promising, which is great news for the
patients and also their families. The current treatment for brain cancer
involves not only a risky surgery but also rounds of chemotherapy
followed by radiation, each involving more strain on the body.
This treatment might allow forgoing some medication that has heavy
side effects. Temozolomide, for example, one of the most common
drugs administered in the early stages, generally causes nausea,
weakness and bruising in patients. A more power and less taxing
option seem to be on the horizon.
Michael Yaffe, Professor of Science at the Koch Institute and member
of the team conducting the trials said: “This is yet another example
where the combination of nanoparticle delivery with drugs involving
the DNA-damage response can be used successfully to treat cancer”.
There is hope that work on this project might lead to advancements
in the treatment of other forms of cancer as well.
Even though the road ahead is still long, one thing is for certain,
science is taking steps in the right direction

184 Nanoparticles, High Tech Weapons Fighting Brain Cancer

Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer Breakthroughs, Cancer
Cures, Cancer Technology, Melanoma Cancer, Skin Cancer 

Australia Working on Breakthrough

Blood Test for Detecting Melanoma

A
n Australian team of scientists announced they have discovered
a way of revealing if a patient has melanoma with just a blood
test.
Researchers from Edith Cowan University are confident they can
catch the disease in the very early stages before it can start spreading
through the human body.
The survival rate over an initial period of five years for patients who
are diagnosed early on is over 90%. This drops considerably, below
50%, if the melanoma had time to expand and affect other areas.
The prospect of replacing extensive investigations with a simple
medical test is impressive. The standard procedure right now is to have

Australia Working on Breakthrough Blood Test for Detecting Melanoma 185

 a specialist do a visual check followed by having samples surgically
removed and sent to be biopsied.
Initial trials were conducted on 124 cases and the detection rate was
about 70%. The test is based on finding certain protein antibodies
excreted when the body senses it is under attack from the cancerous
cells. From a total of 1627 antibodies, the team focused on a
combination of 10, which were most common in already confirmed
instances.
Further investigation is required, and a similar project, meant to
confirm the findings, is being conducted in the span of the next three
years. If everything goes well, the vaccine could be available in about
three to five years.
While this pioneering work could considerably reduce the time needed
for diagnosis, it is important to add that the results only apply to more
common types of skin cancer.

186 Australia Working on Breakthrough Blood Test for Detecting Melanoma

Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Cures, Esophagus Cancer,
Healthy Lifestyles, Lung Cancer, Nutrition, Pancreatic Cancer,
Prevention, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer, Stomach Cancer,
Throat Cancer, Uterine Cancer

Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from

Inside Tomatoes

I
s classed as a non-provitamin A carotenoid, lycopene the red
pigment found in tomatoes, watermelon or pink grapefruit. It is
associated with a number of health benefits including helping with
maintaining a good circulation, reducing cardiovascular risks and the
likelihood of developing cancer.
It should be pointed out, not every fruit or vegetable which has red
color also contains lycopene. The highest amount can be found in fresh
tomatoes, but even after processing, they still retain a considerable
concentration.

Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes 187

 News that this compound is good for the body is not new. There
have been several studies throughout the years highlighting the link
between lycopene and skin health or bone mineral density.
More recent  research  indicates a possible correlation between
lycopene and some forms of cancer. “Inverse associations between
tomato consumption and risk of gastric cancer were observed in
all these diverse populations”, concludes the paper published in the
Journal of National Cancer Institute.
As referenced from the above-mentioned research, the group of Italian
doctors found that “Intake of tomatoes and tomato-based products
and plasma levels of lycopene, a carotenoid found predominantly in
tomatoes, have been relatively consistently associated with a lower
risk of a variety of cancers”.
Among the types of cancer tested were: lung, stomach, prostate,
breast, oral cavity, pancreas, and esophagus.
As always, a lot more data needs to be gathered and then controlled
testing done to corroborate the results, but the findings so far seem
hopeful.
This could be an important step for finding more natural ways of
addressing serious diseases like cancer.

188 Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes

Skin Cancer

HPV Vaccine Removes Dozens of Tumors

from Patient With Advanced Skin Cancer

A
patient whose situation seemed hopeless managed to lose
any trace of advanced skin cancer, simply based on a doctor’s
intuition.
The story seems unbelievable, yet it’s true.
An elderly woman, in her 90’s, with countless squamous cell tumors
on her right leg, went to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center,
where she was seen by a resident dermatologist.
Because the tumors were so numerous and considerable in size, the
normal treatment, which is surgery, was out of the question. The
situation seemed bleak.
Aware of the possibility of there being a connection between human
papilloma virus (HPV) and some types of skin cancer, Dr. Anna
Nichols had the idea of trying something more unconventional.

HPV Vaccine Removes Dozens of Tumors from Patient With Advanced Skin Cancer 189
 The procedure involved several sessions where 9-valent HPV vaccine
was administered intratumoral, between March 2016 and February
2017. Within 11 months from the first injection, all the tumors
disappeared and did not show any sign of reoccurrence.
Even though the doctors were expecting some slight improvements,
no one could predict the actual success. Squamous cell carcinoma
(SCC) is number two on the list of the most common types of skin
cancer and has a high chance of returning.
Now the patient is on her way to celebrating her 100th birthday thanks
to the unusual approach. This was the first documented instance of
complete regression from using the HPV vaccine for treating other
forms of cancer.
The case is sure to spark new interest and more in-depth research
into SCC.

190 HPV Vaccine Removes Dozens of Tumors from Patient With Advanced Skin Cancer
Cancer, Cancer Cures

Cancer Cells Engineered to Trigger a

Death Switch in Other Cancer Cells

C
ancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and the treatments
are either in experimental phases or clinical trials. Scientists
and researchers are striving hard day and night to find novel
therapeutic strategies that eliminate cancer at all stages. Genetic
Engineers have introduced a new strategy, whereby they manipulated
certain wandering cancer tumor cells to secrete a special protein.
This protein when interacts with the localized tumor cells, elicits a
death switch in them, ultimately killing them. The wandering cancer
cells possess an integrated suicide switch that compels them to kill
themselves before they start another generation of tumors.
The scientists previously utilized the tumor cells in circulation to
target the localized tumor cells via certain viruses that eradicate
cancer. However, this method is old and the hardworking researchers
devised a new technology to tackle the lethal cancers. This new gene
editing technology, CRISPR/Cas9 edits the cancerous genes in such a

Cancer Cells Engineered to Trigger a Death Switch in Other Cancer Cells 191
 way that their entire line of action is maneuvered, thus being granted
the refined characteristic of self-devastation when they are of no use.
CRISPR/Cas9 technique has created a buzz and revolutionized the
whole world of science.
Reinshagen and his coworkers have hit upon a new approach to
exterminate localized tumor cells by taking potential benefit of
the “self-homing” behavior of the tumor cells. The “self-homing”
principle reveals tumor cells to relocate to the main tumor site
wherever inoculated in the circulatory system. Reinshagen utilized
these tumor cells as therapeutic carriers or vectors that might carry
therapies and transfer them to the main tumor site, thus following
their “self-homing” behavior. The scientists carefully designed these
self-targeting tumor cells to secrete the ligands that target specific
death receptors on the resident tumor cells. The ligands upon binding
the receptor sites kill the main tumor cells but the planted cell itself
survives. In order to kill the savior cell before it becomes a culprit
in promulgating new tumor cells, certain drugs are induced that
trigger a cellular suicide system. This method has been reported really
convenient, safe and efficient by the scientists after they tested it on a
series of mouse models at preliminary and advanced stages of cancer.
The above-mentioned methods are being used and refined in science
research in order to fight cancer to the best levels. We can hope to nib
the cancer in the bud in the near future when these methods will be
implemented.

192 Cancer Cells Engineered to Trigger a Death Switch in Other Cancer Cells
Ovarian Cancer, Prostate Cancer 

Prostate Cancer, Ovarian Cancer,

Sarcomas and More Cancer Types Now
Linked to Lynch Syndrome

More than just colorectal and endometrial cancers

Scientists at the ASCO (Americal Society of Clinical Oncology)
2018 meeting in Chicago[1] have said that Lynch syndrome (usually
associated with an increased risk of colorectal and endometrial
cancers), is linked with several additional types of cancer. New
screening recommendations have also been suggested for families
with a history of Lynch syndrome.

What is Lynch syndrome?

Discovered by (and named after) Dr Henry Lynch in the 1960s[2],
the syndrome refers to the presence of 5 mismatch repair genes, or
MMR genes that has previously been linked to the increased risk of
certain cancer types. It is a genetic condition, and is generally seen in
members of the same family (bloodline).

Prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, sarcomas and more cancer types now linked to Lynch syndrome 193
 New cancer types linked to Lynch syndrome
Before the new cancer types (including cancers of the ovary, stomach,
urothelial tract, and small bowel, and less frequently – cancers of the
brain, biliary tract, pancreas, and prostate) were linked[3] to Lynch
syndrome, scientists performed a genetic analysis of about 15,000
tumor samples from 50 different cancer types. They were looking for
glitches known as high microsatellite instability (MSI-H).
This genetic marker (MSI-H) is typically associated[4] with a lot of
genetic abnormalities found in common tumors.

194 Prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, sarcomas and more cancer types now linked to Lynch syndrome
Blood Cancer, Cancer Breakthroughs, Kidney Cancer, Lung
Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer 

Hundreds of Kidney, Skin and Blood

Cancer Patients May Be Cured from
Breakthrough Drug

C
ancer is a lethal disease finding ways in the world of therapeutics
to be completely cured. Newer drugs are being formulated by
scientists and marketed by the pharmaceutical companies at
a rapid pace in order to entirely wipe out cancer. Approximately
40,000 cases of skin, breast, lung, bowel, and prostate are annually
reported by the Irish Cancer Society. Health Service Executive (HSE)
is playing significant roles in fighting cancer by approving the newest
drugs for cancer therapy. Recently, HSE has approved a breakthrough
drug,  nivolumab  for financial reimbursement that could benefit
thousands of skin, kidney and blood cancer patients.
Nivolumab is produced by Bristol-Myers Squibb and marketed under
the brand name Opdivo. This drug is controversial due to its high cost

Hundreds of Kidney, Skin and Blood Cancer Patients May Be Cured from Breakthrough Drug 195
 ranging from €50,000-€100,000 ($65,000 to $130,000) per patient
per year. It has been revealed by Simon Harris, Minister for Health
that the public health service has been sending applications to HSE
to reimburse the treatments for almost 8 indications by nivolumab.
After consulting with the department and assessing the circumstances,
HSE has approved reimbursement of nivolumab for treating renal
cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), melanoma (skin cancer) and Hodgkin
lymphoma (blood cancer), instigating from 9th October.
In order to avoid the misuse of the drug, HSE would not support
metastatic or locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Mr.
Harris made it clear that HSE would not support the patients in
private hospitals. Health insurers must deal directly with the private
hospitals if they want to link their policy on the cover for treatment
through nivolumab. HSE is considering all the applications after the
detailed assessment process. The recommendation of merely Opdivo
(nivolumab) or its combination with Yervoy (ipilimumab) by HSE has
been confirmed by Bristol-Myers Squibb. This reimbursement process
provides a potential benefit to the eligible patients with advanced
kidney cancer, advanced melanoma and a hostile blood cancer,
classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).
Reimbursement of nivolumab monotherapy or combined therapy
with ipilimumab has also been announced for advanced melanoma
patients by Kay Curtin of Melanoma Support Ireland. Benjamin
Hickey, General Manager of Bristol-Myers Squibb believed that
advanced lung cancer patients would also be able to attain nivolumab
treatment in future on Irish Health Service, as they are working hard
to find such a possibility

196 Hundreds of Kidney, Skin and Blood Cancer Patients May Be Cured from Breakthrough Drug
Breast Cancer, Cancer Technology, Thyroid Cancer 

Discovery Blocks Vicious Cycle of

Inflammation and Tumor Growth

A
utotaxin  is an enzyme that is generated by the body for
regeneration and repair of tissues, but on the other side, it acts
as a catalyst for the growth of tumors. It also facilitates the
growth of other inflammatory conditions like arthritis, colitis and
cancer specially breast cancer and growth of thyroid tumors.
Researchers from the University of Alberta believe that by targeting
this enzyme which is causing vicious growth of tumors and resistance
in its treatment they can more effectively fight breast and thyroid
cancers.
A team under the leadership of David Brindley from the University of
Alberta supports this research. They believe that Autotaxin produces
lysophosphatidic acid which promotes the survival and growth of
cancer cells. The beneficial effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy

Discovery Blocks Vicious Cycle of Inflammation and Tumor Growth 197

 are also resisted because of this enzyme. If the activity of autotaxin
is inhibited the early growth of tumors in the breast can be slashed
down by up to 70 percent. The metastasis of the tumor is reduced by
a similar margin as well. This was checked by Brindley and his team
of researchers by using an autotaxin inhibiting drug developed by
Ono pharmaceutical Japan.
Later on, they used different techniques for blocking the effects of
lysophosphatidic acid and then by performing various tests they
found that they were able to block the growth of breast and thyroid
tumors by 80 percent.
The researchers are exploiting the therapeutic potential of these
inhibitors and are now working on the first autotaxin inhibitor
that could make it to the clinic. This medicine in combination with
chemotherapy will drastically improve the treatment of cancer which
is believed to help one third of women that die from breast cancer and
many thyroid cancer patients whose response to conventional cancer
treatment is not very effective.

198 Discovery Blocks Vicious Cycle of Inflammation and Tumor Growth

Brain Cancer, Cancer Technology 

Nanoparticles can Help Battle

Brain Cancer

N
anotechnology has brought a revolution to the whole world of
science and especially in the field of cancer therapeutics. The
discovery of nanoparticles has paved a way for the treatment of
cancer. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most dangerous and aggressive
cancer of the brain that is extremely hard to treat. Researchers have
developed a new mechanism of delivering the drugs to the brain
cancer cells by using nanoparticles as carriers and they are designed to
cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver two drugs at a time. Crossing
the blood-brain barrier and binding the tumor cells readily is quite
an achievement of nanoparticles. Holding two different compounds
by nanoparticles serve the purpose of destroying the DNA of tumor
cells by one drug and inhibiting the DNA repair mechanism by the
second drug so that they cannot nullify the effect of the first drug by
repairing the previously destroyed tumor cells.

Nanoparticles can Help Battle Brain Cancer 199

 The digestive system devastates the drugs due to which discovery of
new drug delivery systems is a necessity. Moreover, in addition to
missing the cancer cells, poor drug targeting also gives rise to harmful
side effects, due to which there is a huge requirement of perfect
drug targeting mechanisms. Surgical treatment of the brain cancer,
glioblastoma multiforme is required, followed by chemotherapy and
radiotherapy, former requiring efficient drug delivery.
A few experimental trials on mice depicted nanoparticles resulting in
the shrinking of tumors and not recurring. Professor Paula Hammond
opines that this nanoparticle drug delivery method is very unique as
it is employed to deliver two drugs, in addition to its abilities to cross
the blood-brain barrier and efficiently targeting the tumors.
The nanoparticles were coated with transferrin protein which
is a novel way to move them across the blood-brain barrier.
The nanoparticles start to tear apart upon reaching the tumor and
being engulfed by the cells. Published in Nature Communications, this
research has flagged a way to successfully treat gliomas by targeting
with nanoparticles.
The scientists are researching nanoparticles more deeply in order to
reveal their marvelousness in cancer therapeutics. With the help of a
new nanoparticle, they have disclosed the movement of cancer cells
to other sites in the human body in order to discover efficient drug
delivery methods.

200 Nanoparticles can Help Battle Brain Cancer

Cancer Breakthroughs, Cancer Cures, Cancer Technology, Lung
Cancer, Prevention

Delta-tocotrienol Inhibitors Might

Reduce Risk of Tumor Invasion and
Metastasis

T
he World Health Organization classifies lung cancer as the most
common type of cancer worldwide, both in men and women. The
mortality rate is so high that about 1 in 5 deaths are as of result
of this terrible disease
News of a possible new way of dealing with lung cancer brought a lot
of hope not only in the medical world but also for millions of patients
around the globe.
A recent study exploring the possibility of using Delta-tocotrienol,
a compound found in vitamin E, has surfaced. As it has shown to
have anticancer properties, it is being tested on several types of non-
small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), including squamous cell, large cell

Delta-tocotrienol Inhibitors Might Reduce Risk of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis 201
 carcinoma and adenocarcinomas, to try and inhibit signals between
tumors cells. By preventing matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9)
migration and invasion of other cells, researchers are trying to prevent
cancer development at initial stages, as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Over the past decades, lung cancer has become more and more
frequent, and unfortunately, the survival rate past five years has not
improved at all, barely reaching 5% out of all cases.
A vaccine that could directly attack tumor cells by attenuating cell
invasion and possibly delaying metastasis in NSCLC, would be an
important breakthrough.
While the study concludes that “treatment with the tocotrienol mixture
resulted in a dosedependent and significant decrease in cell growth,
cell migration, tumor invasiveness, and induction of apoptosis”, it is
important to remember that these are only preliminary findings and
the road to seeing these results put into application is still ahead.

202 Delta-tocotrienol Inhibitors Might Reduce Risk of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis
Breast Cancer 

Study Spares Breast Cancer Patients

from Unnecessary Chemotherapy

T
he fight with cancer has deep and serious repercussions not only
on the patient but also for their family. A new study brings hope
to breast cancer patients that they might be spared the thought
of dealing with chemotherapy.
The usual course of action when a patient is diagnosed with
cancer involves chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Each of these
procedures comes with some risks and discomfort.
While preoperative chemotherapy has the benefit of reducing the
tumor in size, making patients that might not otherwise be suitable
candidates become eligible for surgery, it also has some heavy side
effects, including: weakness, nausea, dizziness, pains.
The Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment,
or  TAILORx, was an international effort, gathering data from

Study Spares Breast Cancer Patients from Unnecessary Chemotherapy 203

 patients from U.S., Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and
Peru. There were more than 10.000 cases selected and participants
were administered a 21-gene expression test. Three study groups were
formed, based on likelihood of recurrence. The ones presenting a
lower risk followed hormonal therapy and no chemotherapy, the high
risk group had chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, while the middle
group cases were randomly assigned one of the two combinations.
Results of this impressive undertaking revealed that there was very
little difference between the first two groups. After five years, the
survival rate of the ones that only had hormone therapy was 98%
and at nine years later the rate was 93.9%, compared to group two’s
98.1% after five years and 93.8% at nine years.
Research began almost 20 years ago, when the original study brought
into question the effectiveness of chemo in the outcome of breast
cancer patients.
This is only one example of what is hoping to become personalized
treatment when it comes to cancer.

204 Study Spares Breast Cancer Patients from Unnecessary Chemotherapy

Breast Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention 

Long-term Study Reveals Lower Cancer

Incidence from Vegetable and Fruit Diet

W
hile the fact that there is a clear connection between healthy
diets that include high amounts of fruit and vegetables and
cancer prevention is something generally known and somewhat
well documented, there are still many questions surrounding the
matter. This is where a recent study comes in and shines some much-
needed light.
The project was started almost 40 years ago and relied on two studies
that worked in parallel. Combined, Nurses’ Health Study (between
1980‐2012) and NHSII (taking place between 1991 and 2013),
interviewed more than 180.000 women between ages 27 through 59.
Out of them, approximately 10.900 cases of breast cancer emerged.
From follow-ups over the next 30 years, researchers were able to
uncover some very interesting data.
By monitoring levels of hormone receptor status and molecular
subtypes, the study  concluded  that “higher intake of fruits and
vegetables, and specifically cruciferous and yellow/orange vegetables,
may reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially those that are more
likely to be aggressive tumors.”

Long-term Study Reveals Lower Cancer Incidence from Vegetable and Fruit Diet 205
 More importantly, the article reveals concrete information about
which types of fruit and vegetables were more effective. For example,
blueberries and strawberries were rated higher, same with carrots,
kale and cauliflower.
When it comes to amounts, the study mentions that anything above
five and a half servings a day had a noticeably higher effect over
cases where only two and a half servings were had. One serving was
measured as one cup raw or a half cup of chopped or cooked fruit/
vegetables.
The study comes as a reminder that eating fresh, organic meals has
many health benefits, including preventing cancer incidence

206 Long-term Study Reveals Lower Cancer Incidence from Vegetable and Fruit Diet
Blood Cancer, Cancer Technology, Leukemia Cancer 

New FDA Approved Drug Enters

Leukemia Fight

P
atients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a
reason to be hopeful for their future as a new FDA drug has just
been approved.
The Food and Drug Administration recently  sanctioned the use of
Ivosidenib and gave some much-needed help to doctors and patients
alike. Following several decades where there was a limited number
of choices for treating AML, there is now another option in the fight
against cancer.
Ivosidenib (Tibsovo) is an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 inhibitor that
works on decreasing oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate production,
in instances where a certain genetic mutation (IDH1) is found.
Clinical trials have shown increased efficacy, and out of the 174 cases
taking part, more than 30% showed complete remission in the course

New FDA Approved Drug Enters Leukemia Fight 207

 of the next 8 months. More so, out of the 110 patients that still had
to undergo transfusions of blood or platelets, 37% managed to go at
least 56 days without needed another session of transfusions.
As with most drugs, some side effects are to be expected. These include:
fatigue, joint pains, nausea, swelling in the arms or legs, shortness of
breath.
A simple test (RealTime IDH1 Assay) is administered to potential
candidates in order to find out if they are eligible to take advantage
of this treatment.
The press release notes that “Tibsovo is a targeted therapy that fills an
unmet need for patients with relapsed or refractory AML who have an
IDH1 mutation” and being in tablet form, it is a less intrusive manner
of treating leukemia.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has invested more than 100
million dollars over the last five year to help research and has pledged
to continue support, in the hopes of finding better solutions for
treating AML.

208 New FDA Approved Drug Enters Leukemia Fight

Cancer, Cancer Cures

Cancer Treatment by Targeting

Telomeres & Telomerase

T
he researchers across the world are working diligently towards
finding a cure for cancer. Recently, a study based on the observation
of telomeres & telomerase worked towards finding the cure for
cancer. Could bring about an alteration in the telomere length (TL)
result in the prevention of cancer & aging? The researchers are yet
to find that out!
Cancer is typically an age-related genetic ailment manifested only
when the normal cells of the body acquire genomic instability over
a given period of time and obtain the ability to undergo replicative
immortality. The weakening of the telomere & telomerase during
cell divisions generates a condition of chromosomal instability. This
contributes to major genomic rearrangements that could lead to
tumorigenesis in some cases.

Cancer Treatment by Targeting Telomeres & Telomerase 209

 Telomeres (TTAGGG) repetitive DNA protein complexes present at
the ends of the chromosomes are vital for the survival of the cancer
cells. The telomeres protein complexes are maintained by an enzyme
referred to as “telomerase” in the spanning majority of the tumor.
The mechanisms that determine the telomere length (TL) maintenance
& telomerase expression include epigenetic, non-transcriptional, and
transcriptional regulation. An in-depth understanding of the given
mechanisms could serve pivotal for the medical researchers out there.
It could also serve to be significant targets for leading to the early
detection of cancer, determining the disease prognosis, and developing
the necessary therapeutics for curing cancer effectively.

Targeting Telomerase for Cancer Therapy

Ideally, most of the therapeutic cancer targets are the ones that
serve specific for particular tumors and might pose a threat towards
maintaining the malignancy. As the potential role of telomerase in the
uncontrolled proliferative cells has been demonstrated repeatedly, it
is believed to be a potential anti-cancer target. The assessment of the
importance of telomerase in demonstrating that is inhibition could
destroy the telomerase-producing cancers could lay the path to the
future of cancer cure.

210 Cancer Treatment by Targeting Telomeres & Telomerase

Breast Cancer, Cancer Cures, Lung Cancer, Others, Stomach
Cancer, Thyroid Cancer

LOXO-101 Receives Breakthrough

Therapy Designation from FDA and
Is Ready to Fight Solid Tumors

T
he Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. agency responsible
for overseeing and approving new medical treatments, designated
LOXO-101, a selective inhibitor of tropomyosin receptor kinase,
as “Breakthrough Therapy”. This means that the drug has shown
significant health advantages to be fast-tracked and prioritized in
development.
The clinical trials involved 41 patients with several types of cancer
(including sarcoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, gastrointestinal
stromal tumor, thyroid cancer) that were unresponsive to other forms
of therapy. One or two dosed, ranging from 50mg to 150 mg, of
LOXO-101 were administered orally for 28-day cycles.

LOXO-101 Receives Breakthrough Therapy Designation from FDA and Is Ready to Fight Solid Tumors 211
 Larotrectinib, or LOXO-101, revealed positive responses in the
majority of the test subjects, and up to 21% tumor regression in some
of the cases. The gene fusions were noticed with NTRK1 or NTRK3,
but patients that had no NTRK, displayed not responses.
The most common side effects reported were fatigue (grade 1 or 2) in
about 30 percent of the patients, followed by dizziness and nausea in
nearly 20 percent of cases. Considerably fewer and lighter than what
most other treatment courses induce.
Josh Bilenker, M.D and chief executive officer of Loxo Oncology
mentioned in a press release that “data presented to date from the
ongoing adult and pediatric studies of LOXO-101 have demonstrated
durable anti-tumor activity across TRK fusion cancers, further
validating LOXO-101’s potential to address the unmet medical need
among patients with these genetically defined cancers”.
Plans for further research, including one relating to TRK fusions, are
underway and look very promising. Additional clinical sites are also
expected to be opened.

212 LOXO-101 Receives Breakthrough Therapy Designation from FDA and Is Ready to Fight Solid Tumors
Cancer Cures, Nutrition, Prevention, Stomach Cancer

Turmeric Can Cure Stomach Cancer:

According to JNU Study

S
tomach or gastric cancer is the cause of numerous deaths
worldwide, the death rate is particularly high in developing
countries. Scientists are striving hard to discover new therapies
for stomach cancer. In this struggle, a research team from the
Department of Biotechnology of the Jawaharlal Nehru University
(JNU) has revealed the high efficacy of turmeric in treating stomach
cancer.
The food contaminated with Helicobacter Pylori bacteria forms ulcers
in the stomach and the constant consumption of such food leads to
stomach cancer. Curcumin is a bioactive component of turmeric and
protects against Helicobacter Pylori infections after being oxidized.
Scientists employed turmeric in effectively targeting stomach cancer
after studying the impacts of curcumin. The team of 5 Biotechnology
students Rohit Tiwari, Alka Yadav, Jyoti Gupta, Jyoti and Achyuth

Turmeric Can Cure Stomach Cancer: According to JNU Study 213

 Pandey under the supervision of Professor Rupesh Chaturvedi,
collected 40 stomach cancer samples from Lucknow, performed
detailed trials and published the effectiveness of turmeric in the cure
of stomach cancer.
The food samples collected from 40 people from Lucknow revealed
that the Helicobacter Pylori bacteria were produced in the bodies
of 39 people after they consumed junk food. The research students
discovered and reported that the curcumin battles the bacteria,
depicting the potential of turmeric in treating cancer.
Previously, research teams from all over the world had carried out
studies on the advantages of turmeric but none of them achieved
much success in labeling turmeric as a therapeutic agent. The
scientists from JNU have attained a phenomenal success in proving
the effectiveness of ancient turmeric in the field of cancer therapeutics.
Successful stomach cancer treatment with turmeric has paved ways to
the exploration of turmeric targeting in other cancers as well.

214 Turmeric Can Cure Stomach Cancer: According to JNU Study

Brain Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Cures 

Modified Poliovirus Helps Treat

Brain Cancer

A
n ingenious new method is currently being tested as a possible
treatment for glioblastoma, one of the most common and
malignant types of brain cancer.
By genetically modifying the poliovirus, a team of doctors from Duke
University Medical Center is attempting to extend the life expectancy
of those affected by this most aggressive form of cancer.
Leading the research is Matthias Gromeier, M.D., who has dedicated
more than 20 years to this project already. He managed to use the
virus as a transport mechanism and at the same take advantage of its
ability to quickly spread inside the host.
The clinical trials are being conducted on 61 patients who are
currently ineligible for any other form of treatment. The usual course
of action is surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy, but the

Modified Poliovirus Helps Treat Brain Cancer 215

 rate of reoccurrence is so high, most patients do not survive past 12-
18 months.
Dr. Darell Bigner explained the process: the tumors are injected
directly with the modified virus, which kills the tumor cells it comes
into direct contact. This triggers a subsequent immune reaction in the
body that sends signals for antibodies to attack all other tumor cells.
The most notable side effect is swelling, which can be serious, but is
being kept under control with drugs.
Even though the treatment is still experimental, the results are quite
promising. The FDA granted the research “Breakthrough therapy
designation”, meaning fast-tracking and possible accelerated approval.
The survival rate for the next 5 years is about 20%, considerably
higher than what it is now, less than 4%. More encouraging is the
fact that even the other 80% of patients had some sort of response.
While it is still too early to tell, there are signs that this treatment
might be applied to other types of solid tumors in the future.

216 Modified Poliovirus Helps Treat Brain Cancer

Bladder Cancer, Cancer, Lung Cancer, Nutrition, Prevention,
Stomach Cancer 

Olive Oil – The Amazing Elixir

F
or thousands of years, long before science was able to prove all
the health benefits it can provide, olive oil has been considered a
remarkable liquid possessing a multitude of uses and beneficial
properties for humanity. Nowadays, besides cooking, olive oil has also
found applications in other areas, like cosmetics or pharmaceutics.
Native to the Mediterranean region, the olive tree favors warmer
climates with an abundance of sunshine and constant high
temperatures. Medium in size, with oblong leaves, it produces some
beautiful flowers and eventually the fruit, small drupes. The oil is
extracted through a process of pressing the ripened fruit.
What makes olive oil so special is the amount of monounsaturated fatty
acids (MUFAs) along with antioxidants like polyphenols, phytosterols
and vitamin E. Fat is one of three macronutrients essential for the
human diet, together with proteins and carbohydrates.

Olive Oil – The Amazing Elixir 217

 Rich in healthy fats, olive oil is known to improve circulations and
help against heart problems  by lowering LDL cholesterol. There
are studiessuggesting that it could actually prevent and even manage
type 2 diabetes. It is also linked with managing weight loss, general
health and a whole slew of other health improvements.
The most exciting prospect is exploring its effects on lowering cancer
risk. There are countless  reports  describing a significantly lower
incidence of cancer cases for subjects that regularly consume olive oil
as part of their diet. What is more enthusiastic, is the wide variety of
cancers on which it seems to have a positive effect, including ones that
target the bladder, stomach, lungs, esophageal etc.
No wonder olive oil is considered a superfood as it provides so many
benefits. Take advantage of all its natural properties and stay healthy!

218 Olive Oil – The Amazing Elixir

Nutrition, Pancreatic Cancer, Prevention

How To Minimize The Risks of

Pancreatic Cancer

T
he cases of pancreatic cancer worldwide are rising. This has
prompted the medical researchers all around the world to look
for an effective way to minimize the risks of pancreatic cancer.
Though pancreatic cancer cannot be prevented and there are no easy
diagnostic tests for it, through proper awareness & adoption of a
healthier lifestyle, people all around the world can still minimize the
potential risks out there.

Lowering the Risks of Pancreatic Cancer

The first step towards lowering the risks of pancreatic cancer is to be
attentive of the symptoms along with the major risk factors associated
with this ailment. There are certain risk factors associated with
pancreatic cancer including age, genes, race, and gender that might
be beyond one’s control. However, other factors including lifestyle
habits like smoking, obesity leading to Type-2 diabetes, and chronic

How To Minimize The Risks of Pancreatic Cancer 219

 pancreatic cancers caused by long-term abuse of alcohol consumption
tend to increase the overall risk substantially.
Some studies reveal that smoking increases the risk of pancreatic
cancer by as much as 50 percent. A recent study that was published
in the journal of the American Medical Association stated that obese
individuals have a sedentary lifestyle are usually twice at the risk of
developing pancreatic cancer than those who follow a healthy diet
& are physically active. The particular study reveals that around
15 percent of the overall pancreatic cancer could be ridden off by
maintaining a proper diet & body weight with slight physical exercises.
Some of the top tips to reduce the overall risk of developing pancreatic
cancer include:
■■ Do not smoke. If you do, try quitting as soon as possible.
■■ Try following a healthy lifestyle. Minimize the overall risk of
developing Type 2 diabetes
■■ Limit your consumption of alcohol to moderate levels

220 How To Minimize The Risks of Pancreatic Cancer

Cancer, Prostate Cancer 

XTANDI Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Gets FDA Approval

T
wo of the biggest pharmaceutical companies, Astellas Pharma
Inc. and Pfizer Inc., have been given the green light to introduce
a supplemental New Drug Application, XTANDI, as a treatment
for men suffering from prostate cancer. The Food and Drug
Administration, the U.S. regulatory body, has made this decision
following very promising results stemming from a trial series of Phase
3 PROSPER.
Xtandi, or enzalutamide, which was already offered as medication
for patients dealing with castration-resistant prostate cancer, has
now an extended application and can be prescribed to men with non-
metastatic cancer. It means that so far, XTANDI is the sole approved
oral solution for both metastatic and non- metastatic cancer.

XTANDI Treatment for Prostate Cancer Gets FDA Approval 221

 Jonathan Simons M.D, who is President and CEO of the Prostate
Cancer Foundation, said in a press release that “With today’s approval,
there is now a new option for men with non-metastatic CRPC, who
are in between the failure of androgen deprivation therapy resulting
in CRPC and the onset of metastatic disease”.
The Phase 3 PROSPER research data showed that androgen
deprivation therapy along with enzalutamide had a considerable
impact on reducing the risk of metastasis and death compared to
only administering ADT. The average life expectancy improved
considerably, from 14.7 months to 36.6.
Some side effects have been noted to occur more frequently, these
include: hot flushes, nausea, asthenic conditions, dizziness.
The good news is this treatment could help the ever-growing number
of people that are diagnosed each year with prostate cancer. Only in
2018, in the U.S., more than 160.000 new cases have been discovered,
making it the second most common type of cancer.
You can find out more information about XTANDI here or by calling
1-855-898-2634.

222 XTANDI Treatment for Prostate Cancer Gets FDA Approval

Bladder Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Prevention,
Prostate Cancer, Uterine Cancer

Urine Color: A Cancer Indicator

I
t should be our primary concern to look out for any indicator of
cancer in our bodies. Recognizing the symptoms in early stages is
of utmost importance to an effective treatment of cancer. Hence,
we should make it our habit to keep check on the color of our urine.
It is especially advisable for people above the age of 50 to regularly
check their urine color before flushing, according to the Public Health
England, as it can be a potential indicator of cancer. Nevertheless, a
report according to Mail Online reports that only 16% of people
over the age of 50, likely at the risk of developing bladder and
kidney cancers, check their urine’s color regularly. A campaign by
Public Health England, “Be Clear on Cancer”, specifically focuses
upon spreading the word of checking urine color as blood in urine is
an early symptom in two-thirds of all the bladder cancers and fifth
of kidney cancers. It is emphasized repeatedly by medical experts
how vital it is for people to acknowledge early cancer symptoms to
avoid intense treatments in the future.

Urine Color: A Cancer Indicator 223

 Mail Online has reported that less than one in every six people keep
check on the color of their urine, according to a survey. Similarly,
multiple health officials report that about millions of adults fail to
check for any blood in their urine and hence missing on early cancer
symptoms. Only 12 percent of women check their urine regularly with
only one man in five, checks for any abnormal urine color. With such
statistics, it is essential people develop the habit of checking urine
before flushing, especially for any sign of blood in urine.
Therefore, it is recommended more than ever for people to look for
any pinkish or reddish tint in their urine, by Public Health England.
It can be a sign of having eaten beetroot or a new medicine but it
pertains to serious diseases as well. Professor Julia Verne, from Public
health England, emphasizes how necessary it is for people to contact
their general practitioner (GP) if they notice any blood in their urine _
it could be of any range but it will be reddish_ from pale red to dark
brownish hue.
It is our responsibility to keep our health symptoms in check and
encourage our friends and family to do the same!

References:
https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/cancer-why-you-should-always-check-
your-urine-262328.html
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/977626/cancer-
symptoms-urine-healthy-colour-wee-blood

224 Urine Color: A Cancer Indicator

Colorectal Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Prevention

Prevent Ovarian Cancer with Aspirin

T
he fifth leading cancer responsible for most women deaths
is Ovarian Cancer, much to its being detected in later stages.
According to two new studies, it is revealed that a daily
low dose of aspirin can help prevent ovarian cancer. Dr. Mitchell
Kramer, director of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwell Health’s
Huntington Hospital in Huntington, N.Y. commends these researches
by asserting that a daily low dose of 81 mg aspirin can serve to be
more than an ounce of prevention for women both with and without
ovarian cancer.
Researchers, from U.S. National cancer institute and the Moffitt
Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., claim that inflammation has a role in
developing cancer and can aggravate cancer outcomes. Aspirin and
NSAIDs (non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have
been already proved to lower certain types of cancer, especially colon
cancer. Now, aspirin has been found to cause 10% reduction in the
development of ovarian cancer if a low dose is taken daily. It also

Prevent Ovarian Cancer with Aspirin 225

 pertained to 30% improvement in survival capacity for patients
undergoing ovarian cancer. The data is pooled from thirteen studies
including 750,000 women who were questioned regarding the use of
aspirin as well as NSAIDs and tracked for the development of ovarian
cancer. 3500 of these women did develop ovarian cancer.
According to Shelley Tworoger, from Moffit Cancer Centre, the study
provides a new perspective on the use of aspirin and NSAIDs for
cancer-related treatment as it included three-quarter of a million
women who were continuously tracked for multiple decades; the study
shows effective reduction in the risk of developing ovarian cancer but
more studies will be conducted before finalizing the recommendation
for daily intake of aspirin.
Another study by the researchers from the University of Hawaii,
Honolulu, and Moffitt Cancer Center gathered data on 1,000 women
diagnosed with ovarian cancer from Nurses’ Health Studies. It was
found that a 30% improvement in survival was experienced by
patients using aspirin and NSAIDs after diagnosis.
Both these studies are based on observational data hence it does
not pertain to a cause and effect relationship. However, evidence
for an effect is prominent, according to Dr. Adi Davidov, Director
of Gynecology, Staten Island University Hospital, N.Y. Aspirin has
fewer side effects which are relatively well-tolerated and is an anti-
inflammatory, hence according to Kramer, the use of aspirin for this
baneful disease is a sensible approach.
Hopefully, more researches will confirm the beneficial results which
were termed as intriguing by Davidov.

226 Prevent Ovarian Cancer with Aspirin

Bladder Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Blood Cancer, Cancer, Cancer
Technology, Hope Stories 

All-new Advanced CAR-T Treatment

Might Give Hope to the Cancer Patients

J
udy Wilkins had tried as many as four different chemotherapy
sessions for eradicating her cancer. After bleak expectations, Wilkins
had to face the reality that she might have only a few months
to live. It was then that her cancer care & research team at Dana-
Farber/Brigham & Women’s Cancer Center tried introducing her to a
new form of advanced cancer treatment referred to as the “CAR-T”
Cell Therapy. With the help of this revolutionary immunotherapy
treatment, Wilkins is now cancer free.
Dana-Farber happens to be the only cancer research center in New
England that offers the nation-wide clinic trials of the innovative CAR
T-cell Therapy treatment. CAR (shot form for “Chimeric Antigen
Receptor) T-Cell Therapy treatment is a type of cellular treatment
therapy that makes use of the self-immune system of the patient
towards rallying an attack on the cancer cells. The T blood cells (white
blood cells) are programmed in a manner that they start killing the

All-new Advanced CAR-T Treatment Might Give Hope to the Cancer Patients 227
 cancer cells. The T cells are removed from the blood of the patient
and engineered for sprouting special structures referred to as CARs
(Chimeric Antigen Receptors) on the subsequent surface. When the
T blood cells are re-infused into the patient’s system, the CAR T-cells
are then able to identify & kill the cancer cells.
In the period of the past five years, the revolutionary treatment of CAR
T-cell Therapy has emerged to be a potentially effective treatment for
some cancer patients – some with bladder cancer, blood cancer, and
others. The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) of the USA recently
gave the first-ever approval to the advanced CAR T-Cell Therapy
treatment for treating the young adults having B-cell ALL (Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukemia).

228 All-new Advanced CAR-T Treatment Might Give Hope to the Cancer Patients
Cancer Breakthroughs, Cancer Cures, Cancer Technology,
Pancreatic Cancer 

“Promising” Treatment Trial Gives

New Hope for the Deadliest Cancer

A
team of researchers based in London have come with a new,
revolutionary way of treating the deadliest and the most common
cancer – pancreatic cancer. The all-new advanced treatment, as
per the researchers, appears “very promising.”
A team of scientists at the Barts Cancer Institute & King’s College
in London has seemingly cured mice having pancreatic cancer by

“Promising” Treatment Trial Gives New Hope for the Deadliest Cancer 229
 providing them immunotherapy that makes use of the white blood
cells for attacking the cancer tumors.
This approach of the trial appears similar to the one that is being
successfully tested on children having leukemia. Around 10,000
individuals in the United Kingdom get diagnosed with pancreatic
cancer every year. Out of them, only about 12 percent of the patients
are able to survive for over 12 months.
Pancreatic cancer gets spotted only once after it has spread significantly.
However, it can be cured through surgery during the early stages.
Through the given research, the team of scientists claims that they
have possibly achieved what seemingly cures pancreatic cancer in the
animal models. The signs look positive in the case of the humans as
well.
The treatment process involves the harvesting of the white blood
cells and engineering them in a manner such that they multiply –
before re-infusing them into the body. During the same time, a virus
is altered for causing the cancer cells to transmit signals that help in
identifying them to the given immunotherapy treatment. The news of
the treatment appears immensely promising.
The given treatment is under discussion for the license by NHS for
treating leukemia in children. The researchers are looking into the
aspect of long-term survival of the children who might otherwise die

230 “Promising” Treatment Trial Gives New Hope for the Deadliest Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer, Prevention 

Vaccination for Hepatitis B Might Help in

Preventing Pancreatic Cancer

A
s per a new study, it has been found that a specific Hepatitis B
infection served to be a predictor for the future of pancreatic
cancer by around 24 percent.
The researchers of the study analyzed the association that existed
between the Hepatitis B infection “HepB” & pancreatic cancer. They
even analyzed the independent mortality of the predictors.
The researchers concluded that this turns out to be the largest study
towards revealing that Hepatitis B virus infection could increase the
risk of developing pancreatic cancer by as much as 24 percent. There
have been previous research items published in the years 2012 &
2015 that indicated that the HepB infection turned out to be the
“causal agent” of enhancing the risks of developing pancreatic cancer.

Vaccination for Hepatitis B Might Help in Preventing Pancreatic Cancer 231

 The research team stated that the young patients (nearly 60 years old)
having hepatitis B should be maintained under close observation by the
clinicians – particularly the ones having the high risk for developing
pancreatic cancer. This study throws light into the effectiveness of
the Hepatitis B vaccination towards preventing pancreatic cancer. A
vaccination for hepatitis B has been in existence since 1982. In the
United States of America, 2 combination and 3 single-antigen vaccines
for hepatitis B have been given license.
As there could be hope for preventing pancreatic cancer with the help
of Hepatitis B vaccination, there could be some potential side effects
to the same. Some of the combination Hepatitis B vaccines available
out there include PEDIARIX (combination of Hepatitis B, tetanus,
IPV – inactivated poliovirus, and DTaP – acellular pertussis) vaccines
and TWINRIX (combination of Hepatitis B & Hepatitis A) vaccines.
Most of the pharmacies in the United States of America offer hepatitis
vaccinations.

232 Vaccination for Hepatitis B Might Help in Preventing Pancreatic Cancer

Bladder Cancer 

Newly Identified Biomarker Could

Pave the Way for Personalized Bladder
Cancer Treatment

G
enetic research is making considerable strides towards finding
safer and more efficient ways of dealing with bladder cancer.
With about 80.000 new cases, in the U.S. alone, each year, this
is the fourth most common type of cancer in men.
For most people, the discovery of a new strain of cancer might not
sound like particularly good news, but scientists are very excited about
isolating “p53-like bladder cancer”. Named after the gene signature it
is associated with, this is one of the more aggressive variants.
Part of the enthusiasm is related to the process used to identify it. By
using a computational method, called ActMi, along with MicroRNA
molecules, they were able to accurately distinguish p32 from among

Newly Identified Biomarker Could Pave the Way for Personalized Bladder Cancer Treatment 233
 other types of bladder cancer. This could lead to better-personalized
care and improved survival rates.
The interdepartmental-run study also showed promise when it came
to possibly using microRNAs data to generate better solutions for
treating the disease. P53-like bladder cancers have proven to be more
resistant to standard chemotherapy, which also made finding an
adequate course of treatment more difficult.
In a press release, Jun Zhu, Ph.D., Professor of Genetics and Genomic
Sciences at Mount Sinai stated that: “Our computational methods not
only provided us with deeper insights into the cellular mechanisms
underlying this elusive type of bladder cancer but also reveal the
potential of microRNAs as therapeutic targets in treating it.”
By having better understanding of the structure and composition
of the tumors, and the tools to accurately distinguish between the
different strains of cancer, science can improve the odds in our favor.

234 Newly Identified Biomarker Could Pave the Way for Personalized Bladder Cancer Treatment
Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Lung
Cancer, Melanoma Cancer, Nutrition, Prevention, Prostate
Cancer, Skin Cancer 

Can Pomegranate Juice Keep

Cancer Away?

K
nown as the fruit of paradise in ancient times, the pomegranate
might have been concealing some amazing therapeutic properties
that are just now being brought to light.
The exotic fruit, noted for its unique flavor, has seen uses in
gastronomy, cosmetics, but also pharmaceutics. Full of antioxidants
and rich in anthocyanins, ellagitannins and hydrolysable tannins,
pomegranates have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties,
as well as lower heart disease risk and blood pressure.
The list of health benefits seems to be getting longer as
recent evidencelinks pomegranates with not only preventing but also
as a possible adjutant in the treatment for cancer. As one of the leading

Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away? 235

 causes of death worldwide, great effort is being put into finding safe
and efficient solutions to this problem.
Polyphenols, found throughout the fruit, work at a molecular level
by inhibiting aromatase (which converts androgen to estrogen),
known to play an important role in the development of breast cancer.
Furthermore, some chemotherapeutic signs were noticed during
testing.
Extended research is being done on other types of cancer, of the colon,
lung, prostate, skin, all providing a positive initial response.
The fact that more and more natural alternatives are found for cancer
treatment means an optimistic view for the future. Safer on the body,
with fewer side effects, and more cost efficient than traditional
chemotherapeutic agents, these are all reasons to be hopeful that soon
cancer will lose its terrible reputation.
In the meantime, stay healthy and risk-free with a cup of pomegranate
juice.

236 Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away?

Cancer, Cancer Technology, Colorectal Cancer, Esophagus
Cancer, Lung Cancer

A Light-Emitting Wireless Implant to

Kill Cancer

C
ancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death in many
parts of the globe. That is why researchers and scientists have
been continuously working on newer, safer methods to kill
cancer. One of the newest devices to treat cancer is this light-emitting
wireless implant.
The use of light to kill cancer cells is not new technology. Medically
known as photodynamic therapy, the use of light has already been
used for quite some time now to treat certain types of cancers. In this
therapy, the patient takes a drug designed to make the cancer cells
vulnerable to light. Once vulnerable, the doctor will then shine a light
on the area where the tumor is for about 10 to 45 minutes. The doctor
does this with the aid of an endoscope, which is a small flexible tube.

A Light-Emitting Wireless Implant to Kill Cancer 237

 However, photodynamic therapy poses certain problems, especially
when the tumor is lodged in moving organs or those found in delicate
areas. There is difficulty in performing the therapy for patients with
lung cancer or cancer of the esophagus. It makes controlling the dose
of light a challenge. Too much dose or light intensity can overheat
the healthy tissues, and too little can render the treatment ineffective.
With this problem in mind, Toshinori Fujie of Waseda University in
Japan and some colleagues and researchers have developed a device
that allows doctors to perform photodynamic therapy more safely
and efficiently. The  light-emitting device  is designed to keep the
light source stable and in the right place while it emits light at low
intensity. It is attached inside the body and is sandwiched between
two thin sticky sheets covered with the same sticky polymer as that
found in mussel’s feet. Moreover, the device is safer because it is not
battery-operated. It instead uses a LED chip that is powered by NFC
technology

238 A Light-Emitting Wireless Implant to Kill Cancer

Breast Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention 

More Vitamin D May Offer Less Risk of

Breast Cancer

A
new study reveals an association between higher levels of
Vitamin D and Lower Risk of Breast Cancer. The study has been
published in PLoS One and includes data derived from clinical
trials carried out at Creighton University of Omaha, Nebraska as well
as GrassrootsHealth (California based non-profit).
More than 5000 women aged 55 or older were examined in the study.
The results showed that women with vitamin D blood levels of 60
ng (nanograms) per ml (milliliter) had eighty percent lesser risk of
developing breast cancer as compared to the ones with 20ng/ml or
lower. Ranging from 20-60 ng/ml vitamin D blood level exhibited a
trend of lower risk of breast cancer with a higher level of Vitamin
D. This again, is fundamental, an association, not a direct link of
prevention of breast cancer. However, the main investigator, Joan
Lappe, a professor at the Creighton University, claims that Vitamin

More Vitamin D May Offer Less Risk of Breast Cancer 239

 D does play an importing role in the prevention of breast cancer. She
emphasized that higher level of blood levels of vitamin D should be
recommended now as compared to the current levels for adequate
bone health. National Academy of Sciences recommends a 20 ng/ml
or more vitamin D blood level as healthy for the bones.
With the 80%, lesser risk of breast cancer, a 60ng/ml vitamin D blood
level is to be taken as the first step of its prevention, according to the
director of GrassrootsHealth, Carole Baggerly. She further mentions
that despite other lifestyle aspects and nutrition, maintaining the
blood level of Vitamin D is more beneficial and the level determined
has been proved to be safe within the research.
The association between Vitamin D and lower risk of breast cancer
is of a significant one and cannot be ignored. Hence, women should
look after their bone health and vitamin D blood level, to fight this
dreadful disease already!

240 More Vitamin D May Offer Less Risk of Breast Cancer

Cancer, Kidney Cancer 

Kidney Cancer Cure via Protein Targeting

I
t has been found that accumulation of a certain protein in kidneys
can boost cancer cell growth which can serve as a target. The
research has been conducted by researchers from the United States,
China and Singapore and the report has been published in China
Science Daily.
Seventy percent of kidney cases pertain to clear cell renal cell
carcinoma. 90% of these patients suffer from loss of the tumor
suppressor gene VHL induced by a genetic change. In the absence
of this tumor suppressor, a protein named ZHX2 accumulates in the
cell, which increases cancer growth. The US has taken an initiative
to approve drugs for battling the absence of VHL but so far patients
show resistance to these alternatives or little response. Therefore,
other targets are being sought after by the researchers.
According to the lead researcher, Zhang Qing, from University of
North Carolina School of Medicine, loss of VHL leads to a large

Kidney Cancer Cure via Protein Targeting 241

 amount of ZHX2 protein accumulation, that triggers the signal which
promotes kidney cancer. He regards it as a potential therapeutic target
that can treat kidney cancer. It can do so on its own or it can be
combined with other treatments.
The researchers used a screening technique through which they
discovered that kidney cancer cells lacking VHL have more ZHX2
protein in most of the cases. Hence, when this protein was removed
from the laboratory model, it led to the inhibition of growth of cancer
cells, their invasion capability and the spread of cancer cells.
VHL is a very important suppressor of tumor that can serve crucially
in preventing kidney cancers. Hence, to find more targets and also
to enhance ways to target protein in therapy, has become a priority.
Zhang reveals that further studies are going to focus on these very
objectives.

242 Kidney Cancer Cure via Protein Targeting

Cancer Cures, Lung Cancer 

New Study Could “Pause & Reverse”

Lung Cancer

A
team of researchers has discovered a way of stopping & reversing
the growth of lungcancer with the help of a potent combination
of three unique molecules.
The study – known for being a potential cancer cure – observed
that the two BH3-mimetics along with one FGFR inhibitor were
capable of blocking the cell survival process of lung cancer cells quite
successfully. The results were so successful that the pre-clinical models
not only helped in stopping the growth of the tumors but also aided
in the tumors to shrink away.
The particular research that was led by Dr. Clare Weeden along with
others from the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute published its results in
the Oncogene journal.

New Study Could “Pause & Reverse” Lung Cancer 243

 Cancer arises from the abnormal growth of cells that might reflect
distinguishing traits referred to as “hallmarks” by the medical
scientists. The hallmarks of the cancer cells are understood as unique
pathways leading to the cancer tumors that are able to live and thrive
in the given system.
Dr. Weeden stated that it turned out an exciting experience for the
team as they found out that they were successful in targeting and
disrupting two major “hallmarks” of the survival of the lung cancer
cells. These were the “cell death” & “cell growth” pathways of the
lung cancer cells.
By making use of three, distinct, potent compounds – one FGFR
inhibitor and two BH3-mimetics – the team of researchers was able
to block the major parts of the cancer cells pathways called as BCL-
XL, MCL-1, and FGFR.
Another scientist from the research team stated that the ability to
shrink or reverse the tumors implies that cancer patients can now
live longer healthily with reduced symptoms or complications from
existing cancer. This research opens up doors for the potential cancer
cure in the coming times.

244 New Study Could “Pause & Reverse” Lung Cancer

Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Cures, Lung Cancer, Ovarian
Cancer, Stomach Cancer 

New Initiative Could Prove Life-saving

for Indians Suffering from Cancer

C
ancer is slowly becoming a global issue. The World Health
Organization  reports  that cancer is responsible for almost 9
million deaths each year, about one in six people is struck down
by this terrible disease, and these statistics are only getting worse.
Everyone is at risk from this silent killer that does not discriminate.
While new treatments and medication are constantly being developed
and implemented almost daily, there is still a problem with making
them affordable and accessible to everyone. In India, the second
largest country in the world, cancer is a particularly big problem,
with mortality rates reaching 70%. The main reason is late detection,
usually due to lack of information.

New Initiative Could Prove Life-saving for Indians Suffering from Cancer 245
 Some good news is on the horizon for the citizens of India. A new
program is currently underway, the Free Cancer Chemotherapy
Scheme. Currently, only APST patients are eligible for receiving free
chemotherapy treatment, but there are plans to cover all working
individuals in the near future.
Dr. Syam Tsering, head of the radiation and oncology department at
the Tomo Riba Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (TRIHMS),
Naharlagun, said that in 2017 about 450 patients took advantage
of this project. For men, the most common cases presented were for
stomach, liver and lung cancer, while most women suffered from
stomach, breast and cervix tumors. Among the more prevalent factors,
he included obesity, sedentary lifestyles and lack of exercise.
The facilities at TCC offer chemotherapy, radiation and oncology
though they are a bit understaffed, with only six junior specialist
doctors present. With substantial funding on the way, Dr. Tsering is
hopeful that more people will register to benefit from this program and
that he can make a real difference in the healthcare of his countrymen.

246 New Initiative Could Prove Life-saving for Indians Suffering from Cancer
Breast Cancer, Hope Stories, Lymphoma Cancer 

When People Care There is HOPE!

L
yndsey Hollback was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at
the age of 19 years. Even after 6 rounds of chemotherapy, her
cancer continued getting worse. After two more successive rounds
of chemotherapy, 18 radiation treatments and being in & out of
remission – she chose the option of a bone marrow transplant.
https://www.insideedition.com/media/videos/cancer-survivor-meets-
bone-marrow-donor-first-time-45777
Luck was on her side! A stranger named Jacob Murray from Virginia
ended up being her match for the transplant. It was an emotional
connection between the two of them. Jacob had lost his best friend
to the same disease. Knowing that a bone marrow transplant could
save and transform Lyndsey’s life completely, Jacob came forward
with the proposal of being the bone marrow donor. Jacob felt the
immediate urge to help Lyndsey who needed him for saving her life!
Jacob delayed no more and jumped into the idea of saving her from

When People Care There is HOPE! 247

 the life-threatening disease that had taken away his best friend from
him.
Lyndsey & Jacob met for the first time at a celebration of the survivors
of cancer. It was an intensely emotional moment for the two of them.
Lyndsey couldn’t be thankful enough to Jacob – who meant her life!
This called for a friendship that will definitely last for a lifetime.

248 When People Care There is HOPE!

Cancer Breakthroughs, Cancer Cures, Cancer Technology,
Melanoma Cancer, Skin Cancer

Revolution in Melanoma Treatment

for Patients

A
fter several years of research with little progress, the cancer
researchers have finally made major revolutions in the past few
years in the treatment of melanoma – the most serious kind
of skin cancer. So, what is the key to these medical advances? The
concept of “Immunotherapy” is helping the cancer patients suffering
from Melanoma to live longer.
Recently, the breakthrough treatment for Melanoma was introduced
to a patient suffering from skin cancer who had lost one of his ears
to the disease. George Dodds had been fighting Melanoma (Skin)
cancer since 1962. Having survived as many as 6 major surgeries,
George had lost his ear to Melanoma. Still, cancer kept spreading.
Until recently, the cancer was found in his lungs.

Revolution in Melanoma Treatment for Patients 249

 Recently, Dodds claimed that the doctors were going to try a new
treatment upon him. This new type of revolutionary cancer treatment
known as “Immunotherapy” or “Ipilimumab” was going to be the
major step towards creating new hope for the cancer treatment across
the world.
In cancer treatment, Chemotherapy is typically the first-line treatment
that is given to the patients towards directing the cancer cells. However,
Immunotherapy works by boosting the immune system of the body to
fight cancer cells naturally. This approach can be a great hope for the
patients suffering from Melanoma – just like George Dodds.
FDA claims that the treatment of Immunotherapy towards fighting
cancer is so effective that it can be referred to as a “medical
breakthrough”. This turns out surprising for the worldwide cancer
treatment as this is the first time that medical specialists are able to
direct the immune system to attack & reject cancer. The recent scans
after immunotherapy have revealed that George’s lungs are improving
and beating the odds.

250 Revolution in Melanoma Treatment for Patients

Prostate Cancer

Blood Tests can Help in Predicting the

Treatment for Patients with Prostate
Cancer: Study

A
blood test can help in predicting the optimal treatment for
patients who have advanced prostate cancer – as per a recent
study. A collaborative study on an international level that was
conducted between the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center,
Lawson Health Research Institute, Epic Sciences, and the Royal
Marsden is the first-ever study that has concluded that a blood test
will be helpful in predicting the treatment of the patients having
advanced prostate cancer.
The study finds that the blood test will help in determining how the
patients having prostate cancer will respond to particular treatments
leading to the survival of the patient.

Blood Tests can Help in Predicting the Treatment for Patients with Prostate Cancer: Study 251
 The study made use of a specific liquid biopsy test that was developed
by a leading molecular diagnostics company named Epic Sciences.
This test was aimed at examining the CTCs (Circulating Tumor Cells)
in the blood samples obtained from the patients having advanced
prostate cancer. This test turns out to be useful to the patients who
might be deciding upon to make the shift from hormone-targeting
therapy to chemotherapy. The Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) are the
cancer cells that tend to develop a tumor and enter the bloodstream.
As such, this tumor starts invading the other vital organs of the body
which leads to the spreading of cancer.
The given test by Epic Sciences will help in determining whether or
not the CTCs of the given patient contain a specific protein known
as “AR-V7” in the nucleus of the cells. The particular research team
is focused on determining whether or not the presence of the protein
AR-V7 will predict the specific treatment would help in treating
cancer. The results of the study revealed that patients who had tested
positive for the AR-V7 protein responded to chemotherapy, while the
negative ones responded to hormone-targeting therapy effectively.

252 Blood Tests can Help in Predicting the Treatment for Patients with Prostate Cancer: Study
Cancer Cures, Cancer Technology, Head and Neck Cancer

Merck’s Keytruda on Its Way to Dealing

with Head & Neck Cancer Case

T
he Keytruda drugs by the leading drugmaker Merck might be
on its way to be used in cases of head & neck cancers – the area
wherein it has faced queries previously.
The leading New Jersey-based drugmaker – the Merck claimed that in
the particular phase 3 trial that was conducted on untreated patients
previously, the drug Keytruda has produced excellent results. The
drug topped the standard-of-care medical regimen including Erbitux
by Eli Lilly. This helped in extending the overall chances of survival
in the patients having tumors. This was achieved by expressing a
particular level of the PD-L1 biomarker.
The result was obtained from an in-depth analysis of the given trial.
The results also revealed that Keytruda has yet not satisfied the other
major endpoints of the study which is aimed at measuring the overall

Merck’s Keytruda on Its Way to Dealing with Head & Neck Cancer Case 253
 time to cancer progression. However, the overall survival is usually
considered the significant standard in the trials related to cancer. As
such, the drugmaker Merck will be taking up the winning situation
in the given department across the world.
In the current scenario, Keytruda bears the approval in performing
trials on patients with neck & head cancers – but only in those
patients who cancer symptoms might have worsened during or after
chemotherapy. After the in-depth checking of the given approval,
Keytruda failed in proving that it could help in extending the lives of
the patients in the given group of cancers.
However, Merck is not simply following the route of monotherapy
when it comes to treating neck & head cancers. The latest results
have been obtained from the trials on Keynote-048 – s study that
has been examining the role of Keytruda as the major part of the
cocktail having platinum chemo along with the chemo drug named
5-fluorouracil

254 Merck’s Keytruda on Its Way to Dealing with Head & Neck Cancer Case
Breast Cancer, Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Esophagus Cancer,
Leukemia Cancer, Liver Cancer, Melanoma Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer,
Prevention, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer, Stomach Cancer 

Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for

Cancer Treatment

F
or the longest time, natural remedies have been the backbone
of any medical treatment. Today, science is looking to improve
modern medicine and find alternative solutions by drawing
inspiration from what nature has to offer.
Mushrooms have been used for their pharmaceutical properties
throughout history, especially in Eastern cultures. More recently,
researchers have tried to test and quantify the results of their
therapeutic effects, and more notably, the claim that they might have
anticarcinogenic properties. Their findings were quite surprising.
A team comprised of doctors from several institutions, including the
Far Eastern Federal University and the University of Lausanne, has

Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment 255

 been focusing on four types of fungi: Trametes versicolor, Fomitopsis
pinicola, Hericium erinaceus and Inonotus obliquus. All from the
Basidiomycota division and rich in bioactive compounds (polyphenols,
cerebrosides, polysaccharides, terpenoids, glucans etc.), these were the
most promising candidates that already showed some evidence of
having antitumor responses.
While some of them had already been involved in previous trials,
their effectiveness was not well represented as they had seen wide
application for all types of cancer. The  study  highlights that the
approach should be more targeted as each mushroom displayed
different levels of efficiency on different cancers. Fomitopsis pinicola,
for example, reacted better with colon and rectal cancers; Hericium
erinaceus had better responses with gastric, liver, colon and leukemia;
Inonotus obliquus worked best on liver and skin cancers; while
Trametes versicolor was more suited to dealing with pancreatic,
prostate and breast tumors.
Furthermore, there is hope that they might be included in the overall
treatment, thanks to their ability to boost chemotherapy.
The study concludes that “there are numerous clinical trials confirming
the applicability of these mushrooms and their extracts as components
of modern anticancer chemotherapy”, but “the complex modes of
action and molecular targets as well as exact structures of the active
molecules from these mushrooms still have to be studied in more
detail”.

256 Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment

Cancer Breakthroughs, Liver Cancer

New Peptide Drug Targets Liver Cancer

from Within

P
reliminary reports are indicating a possible breakthrough in
the fight against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with the
development of a new drug called FFW.
Accounting for almost one-fifth of all cancer diagnoses worldwide
and with an incidence of over half a million new cases each year, HCC
is quickly becoming a global issue. Fast growing and particularly
aggressive, the survival rate is less than 50% past the first year.
A team of scientists from the Cancer Institute at the National
University of Singapore is hoping to reduce these terrible statistics
with the help of a new drug that targets the SALL4 protein, associated
with a number of cancers, including lung tumors and leukemia.
Until now, the only treatment course was  Sorafenib, which
unfortunately has many negative side effects (nausea, high blood

New Peptide Drug Targets Liver Cancer from Within 257

 pressure, pain, hair loss, itching, just to name a few) and would only
prolong the average rate by three months.
Typically dormant, SALL4 reactivates in patients with primary liver
cancer and forms a bond with another protein, NuRD, leading to
the formation of tumors. FFW works by disrupting this partnership
impeding movement and causing death among tumor cells.
The study notes that “the therapeutic peptide exhibits robust
antitumor properties and works by inhibiting the repressive function
of SALL4. Our work could also be beneficial to a broad range of solid
cancers and leukemic malignancies with elevated SALL4”.
This could open the door for other types of treatment, more targeted
and less toxic. Used in combination with Sorafenib, it has already
shown a reduction in the growth for Sorafenib-resistant HCC, giving
hope for future therapies.

258 New Peptide Drug Targets Liver Cancer from Within

Cancer Breakthroughs, Healthy Lifestyles, Prevention 

Oral Bacteria – a Breakthrough Passage

in Weight Loss, Cancer Treatment, and
Overall Health 

L
ooking for more reasons to focus on your overall oral health? You
must know that oral bacteria is responsible for affecting a wide
spectrum of the health &  lifestyleaspects including the overall
diet, metabolism, cardiovascular system, brain & its health, and so
more.
The scientists nowadays are focusing their attention on the role of
the oral bacteria towards serving as a breakthrough passage for the
treatment of weight loss, health management, and most important
– cancer treatment. Scientists have revealed that over 700 bacteria
strains get swiped from the cheeks all around the world. As such, this
fact makes our mouths the 2nd largest microbiome in the entire body.
Given the immense population of the bacteria in the given strains, the

Oral Bacteria – a Breakthrough Passage in Weight Loss, Cancer Treatment, and Overall Health  259
 scientists are looking forward to figuring out the individual roles of
the bacteria strains in improving the overall health conditions.
By analyzing out the specific combination of bacteria that will help
in making an individual healthy or sick could be a significant step
in starving off the world from such diseases. For example, there are
certain bacteria that are the main culprits behind the plethora of gum-
related issues including plaque, gum bleeding, cavities, and so more.
The fact that the scientists find interesting is that oral bacteria tend
to exist all over the body and are thus, linked to a host of additional
medical issues.
The all-new knowledge of linking oral bacteria being a breakthrough
in the prevention & treatment of cancers and other diseases has been
made possible by the latest advancements in RNA & DNA decoding
along with microscopic imaging. A new research report also stated
that oral bacteria might have a direct impact on the occurrence of
cancer.

260 Oral Bacteria – a Breakthrough Passage in Weight Loss, Cancer Treatment, and Overall Health 
Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Pancreatic Cancer

How Your Diet Feeds Pancreatic Cancer?

A
lthough nutrition tends to be a critical component in
everyone’s life, there is no specific study indicating the cause of
poor nutrition is the cause of pancreatic cancer. However, if you
tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle with a fat-rich diet, then you might
enhance the overall risks of developing pancreatic cancer.
A recent study has revealed that a diet containing high volumes of
fat-rich products might lead to pancreatic cancer in the long run. This
is because of the interaction that occurs between the fat-rich diet and
CCK (cholecystokinin) – a digestive hormone.
It has been found that the diet high in fat content triggers the secretion
of the digestive hormone “CCK” by the small intestine. People
who tend to consume a diet rich in saturated fats on a daily basis
usually have higher levels of CCK. This increases the overall risks of
developing pancreatic cancer.

How Your Diet Feeds Pancreatic Cancer? 261

 In a particular study, a group of mice was subjected to a fat-rich
diet as the other group of mice was given a normal diet. Half of the
mice belonging to the first group were treated with proglumide – a
medication that tends to block CCK. As a result of the study, it was
deduced that some mice had tumors that lacked CCK, while some
others were deficient in CCK & had pancreatic cancer. Mice which
were given the treatment of proglumide had less tumor growth in
comparison to the untreated mice – even when they were fed the diet
rich in fat.
The mice that lacked the CCK were also not responding to the fat-
rich diet. The study thus suggested that CCK is required towards
stimulating the growth of the pancreatic cancer tumors. As such, it
can be said that blocking CCK might be helpful in spreading the
tumors of pancreatic cancer to other body parts.

262 How Your Diet Feeds Pancreatic Cancer?

Cancer Breakthroughs, Endometrial Cancer, Ovarian Cancer

FDA Issues Breakthrough Therapy

Designation for LENVIMA

T
he Eisai Co. Ltd. and Merck & Co. Inc. Kenilworth – has
recently announced that the United States FDA (Food &
Drug Administration) has granted the  Breakthrough Therapy
designation for LENVIMA (the generic name as Lenvatinib Mesylate)
– the oral kinase inhibitor available out there developed by Eisai.
The grant was also given for the anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA
(with its generic name as Pembrolizumab) By Merck & Co. Inc. –
used for treating the patients having advanced & metastatic non-
microsatellite instability or pMMR (proficient mismatch repair) EC
(endometrial carcinoma).
The therapy of the combination of LENVIMA & KEYTRUDA is
currently under joint development by Eisai & Merck & Co. Inc.
This is a part of the major strategic collaboration between the two
companies that was announced in March 2018. This is going to

FDA Issues Breakthrough Therapy Designation for LENVIMA 263

 be the 3rd  Breakthrough Therapy designation for LENVIMA by
FDA in combination with KEYRUDA. This designation is followed
by the Breakthrough Therapy designation that took place for the
combination of advanced & metastatic renal cell carcinoma that was
announced earlier this year in January.
The Breakthrough Therapy designation is a distinctive FDA-run
program that aims at expediting the reviewing and development
of medicines for life-threatening or fatal life conditions. Towards
qualifying for this specific FDA-approved designation, preliminary
clinical evidence should be able to demonstrate that the particular
drug might be providing sustainable improvements over the other
currently existing therapies on at least one of the clinically important
endpoints.
The main benefit of the Breakthrough Therapy designation by FDA
includes focusing on more intensive treatment methods and guidance
on the available, efficient clinical development & review programs

264 FDA Issues Breakthrough Therapy Designation for LENVIMA

Breast Cancer 

Possible Male Breast Cancer Signs You

Should Be Aware of

E
ven though the risk of breast cancer in men is quite low, being
aware of the signs and seeking professional help in time is more
imperative than ever.
The phrase “breast cancer” is so strongly associated with women, that
most of the time people completely put it out of their head that men
too can be affected. In fact, this is the main reason a lot of the times
it is detected considerably later than it should be. In fact, my older
brother had male breast cancer, and luckily his cancer is in remission.
It is true that men have less breast tissue, and also the incidence is only
a fraction compared to cases in women, but there is still a risk, and
the consequences for ignoring them can be deadly.

Possible Male Breast Cancer Signs You Should Be Aware of 265

 Statistics show that in the United States alone, approximately 2500
new cases of breast cancer in men will be discovered in 2018 and
more than 480 patients will die because of it.
One of the most common symptoms is noticing a painless lump on
the chest. Often disregarded or attributed to some bumping, lumps
can be a sign of a serious problem, especially when accompanied by
local tenderness. Usual places are armpits, lymph nodes and around
the collarbone.
Having an inverted or dented nipple can be a sign of breast cancer.
When the tumor grows, it pulls on the ligaments inside the breast.
You should be worried especially if you notice a dry or scaly skin
around the area.
If you spot any nipple discharge, don’t be embarrassed to ask for some
medical investigations. It might be fluid from a tumor build up.
Open soars that just won’t heal or go away can also be a symptom. As
the tumor is growing, it might start pushing through the skin, looking
at first like a popped pimple.
Occasional self-checks are important, and if you notice a problem, do
not hesitate to visit your doctor, it might save your life!

266 Possible Male Breast Cancer Signs You Should Be Aware of

Breaking Cancer Research, Melanoma Cancer, Skin Cancer

Could Wart Vaccines Really Treat

Skin Cancer?

A
remarkable study published in the JAMA Dermatology describes
the case of a 97-year-old woman suffering from squamous cell
cancer being treated with wart vaccines. As a result, all the
tumors were cleared.
When it comes to elderly patients, it can be hard to determine the best
course of action. The attending doctor, Anna Nicols, had only three
options, all of them risky, none of them pleasant: either prescribe
radiation and force the patient to undergo a difficult treatment with
lots of heavy medication; recommend amputation, a dangerous
operation in these circumstances; or let the disease take its course
and just try to alleviate the symptoms.
While at the Miami School of Medicine University, she had seen two
experimental cases where the HPV vaccine was used with moderate

Could Wart Vaccines Really Treat Skin Cancer? 267

 success. Those patients exhibited fewer cancers in the months after,
though cases can vary widely and it’s almost impossible to extrapolate
outcomes.
Even though it was a very long shot, convinced by her patient’s strong
will not to give up the fight, they went ahead with the procedure. Two
standard intramuscular injections six weeks apart followed by four
intra-tumoral shots over the course of the next eleven months.
Almost a year after the initial injection, the patient was tumor free. A
follow-up done twelve months later showed that the recurrence rate
was zero. It was astounding!
The vaccine showed a lot of potential as an antiviral anti-tumor agent,
and while there’s still a long way before it can be prescribed as a
general treatment, there is a lot of hope for future developments in
this field.

268 Could Wart Vaccines Really Treat Skin Cancer?

Hope Stories

Cancer Cannot Take Away Who You Are!

A
parent, a husband, a friend, a son, a hero, Paul, is a determined
fighter against cancer. Strongest people are not those who
manage to overcome difficulties, but those who know how
to live through their difficulties without changing who they are.
A technician in the emergency room of the hospital, Paul, when hit by
stage IV lung cancer, stood tall and tackled with it just the way he has
tackled life so many times before. This inspirational personality has
been a basketball coach for girls and is a homeless shelter volunteer.
His humble personality continues to work for the people’s betterment
even when his own life took on such an endangering turn of life.
The key to his success is that he does not believe in focusing on the
problems but works his way around them.

Cancer Cannot Take Away Who You Are! 269

 When Paul got the news of his disease, he was fearful for his future.
But the real essence of this man took a better hold of him and he
emerged as a persistent fighter, who did not give up on the mission of
his life – to continue to serve others. The strength he derived is from
within who he is and from what, his beautiful family and friends,
provided for him. It is for the sake of his endearing wife, Natalie and
his kids, Erinn and Jeremiah, that he kept up a positive approach to
this battle.
Paul focuses upon what he can do instead of what has been taken
away from him by his ailment. The drive for him to get up every day
is the endless treasure of love and care inside his own capacity that
cancer can never take away from him. He cares for others, works
for them, appreciates the presence of human bonds and precious
memories of a life that cancer or any other disease can never ever
steal! Every Friday morning, when his family waits to welcome him
after his chemotherapy is a reminder of life that life will stay a life,
will be there to be lived, no matter what hurdle cancer brings! His lips
can still stretch into a peaceful smile that can tender anyone’s heart
or his words are still there that can provide hope for any person out
there! He still exists and he is who he is and perhaps, that is the most
beautiful thing he can always perceive!

270 Cancer Cannot Take Away Who You Are!

Alternative Cancer Treatments, Cancer, Cancer
Breakthroughs, Cancer Technology 

New Cancer Treatment: Molecularly

Targeted Therapy

C
ancer drugs are designed to attack and kill cancer cells, but
poisonous as they are, they also harm normal healthy cells that
can produce adverse side effects for the cancer patients. Patients
experience these side effects in the appearance of their skin and hair
fall. They start to look weak in stature. Especially those patients who
are under heavier doses. However, now researchers may have come
with a breakthrough in cancer treatment that can deduct all these
mishaps.
The therapy thus comes forth is known as Molecularly Targeted
Therapy, in which drugs are formulated at a molecular level, built
specifically to harm and slay only cancer cells. Their structure is made

New Cancer Treatment: Molecularly Targeted Therapy 271

 in a way that can recognize particular molecules specific to different
kinds of cancers.
The model drug that gives the prospect of this theory is Glivec (also
called  STI571). Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) can be fought
with this model drug (CML is a condition in which white blood
cells overproduce excessively). These drugs are now being called as
“designer drugs”.
President-Elect, Paul A. Bunn Jr., of American Society of Clinical
Oncology terms this development as very important and most
effective as the drug is specifically designed for the target cells. Dr.
Brian Druker, the main researcher behind this drug, further mentions
that this drug pertains to the critical abnormalities that propel various
kind of cancers and if these abnormalities are identified clearly, the
specific drugs, such as STI571, can be designed for every kind of
cancer.
These designer drugs have a shortcoming in that they can be used
within a limited spectrum, as it is formulated specifically for special
types of molecules related to the cancer. For example, so far, STI571
has been found to fight against gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST),
apart from CML. The enzyme targeted in GIST is similar to that of
CML, hence the drug worked against both.
Due to these positive clinical results portrayed by Glivec in treating
CML, it is being reviewed by FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
and will be made available in few months.
This discovery can be a head-turning change in the treatment of
cancer and cancel out as many side effects of cancer drugs as possible!

272 New Cancer Treatment: Molecularly Targeted Therapy

Breaking Cancer Research, Cancer, Cancer Cures, Cancer
Technology, Leukemia Cancer

Arsenic Shows Surprising Benefits in

Cancer Fight

S
cientists have made an unexpected discovery when they paired a
form of arsenic trioxide with a leukemia drug, all-trans retinoic
acid (ATRA). The combination of the two seems to have beneficial
effects in cancer treatment.
A team of researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
was investigating claims that arsenic could have some anti-cancer
properties, following information that public drinking water
containing small amounts of the substance was connected to lower
cancer incidence. Putting together an oxide of arsenic (ATO), which
was cleared as safe by the FDA, and ATRA showed an impressive
positive effect against acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
While it is still unclear what are the actual processes taking place, initial
data suggests that the duo is targeting the Pin1enzyme, which is linked
with several types of cancer. Pin1 is believed to be responsible for

Arsenic Shows Surprising Benefits in Cancer Fight 273

 activating more than 40 cancer-driving proteins and interfering with
more than 20 tumor-suppressing proteins.
The finding is even more crucial as disrupting this particular master
enzyme could prove to be a key to eliminating aggressive tumors
which are typically resistant to therapy, and also eliminate cancer
stem cells. Extended research on breast cancer, liver cancer as well as
lupus and asthma points towards a positive outcome.
While most of the world classifies arsenic as a poison, in China it has a
long history of being used as a treatment for a multitude of problems,
from infections to cancer.
In the press release, dr. Xiao Zhen Zhou mentions that “Our discovery
strongly suggests an exciting new possibility of adding arsenic trioxide
to existing therapies in treating triple-negative breast cancer and many
other cancer types, especially when patients’ cancers are found to be
Pin1-positive”, giving hope to millions of cancer patients throughout
the world.

274 Arsenic Shows Surprising Benefits in Cancer Fight

Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Healthy
Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention, Prostate Cancer 

Walnuts May be Able to Prevent Cancer

W
alnuts have been found to prevent and even initiate killing
cancer cells, according to several studies conducted on them.
The reason for this cancer-killing property resides in the rare
phytonutrients that are rarely found in other foods. These compounds
(the quinone juglone, tannin tellimagrandin, flavanol morin4) are
well known for inhibiting cancer. Also, walnuts are the only type of
nut having plant-based alpha-linolenic acid ALA, as well as various
antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, beneficial in preventing cancer.
Researchers at UC Davis claim that whole walnut or walnut oil, can
slow down prostate cancer in mice. A handful of walnuts per day can
greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer and growth of tumors. Most
importantly, they reduce the level of hormone IGF-1 that is potentially
responsible for the development of breast and prostate cancer.

Walnuts May be Able to Prevent Cancer 275

 According to a Harvard Medical School study, diets rich in walnuts can
potentially slow colorectal cancer tumor growth. The configuration
of walnut causes significant changes in the microribonucleic acid
(miRNAs) present in colorectal cancer tissue, bringing changes in a
cancer gene.
Researchers at Harvard conducted a randomized study containing
two groups of mice, one group fed with 2 ounces walnuts per day
and the second group fed with a similar diet which lacked walnuts.
25 days later, it was found that mice which were fed with walnuts had
ten times more amount of total omega-3 fatty acids, as well as plant-
based ALA (alpha-linolenic acid); the key miRNAs were positively
engaged. In these mice, smaller tumor size was observed with the
greater percentage of omega-3, further suggesting the protective
benefits of ALA as well. The growth rate of the tumor was also slower
in walnut-fed mice.
Hence, including walnuts is your diet could be beneficial for preventing
cancer, but too much intake can be hazardous because of its calories
(just 2.6 ounces contain 482 calories). Therefore, whenever, you crave
to have some snack with tea or some cookies, prefer eating a handful
of walnuts!

276 Walnuts May be Able to Prevent Cancer

Breast Cancer, Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer,
Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention, Prostate Cancer,
Skin Cancer 

Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!

G
uava, a tropical fruit grown worldwide, has more to itself
than it sweet acrid taste. Its leaves are a source of many health
benefits and are used in many forms of traditional medicines.
The antioxidant properties of these leaves are very effective, more
than the fruit itself, according to a research conducted in 2007 and
published in the Journal of Food and Chemistry.
Tea made with guava leaves has been drunk for ages in Asian countries
as it proves very effective in treating diarrhea, diabetes, cold and flu,
cholesterol and most importantly, it portrays anti-cancer action. For
this reason, the effects of guava leaves, along with its seeds, overall
plant and leaf oil, have been tested for chemotherapeutic properties.
A study conducted in 2010 by a medical scientist tested the use of
guava leaves for prostate cancer. The results showed that utilizing
guava extract can actually minimize the size of the tumor. Another

Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay! 277

 study conducted in 2012, which made an appearance in the Journal of
Medicine Food, further demonstrated the anti-cancer properties and
activity of guava leaves or extract. Moreover, a study conducted back
in 2016 demonstrated the same results regarding guava leaf extract.
When it comes to Guava leaves, there are two major compounds.
One of its compounds is Lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant;
multiple studies demonstrate how Lycopene lowers the overall risk
of cancer. The other compound is Flavonoid Quercetin which also
exhibits anti-cancer properties. Guava leaves especially lower the risk
of breast cancer, prostate cancer and oral cancer. Furthermore, these
leaves counter colon, prostate and epidermal cancer. They can also
put a stop to various human carcinoma cell lines.
Hence, guava leaf tea could serve to be a beneficial addition to your
herbal diet intake. Start the intake with a lesser amount, as per your
herbalist’s or medical professional’s advice. Monitor the response of
your body to its intake. Take any beneficial steps to stay healthy and
keep cancer at bay!

278 Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!

Breast Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention

The Sweet Potato – An Unexpected

Weapon against Breast Cancer?

N
atural diets based on fresh and organic fruits and vegetables are
commonly recommended for preventing and managing cancer
diagnoses. While there is clear evidence that they provide a wide
variety of health benefits, there isn’t a lot of specific data on which
greens are more effective and the mechanism involved.
China has invested heavily in healthcare and medical research in later
years and now has a very respectable scientific community. Articles
published by Chinese teams regularly make the news, as is with this
story.
A recent study has put forward some interesting claims about the
potential anti-cancer properties of sweet potatoes. It is all based on a
newly isolated phytosterol, β-sitosterol-D-glucoside (β-SDG), though
the specific interactions are still unclear.

The Sweet Potato – An Unexpected Weapon against Breast Cancer? 279

 Estimates say that a high percentage of women, about 1 in 8, will
develop breast cancer in their lifetime. In the U.S, more than 260.000
new cases are expected just in 2018 alone, along with 40.000 fatalities.
Men are also at risk, though in their case percentages are considerably
lower.
The article examined the influence β-SDG has on breast cancer cell
lines, with a focus on MCF7 and MDA-MB-231. Results “indicated
that β-SDG exhibited cytotoxic activities on MCF7/MDA-MB-231
cells via inducing apoptosis, and activated the caspase proteases in
these cells”.
Apoptosis is basically a form of programmed cell death, and scientist
managed to target the cancer cells by blocking certain signaling
pathways using this extract.
Research is still in the initial stages and many more tests and trials are
required before turning this compound into actual medicine. In the
meantime, you should consider including sweet potatoes more into
your diet to increase your chances of having a long and cancer-free
life.

280 The Sweet Potato – An Unexpected Weapon against Breast Cancer?

Breaking Cancer Research, Melanoma Cancer, Skin Cancer 

New Vaccine Completely Removes

Cancer in Mice

L
aboratory trials at Scripps Research Institute in San Diego have
revealed incredible results, with a new vaccine that, when paired
with an adjuvant, managed to have 100% success rate on mice
with melanoma.
“This co-therapy produced a complete response—a curative response—
in the treatment of melanoma”, reported Research Professor Dale
Boger, one of the co-authors of the paper.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that typically appears following
extended exposure to ultraviolet rays. It has a pretty low incidence
rate, but a high mortality rate, as it can be difficult to identify in the
early stages.
By adding Diprovocim, a molecule synthesized in a lab environment,
to the anti-PD-L1 therapy (checkpoint inhibitors part of the

New Vaccine Completely Removes Cancer in Mice 281

 immunotherapy procedure), scientists observed a full survival rate
over 54 days in the mice. In addition to this, they noticed another
positive effect, the vaccine also prevented cancer recurrence.
Immunotherapy seems to be the field providing the most notable
advancements for cancer treatment in recent years. Many centers
are focusing their work in this direction as the therapies developed
are more effective, better targeted and far less damaging on the body,
compared to current forms of chemotherapy and radiation.
“Just as a vaccine can train the body to fight off external pathogens,
this vaccine trains the immune system to go after the tumor” said
Dr. Boger.
What is even more exciting, is the fact that the vaccine can be used
to boost current cancer therapies and improve their effectiveness in
fighting the disease. The procedure is simple and requires only two
injections intramuscularly, at a week difference.
The team is eager to continue experiments and test it along with other
cancer treatments.

282 New Vaccine Completely Removes Cancer in Mice

Breaking Cancer Research, Head and Neck Cancer

Innovative Head and Neck

Cancer Therapies

A
new wave of new cancer treatment options is emerging and is set
to change the current courses involving chemotherapy, radiation
and surgery.
Some of the new alternatives do seem like taken from fiction movies.
Immunotherapy, or bionic therapy, is based on boosting the body’s
defenses by using mutated or artificial antibodies. Usually, the immune
system takes care of any abnormal cells inside the body. In the case
of cancer, the diseases can mask its presence, eluding the reach of
antibodies.
Monoclonal antibodies and checkpoint inhibitors have already been
successfully used in the treatment of cancers and mark the basis for
a number of new drugs, including Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab.
Because these courses employ the body’s own resources to fight the

Innovative Head and Neck Cancer Therapies 283

 disease, the treatments are safer, less invasive, better targeted and more
effective than say radiation, which destroys both sick and healthy
cells.
Robotic surgery is another cutting-edge alternative. Meant to be
a superior form of surgery, minimally-invasive and more accurate,
this is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. The robot-assisted
therapy is better suited for smaller tumors but can handle a wide
number of scenarios. Compared to traditional operations, it causes
less damage and the patient recovery period is considerably shorter.
It has some limitations though, the frame is quite large and it can’t
reach some parts of the body.
In addition to these, there are now considerably more experts and
major medical centers equipped to better handle treatments and
recovery.
Even compared to only a few years ago, the threat of cancer doesn’t
seem as scary, as medicine has made significant advancements and
offers improved medical care and better outcomes.

284 Innovative Head and Neck Cancer Therapies

Healthy Lifestyles, Prevention, Prostate Cancer

Early Age Drinking May Lead To

Aggressive Prostate Cancer Later In Life

T
eenagers who develop a habit of drinking regularly could be
exposing themselves to some serious health risks, including
developing forms of prostate cancer.
A study examining the effects of lifetime alcohol intake in relation to
cancer diagnoses found that men who had consumed seven or more
drinks per week, between the ages of 15 and 19, were almost three
times more likely to suffer from high-grade prostate cancer in their
adulthood. Moderate drinkers with ages 20 to 49 also face increased
risks compared to non-drinkers.
The results come following a survey conducted at the Durham Veterans
Affairs Medical Center on 650 men participating in a decade-long
project. Biopsies revealed 238 cases of low-grade prostate cancer and
88 cases with higher grade malignancy.

Early Age Drinking May Lead To Aggressive Prostate Cancer Later In Life 285
 Researchers believe that one of the reasons behind these alarming
findings might be the fact that adolescence is a period when the
prostate sees important growth, making it more susceptible to cancer-
causing agents.
While the article puts forward some startling perspectives, authors
were quick to mention that, even though there is evidence of a link
between alcohol intake and cancer, there is not enough conclusive
data to suggest that it is the primary culprit. In comparison, current
alcohol intake was not associated with prostate cancer.
The paper ends by concluding that “among men undergoing prostate
biopsy, heavier alcohol intake earlier in life and higher cumulative
lifetime intake were positively associated with high-grade prostate
cancer diagnosis, while current intake was unrelated to prostate
cancer”.
Knowing potential dangers ahead of time and making decisions
accordingly can drastically improve lifetime health and life expectancy.

286 Early Age Drinking May Lead To Aggressive Prostate Cancer Later In Life
Breast Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention

Can Match Tea Fight Cancer?

M
atcha tea seems to be the latest global trend. Its popularity has
gotten so big, that even companies like Starbucks and Lipton
are trying to capitalize on it. While it is advertised as providing
several health benefits, scientists are exploring another possible
property, anti-cancer capabilities.
In case you haven’t heard, matcha is basically finely ground green tea
leaves grown and harvested under some special conditions. Lately, it’s
seen a lot of attention as a natural supplement for a number of diets
and nutrition regimens, including weight loss, cardiovascular or liver
problems.
A recent study looks to further the list of health benefits the tea can
provide by examining claims that it can fight cancer. Laboratory trials
involving matcha green tea (MGT) and breast cancer samples revealed
some fascinating results. While the whole process is still unclear, it

Can Match Tea Fight Cancer? 287

 seems that MGT has an effect on mTOR signaling pathway, which
plays an important role in cancer cell metabolism.
Another interesting revelation was that “MGT is sufficient to suppress
both oxidative mitochondrial metabolism (OXPHOS) and glycolytic
flux, shifting cancer cells towards a more quiescent metabolic state”.
Matcha compounds are essentially inhibiting the tumor from drawing
its necessary energy and making the mutated cells become inactive.
It’s been observed that MGT also weakens ribosome, crucial in cell
protein synthesis.
The fact that matcha tea is a great natural supplement full of
antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is well beyond doubt. It has
significant therapeutic potential, yet it’s still too early to draw a
definite conclusion in regards to its anticancer abilities. Results so far
are promising, but much more research is need before being adopted
as actual medicine

288 Can Match Tea Fight Cancer?

Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention 

Dietary Tips that May Help to Stave Off

Cancer – What Do You Have to Lose?

T
hink of a healthy and balanced diet as more than just fuel
necessary to power the body for day-to-day activities, but also
as a way of reducing the risk of chronic diseases and even cancer.
Doctors recommend varied meals with plenty of vegetables and
fruits because they provide a number of essential compounds, like
antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, anti-inflammatories and also
phytonutrients. These are natural chemicals that help the immune
system in its continuous fight against germs, bugs and all other
threats. Carotenoids, just one of the thousands of such chemicals,
are responsible for giving carrots their trademark orange tint, or that
beautiful bright red in tomatoes.
Between three and five servings of greens daily seems to be the ideal
ratio. It can seem much, but remember that you are spreading them

Dietary Tips that May Help to Stave Off Cancer – What Do You Have to Lose? 289
 across the whole day. You don’t need to carefully measure the amounts
every time, just aim to have them on about half of the plate for each
meal.
As you start to change your nutrition more towards a plant-based
diet, keep in mind to increase hydration too. You will be incorporating
more fiber so you need to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Most people are worried that a healthy diet somehow means a
dramatic change in eating habits. It’s not. You are just shifting the
focus more on vegetables or healthier alternatives, and the change
should be gradual. For example, consider having a piece of fruit as a
snack, instead of the usual sweets or chips.
Something as simple as switching from white rice to brown rice can
make a big difference. They are very similar, but this way you get
more proteins and healthy fatty acids. Another simple tip is to have a
wide selection of foods from different color groups. This way you can
ensure you’re getting many of the different phytonutrients.
While you won’t really notice the effects of this healthy lifestyle
change immediately, you will definitely be glad you did later in life.

290 Dietary Tips that May Help to Stave Off Cancer – What Do You Have to Lose?
Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention 

The Incredible Benefits of Coconut Oil

N
ow you might wonder “could coconut oil be a benefit?” Indeed
yes! Even after having a bad reputation in the past era, the
recent technological breakthroughs & advancements in the
field of medical science have proven that coconut oil contains “good”
saturated fat and is thus, known to be immensely healthy.
The unique combination of fatty acids that are found in pure coconut
oil can impart a myriad of potential health benefits. Right from
effective weight loss to improved functioning of the brain, and so
more – there are several health benefits of pure coconut oil.
Pure coconut oil is known to contain lauric acid – a medium-chain
fatty acid that gets converted to monolaurin in the body. Lauric acid
is known to be immensely beneficial for minimizing the effects of
parasites, viruses, bacteria, infections, and fungi.
Coconut oil is also known to contain around 86.5 percent of saturated
fatty acids along with 5.8 percent of monounsaturated fatty acids

The Incredible Benefits of Coconut Oil 291

 and 0 percent of trans-fat. The oil has MCFA (medium-chain fatty
acid) which is known for supporting the overall immune system of
the body with antimicrobial properties. Several studies have revealed
that the presence of MCFAs also helps the body in feeling fuller for
a longer period and thus, aids in effective weight loss. Organic, raw,
virgin coconut oil is known to have a plethora of health benefits. It
is considered to be a superfood as it helps in increasing the overall
cardiovascular functions, healing the damaged cells that could lead to
cancer & other diseases, and cleansing the body.
People across the world are now realizing the several benefits of
coconut oil.

292 The Incredible Benefits of Coconut Oil

Breaking Cancer Research 

Combination of Molecules Found to be

Effective in the Treatment of Cancer in
Mice

R
esearch has it that immunotherapy is one of the best most effective
ways of treating cancer wherein the own immunity cells of the
patient are coded to attack the tumor. This approach turns out
to be successful. However, it turns out expensive as it gets customized
as per the specific requirements of each patient. Recent experiments
in the field of cancer research & treatment have come up with a
comparatively less expensive approach that could help in activating
the immune system of any individual against cancer.
Scientists are injecting tumors with specific molecules and viruses for
finding something that would activate the entire immune system of
the body to kill tumor & any other form of metastases. There have
been successful results in some animals including mice, but not in

Combination of Molecules Found to be Effective in the Treatment of Cancer in Mice 293

 the human beings. Ron Levy along with his team of researchers at
Stanford University has come up with 20 distinct molecules that they
consider might do the trick well.
The team of researchers led by Ron induced the tumors in mice
through the injection of the same just below the surface of the skin
within two separate locations. Once the tumors commenced growing
rapidly, the scientists went forward with injecting the distinct 20
molecules individually or in combinations to the tumors.
As a result of their study, the scientists found success with one pair
of the molecules. One specific molecule referred to as “CpG” – made
up of two bases making up the DNA. Now, the team of researchers
looks forward to accelerating the research towards finding hope in
the field of cancer treatment.

294 Combination of Molecules Found to be Effective in the Treatment of Cancer in Mice

Breaking Cancer Research 

Scientists Discovered a Drug Target for

Neurodegenerative Diseases & Cancer

A
medical research team based in Bhubaneswar, India has
discovered the downregulation of a protein named “TRIM16”
could help in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and
cancer. In the hope for coming across a potential treatment for cancer
and other neurodegenerative diseases in the coming future, this
observation can set a benchmark in the pretext of the same.
The team of researchers at the Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar
has found that the activation of a specific type of protein named
TRIM16 can serve to be a potential therapeutic strategy for the
treatment of a wide array of neurodegenerative diseases including ALS
(amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinsons’s
disease. In addition to this, the inhibition of the specific protein
in the cancer cells could help in bringing about a reduction in the

Scientists Discovered a Drug Target for Neurodegenerative Diseases & Cancer 295
 proliferation of tumor. The results of the study were published in THE
EMBO Journal.
The study by the medical team that was carried out in lab mice and
test tubes has revealed that the particular protein TRIM16 has the
ability to protect the cancer cells from oxidative stress. As such, the
inhibition of this protein could lead to the reduced amount of tumor
growth in the body.

Potential Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases

The team of medical researchers supervised by Santosh Chauhan found
that the TRIM16 protein played a vital role in both the formation of
protein aggregates, as well as in their successive degradation. When
more of TRIM16 protein gets produced by activation, the process of
the degradation of the unwanted material (autophagy) gets boosted.
Thus, it leads to an increased rate of protein aggregate degradation.
Given the potential of the study towards combating the growth of
tumor cells and helping in dealing with neurodegenerative diseases,
there is a great hope for the future of cancer treatment.

296 Scientists Discovered a Drug Target for Neurodegenerative Diseases & Cancer
Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition

Red Meat May Not be as Bad as

We Have Been Told – You decide!

I
t has been recently found by the researchers from McMaster
University situated in Hamilton, Ontario, that high-level intake of
cheese and red meat tends to increase human lifespan. Red meat and
cheese have made their way back to a healthy diet according to these
researchers. A steak or a slice of cheddar doesn’t come with as much
alarm as we thought.
According to the study, those people who ingested 120 g of unprocessed
meat and 3 portions dairy daily, seemed to benefit the most from it. It
was seen that death risk decreased by a good 25% in these people, not
to mention the risk of death-inducing heart attack which minimized
by 22%. The researchers took factors like wealth, education and
health habits into account as well.

Red Meat May Not be as Bad as We Have Been Told – You decide! 297
 Andrew Mente, a McMaster Professor of epidemiology and nutrition
says that their findings seem to be challenging the conventional
conceptions regarding unprocessed meat intake and full-fat dairy.
Mente recommends that three portions of dairy and one portion of
unprocessed red meat or white meat per day can be beneficial and
protective. From their data, it is evident that saturated fat is more
beneficial than carbs. White meat (chicken or turkey) were also found
to exhibit similar benefits according to the researchers. The researchers
also mentioned that eight portions of fruits and vegetables along with
half a portion of beans and nuts can also be beneficial.
Dr. Salim Yusuf from McMaster Medical School is a teacher of
cardiovascular disease. He also emphasizes that the results of their
study have shown that unprocessed meat and dairy products are
beneficial for the health of the heart and boosts heart longevity. He
further adds that these results differ from the currently recommended
diet options.
The study adds a completely new perspective on what we think is
healthy or not!

298 Red Meat May Not be as Bad as We Have Been Told – You decide!
Breaking Cancer Research, Breast Cancer 

Primary Tumors Found to

Inhibit Secondary Tumors

M
etastasis is the process through which a cancer spreads to other
parts of the body. The key to survival rate is to put a stop to
metastasis. It has been found recently in a study that primary
tumors can hamper the growth of a secondary tumor by developing
a particular mechanism.
Recent work against metastasis includes targeting protein that protects
the loose tumor cells and other mechanisms that help cells tarnish the
main tumor. Studying metastasis in mice, researchers have now found
a new mechanism at play. A development of an eccentric ecosystem
in which breast tumors let out signals to “breakaway cells” which are
making their way to other areas of the body. It was found that these
signals actively stopped the secondary tumors from growing.

Primary Tumors Found to Inhibit Secondary Tumors 299

 The immune system is stimulated by the primary tumors through
an inflammatory response. The immune cells get ready to launch an
attack on the secondary tumor and freeze their growth.
The co-author of the study, Sandra McAllister, further reveals that
the breakaway cells can remain in a transition state for long period
of time, tend to not grow well, compromising their ability to form
tumors. Hence, quite remarkably, the primary tumor sets on inhibiting
its own growth.
Researchers say that there is evidence that the same process could
take place in human body. The researchers are now studying how
to find effective ways to maneuver the process of signaling by the
primary tumors to help inhibit cancer spread. They have been able to
identify some of these signals for activating the immune system and
the response of immune cells.
Christine Chaffer, another co-author of the study, mentions that the
goal of their work is to imitate the freezing action of the secondary
cells so that all types of breast cancers could inhibit secondary tumor
growth. The effort is to understand how the immune response is being
stimulated and immune cells are targeting the secondary tumors, as
each step is a welcome site for therapeutic advantages against cancer
spread.
Hopefully, the new research would pave way for increasing the
survival rates of breast cancer patients undergoing metastasis. It is
hoped other types of tumors and breast cancers can be fought against
in the same manner as well.

300 Primary Tumors Found to Inhibit Secondary Tumors

Brain Cancer, Childhood Cancer and Treatments 

Stem Cells Could Be an Effective Drug

Delivery Tool for Brain Cancer in Children

A
recent study by the researchers from UNC Eshelman School
of Pharmacy and University of North Carolina Lineberger
Comprehensive Cancer Center have established stem cells
grafted from skin cells that can hunt cancer and thus deliver drugs to
decimate medulloblastoma tumors growing faster after surgery.
Previously, in a study, it has been shown that such stem cells could
deliver drugs to glioblastoma cells (deadliest cancer cells). Now in the
new study appearing in PLOS ONE shows that these can also be used
to target medulloblastoma cells and prolong patient life. It is most
important to see if this works for children.
Hingtgen from UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy says that
chemotherapy and radiation are very harmful to the developing brain
in children, hence, the new alternative treatment could bring a quality
of life benefits. He and his team studied the natural ability of stem
cells to reach tumors and utilized it like a FedEx truck that can lead

Stem Cells Could Be an Effective Drug Delivery Tool for Brain Cancer in Children 301
 to the right location and feed cytotoxic drugs to the tumor cells. He
claims that the skin cells are converted into something that can crawl
to find infiltrative tumors.
Laboratory models of the brain after receiving surgery when they
were inserted with these drug-fed stem cells showed 15 times decrease
in tumors’ size. Average survival in mice was observed to be 133%.
Their lives were prolonged by 123% when inserted with human stem
cells.
It was also discovered that after surgically removing the tumor from
the brain through standard treatment, the remaining cancer cells tend
to grow faster and became aggressive. Scott Elton, a co-author of
the study, calls it a holy grail if the stem cells made from patients’
own cells can be used to target these tumor cells. They can also be
made beneficial for other rare types of brain cancers in children.
He acknowledges that most of the medulloblastoma cases occur in
children and side effects with this alternative can be dramatic but with
more exploration, it would be made better for that 30 % of children
for whom standard therapy does not work.
It is hoped that this treatment could be an effective alternative to
standard treatment which comes with developmental and neurological
side effects and prolong patients’ lives.

302 Stem Cells Could Be an Effective Drug Delivery Tool for Brain Cancer in Children
Kidney Cancer

Metabolic Differences in Kidney Tumors

Could Help Better Treatments

K
idney cancer is among the 10 most prevalent cancers around
the world. 70% of kidney cancers include clear cell renal cell
carcinoma (ccRCC) which results from the accumulation of
sugar and fat. Dr. Kevin Courtney and his team along with other
professors set to investigate how kidney tumors utilize glucose which
serves as the main source of energy for most of the tissues.
They used labeled glucose in an intraoperative infusion during a
surgery meant to eliminate kidney cancer. It was found that ccRCC
use glucose entirely different from other tissues, instead of breaking
down glucose via tricarboxylic acid cycle for extracting energy, they
stopped short of it, which indicates that they must have some other
energy source upon which they survive.

Metabolic Differences in Kidney Tumors Could Help Better Treatments 303

 Dr. Ralph DeBerardinis mentions how it has been believed almost
for a century that aggressive tumors dwelled on glycoses (partial
breakdown of glucose) based upon the observation of their metabolism
outside human body. He adds that studying metabolism directly in
cancer patients revealed that glycoses is not a universal feature of cell
metabolism. Some tumors really do rely on glucose, while other tumors
metabolism can be investigated with help of labeled isotopes. ccRCC
is unique in this aspect and this is the first study that demonstrates
how ccRCC react to glucose as compared to other normal tissue.
The researchers hope to find it as chink in the armor in treating ccRCC.
Further studies will be conducted to find out any linked vulnerability
in ccRCC tumor metabolic activities. The team aims to use more
labeled isotopes in order to pinpoint more vulnerabilities regarding
the growth of kidney cancers in order to improvise treatment methods.

304 Metabolic Differences in Kidney Tumors Could Help Better Treatments

Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition

Top Ways to Give Your Brain a Boost

T
he brain is the most vital part of the human body. A brain handles
it all – the emotions, the memory, the thoughts, and so more.
However, as we get old, the power of our brain starts degrading
with age. We cannot alter the cycle of aging. However, we can take up
some healthy steps towards boosting the overall power of our brain
to strengthen the memory and thinking process.
A study reveals that as people move beyond the age of 60 years, it
is all about maintaining good, healthy lifestyle habits that help in
keeping the brain strong and lively. Here are some additional tips
from the experts:
Controlling Medical Conditions: Some of the specific medical concerns
associated with the process of aging can affect the brain as well. For
instance, high blood pressure during the middle age has been linked
to a higher risk of developing dementia in the later stages of life.
Therefore, it is considered the best option to act upon controlling the
medical conditions in the right age itself to prevent any major issues
later on in life.

Top Ways to Give Your Brain a Boost 305

 Get Moving On: Regular exercises and aerobic activities can help in
increasing the blood flow to the brain. As such, it helps in maintaining
the size of the hippocampus of the brain – involved with learning &
memory capabilities.
Select a Brain-Healthy Diet: Eating schedules that are rich in whole
grains, legumes, proteins, and healthy fats are known to be beneficial
for the overall health of the brain. Therefore, it is important to choose
your diet wisely.
Make sure you take proper care of your brain’s health at the right tim

306 Top Ways to Give Your Brain a Boost

Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention 

Eating Broccoli While Pregnant Could

Help in Preventing Breast Cancer in Child

P
regnancy diets usually recommend eating plenty of vegetables
and fruits so as to provide the necessary balance of nutrients,
vitamins and minerals to the baby. One recent study suggests that
mothers that eat broccoli sprouts could, in fact, pass on to their child
a certain resistance to breast cancer.
The article in question appeared in the American Association for
Cancer Research publication and puts forth the idea that many
cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower,
cabbage, have particular anti-cancer properties. This is in great part
due to the high amount of Sulforaphane (SFN) these plants possess,
a compound which reactivates tumor suppression genes and blocks
genes that promote the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Eating Broccoli While Pregnant Could Help in Preventing Breast Cancer in Child 307
 Breast cancer is one of the most widespread forms of malignancy, and
one of the most important risk factors is genetic background. The
ability to reduce the risk of future development could help prevent
millions of new cases and save countless lives.
The paper notes that: “Bioactive dietary components such as
sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate from cruciferous vegetables
including broccoli sprouts (BSp), cabbage, and kale, has been shown
to reduce the risk of developing many common cancers through
regulation of epigenetic mechanisms”.
Laboratory tests were conducted only on mice so far, but scientists
hope to translate the work to human trials and possibly recreate the
results. The rodents were fed the equivalent of about four cups (266g)
of broccoli each day, though people would require less. Feeding the
mice with the same amount at later stages in life did not yield similar
findings.
It could be a good idea to start incorporating these greens into your
current diet, it can’t do any harm.

308 Eating Broccoli While Pregnant Could Help in Preventing Breast Cancer in Child
Breaking Cancer Research, Pancreatic Cancer

Switchable CAR-T Cells Target

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

P
ancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most
common causes of cancer-related deaths in the world, and in
spite of sustained medical efforts, the incidence rate is rising.
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) has already shown incredible
success in treating hematological diseases. The procedure involves
harvesting T-Cells from the patient, combining them with engineered
receptors and then injecting them back to fight the cancer cells. This
type of immunotherapy offers significant advantages over standard
courses. It’s better targeted and safer for the patient, compared to
chemotherapy or radiation.
The study sought to apply CAR-T therapy on other types of cancer,
like PDAC, where results were not as impressive. The team, comprised
of doctors from Australia, the U.K. and the U.S.A., realized that by

Switchable CAR-T Cells Target Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma 309

 introducing a Fab-based ‘switch’, they could tune the response. By
combining CAR-T and the tumor antigen-specific Fab molecule, they
were able to observe “complete remission in difficult-to-treat, patient-
derived advanced pancreatic tumour models”.
Aiming for the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor
2) gene, a known cancer marker which can upregulate tumor cells,
proved a successful strategy. “Rapid tumour clearance was observed
in the switchable CAR-T cells+HER2 switch and conventional HER2
CAR-T cell cohorts”. This prompted the conclusion that “data
therefore confirm the efficacy of HER2 targeting in disseminated
metastatic PDAC tumours via either conventional CAR-T cells or the
switchable CAR-T systems.”
Pancreatic cancer often goes into metastasis because it generally offers
no initial symptoms. Because of this, survival rates are fairly low,
dipping below 10% for the first 5 years after diagnosis.

310 Switchable CAR-T Cells Target Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Melanoma Cancer 

FR900359, Discovered from Plants to

Reduces Tumor Growth in Melanoma

R
esearch to control cancer and to fight with it has been continued
for years. Deadly Eye cancer has frequently seen in people. There
is a pigmented layer of cells in the iris of the eye which causes
the Ocular Melanoma. The tumor arises from the pigmented cells that
reside in Uvea giving color to the eye. These melanocytes are different
from retinal cells which do not cause eye cancer. It causes 3 to 5%
of life loss.
Cancerous cell growth in melanoma is due to overactive signaling.
G alpha q is present in cancer of the eye and to make the best use
of it to cure cancer, researchers at Washington University School of
Medicine in St. Louis discovered a natural plant compound called
FR900359. This compound belongs to the primrose family of plants.
The goal is to shut down the entire signaling cascade in melanoma,

FR900359, Discovered from Plants to Reduces Tumor Growth in Melanoma 311

 which can be made possible in presence of a drug which suddenly
captures G alpha q in its inactive state.
This prevents partial turning off for the cascade activated by G alpha q.
Senior author Kendall J.Bulmer who is a professor of cell biology and
physiology states that FR traps cancer-causing fork of G alpha and
captures it when it is in an inactive form.
There is no need to turn off cancer-causing form of G alpha because
this happens naturally and that is the point where FR traps it.
In this way, tumor growth is controlled and diminished.
FR kills melanoma cells and also reverts to another class of cells present
in an eye that are similar to normally pigmented cells of the eye.

312 FR900359, Discovered from Plants to Reduces Tumor Growth in Melanoma

Brain Cancer 

Saving Healthy Cells in Brain Cancer

Treatment, Synthetically

C
hemotherapy and radiations are frequently done for treating
cancer patients though it harms the healthier cells as well. In
case of brain cancer similar processes were carried out previously
but now an undiscovered field has been discovered. It has solved the
complication that was due to destruction of healthy cells.
Nano medicine, a new branch of medical field in which BXQ-350
acts as a drug. It is produced when a human lysosomal protein called
Saposin C is combined with Nanobubbles of a fat molecule known
as Phospholipid dioleoyl phosphatidylserine. Fat nanoparticles
face no hindrance by the blood-brain barrier, so it can help to treat
glioblastoma. Xiao Yang, a genetic researcher discovered it. It has no
side effects or dose-limiting toxicities.

Saving Healthy Cells in Brain Cancer Treatment, Synthetically 313

 The research was given a chance to prove itself when it was presented
at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
held in June. 17 patients suffering from advanced solid tumors and
brain tumors were observed and after 113 days, six of them appeared
with stability. A little betterment was seen in a patient with appendiceal
carcinoma and one of them with high-grade glioma showed signs of
stability after 19 months.
Puduvalli cautioned about the side effects and alarmed that though
BXQ-350 is able to treat tumors, it should be observed keenly before
placing it in a bigger setting. Maybe, he could see a chance of unknown
danger due to the capability of the medicine that can cross the blood-
brain barrier.
Phase 2 for the drug with clinical trials was accomplished. Researchers
at various universities are hiring patients with malignant brain tumors
and advanced solid cancerous tumors that have been treated previously
by multiple ways and have a properly grown and diagnosed tumor.
These patients are then administered differently with different dose
quantities. This is done up to correct identification of dosage that
shrinks the tumor.
Phase 3 and 4 would be for checking efficacy and safety of the drug.
It is said by Dr.Jose Carrillo that BXQ-350 therapy is similar to
immunotherapy and are complementary to each other. BXQ-350 may
also replace chemotherapy and radiation. It is expected that it may
be able to cure an aggressive cancer known as glioblastoma which is
yet impossible to cure.
The focus must be towards clinical trials to get the best output and
create hope for those who have gone in a state of despair.

314 Saving Healthy Cells in Brain Cancer Treatment, Synthetically

Breaking Cancer Research, Melanoma Cancer, Skin Cancer 

New Treatment Discovered to Fight

Melanoma Better Than Traditional
Vaccine

R
ecently, a molecule has been identified by scientist that promotes
the fighting ability of our immune system when added to a
cancer vaccine. The study has made an appearance in PNAS,
claiming that Diprovocim (a molecule), when added to an existing
cancer vaccine effectively, drew anti-cancer cells to the target site of
cancer tumors. Experiments conducted on mice further suggest that
this molecule addition can improve chances of recovery especially
when drug therapy stops working.
According to a professor involved in the study, Dale Boger, the co-
therapy showed a curative response in treating melanoma. The plus
point is that this vaccine prepares the immune system for any returning
tumors, hence decreasing the risk of cancer recurrence. Boger adds

New Treatment Discovered to Fight Melanoma Better Than Traditional Vaccine 315
 that this cancer vaccine acts just like the other vaccines that prepare
the immune system to ward off external pathogens, should they arrive.
Diprovocim is used as an adjuvant which is a molecule that enhances
a vaccine’s capability to fuel up the immune response in the body. This
molecule is modifiable and can be prepared easily in the lab.
Mice with aggressive melanoma were divided into three groups who
were given anti-cancer therapy anti-PD-L1. Eight mice were injected
with the cancer vaccine alone, another eight with Diprovocim along
with the cancer vaccine and another eight with cancer vaccine plus
alum (alternative adjuvant). A 100% rate of survival was seen in mice
injected with Diprovocim plus cancer vaccine over 54 days. 25%
survival rate was observed in the cases of alum plus cancer vaccine
and a zero percent survival rate in the cases of cancer vaccine alone.
Boger calls the result to be exciting, given how the vaccine worked
along with anti-PD-L1 anti-cancer therapy. Further experiments were
conducted, all of which showed Diprovocim boosting the cancer-
fighting ability of the vaccine. It successfully stimulated the immune
system to produce tumor-infiltrating leukocyte which enhanced the
vaccine’s working.

316 New Treatment Discovered to Fight Melanoma Better Than Traditional Vaccine
Breast Cancer, Esophagus Cancer, Lung Cancer

Discovery of New Metal-Based Inhibitor

May Improve Treatments for Triple-
Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

A
new metal compound has been discovered by the researchers
from Hong Kong Baptist University, that has the ability to
inhibit enzyme actively associated with TNBC (triple negative
breast cancer). The enzyme, KDM5A (lysine-specific demethylase 5A)
has been inhibited with minimized toxicity in mice.
The compound developed by the team consists of rhodium which
potentially and specifically inhibits KDM5A by effectively targeting
it, as compared to other inhibitors. Dr. Edmond Ma Dik-lung has said
that the presence of KDM5A is more in breast cancer as well as the
brain, gastric and lung cancers. It promotes carcinogenesis and creates
resistance against drugs. Very limited KDM5A inhibitors are present
to date with the current one proving most effective.

Discovery of New Metal-Based Inhibitor May Improve Treatments 317

 The compound works to dismantle interaction between KDM5A and
a protein, trimethylated histone H3, which regulates DNA folding.
It increases the expression of p27 that diminishes tumor growth by
accumulating methylated marks on histone H3. It suppressed the
growth of the cells in TNBC cell lines as well. In a vivo mouse model,
it exhibited anti-cancer action against TNBC, with less toxicity in
vivo as compared to other anti-cancer drugs such as cisplatin and
doxorubicin.
Dr. Ma further adds that traditional treatments come with serious
side effects along with damage to the organ, not to mention drug
resistance. The search for new better treatments is crucial and the
metal compound seems to be coming with a promise for better therapy
against TNBC.

318 Discovery of New Metal-Based Inhibitor May Improve Treatments

Colorectal Cancer, Esophagus Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer 

Could E. Coli Treatment Cure

Crohn’s Disease?

R
esearchers at a laboratory in Vancouver are looking to possibly
cure Crohn’s diseases based on the incredible recovery made by
one of their patients.
It all started when a patient at the InspireHealth care center suffering
from pancreatic cancer started getting worse. He eventually came
down with an infection, but surprisingly, his tumors also shrank.
Further examinations found that this had happened with other two
patients in similar conditions.
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can
cause serious problems, including severe abdominal pain, diarrhea
and bloating. Currently, there is no cure and those suffering usually
need to take immune-suppressing medications throughout their lives,
leaving them open to a series of possible side effects.

Could E. Coli Treatment Cure Crohn’s Disease? 319

 Dr. Hal Gunn, the founder of biotech company Qu Biologics working
on this treatment, is conducting a series of trials at the moment,
which so far look very promising. QBECO, the therapy being
developed now, “appears to be safe and well-tolerated” and at the
same time “associated with consistently positive trends in response,
improvement and remission throughout the treatment period of the
trial, establishing proof-of-concept in the treatment of participants
with Crohn’s disease”.
The drug comes in the form of an injection and can be self-administered
every two days, making it particularly simple to use and practical.
Even though the first clinical test displayed impressive Clinical
remission rates after 8 weeks of treatment “of 50%, more than double
the placebo rate of 23% (p=0.16)”, doctors are cautioning patients
that the procedure still has a long way to go before it can make it on
the market.
This moment can mark an important step towards finding better
solutions to manage and treat a number of cancers.

320 Could E. Coli Treatment Cure Crohn’s Disease?

Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Esophagus Cancer,
Head and Neck Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition,
Ovarian Cancer, Prevention, Stomach Cancer 

Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the

Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer

G
astrointestinal cancer – a type of cancer of the different organs
of the digestive system, is one of the most common forms
of cancer across the globe. The overall death rate due to
gastrointestinal cancer is quite high around the world. Although several
chemotherapeutic agents have been successful in the prevention &
treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, still most of them are immensely
expensive and complicated. As such, researchers keep looking for
natural ingredients to serve as effective modes of the treatment of
cancer of different types.
Out of all the natural ingredients, Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) has
been known to serve as the safest and the most effective medicinal
spice for treating a wide range of diseases and medical ailments

Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer 321
 including dysentery, heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite, cough, and
so more. Recent medical research has found that ginger along with its
active components including 6-shogaol and 6-gingerol exercise anti-
cancer properties towards fighting gastrointestinal (GI) cancer.
The anti-cancer & nutritional properties of ginger & its active
components lie in the presence of the signaling molecules including
PI3K, COX-2, STAT3, XIAP, and so more. Relevant evidence from
animal, in vitro, and epidemiological studies have revealed that
ginger along with its active components might help in suppressing
the overall growth of cancer of several types including colon, breast,
skin, ovarian, oral, renal, and GI cancers. The anti-cancer properties
of ginger along with its active constituents could be associated with
the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-mutagenic properties
along with other biological activities.
Several preclinical studies have revealed that ginger extracts along
with its constituents are known to possess antineoplastic and
chemopreventive properties in the treatment of GI cancer. As such,
there is great hope in the treatment of GI cancer with the help of
ginger and its constituents.

322 Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer
Breaking Cancer Research, Mesothelioma Cancer

A Tumor Suppressor – BRCA

Associated Protein

A
protein was found to be in relation with tumor suppression. The
protein was associated with the BRCA gene.
BAP1 gene was identified as a gene related to cell death in the
eye, kidney, bile duct, mesothelioma and other cancers but it wasn’t
clear how it suppresses tumors.
Mutation in BAP1, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes results in cancer. This is
because DNA is damaged in an irreparable way and cells face genetic
modifications. This is said by the National Cancer Institute. These
genetic alterations cause cancer.
Ferroptosis is a well-established form of cell death which plays a very
important role in suppressing tumors. Cystine is an amino acid which
is helpful for tumor growth and expansion of cancerous cells. It also
helps in producing a large number of molecular oxygen carriers in
lipids. SLCA11 is a cystine transporter which is repressed and this aids
ferroptosis. This suppression is mediated by the BAP1 gene.

A Tumor Suppressor – BRCA Associated Protein 323

 Diminution of Cystine is crucial to suppress cancer!
The lowering Cystine levels reduce cancer or tumor growth and along
these lipids so they do not encounter these molecular oxygen carriers.
Mutation in BAP1 gene results in different forms of cancer growths.
BAP1 regulated target genes were studied by the Dr. Boyi Gan, a
professor at Texas who is in the field of experimental radiation
oncology. He stated that an epigenetic mechanism relates ferroptosis
to tumor suppression. This mechanism was facilitated by BAP1 gene.
But still, the process BAP1 gene follows to suppress tumors wasn’t
clear. Role and regulation of Ferroptosis in destroying cancer cells was
still unidentified and this was the statement of Gan.
Research continued and it was discovered that BAP1 helps gene
regulation by producing a key enzyme that interacts all over the cell
and with other enzymes. This was only for those cells which expressed
BAP1 gene.
In this way, it was proved how the BAP1 gene inhibits tumor production.
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2018/09/11/Protein-linked-to-
tumor-suppression-in-several-cancers/5831536673620/

324 A Tumor Suppressor – BRCA Associated Protein

Leukemia Cancer

New Treatment for Hairy Cell Leukemia

Approved By the FDA

T
he course of intravenous injections with Lumoxiti (moxetumomab
pasudotox-tdfk) is now available to the American public suffering
from relapsed or refractory hairy cell leukemia (HCL).
Part of a new type of treatment called CD22-directed cytotoxin, the
procedure is addressed to patients that have already received at least

New Treatment for Hairy Cell Leukemia Approved By the FDA 325
 one previous systemic therapies, including those involving a purine
nucleoside analog.
Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of
Excellence said in the press release that “Lumoxiti fills an unmet need
for patients with hairy cell leukemia whose disease has progressed
after trying other FDA-approved therapies”.
The clinical trial that supported this decision had 80 total participants,
63 male, and an average age of 60 years. Each one had undergone
prior treatments unsuccessfully. They had administered 40 µg/kg of
Lumoxiti intravenously on days 1, 3, and 5 of 28-day cycles, for up
to 6 cycles.
About 30% of cases reached complete response (CR), defined as
“maintenance of hematologic remission for more than 180 days”,
and the overall response rate was about 75%.
As with most heavy forms of treatment, some adverse effects can be
expected, most commonly swelling, nausea, fatigue, headache, fever,
constipation, anemia and diarrhea.
Additional warnings can be seen on the box. These inform of the
risk of developing capillary leak syndrome, with symptoms including
difficulty breathing, weight gain, hypotension, or swelling of arms,
legs and/or face.
The FDA also granted Fast Track and Priority Review designations
to Lumoxiti, meaning the drug has significant potential in treating a
serious condition and is to have a higher preference in evaluating the
results.

326 New Treatment for Hairy Cell Leukemia Approved By the FDA
Breaking Cancer Research, Liver Cancer 

New Drug Can Help in Fighting Liver

Cancer with Fewer Side Effects

A
team of researchers has come up with an all-new, revolutionary
drug named FFW that could potentially help in the treatment of
liver cancer or HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma). This discovery
by the researchers has opened several doors for coming up with highly
effective treatments for liver cancer with fewer side effects.
HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) or primary liver cancer serves to
be a major form of fast-growing cancer in the human beings. Patients
having HCC are generally known to survive typically for around 11
months after the disease diagnosis. HCC is known to account for
more than 90 percent of the major forms of liver cancers. Thus, it
poses a major health concern – especially in the Asia Pacific region.
In the search for the potential treatment of liver cancer, the researchers
have come up with the revolutionary drug FFW in the treatment of

New Drug Can Help in Fighting Liver Cancer with Fewer Side Effects 327
 the disease with minimal side effects. In the given study, the team
deeply studied SALL4 – a protein that is associated with the growth
of tumors – as the prognosis maker and the respective drug target for
the treatment of HCC along with other forms of cancers including
leukemia and lung cancer.
The drug molecules that are known to work upon SALL4 usually
require the particular target proteins to contain a small pocket in the
3D structure wherein the particular drug could reside and implement
its effects. The targeting of the SALL4-NuRD interaction that serves
to be the cancer cell-specific target tends to represent an exciting scope
for the overall development of the therapeutic options in the potential
treatment of liver cancer.
In the latest research, the researchers have also demonstrated some
effective strategy towards accurately targeting oncogenes – which
was previously considered as un-druggable. Moving forward, the
researchers can generate great scope for the overall treatment of liver
cancer through effective drug therapy.

328 New Drug Can Help in Fighting Liver Cancer with Fewer Side Effects
Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention, Thyroid Cancer 

The Numerous Health Benefits of

Brazil Nuts

I
n shades of brown, with a smooth texture and earthy flavor, Brazil
nuts offer a series of health benefits that you should definitely know
about.
Native to areas of Brazil, Columbia, Venezuela, Guiana, and Peru,
you will find that the nut is not technically a nut, but rather a seed.
They grow in mostly undisturbed forests in coconut-shaped shells,
and require up to 14 months to mature. There can be anywhere from
8 to 24 seeds grouped inside, 1.5 to 2 inches long.
What makes Brazil nuts so desirable is their nutritional value. Packed
with fiber, minerals, vitamins, healthy fats and a whole slew of
proteins, this fruit is rightly considered a superfood.
Because of the high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, you will regularly
see Brazil nuts being prescribed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular

The Numerous Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts 329

 diseases. As a great source of monosaturated fats (commonly referred
to as “good fats”), they have become a staple for many natural diets.
Another way you might see it recommended is in the form of a
supplement for weight loss. As they contain a high concentration of
protein and fiber, eating just a small serving will leave you feeling
satiated for a long time.
Being so rich in selenium makes them quite special. This helps promote
a healthy and natural skin glow by stimulating the production of
glutathione, which in turn fight free radicals that are damaging skin
collagen.
One of the more significant health benefits is their ability to reduce
the risk of developing cancer. A Cornell Chronicle study revealed that
selenium supplementation along with the natural antioxidants found
in these nuts can lower associated risk by almost 40% with regular
intake.
Additionally, the fruit also has a positive influence on the thyroid,
stimulating proper functioning. This helps with body metabolism,
ensuring normal heart rate and temperature stabilization.
With so many positive effects, there’s really no reason not to integrate
Brazil nuts into your diet.

330 The Numerous Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts

Esophagus Cancer

Treatment Might Help in Reducing the

Risk of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

E
ven though drugs and treatments are always tested extensively
before being released for the general public, it does happen
sometimes to find these sort of unexpected interactions, where
one medicine helps with a totally different condition.
A multinational study compiling data from more than 50 years
of medical reports discovered this surprising connection between
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment and esophageal
adenocarcinoma. More than 930.000 patients from Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, who either underwent
antireflux surgery (48.414) or were treated with GERD medication
only (894.492), were observed through follow-ups.
In the western world, it is estimated that somewhere between 10 and
20 percent of the population develops GERD. This digestive disorder

Treatment Might Help in Reducing the Risk of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma 331

 affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), basically the muscle
connecting the esophagus and stomach. The backwash can irritate
the lining of the canal causing discomfort.
Of the patients treated with drugs, 0.3 percent were recorded as
developing cancer of the esophagus, while among those patients that
had surgery, 0.4 developed the same condition. In both groups, there
were noticeable reductions in risk after treatment.
The article concluded that “medical and surgical treatment of GERD
was associated with a similar reduced esophageal adenocarcinoma
risk, with the risk decreasing to the same level as that in the background
population over time, supporting the hypothesis that effective
treatment of GERD might prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma.”
While results do show a link, it is important to mention that it does
not automatically mean that people should start getting this treatment
as a preventive measure. If you are worried about either condition,
one simple and natural way, known to lower risk for both, is losing
weight.

332 Treatment Might Help in Reducing the Risk of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles,
Liver Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prevention, Prostate Cancer

Junk Food Can Lead To Cancer

According To Study

I
f you wanted any more confirmation that having junk food regularly
is bad for you, then look no further. The article was published in
the Public Library of Science Journal and reaffirms the notion that
a natural and balanced diet is essential for a healthy life.
The comprehensive article gathered data from almost 500.000
participants of different ages (20 to 70 years old) living across 10
European countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy,
the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.), including
sociodemographic information, educational level, lifestyle, personal
and familial history and anthropometric measurements (e.g., height,
weight, waist, and hip circumferences).
Dietary intake assessment questionnaires asking detailed information
about types of food consumed, portion sizes, 7-day nutrition records
were collected throughout the 15 years the project was operating.

Junk Food Can Lead To Cancer According To Study 333

 Through follow-ups, researchers found that 49,794 of the subjects
had been at one point or another diagnosed with cancer. There
were12,063 cases of breast cancer, 6.745 cases of prostate cancer
and 5,806 having colorectal cancer.
Participants having “a diet of lower nutritional quality, were
consistently more likely to have unhealthy dietary intakes, e.g., higher
intakes of alcohol, energy and red and processed meat, lower intakes
of dietary fibres, vegetables, fruit, fish, and lean meat” and were
coming mostly from France, Germany, the UK and Sweden.
The study revealed that those individuals having foods with lower
nutritional values “were at higher risk of developing cancer overall”,
especially colorectal and stomach cancers. It also indicated that men
were more prone to having lung cancers, while women were at higher
risk of developing liver and breast cancer.
Consider investing a bit of time and effort now into your dietary
habits in order to have a long and healthy life.

334 Junk Food Can Lead To Cancer According To Study

Brain Cancer, Breaking Cancer Research, Cervical Cancer,
Esophagus Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer

Head and Neck Trial with NBTXR3

Nanoparticles Shows Promise

M
edical nanotechnology is one of the fields right on the forefront
of the fight against cancer. Nanobiotix, a leading industry
giant, is hoping to bring out a new form of cancer treatment,
and so far results look promising.
NBTXR3 is an “aqueous suspension of nanoparticles” containing
inert inorganic hafnium oxide (HfO2) crystals, “designed to penetrate
cancer cells and remain within the tumor”. The procedure involves
administering an intratumoral injection that allows the nanoparticles
to accumulate within the abnormal cells. Radiation is them applied
to the tissue, causing the HfO2 particles to emit high amounts of
electrons, killing the cancerous formation.
For the Nanobiotix trials, phase I was conducted in order to determine
the recommended dosage. 18 patients received either 15% or 22%
doses, with a 12-month cut-off date. At both 12 and 23 month

Head and Neck Trial with NBTXR3 Nanoparticles Shows Promise 335
 follow-ups, all patients were alive, the only patient fatality being at
26 months.
The treatment was designed to work on a wide variety of cancers,
including solid tumors, prostate cancer, liver, breast. Phase II is
focusing on head and neck cancer with locally advanced squamous
cell carcinomas.
The nanoparticles offer a series of advantages over standard courses,
the first being that it requires only the one initial injection. They
also provide longer circulation time, better penetration into cellular
membranes and can carry a series of different compounds. Overall,
the procedure is much more targetable and safer on the patient.
Several other trials are running at the moment across the world,
testing for possible effects on esophageal cancer, glioblastoma, and
cervical cancer.

336 Head and Neck Trial with NBTXR3 Nanoparticles Shows Promise
Brain Cancer, Breaking Cancer Research

Zika Virus Offers Promise for Treating

Fatal Brain Cancer As Per a Study

I
n a recent study, a team of international researchers has successfully
declared the hope of finding the treatment for the fatal brain cancer
in the Zika virus. This study was published after the initial results
of the study found in mice. The study was recently published in mBio
Journal and stated the success of the team of researchers in finding a
potential treatment for the deadly brain cancer in the form of Zika
virus.
Glioblastoma or brain cancer is known to be one of the deadliest
forms of cancers out there. It is responsible for killing over 15,000
adults in the United States of America alone each year. Currently,
Glioblastoma remains incurable as the patients of this deadly disease
tend to experience a high rate of recurrence of cancer even after
receiving the standard treatments of radiation, chemotherapy, and
surgery.

Zika Virus Offers Promise for Treating Fatal Brain Cancer As Per a Study 337
 Zika-Virus-Offers-Promise-for-Treating-Fatal-Brain-Cancer-
As-Per-a-Study
Pei-Yong-Shi – a leading virologist at the University of Texas claims
that during the Zika epidemic, the researchers learned that the virus
tends to preferentially attack & infect the neural progenitor cells in
the fetus. As such, the virus was responsible for causing devastating
microcephaly in the babies that were born to such infected mothers.
The team of researchers made the connection that the Zika virus
could potentially infect the glioblastoma cells as well. This is because
the given cells tend to have similar properties to that of the neural
stem cells.
The first objective of the research team was to ensure if there was a
safe way of determining the usage of the Zika virus in the patients
for attacking the cancer cells. The researchers have been successful in
coming up with the promising live-attenuated candidate for the Zika
vaccine, referred to as ZIKV-LAV. This vaccine has shown to be safe,
effective, and non-virulent in the protection of the infection in mice.

338 Zika Virus Offers Promise for Treating Fatal Brain Cancer As Per a Study
Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Esophagus Cancer,
Head and Neck Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Melanoma Cancer,
Nutrition, Prevention, Skin Cancer

Black Raspberries Offer Promise for

Treating Cancer

B
lack raspberries (BRB) are known to inhibit a wide range of
cancers in the pre-clinical trials or models including the models
of skin, oral, colon, breast, and esophageal cancer. Several
promising preclinical results have led to the evaluations of clinical
results in the patients who are at the higher risk of developing cancer.
Medical research that has investigated the role of black raspberries
in offering the potential treatment for cancer in the coming times.
The results of the studies in clinical settings of blackberries or
raspberries (BRB) have revealed the positive effects of several cancers
including preneoplastic lesions or colon, esophageal, and oral cancers.
The treatment of cancers with black raspberries has resulted in the
historical regression of oral intraepithelial neoplasia that is associated
with the overall improvement in the histologic grade. In addition to
this, the results have also revealed the significant reduction in the loss

Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer 339

 of heterozygosity at suppressing tumor with the modulated genes that
are linked to the growth factor recycling & processing of the RNA
in the colon.
Black raspberries (BRB) also results in the inhibition of the FAP-
associated polyp progression along with suppressing the demethylated
tumor genes and in improving the profiles of plasma cytokine. The
consumption of Black raspberries (BRB) resulted in the increase
in the overall tissue levels of GST-pi and decrease in the levels of
8-isoprostane. This serves to be a major marker of oxidative stress or
lipid peroxidation.
As such, the consumption of black raspberries (BRB) can be observed
with the prevention and treatment of cancer in the future times.

340 Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer

Blood Cancer, Cancer, Childhood Cancer and Treatments,
Leukemia Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lymphoma Cancer

This Week in Oncology News

I
t’s always great to see a full week of stories involving emerging
cancer treatment options or advancements in the field. Here are
some of the more relevant events in recent days:
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute
revealed that even though autologous hematopoietic stem cell
transplant is one of the more effective procedures when it comes to
treating multiple myeloma, it is still underused in many facilities. Just
one in five eligible patients (out of a total 13,494) that are part of
the California Cancer Registry received the operation. Surprisingly
enough, it was not due to new therapies rendering the procedure
obsolete, but rather a number of interconnected factors, including
lack of awareness and reluctance from older patients.
Recently we saw three leading oncology practices come together
to form OneOncology, “a patient-centric, physician-driven, and

This Week in Oncology News 341

 technology-powered company with a mission to improve the lives of
everyone living with cancer”. Tennessee Oncology, New York Cancer
& Blood Specialists, and West Cancer Center are at the heart of this
project, bringing over 225 oncology providers, covering more than
60 locations and treating nearly 158.000 cancer patients every year.
One of the more exciting stories revolved around Keytruda
(pembrolizumab) receiving FDA Priority Review status. This new
treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with PD-L1
expression showed impressive results in improving patient outcomes
while at the same time presenting fewer negative effects. Dr. Roy
Baynes, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Merck
Research Laboratories said that “Keytruda is already a foundation
for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer”.
In other news, a phase 2 CLL2-BAG trial demonstrated that treatment
with Bendamustine, along with obinutuzumab and venetoclax,
appeared safe and effective in patients suffering from chronic
lymphocytic leukemia. With an overall response rate of 95% and
87% of patients achieving minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity
in peripheral blood, results seemed very promising.
And finally, a look at a new therapy with Capizzi-style methotrexate
(C-MTX) without leucovorin rescue that proved to be superior
compared to high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) with leucovorin
rescue, for children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. From
a total of more than a thousand eligible cases, C-MTX had higher
rates of 5-year disease-free survival (91.5% vs. 85.3%; P = .005) and
5-year overall survival rates (93.7% vs. 89.4%; P = .04), compared
to HDMTX.
All and all, a number of promising new therapies are on the horizon,
looking to bolster the efforts in the fight against cancer.

342 This Week in Oncology News

Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition 

Top Health Benefits of Cinnamon

I
f you wish to ensure healthy lifestyles for yourself and your entire
family, it is important to go for choosing nutritional food choices
in the first place. The food that we consume on a daily basis plays a
vital role in determining the overall health & well-being of the body.
One such food item that tops the list when it comes to imparting a
wide range of potential health benefits is cinnamon.
Cinnamon is a highly tasty and nutritional healthy spice that plays a
vital role in promoting health and in the prevention of a wide array
of diseases & ailments. Here are some of the potential health benefits
of consuming cinnamon as a spice selection in your food items:
Strong Medicinal Properties: Cinnamon is an almost magical spice
that has several powerful medicinal properties known to mankind.
There are two main types of cinnamon including Ceylon cinnamon
and Cassia cinnamon. Scientists believe that the compound

Top Health Benefits of Cinnamon 343

 “cinnamaldehyde” found in cinnamon is responsible for the most
powerful medicinal effects of the given spice.
Rich in Antioxidants: Antioxidants are known for protecting the body
against oxidative damage caused due to free radicals. Cinnamon is
known to be rich in antioxidants, referred to as polyphenols. The
presence of ample antioxidants in cinnamon makes it a famous
natural food preservative.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory
properties that help in the prevention of a wide array of diseases and
medical ailments.
Reduction in the Risk of Heart Diseases: Cinnamon is also known
to reduce the overall risks of developing heart diseases. Cinnamon
reduces the overall levels of “bad” cholesterol in the body and
increases the levels of “good” cholesterol.
Anti-Diabetic Properties: This is a good news for those having
diabetes. Cinnamon helps in reducing the risks of developing diabetes
and the symptoms as well.

344 Top Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cancer, Cancer Cures, Healthy Lifestyles,
Nutrition, Prevention

Grapes May Help in Stopping the

Growth of Cancer Cells

F
or those looking forward to adopting healthy lifestyles, eating
something healthy & nutritional can help significantly. There are
several natural ingredients that can help in the prevention of major
diseases and medical ailments. Out of all such natural ingredients,
grapes turn out to be the healthiest and the most nutritious. In a recent
study, it has been found that grapes can help in stopping the overall
growth of the cancer cells effectively.
Grapes are known to contain natural chemicals that have the
capability of stopping the growth of the cancer cells naturally. The
team of researchers claims that the benefits lie in consuming grapes as
the whole fruit, and not as supplements. When you eat the whole fruit,
the bioactive components of the fruit go directly into the bloodstream

Grapes May Help in Stopping the Growth of Cancer Cells 345

 and then, relocate to the other regions of the body. The supplements of
the fruit might not be helpful in imparting the same effective results.
Scientists have observed the overall goodness of grapes in the presence
of natural compounds known as Flavonoids. These are natural plant
chemicals that have the potential of offering treatment against heart
diseases and even cancer. While performing the research, the team
of scientists did not just pick up the grapes – it went forward with
making use of the grapefruit extracts. The extracts obtained from the
grapefruit that it contains an enzyme that is responsible for ensuring
the arrangement as well as the rearrangement of the genes present in
the cell & for cell reproduction & growth. Inhibition of this particular
enzyme can help in killing the cancer cells or stopping the overall
growth of the cancer cells significantly.
The study serves a great hope for the treatment of various kinds of
cancers through the use of grapes.

URL:
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20050331/grapes-may-stop-
cancer-cells

346 Grapes May Help in Stopping the Growth of Cancer Cells

Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Pancreatic Cancer, Prevention

Top Medicinal & Health Properties of

Cayenne Pepper

L
ooking forward to adopting healthy lifestyles for yourself & your
family? Cayenne Pepper is one such spice out there that serves to
be a host of several medicinal as well as nutritional properties for
your overall health & well-being. Most of the medical researchers
out there regard Cayenne Pepper as the kind of medicinal herbs out
there. Owing to its wide range of medicinal properties, the magical
spice offers prevention from deadly diseases including cancer, heart
diseases, and digestion problems.
Since centuries, the hot fruit of the Cayenne plant known as the
Capsicum Annuum has been utilized as an excellent culinary spice
for treating a wide range of diseases and medical ailments. Cayenne
Pepper is found to be rich in healthy compounds including Vitamins
A, B, C, potassium, calcium, and others. Various studies have revealed
that Cayenne Pepper helps in rebuilding the stomach tissues along

Top Medicinal & Health Properties of Cayenne Pepper 347

 with the peristaltic action in the intestines. In addition to this, Cayenne
Pepper also serves to be a catalyst and helps in increasing the overall
effectiveness of other medicinal herbs. Cayenne Pepper also serves to
be a major alternative in effective cancer treatments.
Cayenne Pepper also helps in warming the body and stimulating
the release of mucus from the body’s respiratory passages. Cayenne
Peppers are known to raise the overall body temperature as it helps
in stimulating blood circulation and its flow to the skin. Cayenne
Pepper contains an active component referred to as Capsaicin. In
the year 2004, a team of researchers led by Dr. Sanjay K. Sirvastava
and his colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
was successful in treating pancreatic cells with the help of Capsaicin.
The team found that it helped in the disruption of the mitochondrial
function and induction of apoptosis in the cancerous cells without
causing any effect on the normal pancreatic cells.

348 Top Medicinal & Health Properties of Cayenne Pepper

Bladder Cancer, Breaking Cancer Research

Breaking Treatment Displays Promising

Results in Fighting Bladder Cancer

B
ladder cancer is one of the more common forms of malignancy,
affecting millions of people around the world. Most of the
time, treatment options are limited and risk of reoccurrence is
particularly high.
Cancer can be very expensive to treat. Chemotherapy, radiation,
possibly several subsequent operations, not to mention every other
medication dealing with adverse effects, special diets – costs pile up
quite quickly. This is where the new therapy comes in.
Gemcitabine is an “antineoplastic” or “cytotoxic” chemotherapy
drug. It is administered through intravenously right in the affected
area. The procedure only takes a couple of hours and patients can
go home afterwards. Another advantage is the fact that is readily
available.

Breaking Treatment Displays Promising Results in Fighting Bladder Cancer 349

 Bladder Cancer
One of the biggest problems with bladder cancer is the risk of
reappearance. The abnormal cells developing the disease multiply at
a high rate. This leads to tumor formation, and more often than not
they spread to other areas of the body. Generally starting in the lining
of the bladder, they induce symptoms including blood in the urine,
pain, burning sensations, weight loss, weakness.
The gemcitabine treatment targets those fast dividing cells, in an
attempt to pre-empt tumors and cancer spread. Results showed a
significant response rate (up to 70%) and a substantial remission rate
(up to 40%). Overall, the drug appears to be less toxic and handled
better by patients.
As with most serious therapies, there are some side effects to be
expected, though easily manageable and often predicted in time.
These include: nausea, fatigue, fever, poor appetite.
This form of medication does notably well in advanced cases and for
older patients, considerably improving outcomes.
For more information click here.

350 Breaking Treatment Displays Promising Results in Fighting Bladder Cancer

Cancer Technology, Prostate Cancer

Cutting Edge Radiotherapy Machine

Introduced in the U.K.

T
he Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR)
have unveiled a groundbreaking piece of technology that will
revolutionize cancer treatment.
The MR Linac (Elekta Unity) is a system that can simultaneously scan
the body for tumors and also deliver targeted radiation treatment
more effectively. It has a special design that allows the magnetic coils
of the MRI to work alongside the linear accelerator’s X-ray beams
and not interfere with each other.
In a press release, Alison Tree, MD, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at
The Royal Marsden and Team Leader at ICR revealed that “Tumor
shape and position relative to healthy tissue evolves over the course of
treatment and can change during an individual treatment session. The
ability to detect those changes and adapt therapy in real time allows

Cutting Edge Radiotherapy Machine Introduced in the U.K. 351

 us to improve the precision of radiation therapy, more effectively
treating the tumor while preserving healthy tissue”.
Barry Dolling, age 65, suffering from prostate cancer, was the first
patient treated with this transformative magnetic resonance radiation
therapy (MR/RT). Doctors are excited about the all the potential
applications and are working closely with the Elekta company in
order to offer the treatment to as many forms of cancer as possible.
Dr. Tree added that “Elekta Unity will also allow us to offer radiation
therapy to patients who would not be candidates for this approach
using more traditional radiation delivery systems. Elekta Unity will
help us achieve optimum outcomes for our patients”.
The imaging and precision radiation therapy unit received CE marking
only a few months back, but many leading cancer centers throughout
Europe are already looking at investing in the system.

352 Cutting Edge Radiotherapy Machine Introduced in the U.K.

Breaking Cancer Research, Head and Neck Cancer

Vaccine to Possibly Treat Head and

Neck Cancer

C
onventional vaccines work by training the immune system to
recognize the particular “antigens” displayed by foreign invaders
such as bacteria or viruses. When it comes to cancer, the situation
is a bit different, because of the way the mutated cells divide.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania are looking into the
amazing recovery story of a man who went from having head and
neck cancer, which spread to his lymph nodes and skin, to complete
remission following an experimental vaccine with Opdivo. Surprising
as it might sound, this is not the only case of apparent miraculous
recovery, several reports had recently surfaced regarding HPV (Human
Papilloma Virus) vaccines having a similar effect.
The drug in question, MEDI0457, was initially developed by Inovio
using technology pioneered at Penn University. It is based on a DNA

Vaccine to Possibly Treat Head and Neck Cancer 353

 ring, called plasmid, that codes the cells to produce two HPV antigens.
The procedure involves injecting the vaccine into the patient’s muscle
and then a small electrical pulse is applied to the skin to allow it to
permeate the cells.
In a clinical trial conducted on 22 patients that had received
conventional treatment for head and neck cancers, either surgery or
chemotherapy, Opdivo vaccines were administered. In eighty percent
of cases, elevated T cell activity could be noticed even three months
after the last dose was given. One patient that had relapsed was put
through another course of vaccination and eight weeks later, the
cancer was gone.
Charu Aggarwal, the oncologist leading the study, is very optimistic
and says his team is very excited to continue testing and reproduce
the results on a larger scale.
While these findings seem very hopeful, more trials are needed to
confirm initial data.

354 Vaccine to Possibly Treat Head and Neck Cancer

Bladder Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Colorectal Cancer,
Endometrial Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles,
Kidney Cancer, Liver Cancer, Lymphoma Cancer, Nutrition, Others,
Ovarian Cancer, Prevention, Thyroid Cancer

Fish Intake Could Lead to

Lower Cancer Risks!

N
ot much attention has been heeded to the consumption of fish
and its effect on cancer risk. It has been associated with affecting
cardiovascular diseases. However, now NCBI (National Center
for Biotechnology Information) has conducted investigations into
fish consumptions and risk of particularly selected neoplasms, by
collecting data from 1983 up to 1996 in Italy.
The investigations reveal a consistent pattern of preventive action
against digestive tract cancer risk by the consumption of fish. Inverse
association in case of the larynx, ovarian and endometrial cancers
was also found as well as multiple myeloma. As for the risk of cancers
pertaining to liver, breast, bladder, gallbladder, thyroid, kidney or
lymphoma, no pattern of risk of cancer was found in relation to fish

Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks! 355

 consumption. Hence, the study suggests that comparatively smaller
amounts of fish intake could work as a favorable indicator for several
cancer risks, particularly digestive tract cancer.

The cure for cancer

Another study regarding the association of fish intake with a lowered
risk of colorectal cancer was conducted. 478,040 men and women
were observed in European countries between 1992-1998, who at
the time of enrollment, were free of cancer. Factors related to diet
and lifestyle were considered. After an average follow-up of about 4.8
years, 1,329 cases of colorectal cancers were reported. Relationship
with respect to processed and red meat, poultry, and fish intake and
risk of colorectal cancer was investigated. A proportional hazards
model was adjusted in accordance with sex, age, weight, physical
activity, height, smoking habits, fiber and dietary fiber, alcohol
consumption.
It was found that there was a positive risk factor for colorectal cancer
in association with red and processed meat intake as compared to low
risk. In contrast to this, high intake of fish was linked with reduced
risk of colorectal cancer. The association has been indicated at by
multiple prospective studies included in the investigation, however,
two of them statistically supported it. No particular association with
poultry was found.
Fish intake comes with benefits and is a better alternative to red meat.
However, as recommended always, your doctor’s advice is a key step
to be taken if you pursue adding more quantity of fish into your diet.

356 Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!

Breast Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention,
Prostate Cancer

Benefits of Flax Seed Could Include

Cancer Prevention

F
laxseeds are known to have hormone-like effects as they are a
source of phytoestrogenic compounds named lignans. It can affect
the length of the menstrual cycle and symptoms of menopause. It
may decrease blood pressure, help with diabetes, reduce cholesterol
and protect kidneys from damage.
One vital function of flaxseed is its ability to affect intracellular signals
inside our bodies which otherwise play a role in the growth of prostate
and breast cancer. Given it has phytoestrogenic factors, patients with
ER+ (estrogen receptor positive) breast cancer should use flaxseed
carefully, seeking medical advice from a general practitioner.
Studies including post-menopause women have shown that the
supplementation of flaxseed increased the ratio of those hormones

Benefits of Flax Seed Could Include Cancer Prevention 357

 which are known to help keep breast cancer at bay. Flaxseed displays
anti-cancer potential. Studies conducted in laboratories show that it
may stop the growth and metastasis in human breast, melanoma, and
prostate cancer. Some other animal studies show that it could decrease
lung damage caused by radiation therapy and enhance survival. The
result from animal models has exhibited promising results, although
proper human data is still awaited.
Flaxseed was found to reduce tumor biomarkers in prostate cancer in
men and other patients with breast cancer. Animal studies showed that
the inhibition of metastasis in human breast cancer by flaxseed could
be partly because of the downgrading of insulin-like growth factor 1
and the epidermal growth factor receptor expression. Cell death in
breast cancer cell lines was also induced by flaxseed by upregulating
p53 mRNA significantly. Cell proliferation was also shown to be
inhibited by flaxseed in prostate cancer’s model.
Studies reiterate that the hormonal effects of flaxseed enhance
its ability to modulate the biology of prostate cancer and its
associated biomarkers and decrease serum lipid levels in the case of
postmenopausal breast cancer.
Flaxseed should not be taken if undergoing any radiological procedures
as it can interfere in the readings of some tests. It may also come with
side effects like an allergic reaction, constipation, flatulence, increased
bowel movements and prolonged luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Hence, before taking in any supplement, medical advice in accordance
with your medical history is necessary.

358 Benefits of Flax Seed Could Include Cancer Prevention

Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Endometrial Cancer,
Esophagus Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Ovarian Cancer,
Pancreatic Cancer, Prevention, Prostate Cancer, Stomach Cancer

Pancreatic, Gastric and Various

Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit

A
ccording to a review by the National Center for Biotechnology
Information (NCBI), an association between citrus fruits and
risk of gastric cancer has been found. The review was conducted
by investigating available data and publications on diet and stomach
cancers since April 2007. All of the collected data exhibited the given
association.
It was found, in reference with 14 articles and several other studies, a
28% reduction in stomach cancer risk was linked with higher intake
of citrus fruits. The studies asserted the protective action of citrus
fruits against stomach cancers.

Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention from Citrus Fruit 359
 Another investigation of electronic databases and references of
various publications and studies up to December 2007 was conducted
that studied the linkage between pancreatic cancer risk and intake of
citrus fruits. General variance methods were used for extracting the
results regarding higher and lower intake of citrus fruits in association
with pancreatic cancer risk from these articles. Nine articles (4 case
studies and 5 cohort studies) were found to be eligible. An inverse
association between intake of citrus fruits and pancreatic cancer
risk was observed, albeit the results did vary substantially across the
studies.
Another review studied eligible data from Italy and Switzerland,
covering 955 stomach cancer, 527 laryngeal cancer, 1,294 prostate
cancer, 767 renal cell cancer, 454 endometrial cancer, 3634 large bowel
cancer, and 1031 ovarian cancer cases. The investigation revealed that
citrus fruits also portray a protective role against digestive cancers and
the cancers of the upper respiratory tract. However, any such viable
associations for endometrial, prostate, breast, ovarian and renal cell
cancers have not been found.
Hence, a suitable intake of citrus fruits is highly recommended, after
taking in your doctor’s advice.

360 Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention from Citrus Fruit
Cervical Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention, Prostate

How can Blueberries Help in Killing

Cancer Cells?

S
everal studies have revealed that at least one-third of the cancers
are linked to the kind of food that we eat on a regular basis. As
per the World Cancer Research Fund International, the overall
diet plays an important role in the development of specific cancers.
At the same time, there are certain food choices that can help in
the prevention of cancer development. Out of all such food options,
Blueberries are regarded as the “super foods” when it comes to
adopting healthy lifestyles and the prevention of cancer.
Blueberries are full of antioxidants that are known to offer an array
of potential health benefits. By observing the cervical cancer treatment
results, a team of researchers has come to the conclusion that by
the addition of blueberry extracts to the radiation therapy of cancer
treatment, it can help in improving the overall efficacy of the given
treatment.

How can Blueberries Help in Killing Cancer Cells? 361

 The Cure for Cancer
Blueberry Extracts Target the Cancer Cells
In a typical research, it was found that a compound that is present in
grapes & red wine can help in sensitizing the prostate cancer cells to
the radiation therapy. The respective team of researchers found that
blueberries are known to contain resveratrol along with flavonoids.
Flavonoids are chemicals that are rich in antioxidant and contain
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The given team of medical researchers performed the study of the
blueberry extracts on the human cancer cells in the latest study. The
results of the tests were compared with that of the radiation therapy
in the treatment of cancer. It was revealed that while radiation therapy
helped in the reduction of the number of cancer cells by around 20
percent, the utilization of the blueberry extracts alone helped in
around 25 percent reduction in the overall cancer cells.

362 How can Blueberries Help in Killing Cancer Cells?

Bladder Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Hope Stories, Skin Cancer

New Bladder Cancer Drug Shows

Impressive Results

E
ach year, bladder cancer is responsible for thousands of deaths.
Even though there are a number of treatments available, this form
of the disease is particularly difficult to treat.
Steve Baker is a true survivor. For the better part of the last 25 years,
he has been battling several types of malignancy. In the beginning, it
was skin cancer, then it attacked his kidneys, and more recently he
has been affected by cancer of the bladder. Serenely, Steve admits that
there might have been more, but that he stopped looking a while back.
Many would have given up, but Steve never faltered. After so much
bad news, his luck finally changed for the better. He did not know
it at the time, but the moment he entered a clinical trial for a low-
grade invasive cancer of the urinary system would be one he would
remember for the rest of his life.

New Bladder Cancer Drug Shows Impressive Results 363

 This was an innovative procedure, whereafter resecting the bladder
tumor, this new drug was simply inserted through a saline solution
directly inside the bladder. The medication was Gemcitabine.
The reason why this type of cancer is so hard to treat lays with the
fact that is has a high recurrence chance. Abnormal cells easily float
to other parts of the organ and the ordeal begins again. This time was
not the case. Gemcitabine reduces the risk by 34% and is designed to
be an affordable solution that anyone can opt for.
Dr. Svatek, Urological Oncologist at UT Health San Antonio and head
of the projects said: “This is a huge difference in recurrence rate and
demonstrated that gemcitabine is a safe and well-tolerated drug. We
expect this study to change the standard of care”.
There are many others in the same situation as Steve, and this drug
will hopefully change their lives for the better, too.

364 New Bladder Cancer Drug Shows Impressive Results

Lymphoma Cancer, Non-hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer

Japan Approves New Treatment for

Advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

A
dcetris (brentuximab vedotin) has recently become an option
for patients dealing with CD30-positive Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Japan is joining a list of more than 70 other countries where this
treatment has already been approved.
Seattle Genetics, Inc. has partnered with Takeda Pharmaceutical
Company Limited to provide a therapy based on Adcetris in
combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD),
as a frontline solution for this type of cancer.
“This approval marks another important milestone in expanding
the Adcetris brand globally and redefining the way newly diagnosed
Hodgkin lymphoma patients are treated around the world,” said
Clay Siegall, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle
Genetics in a short press release.

Japan Approves New Treatment for Advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 365

 Lymphoma is an umbrella term used to describe over 50 related cancers
that originate in the lymphatic system. There are two categories,
Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), each with different
characteristics. This treatment is designed for the classical form,
distinguishable by the presence of one particular type of cell, known
as the Reed-Sternberg cell (CD30). Adcetris binds to this molecule
and releases a powerful compound that causes the cancer cells to die.
The decision comes following a Phase 3 ECHELON-1 clinical trial,
with more than 1300 participants that tested standard chemotherapy
versus a combination of Adcetris and chemo. After a median check-
up period of 30 months, it was found that 82.1% of were alive and
showing no signs of disease progression, slightly higher than the
chemotherapy group. Additionally, patients displayed fewer adverse
effects and less lung toxicity.
This new therapy course is hoped to significantly improve the lives of
more than 30.000 Hodgkin lymphoma patients around the country.
For more information about Adcetris click here.

366 Japan Approves New Treatment for Advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Cervical Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer

New Vaccine to Possibly Treat Incurable

HPV-Related Cancers

R
esearchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer
Center have just concluded a phase II trial on a tumor-specific
vaccine that combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor
managed to shrink cancerous formations in 30% of patients.
“That encouraging response rate is about twice the rate produced by
PD1 checkpoint inhibitors in previous clinical trials, so these results
will lead to larger, randomized clinical trials of this combination”,
said Bonnie Glisson, M.D., professor of Thoracic/Head and Neck
Medical Oncology at MD Anderson.
The findings were published in the latest issue of JAMA Oncology.
The article details how the combination of the ISA101 vaccine that
targets peptides produced by the HPV16 genotype of the virus, along
with nivolumab, a checkpoint inhibitor responsible for blocking the
activation of PD-1 on T cells, works together.

New Vaccine to Possibly Treat Incurable HPV-Related Cancers 367

 On a clinical trial conducted on 24 participants, eight (33%) had
tumor response with a median duration of 10.3 months. The overall
median survival rate was 17.5 months and progression-free survival
was 2.7 months. 70% of patients survived past the initial 12 months.
In the press release, Mrs. Glisson remarked that “vaccines are
revving up the immune system, but the immunosuppressive tumor
microenvironment probably prevents them from working. Our
thinking was that inhibition of PD-1 would address one mechanism of
immunosuppression, empowering the vaccine-activated T lymphocytes
to attack the cancer“.
HPV is at the origin of most cervical and oropharyngeal cancers,
and HPV16 and HPV18 are the most common genotypes that favor
cancer development. This new combined immunotherapy course was
designed to specifically target these viruses.
Furthermore, the team reported no serious side effects. They hope
to build further on these promising results, as every step so far has
yielded incremental improvements.

368 New Vaccine to Possibly Treat Incurable HPV-Related Cancers

Lung Cancer

Imfinzi Can Help To Fight Lung Cancer

A
straZeneca, a multinational, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceu-
tical company studied to create a drug that would help patients
fighting lung cancer. The drug is for the patients in which the
lung cancer had not spread.
The results of the study named Pacific were published, and it stated
that the immune system of a person can attack the tumor to kill it
before the cancer spreads.
The Imfinzi medicine has helped to lower the death risk of persons
by one-third, who were being treated with Chemotherapy alone
previously. These were the people were in the third or fourth stage
of cancer.
Pascal Soriot, an executive at the company, puts the success on the
center of his successful appeal to shareholders, which was to reject a
takeover bid from Pharm Giant Pfizer four years ago. Companies like
Merck and Bristol-Myers Squibb had already developed successful

Imfinzi Can Help To Fight Lung Cancer 369

 immunotherapy treatments and rivals or AstraZeneca got an
advantage on the treatment before this company could.
Head of Oncology business unit at AstraZeneca said that it is for the
first time they had seen earlier benefits of a treatment, in lowering
cancer mortalities. Moving earlier with immuno-oncology agents
could help in cancer cure one day.
Imfinzi was already been used in the U.S. Recently European Commission
also approved the treatment. The major difficulty was in the diagnosis
of disease before it reaches stage four. For this, Mr. Fredrickson stated
Imfinzi post-chemo radiotherapy as a standard of care.
The crux of the matter is that quicker we identify cancer, the sooner
we can overcome it.

370 Imfinzi Can Help To Fight Lung Cancer

Bone Cancer, Childhood Cancer and Treatments

Pediatric Osteosarcoma Drug Receives

Orphan Drug Designation

T
he Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency tasked with
overseeing public health in the U.S., has given this classification
to CLR 131, a drug designed by Cellectar Biosciences for
the treatment of a rare type of cancer affecting children, pediatric
osteosarcoma.
The Orphan Drug Designation is a special status granted to “a drug or
biological product to treat a rare disease or condition upon request of
a sponsor”. This comes with a number of incentives, namely a market
exclusivity period of seven years, increased support and assistance
from the FDA, the possibility of receiving tax credits for research,
grants and a waiver of the New Drug Application user fee.
John Friend, M.D., chief medical officer of Cellectar said in a press
release that “this orphan designation for osteosarcoma is the fourth

Pediatric Osteosarcoma Drug Receives Orphan Drug Designation 371

 such designation granted by the FDA to CLR 131 for the treatment
of rare pediatric cancers in the last six months, and we look forward
to evaluating CLR 131 in these deadly and underserved diseases”.
Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that affects the formation of
mesenchymal, a connecting tissue found throughout the body,
especially in bones, muscle, and cartilages. When the disease takes over,
it damages the bone tissue, making it more brittle than normal bones.
CLR131 is an investigational radioiodinated PDC therapy that helps
with better targeting the radiation on the malignant tumor cells and
minimizes exposure to normal tissue.
While incidence rate for osteosarcoma is quite low, about 4.4 cases
per 1 million per year, current treatment options are not always
effective. If diagnosed in initial stages, the cure rate can go as up
as 70%, unfortunately, this is not always the case. Five-year overall
survival rates for patients who develop metastasis is approximately
20%. Those who experience disease progression or recurrence have a
survival chance that is less than 30%.
Trials so far are still in the preliminary phases, but the results are quite
promising especially since all doses and regimens have been deemed
safe and well tolerated by patients

372 Pediatric Osteosarcoma Drug Receives Orphan Drug Designation

Ovarian Cancer

The Prognostic Importance of Antigen 45

(CT45) in Extending Life of an Ovarian
Cancer Patient

P
atients who are living through a High-Grade Serious Ovarian
cancer may have greater chances of survival after this new
treatment through immunotherapy and Chemotherapy.
A cancer antigen named as 45 (CT45), which has been identified
during a proteomic analysis. These antigens are regarded as promising
targets for tumor therapy. Patients with a higher level of antigen show
that they may survive for a longer time.
Authors of Max Plank Institute in Germany studied about this and
they claim that one among six patients with Ovarian Cancer lives
disease free in the next ten years. These are the patients being treated
with surgery and carboplatin/paclitaxel Chemotherapy. 80% among
these have to seek Chemotherapy frequently. There haven’t been any

The Prognostic Importance of Antigen 45 (CT45) in Extending Life of an Ovarian Cancer Patient 373
 molecular mechanisms identified for patients who survive and those
who don’t.
Investigators made an analysis and published the results. Here
paraffin embedded patient samples were studied. Among them, 11
HGSOC chemoresistant patients (median DFS, 190 days) and 14
chemosensitive patients (DFS, 1, 160 days).
Researchers studied almost 90,000 protein samples and came to know
that patients with high CT45 expression depicted a better chance of
survival and along this had a median DFS of 2,745 days as compared
to 366 days in rest of the patients. They could have been living for
2,903 days while other patients had 1,078 survival days. The study
was repeatedly confirmed.
Marion Curtis from the University of Chicago said that tumors
response to carboplatin which is due to CT45. CT45 and PP4
phosphate complex interact, and this connects CT45 to DNA damage
pathways.
Finally, the research creates a hope for us that if CT45 is activated
in a tumor, it could help in a more effective treatment for cancer by
carboplatin.

374 The Prognostic Importance of Antigen 45 (CT45) in Extending Life of an Ovarian Cancer Patient
Pancreatic Cancer

Fighting Pancreatic Cancer!

There is HOPE!

C
ancer is a fatal disease in which unwanted cells grow repeatedly
and harm the body of a person. Pancreatic cancer is also among
lethal cancer types which may kill a person. It’s the third most
deadly form of cancer. Many people become a victims each week.
It is not easy to diagnose the disease when it is at its initial stages
and this is because of the location of the pancreas. The Pancreas is
located deep inside the body. The six-inch long organ rests behind the
stomach, in the abdomen.
The location hurdles make the disease treatment resistant and
sometimes the disease becomes immune to chemotherapeutic
treatments.
Both of these problems can be part of the reason for the person
experiencing shorter a much shorter life after he or she has been

Fighting Pancreatic Cancer! There is HOPE! 375

 diagnosed. The time period for those who have pancreatic cancer is
now about 5 years.
Researchers have continued their hard work and finally, they got a
solution that may help ease the problem. Researchers at Cedar-Sinai
Medical Center developed a new drug for treatment of pancreatic
cancer. The drug has increased 50% chances of survival in a person
with pancreatic cancer.
The drug was prepared in a laboratory and tested on mice. The drug
also prevents the resistance to treatment that is generated in the bodies
of persons who have the disease.
Another treatment option is to remove pancreas but it is highly
ineffective if the disease has invaded the rest of the body. A higher
number of people with an age of 55 or some with age of 75 show
the disease. If the disease is recognized in the first year, the survival
chances are about 20%. But in fifth year there are only 9% chances
that the victim may survive.
The new drug has increased survival chances greatly that are 50%.

376 Fighting Pancreatic Cancer! There is HOPE!

Blood Cancer, Breakthrough FDA Designation, Leukemia Cancer

FDA Approved for Leukemia! – Copiktra

P
eople who are a victim to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Small
Lymphocytic Leukemia or Follicular Leukemia (FL) face the
disease in either relapsing or recurring conditions.
A drug has been recently approved by FDA for treating these types of
blood cancer. It is named as Copiktra which is a dual Inhibitor of PI3K
delta and PI3K gamma and is administered in the form of capsules.
Copiktra is used for treating FL in patients who have received two
prior systematic therapies.
It wasn’t easy to get the drug approved and a randomized open-label
trial helped to achieve its approval. Arzerra (Ofautmumab) was a drug
compared in a trial with Duvelisib. Patients were either administered
with Arzerra or Duvelisib
Arzerra group got 300 mg of the drug once in a week initially, which
later became 2000 mg once weekly in 7 doses and then, 2000 mg split
in 4 weeks. Copiktra group patients were given 25 mg of dose each

FDA Approved for Leukemia! – Copiktra 377

 day. Progression Free Survival (PFS) in patients treated with Copiktra
was of 16.4 months while 9.1 in case of Arzerra. 78% and 39% was
the overall response rate of Copiktra and Arzerra, respectively.
Single arm, the multicenter trial got the drug approved for FL where
83 patients who were being treated by Rituxan and other therapies
were included. Overall Response Rate was 42 in which one had a
complete response while others responded partially. Another group
of 35 people should a different response rate and time.
FDA approved the drug for FL stating that disease might differ in
different groups under trial.
The drug has many common and some serious side effects as well. They
include infection, diarrhea, skin reactions, pneumonitis, hepatotoxicity,
neutropenia, rash fatigue, pyrexia, cough, and respiratory infections.
Meghan Gutierrez gives a statement about blood cancer patients in
which she says that such patients are always in a hope of new therapies
like Copiktra because these are crucial to them. Every person’s story is
different. In her statement, Meghan appreciates the companies which
are struggling to cure lymphoma, like Verastem Oncology.

378 FDA Approved for Leukemia! – Copiktra

Hope Stories, Leukemia Cancer

Kevin Schwartzel saved the Life of

Johnny Sawyer Dyer

T
his story is about a reunion between two people, one who needed
life and other who gifted it. Sawyer wanted to meet Schwartzel
who saved his life.
Schwartzel was a physician assistant from San Diego who got himself
enrolled with “Be The Match” Registry. This shows his kind nature
and love for humanity. He was asked to donate in 2017 for Johnny
Sawyer Dyer.
Johnny Sawyer Dyer was diagnosed with acute myeloid Leukemia in
2017. He stayed and was treated at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital
in Knoxville before he was to receive a bone marrow transplant.
The transplantation was to be done at Tristar Centennial Medical
Center in Nashville. Sawyer was eight years old when he received the
transplant.

Kevin Schwartzel saved the Life of Johnny Sawyer Dyer 379

 Misty Dyer was Sawyer’s mother exclaimed happily that they owe
Mr. Schwartzel and no thank-you can be much worthy for what he
has done for her son. Misty remembered the time when his son was
losing hair and health, and now he seems like a normal kid. The
family arranged a meeting between Johnny and Schwartzel because
Johnny wanted to meet the kind man. The moment they met was
recorded. Schwartzel said that he feels like there is some special type
of connection between him and Dyer.
Schwartzel said in a video that was given out by GMA about the
miserable conditions created by the disease for the children. He said
that he feels happy to help a child in this way and said that it’s not a
big deal for him because he had that blessing from God which could
save an innocent life. Schwartzel had a sympathetic nature which
pulled out Dyer from the darkness he was dragged into.

380 Kevin Schwartzel saved the Life of Johnny Sawyer Dyer

Breaking Cancer Research

Two Leading Cancer Immunotherapy

Researchers Receive the 2018 Nobel
Prize in Medicine

T
he highly prestigious Nobel Prize in the field of Physiology
or Medicine was received by two leading immunotherapy
researchers in the field of cancer treatment. James P. Allison
from the United States of America & Tasuku Honjo from Japan
were awarded this prestigious award for their impressive work on
unwinding the theory of the immune system of the body for attacking
cancer. This medical theory has served to be a breakthrough in the
field of cancer treatment that has led to the advent of a completely
new range of drugs. Moreover, the revolutionary immunotherapy for
cancer treatment has also brought about everlasting remissions to
several patients who did run out of possible options.
Before the discoveries of Dr. Honjo and Dr. Allison, most of the
cancer treatment included radiation, surgery, hormonal changes, and

Two Leading Cancer Immunotherapy Researchers Receive the 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine 381
 chemotherapy. A statement that was released by the Nobel Committee
hailed the accomplishments of the scientists as they have helped in
the establishment of a completely new principle for the treatment of
cancer.
On the basis of the works of the scientists, the drugs belong to the
specific class referred to as “Checkpoint Inhibitors.” Earlier attempts
made by other medical researchers in the given field towards recruiting
the immune system for fighting cancer sometimes did work, but at
other times, most of them did not work. Dr. Honjo & Dr. Allison
were able to succeed in the case wherein others had failed. This was
achieved by deciphering how the cells were able to interact such
that the scientists were able to refine the systems for controlling the
immune system of the body.
The checkpoint inhibitors are known to not work for every individual
out there. These have been approved only for specific cancer
treatments. The checkpoint inhibitors that are available in the market
out there are currently utilized for treating neck, lung, kidney, head,
and bladder cancer.
The T-cells – a specific type of white blood cells, are sometimes known
as the warriors of the body’s immune system. They are made use of by
the body for fighting major infections. In the given immunotherapy
therapy, the T-cells are made use of for treating cancer. Dr. Allison
was successful in coming across a checkpoint referred to as CTLA-4.
Honjo found another one known as PD-1. These major discoveries
by the scientists have helped in the development of drugs that would
allow the T-cells to fight cancer effectively.

382 Two Leading Cancer Immunotherapy Researchers Receive the 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine
Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention

Benefits of Antioxidants for the

Overall Health

W
hen it comes to talking about nutrition and the overall
prevention of major diseases, the term “antioxidants” cannot
be avoided. Antioxidants are substances that are responsible
for protecting the cells in the body from the damage caused by
the free radicals. This damage could occur due to certain factors
including smoking, chemicals, pollution, radiation, and a byproduct
of the normal metabolism process. Some of the significant dietary
antioxidants that can be included in a healthy lifestyle include
vitamin A, selenium, vitamins C & E, carotenoids, along with several
phytochemicals including quercetin, lycopene, and lutein.
One can come across the antioxidants in many natural sources of
food items. For instance, there are large amounts of antioxidants in
fruits, nuts, vegetables, whole grains, and so more. There is no surprise

Benefits of Antioxidants for the Overall Health 383

 that junk foods including the processed fast foods usually have lower
amounts of antioxidants.

Health Benefits of Antioxidants

When you consume foods items that are rich in antioxidants as a
part of the healthy lifestyles, it turns out good for your overall health
including lowering the risks of developing heart-related complications
and even cancer. As such, you can consider increasing your intake
of antioxidants in the daily diet by consuming more fresh fruits &
vegetables, nuts, legumes, seeds, and others.

Important Dietary Supplements

Most of the antioxidants are available as important dietary
supplements. However, research has it that this does not indicate that
the given supplements are beneficial for you. Antioxidant extracts are
known to show remarkable results when tested in the labs. However,
when it comes to being used in the human trials, the results for disease
prevention have not been highly significant.

More Does Not Imply Better

Some of the antioxidant supplements could be detrimental to your
overall health. As such, taking in large doses might interact with
certain medications and cause more harm than good. For instance,
larger amounts of vitamin A antioxidant supplements could lead to
certain birth defects when consumed by pregnant women.
If you are thinking about taking antioxidant supplements, you should
consult your doctor in advance.

384 Benefits of Antioxidants for the Overall Health

Bladder Cancer, Breakthrough FDA Designation,
Head and Neck Cancer, Melanoma Cancer, Skin Cancer

FDA Greenlights First Treatment for

Advanced Skin Cancer

T
he FDA recently approved the use of Libtayo (cemiplimab-
rwlc), an intravenous drug designed for patients with metastatic
cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) or locally advanced
CSCC who are not eligible for curative surgery or curative radiation.
Just in the United States, there are more than 700.000 new cases
discovered each year, making CSCC the second most common human
cancer and accounting for about 20% of all diagnosis. People who
are constantly exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the Sun or other
sources develop ulcers or hard lumps with scaly tops. Most of the
time, surgical resection is enough, but for approximately 5% of
patients who develop an advanced form, no treatment is effective.

FDA Greenlights First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer 385

 Libtayo is a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) that targets a
certain pathway which prevents the immune system from fighting
cancerous cells. The drug is part of the new wave of immunotherapy
medicines hailed as being safer for patients, generally more efficient
and able to take on situations where other treatments failed.
In a press release, Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology
Center of Excellence said: “We’re continuing to see a shift in oncology
toward identifying and developing drugs aimed at a specific molecular
target. With the Libtayo approval, the FDA has approved six immune
checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1 / PD-L1 pathway for treating
a variety of tumors, from the bladder to head and neck cancer, and
now advanced CSCC”.
The decision comes following two successful clinical trials with more
than 100 total participants. Libtayo was able to shrink or completely
remove tumors in 47% of patients.
Common side effects include fatigue, rash, and diarrhea.
Find out more information here.

386 FDA Greenlights First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer

Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Esophagus Cancer, Lung Cancer,
Ovarian Cancer, Prostate Cancer

Personalized Vaccine Could Become New

Norm for Treating HER2-Positive Tumors

T
he idea of using the patient’s own antibodies to treat HER2-
positive cancers is not new, but only now have scientists come
close to making it a reality.
It all started in 2008, when Jay Berzofsky, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the
Vaccine Branch at the NCI’s Center for Cancer Research presented
his paper detailing a serum able to eradicated large breast tumors
and lung metastases in mice. The concept was simple – harvest blood
from the subject, genetically modify dendritic cells to produce parts
of the HER2 protein, inject them back and hope they would trigger
an immune response against the cancer.
Fast forward to 2018, Dr. Berzofsky reports positive results in his
clinical trials at the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer

Personalized Vaccine Could Become New Norm for Treating HER2-Positive Tumors 387
 Immunotherapy Conference in New York. Out of the 11 participant
members that received the highest doses, six showed clinical
benefits. One patient suffering from ovarian cancer displayed a
complete response that lasted 89 weeks, one patient with a case of
gastroesophageal cancer had a partial response that lasted 16 weeks
and the last four (two cases of colon cancer, one prostate cancer, and
one with ovarian cancer) had stable disease.

Personalized-Vaccine-Could-Become-New-Norm-for-Treating-HER2-
Positive-Tumors
As he describes it, “immunotherapy marshals the exquisite specificity
of the immune system to destroy cancer, and some types may have
potentially fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy”.
Dendritic cells are an important part of the immune system because
they can train T cells to attack cancer even when it has spread beyond
the original tumor site.
“We are using a vaccine approach to generate an immune response
to HER2, which is found at high levels on and drives the growth of
several types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, lung, colorectal, and
gastroesophageal cancers”, added Dr. Berzofsky in the press release.
Clinical trials are moving forward and the next objective is to
combine two immune-boosting therapies that will hopefully increase
effectiveness.

388 Personalized Vaccine Could Become New Norm for Treating HER2-Positive Tumors
Cancer Breakthroughs, Kidney Cancer

First Case of Complete Immunotherapy

Response for Kidney Cancer Patient

I
t all started with a car accident that, ironically enough, might
have saved his life. Two and a half years later, Thomas Bland is
completely recovered and cancer-free – a living testimony of how
effective biologic therapy can be.
About three years ago, on his way to work, another driver slammed
into his car. Thomas had to be airlifted to VCU Medical Center, where
he went through extensive testing. As he remembers it: “they did a CT
scan to assess the damage, and that’s when they found the tumor”.
After recovering from the injuries sustained in the accident, doctors
removed his left kidney and adrenal gland. The biopsy revealed
that he was, in fact, suffering from sarcomatoid kidney cancer, a
particularly aggressive form of malignancy. Because of how fast the

First Case of Complete Immunotherapy Response for Kidney Cancer Patient 389
 malignancy spreads through the body, this diagnosis usually means a
life expectancy of less than 12 months.
Three months after the surgery, the news was bad – the cancer had
returned and was spreading to his right lung and right hip bone.
Four months of grueling standard cancer treatment followed, with no
effect. The disease was actually advancing towards his right adrenal
gland, surrounding bones and causing nodules on his scalp. Time was
running out for Thomas.
This is when his doctor, Asit Paul, M.D., Ph.D., convinced him to try
an experimental new drug called Nivolumab (also known as Opdivo).
The treatment was so recent that at the time there was “no data
supporting the use of nivolumab in patients like Mr. Bland”.
Part of a new wave of immunotherapy medication, Nivolumab is a
checkpoint inhibitor that blocks certain proteins used by the cancer
cells to hide from antibodies and evade destruction. Every two weeks,
Thomas was administered Opdivo intravenously. Within a month, the
tumors on the scalp started shrinking and after a few months, scans
showed no spots of cancer anywhere in his body.
“I didn’t even have any side effects, at least nothing like I experienced
with chemo”, admitted Mr. Bland. He went on to say “I really want
to thank Dr. Paul, nurse practitioner Gwen Parker, my other nurses,
and the rest of the staff at Massey Cancer Center. They saved my life”.

390 First Case of Complete Immunotherapy Response for Kidney Cancer Patient
Breaking Cancer Research, Breast Cancer

Genetic Tumor Mapping Could Save

Countless Lives

I
t might sound strange, but cancers are actually unique to every
individual. Just like fingerprints, they appear to be similar, though,
on closer inspection, they differ widely.
In 2006, at the age of 46, Teresa McKeown was diagnosed with
breast cancer. She followed the standard treatment and overcame the
malignancy. 11 years later though, it came back in full force, with
what is called triple-negative disease, more aggressive and harder to
treat. Nothing worked this time. It quickly spread to her intestine,
making it difficult to eat and causing her peritoneal cavity to fill with
liquid. Now Teresa had lost all hope and began writing goodbye
letters to her children.
In this darkest of moments, one shimmer of light appeared in the form
of a clinical trial at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health.

Genetic Tumor Mapping Could Save Countless Lives 391

 Following a test designed to reveal the genetic abnormalities found
in tumors, she was able to qualify for an experimental drug called
Opdivo. Part of a new generation of immunotherapies, the treatment
started turning the tide and within weeks scans showed no trace of
cancer.
Genetic-Tumor-Mapping-Could-Save-Countless-Lives
By doing a comprehensive tumor profiling, doctors are able to
determine genetic mutations or other abnormalities in the DNA of
the cancerous cells and possibly recommend unusual solutions, like
using melanoma therapy for breast cancer. These targeted therapies
can significantly improve patient outcome and have become the focus
of many pharmaceutical companies.
Many drugs from this category can actually extend their effectiveness
to other forms of cancer. For example, Keytruda, approved by the
FDA in 2014 for the treatment of advanced melanoma, was later
expanded to include patients suffering from tumors that carry a
genetic mutation called microsatellite instability-high or MSI-H. This
was the first case where a drug was sanctioned based on the genetic
characteristics of the disease, rather than the cancer’s location.
While something similar did exist, checking for BRAF mutations in
melanoma and ROS1, ALKr, EGFR in lung cancer, the comprehensive
tumor profiling techniques offers a more detailed picture and can
often suggest a better course of action.
Medicare does help in some cases, but the tests can be quite expensive
and don’t always find an FDA approved treatment for each situation.
Even though this worked for Teresa, it doesn’t mean it can help
everyone, at least at this moment.

392 Genetic Tumor Mapping Could Save Countless Lives

Alternative Cancer Treatments, Cancer

Amazonian Plant Could Have Miraculous

Anticancer Properties

N
atural alternatives to current forms of cancer treatment,
especially chemotherapy and radiation, present a number of
intrinsic advantages and have been a point of focus in recent
years. Vismia baccifera might just be the perfect candidate to take
over this job.
“Right now, there is huge interest in identifying compounds derived
from plants that could be used as chemotherapeutic agents with the
capacity to prevent tumours from growing, or to treat metastasis, for
example”, explained Dr Jenifer Trepiana, member of the team from
UPV/EHU’s Faculty of Medicine and Nursing that worked on the
project.
These researchers from the University of the Basque Country
discovered that the plant, a native of the Amazonian region, produced

Amazonian Plant Could Have Miraculous Anticancer Properties 393

 a toxic response in tumor cells increases the number of free radicals,
especially hydrogen peroxide.
“Indigenous populations use it for its anti-inflammatory properties or
for urinary tract disorders or skin diseases, but we chose it because
in previous studies we had seen that it is the one with the greatest
antitumour capability in liver cancer cells that we have used”, added
Mrs. Trepiana.
Interestingly enough “only the cancer cells were affected” and
furthermore “these effects do not take place in healthy human liver
cells”. It seems that the hydrogen peroxide stops cell division and
activates a process of programmed cell death called apoptosis.
While the results of their study do seem impressive, it should be noted
that the trials were conducted only in laboratory conditions and don’t
necessarily translate in the same way to living subjects

394 Amazonian Plant Could Have Miraculous Anticancer Properties

Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition, Prevention

Milk Could Restore Gustatory and

Olfactory Sensations to Chemo Patients

B
ecause of how aggressive chemotherapy or other cancer treatment
options can be on the body, patients often complain about taste
and smell abnormalities (TSA), leading to loss of appetite or even
anorexia.
The Food and Function journal presented an article exploring the
possibility of using lactoferrin, a multifunctional protein with many
bioactive properties, in order to relieve TSA effects. With nutrition
being a crucial component in the recovery process, alleviating
reported symptoms like food having “metallic flavor or aftertaste”
could significantly improve healing times and general outcome.
“By suggesting lactoferrin as a dietary supplement, we can reduce TSA
for many patients, restoring their ability to enjoy foods during a time
in which nutrition can play a key role in their recovery”, said Susan

Milk Could Restore Gustatory and Olfactory Sensations to Chemo Patients 395
 Duncan, professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology
at Virginia Tech and co-author of the paper.
It might seem like a trivial issue, but having a satisfying meal not
only provides natural vitamins and minerals required for the healing
process, it also helps on a psychological level, giving cancer patients a
feeling of comfort and normalcy. Too often, in cases like these, people
suffer from poor appetite, weight loss, diminished nutrition, and even
depression.
Mrs. Duncan went on to say: “This research could help us develop
TSA-targeted biomarkers and strategies for improving quality of life
during chemotherapy. Cancer patients and their supporting family
and friends may again find comfort in enjoying a meal together”.
The trial involved cancer patients and also 12 healthy subjects. They
were administered 3 tablets per day (250 mg per tablet), for 30 days.
Results showed consistently high traces of salivary proteome and
minerals. Overall, Lactoferrin “increased the abundance (P < 0.05)
of salivary α-amylase and Zn-α-2-GP, and led to an overall increase
of expression (≥2-fold changes) of immune proteins including
immunoglobulin heavy chain, annexin A1, and proteinase inhibitor”.
Ensuring adequate patient care and high quality of life is always a
priority, especially when dealing with serious diseases like cancer

396 Milk Could Restore Gustatory and Olfactory Sensations to Chemo Patients
Bone Cancer, Leukemia Cancer

New Drug Enhances the Harvest of

Bone Marrow

T
he journal Leukemia published not one but two articles (found
here and here) regarding a new drug that facilitates and improves
bone marrow donation and transplantation. Researchers hope to
make the operation safer and more effective for patients.
Truly a life-saving procedure, the stem cell transplant is designed to
restore the body’s blood making ability for those battling certain types
of cancer, like leukemia, or immune deficiency diseases. Even though
it presents countless risks, each year, this is the last resort for tens of
thousands of people around the world.
The team from Cincinnati Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases
Institute identified a Cdc42 activity-specific inhibitor (CASIN) that
can help with several stages of the process. In order to assimilate
the new donor cells, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), existing ones

New Drug Enhances the Harvest of Bone Marrow 397

 need to be eradicated using chemotherapy, exposing patients to toxic
medication.
“Our data demonstrate that the new regimen of CASIN application
has the potential to improve both sides of the transplant practice. It
mobilizes higher quality donor HSCs during stem cell harvest and
it would condition transplant patients beforehand to beforehand
engraftment efficiency”, said Yi Zheng, senior investigator on both
studies and director of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology.
In the first study, CASIN was able to mobilize blood-making cells
and promote “hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell egress” from bone
marrow. These samples have better long-term reconstitution potential
following transplant, increasing chances of them taking on in the new
host.
The second article detailed how using CASIN on the recipient made
the body more receptive to new and healthy blood stem cells by
making existing cells migrate to peripheral blood. This would lessen
the amount of chemo required.
This new drug represents an important step towards improving stem
cell transplant procedures, reducing risks for patients and significantly
increasing success rates.

398 New Drug Enhances the Harvest of Bone Marrow

Brain Cancer, Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Cancer Cures,
Cancer Technology

Birmingham Hospitals Making Use of

Herpes Virus for Treating Brain Cancer

T
owards coming up with a breakthrough in the field of cancer
treatment, two Birmingham hospitals are making use of the
Herpes virus for treating brain cancer.
The herpes virus – the one which is responsible for causing cold sores,
is currently under trial for treating brain tumors. The two leading
Birmingham hospitals including the Children’s of Alabama and UAB
are the only hospitals in the world that are trying out the herpes virus
research for treating the patients with brain cancer.
Though it is quite an early stage in the given research, still it has
been revealing major results. A patient named Nick Tasoglou claimed
that in the beginning, this treatment approach sounded a bit weird
to him. Dr. Gregory Friedman in the field of Pediatric Hematology

Birmingham Hospitals Making Use of Herpes Virus for Treating Brain Cancer 399
 & Oncology stated that they have learned a way of engineering the
herpes virus such that they are quite safe. As such, these viruses can
be directed and targeted for killing the cancer cells.
Dr. Friedman also claimed that this could be the future of cancer
treatment.
Once the biopsy is done towards confirming the presence of a recurring
tumor in the brain, the doctors go ahead with placing catheters directly
to the cancer tumors. After this, the catheters are externalized through
the scalp of the patient. The following day, the engineered herpes virus
is infused for over 6 hours through the catheter. After this process has
finished, the catheters are pulled out and the patient is given time to
recover.
The main advantage of this type of treatment over the conventional
radiation or chemotherapy methods is that it tends to be a one-time
treatment instead of being a continuous treatment. The study finds
that the herpes virus – G207 is safe for children having malignant
brain tumors. As many as 7 children have been treated through this
method.

400 Birmingham Hospitals Making Use of Herpes Virus for Treating Brain Cancer
Categories

Alternative Cancer Treatments

China’s Med-Tech Benefits the World with its Non-Invasive
Treatment for Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Cancer Patient Fights Terminal Cancer Through Alternative
Treatments! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Has Surprising Results
On Cancer Survivor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Innovative Therapy to Cut Radiation Sessions for Prostate Cancer . . . . . 134
New Cancer Treatment: Molecularly Targeted Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Amazonian Plant Could Have Miraculous Anticancer Properties . . . . . . . . 393

Bladder Cancer
Cancer Patient Fights Terminal Cancer Through Alternative
Treatments! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer Approved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Olive Oil – The Amazing Elixir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Urine Color: A Cancer Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
All-new Advanced CAR-T Treatment Might Give Hope to the
Cancer Patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Newly Identified Biomarker Could Pave the Way for
Personalized Bladder Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Breaking Treatment Displays Promising Results in
Fighting Bladder Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
New Bladder Cancer Drug Shows Impressive Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
FDA Greenlights First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

Blood Cancer
New Drug Developed by Israeli Researchers That Kills Multiple
Leukemic Proteins at Once! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
First Non-Chemotherapy Treatment for Rare Blood Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Categories 401
 Cholesterol-Lowering Drug, Statin, Can Better Blood
Cancer Treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Cancer Blood Test Based on Protein Produced by Malarial Parasite can
Revolutionize Cancer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Innovative Genetic Testing Service to Help Cancer Patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
A Recent Ground-Breaking Study Could Minimize the Side Effects
of CAR T-Cell Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
New Drug Puts Cancer Cells in Permanent Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Hundreds of Kidney, Skin and Blood Cancer Patients May Be
Cured from Breakthrough Drug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
New FDA Approved Drug Enters Leukemia Fight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
All-new Advanced CAR-T Treatment Might Give Hope to the
Cancer Patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
FDA Approved for Leukemia! – Copiktra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

Bone Cancer
New Drug Developed by Israeli Researchers That Kills Multiple
Leukemic Proteins at Once! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Pediatric Osteosarcoma Drug Receives Orphan Drug Designation . . . . . . . 371
New Drug Enhances the Harvest of Bone Marrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

Brain Cancer
New Drug Combination Could Help Curb Melanoma That
Has Spread to Brain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
New Chemical Found That Can Cause Self-Destruction in the
Brain Cancer Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Emerging Hopeful Glioblastoma Treatments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Additional Inhibitor Could Reduce Brain Cancer Resistance
to Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Experimental Dog Treatment Could Save Human Lives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Nanoparticles, High Tech Weapons Fighting Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Nanoparticles can Help Battle Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Modified Poliovirus Helps Treat Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Stem Cells Could Be an Effective Drug Delivery Tool for
Brain Cancer in Children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

402 Categories
Saving Healthy Cells in Brain Cancer Treatment, Synthetically. . . . . . . . . . 313
Head and Neck Trial with NBTXR3 Nanoparticles Shows Promise. . . . . . . . 335
Zika Virus Offers Promise for Treating Fatal Brain Cancer As Per a Study. . . . 337
Birmingham Hospitals Making Use of Herpes Virus for
Treating Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399

Breaking Cancer Research

New Breakthrough Treatment Discovered for Bowel Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
New Drug Developed by Israeli Researchers That Kills Multiple
Leukemic Proteins at Once!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast Succeeded in Creating
a Ray of Hope for Bowel Cancer Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Supramolecule Engineered to Fight Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
New Drug Combo to Lead Fight Against Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Magic Bullet Technique Effectively Targets Only Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . 23
A New Drug Combination Shrinks Tumors in
Chemotherapy-Resistant Lung and Ovarian Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Discovery of T-cells Hidden in Bone Marrow Can Help Beat
Brain Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Breaking – Cancer Research Finds Malaria Protein As a Method of
Diagnosing Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Breast Cancer Drug Proves Promising in Phase III Clinical Trials. . . . . . . . . . 47
New Chemical Found That Can Cause Self-Destruction in the
Brain Cancer Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
New Five Minute Procedure to Help With Enlarged Prostate. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Cell Immunotherapy Provides Potential Cure for Advanced
Pancreatic Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Special Genes Discovered in Elephants That Resist Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
A Major Vulnerability of Childhood Leukemia Discovered!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Chinese Tree Bark Compound Shows Anticancer Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Protein That Inhibits Breast Cancer Suppression Finally Blocked. . . . . . . . 148
Groundbreaking Immunotherapy Leads to Complete Remission
of Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
University Of Toledo Professor Working On Cutting Edge Cancer
Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Categories 403
 Genetic testing: Not a One-and-Done Deal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
The Immune System of the Alpaca Reveals a Potential Treatment
for Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Australia Working on Breakthrough Blood Test for
Detecting Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Could Wart Vaccines Really Treat Skin Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Arsenic Shows Surprising Benefits in Cancer Fight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
New Vaccine Completely Removes Cancer in Mice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Combination of Molecules Found to be Effective in the
Treatment of Cancer in Mice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Scientists Discovered a Drug Target for Neurodegenerative
Diseases & Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Primary Tumors Found to Inhibit Secondary Tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Switchable CAR-T Cells Target Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. . . . . . . 309
New Treatment Discovered to Fight Melanoma Better Than
Traditional Vaccine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
A Tumor Suppressor – BRCA Associated Protein. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Breaking Treatment Displays Promising Results in
Fighting Bladder Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Vaccine to Possibly Treat Head and Neck Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Two Leading Cancer Immunotherapy Researchers Receive the 2018
Nobel Prize in Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Genetic Tumor Mapping Could Save Countless Lives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391

Breaking Cancer Research

P53 Gene Suppression Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Adelaide Researchers Looking for Better Treatment for
Prostate Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Innovative Genetic Testing Service to Help Cancer Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Cancer-Targeted Immunotherapy for Offering Protection Against
Metastases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Cure for Acute Leukemia Within Reach - First Time in 40 Years. . . . . . . . . . . 86
A Recent Ground-Breaking Study Could Minimize the
Side Effects of CAR T-Cell Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Simple Blood Test Can Reveal Skin Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

404 Categories
Breakthrough FDA Designation
LOXO-292 Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the
Treatment of Lung & Thyroid Cancers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
FDA Approved for Leukemia! – Copiktra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
FDA Greenlights First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

Breakthrough Therapy Designation

A Major Vulnerability of Childhood Leukemia Discovered!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer Approved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Birmingham Hospitals Making Use of Herpes Virus for
Treating Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399

Breast Cancer
Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15
Green Tea – More Benefits with Each Sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
How Could Genes be Helpful in Curing Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Neem Oil Could Help Prevent Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Discovery of T-cells Hidden in Bone Marrow Can Help Beat
Brain Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Breast Cancer Drug Proves Promising in Phase III Clinical Trials. . . . . . . . . . 47
Apples Reduce Chance of Cancer With Up To 25% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Safe Amount of Alcohol to Drink Is Zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Mesothelin Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Efficacy in
Early Stages of Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
China approves Breakthrough Therapy Drug for Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . 114
Supercomputer Joins Fight Against Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Ways of Reducing the Risk of Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Protein That Inhibits Breast Cancer Suppression Finally Blocked. . . . . . . . 148
Groundbreaking Immunotherapy Leads to Complete Remission
of Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
University Of Toledo Professor Working On Cutting Edge Cancer
Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
CAR T-Cell Therapy Might Alter the Treatment of Mesothelioma. . . . . . . . . 156
New Cancer Vaccine Shows Early Promise For Patients With
Her2-Positive Cancers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Categories 405
 PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Connection to Healthy Diets Imply Lower Risks of Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Discovery Blocks Vicious Cycle of Inflammation and Tumor Growth. . . . . . 197
Study Spares Breast Cancer Patients from Unnecessary Chemotherapy . . . 203
Long-term Study Reveals Lower Cancer Incidence from
Vegetable and Fruit Diet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
LOXO-101 Receives Breakthrough Therapy Designation from FDA and
Is Ready to Fight Solid Tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
More Vitamin D May Offer Less Risk of Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
New Initiative Could Prove Life-saving for Indians Suffering
from Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
When People Care There is HOPE!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Possible Male Breast Cancer Signs You Should Be Aware of . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Walnuts May be Able to Prevent Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
The Sweet Potato – An Unexpected Weapon against Breast Cancer?. . . . . 279
Can Match Tea Fight Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Primary Tumors Found to Inhibit Secondary Tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Discovery of New Metal-Based Inhibitor May Improve Treatments
for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .317
Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of
Gastrointestinal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Junk Food Can Lead To Cancer According To Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Benefits of Flax Seed Could Include Cancer Prevention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Personalized Vaccine Could Become New Norm for
Treating HER2-Positive Tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Genetic Tumor Mapping Could Save Countless Lives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391

406 Categories
Cancer
Magic Bullet Technique Effectively Targets Only Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . 23
China’s Med-Tech Benefits the World with its Non-Invasive
Treatment for Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Breaking – Cancer Research Finds Malaria Protein As a Method of
Diagnosing Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Cancer-Targeted Immunotherapy for Offering Protection Against
Metastases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Cancer Should Not Have to Be a Death Sentence!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Cancer May be Prevented by Maintain Body pH Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Health Risks for Occasional Smokers Considerably Higher than
Previously Believed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Clubbed Nails May Indicate Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Has Surprising Results On
Cancer Survivor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Cell-to-Cell Communication Opens Way for Better Cancer Treatment. . . . 116
Garlic, the Ultimate Panacea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Special Genes Discovered in Elephants That Resist Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Chinese Tree Bark Compound Shows Anticancer Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . 146
FDA Extends Age Limit for HPV Vaccine to Include Adults
between 27 And 45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Connection to Healthy Diets Imply Lower Risks of Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Cancer Cells Engineered to Trigger a Death Switch in
Other Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Cancer Treatment by Targeting Telomeres & Telomerase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Modified Poliovirus Helps Treat Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Olive Oil – The Amazing Elixir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
XTANDI Treatment for Prostate Cancer Gets FDA Approval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
All-new Advanced CAR-T Treatment Might Give Hope to the
Cancer Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
A Light-Emitting Wireless Implant to Kill Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Kidney Cancer Cure via Protein Targeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241

Categories 407
 New Initiative Could Prove Life-saving for Indians Suffering
from Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
New Cancer Treatment: Molecularly Targeted Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Arsenic Shows Surprising Benefits in Cancer Fight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Grapes May Help in Stopping the Growth of Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Amazonian Plant Could Have Miraculous Anticancer Properties. . . . . . . . . 393

Cancer Breakthroughs
New Breakthrough Treatment Discovered for Bowel Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast Succeeded in Creating
a Ray of Hope for Bowel Cancer Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
China approves Breakthrough Therapy Drug for Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . 114
Array BioPharma Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation
for BRAFTOVI in Combination Drugs for Colorectal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
The Immune System of the Alpaca Reveals a Potential Treatment
for Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Australia Working on Breakthrough Blood Test for
Detecting Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Hundreds of Kidney, Skin and Blood Cancer Patients
May Be Cured from Breakthrough Drug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Delta-tocotrienol Inhibitors Might Reduce Risk of
Tumor Invasion and Metastasis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
“Promising” Treatment Trial Gives New Hope for the
Deadliest Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Revolution in Melanoma Treatment for Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
New Peptide Drug Targets Liver Cancer from Within. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Oral Bacteria – a Breakthrough Passage in Weight Loss,
Cancer Treatment, and Overall Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
FDA Issues Breakthrough Therapy Designation for LENVIMA. . . . . . . . . . . . 263
New Cancer Treatment: Molecularly Targeted Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
First Case of Complete Immunotherapy Response for
Kidney Cancer Patient. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389

408 Categories
Cancer Cures
P53 Gene Suppression Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
How Could Genes be Helpful in Curing Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Cure for Acute Leukemia Within Reach - First Time in 40 Years. . . . . . . . . . . 86
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Has Surprising Results On
Cancer Survivor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Cell-to-Cell Communication Opens Way for Better Cancer T
reatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Studies Suggest Aspirin Keeps Colorectal Cancer Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Innovative Therapy to Cut Radiation Sessions for Prostate Cancer . . . . . . 134
Treatments Ensuring Quality of Life for Lung Cancer Patients! . . . . . . . . . . 136
Special Genes Discovered in Elephants That Resist Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
A Major Vulnerability of Childhood Leukemia Discovered!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Taming Pediatric Leukemia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Nanoparticles, High Tech Weapons Fighting Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Australia Working on Breakthrough Blood Test for
Detecting Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Cancer Cells Engineered to Trigger a Death Switch in
Other Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Delta-tocotrienol Inhibitors Might Reduce Risk of
Tumor Invasion and Metastasis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Cancer Treatment by Targeting Telomeres & Telomerase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
LOXO-101 Receives Breakthrough Therapy Designation from FDA and
Is Ready to Fight Solid Tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Turmeric Can Cure Stomach Cancer: According to JNU Study. . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Modified Poliovirus Helps Treat Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
“Promising” Treatment Trial Gives New Hope for the
Deadliest Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
New Study Could “Pause & Reverse” Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
New Initiative Could Prove Life-saving for Indians Suffering
from Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Revolution in Melanoma Treatment for Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

Categories 409
 Merck’s Keytruda on Its Way to Dealing with Head &
Neck Cancer Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Arsenic Shows Surprising Benefits in Cancer Fight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Grapes May Help in Stopping the Growth of Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Birmingham Hospitals Making Use of Herpes Virus for
Treating Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399

Cancer Technology
P53 Gene Suppression Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Magic Bullet Technique Effectively Targets Only Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Can Artificial Intelligence Combat Pancreatic Cancer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Emerging Hopeful Glioblastoma Treatments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Has Surprising Results On
Cancer Survivor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Supercomputer Joins Fight Against Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Innovative Therapy to Cut Radiation Sessions for Prostate Cancer . . . . . . 134
Special Genes Discovered in Elephants That Resist Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
A Major Vulnerability of Childhood Leukemia Discovered!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Surgeons at Pennsylvania “Light Up” Tumors for Boosting
the Chances of Mesothelioma Survival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Nanoparticles, High Tech Weapons Fighting Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Australia Working on Breakthrough Blood Test for
Detecting Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Discovery Blocks Vicious Cycle of Inflammation and
Tumor Growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Nanoparticles can Help Battle Brain Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Delta-tocotrienol Inhibitors Might Reduce Risk of
Tumor Invasion and Metastasis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
New FDA Approved Drug Enters Leukemia Fight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
All-new Advanced CAR-T Treatment Might Give Hope to the
Cancer Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
“Promising” Treatment Trial Gives New Hope for the
Deadliest Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
A Light-Emitting Wireless Implant to Kill Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Revolution in Melanoma Treatment for Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

410 Categories
Merck’s Keytruda on Its Way to Dealing with Head &
Neck Cancer Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
New Cancer Treatment: Molecularly Targeted Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Arsenic Shows Surprising Benefits in Cancer Fight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Cutting Edge Radiotherapy Machine Introduced in the U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Birmingham Hospitals Making Use of Herpes Virus for
Treating Brain Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .399

Cervical Cancer
Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15
Head and Neck Trial with NBTXR3 Nanoparticles Shows Promise . . . . . . . 335
How can Blueberries Help in Killing Cancer Cells? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
New Vaccine to Possibly Treat Incurable HPV-Related Cancers . . . . . . . . . 367

Childhood Cancer and Treatments

Stem Cells Could Be an Effective Drug Delivery Tool for
Brain Cancer in Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Pediatric Osteosarcoma Drug Receives Orphan Drug Designation. . . . . . . 371

Colorectal Cancer
New Breakthrough Treatment Discovered for Bowel Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
New Drug Developed by Israeli Researchers That Kills Multiple
Leukemic Proteins at Once!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast Succeeded in Creating
a Ray of Hope for Bowel Cancer Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
P53 Gene Suppression Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Large Colorectal Lesions Removed Without Surgery with the Help of
High-Tech Robotic Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15
Immunotherapy – A New Form of Lung Cancer Treatment!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
How Could Genes be Helpful in Curing Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Apples Reduce Chance of Cancer With Up To 25% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Prevent Colon Cancer with These Six Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Array BioPharma Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation
for BRAFTOVI in Combination Drugs for Colorectal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Categories 411
 Kale and Broccoli Could Prevent Colon Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Studies Suggest Aspirin Keeps Colorectal Cancer Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Photodynamic Theory Beats Lung Cancer!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
The Immune System of the Alpaca Reveals a Potential Treatment
for Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Connection to Healthy Diets Imply Lower Risks of Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Prevent Ovarian Cancer with Aspirin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
A Light-Emitting Wireless Implant to Kill Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Walnuts May be Able to Prevent Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Could E. Coli Treatment Cure Crohn’s Disease?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of
Gastrointestinal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Junk Food Can Lead To Cancer According To Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Personalized Vaccine Could Become New Norm for
Treating HER2-Positive Tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

Endometrial Cancer
Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15
Researchers Explore Gene Therapy to Treat Endometrial Cancer. . . . . . . . . 55
FDA Issues Breakthrough Therapy Designation for LENVIMA. . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359

Esophagus Cancer
Green Tea – More Benefits with Each Sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Immunotherapy – A New Form of Lung Cancer Treatment!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

412 Categories
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
A Light-Emitting Wireless Implant to Kill Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Discovery of New Metal-Based Inhibitor May Improve Treatments
for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .317
Could E. Coli Treatment Cure Crohn’s Disease?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of
Gastrointestinal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Treatment Might Help in Reducing the Risk of Esophageal
Adenocarcinoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Head and Neck Trial with NBTXR3 Nanoparticles Shows Promise. . . . . . . . 335
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Personalized Vaccine Could Become New Norm for
Treating HER2-Positive Tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

Head and Neck Cancer

Immunotherapy – A New Form of Lung Cancer Treatment!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Apples Reduce Chance of Cancer With Up To 25% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
FDA Extends Age Limit for HPV Vaccine to Include Adults
between 27 and 45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer Approved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Merck’s Keytruda on Its Way to Dealing with Head &
Neck Cancer Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Innovative Head and Neck Cancer Therapies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of
Gastrointestinal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Head and Neck Trial with NBTXR3 Nanoparticles Shows Promise. . . . . . . . 335
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Vaccine to Possibly Treat Head and Neck Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355

Categories 413
 New Vaccine to Possibly Treat Incurable HPV-Related Cancers. . . . . . . . . . 367
FDA Greenlights First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

Healthy Lifestyles
Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15
Novel Blood Tests Help in Predicting Risks & Survival of
Kidney Cancer 5 Years Before Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Green Tea – More Benefits with Each Sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Apples Reduce Chance of Cancer With Up To 25% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Safe Amount of Alcohol to Drink Is Zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
New Five Minute Procedure to Help With Enlarged Prostate. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Why You Should Start Drinking Chamomile Tea Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Prevent Colon Cancer with These Six Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Beating Cancer by Discovering the Benefits of Beetroot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Benefits of Having Carrots Everyday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Cancer May be Prevented by Maintain Body pH Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Health Risks for Occasional Smokers Considerably Higher than
Previously Believed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Avoiding Getting Tattoos Lowers Cancer Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Lesser Risk of Kidney Cancer with more Vitamin D Binding Protein. . . . . . 118
Garlic, the Ultimate Panacea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Kale and Broccoli Could Prevent Colon Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Treatments Ensuring Quality of Life for Lung Cancer Patients! . . . . . . . . . . 136
Ways of Reducing the Risk of Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Drinking More Water can Help in Reducing Bladder Infections
in Women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Connection to Healthy Diets Imply Lower Risks of Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Long-term Study Reveals Lower Cancer Incidence from
Vegetable and Fruit Diet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
More Vitamin D May Offer Less Risk of Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

414 Categories
Oral Bacteria – a Breakthrough Passage in Weight Loss,
Cancer Treatment, and Overall Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
How Your Diet Feeds Pancreatic Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Walnuts May be Able to Prevent Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
The Sweet Potato – An Unexpected Weapon against Breast Cancer?. . . . . 279
Early Age Drinking May Lead To Aggressive Prostate
Cancer Later In Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Can Match Tea Fight Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Dietary Tips that May Help to Stave Off Cancer –
What Do You Have to Lose? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
The Incredible Benefits of Coconut Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Red Meat May Not be as Bad as We Have Been Told – You decide!. . . . . . . 297
Top Ways to Give Your Brain a Boost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Eating Broccoli While Pregnant Could Help in
Preventing Breast Cancer in Child. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of
Gastrointestinal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
The Numerous Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Junk Food Can Lead To Cancer According To Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Grapes May Help in Stopping the Growth of Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Top Medicinal & Health Properties of Cayenne Pepper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Benefits of Flax Seed Could Include Cancer Prevention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
How can Blueberries Help in Killing Cancer Cells?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Benefits of Antioxidants for the Overall Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Milk Could Restore Gustatory and Olfactory Sensations to
Chemo Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395

Hope Stories
Cancer Survivor, A Record Breaker Cyclist, Sets Upon a
New Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Categories 415
 Carol Neufeld’s, A Cancer Fighter, Inspirational Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Photodynamic Theory Beats Lung Cancer!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
4 Little Girls Who Beat Cancer Reunite at Hospital for Touching Photo. . . . . 154
All-new Advanced CAR-T Treatment Might Give Hope to the
Cancer Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
When People Care There is HOPE!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Cancer Cannot Take Away Who You Are!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
New Bladder Cancer Drug Shows Impressive Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Kevin Schwartzel saved the Life of Johnny Sawyer Dyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

Kidney Cancer
Novel Blood Tests Help in Predicting Risks & Survival of
Kidney Cancer 5 Years Before Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
New Drug Combination Could Help Curb Melanoma That
Has Spread to Brain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Lesser Risk of Kidney Cancer with more Vitamin D Binding Protein. . . . . . 118
Photodynamic Theory Beats Lung Cancer!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer Approved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Hundreds of Kidney, Skin and Blood Cancer Patients
May Be Cured from Breakthrough Drug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Urine Color: A Cancer Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Kidney Cancer Cure via Protein Targeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Metabolic Differences in Kidney Tumors Could Help
Better Treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
First Case of Complete Immunotherapy Response for
Kidney Cancer Patient. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389

Leukemia Cancer
New Drug Developed by Israeli Researchers That Kills Multiple
Leukemic Proteins at Once!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
How Could Genes be Helpful in Curing Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Cholesterol-Lowering Drug, Statin, Can Better Blood
Cancer Treatments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Cure for Acute Leukemia Within Reach - First Time in 40 Years. . . . . . . . . . . 86

416 Categories
A Major Vulnerability of Childhood Leukemia Discovered!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
4 Little Girls Who Beat Cancer Reunite at Hospital for Touching Photo. . . . . 154
Taming Pediatric Leukemia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
New FDA Approved Drug Enters Leukemia Fight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Arsenic Shows Surprising Benefits in Cancer Fight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
New Treatment for Hairy Cell Leukemia Approved By the FDA. . . . . . . . . . . 325
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
FDA Approved for Leukemia! – Copiktra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Kevin Schwartzel saved the Life of Johnny Sawyer Dyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
New Drug Enhances the Harvest of Bone Marrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

Liver Cancer
Green Tea – More Benefits with Each Sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Cancer Blood Test Based on Protein Produced by Malarial Parasite can
Revolutionize Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Cell Immunotherapy Provides Potential Cure for Advanced
Pancreatic Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Supercomputer Joins Fight Against Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
New Peptide Drug Targets Liver Cancer from Within. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
New Drug Can Help in Fighting Liver Cancer with Fewer Side Effects. . . . . 327
Junk Food Can Lead To Cancer According To Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355

Lung Cancer
LOXO-292 Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the
Treatment of Lung & Thyroid Cancers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15
Green Tea – More Benefits with Each Sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
A New Drug Combination Shrinks Tumors in
Chemotherapy-Resistant Lung and Ovarian Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
New Drug Combination Could Help Curb Melanoma That
Has Spread to Brain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Immunotherapy – A New Form of Lung Cancer Treatment!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Categories 417
 How Could Genes be Helpful in Curing Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Discovery of T-cells Hidden in Bone Marrow Can Help Beat
Brain Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Apples Reduce Chance of Cancer With Up To 25% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Nivolumab Receives FDA Accelerated Approval for Treating Small
Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Cancer Blood Test Based on Protein Produced by Malarial Parasite can
Revolutionize Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Mesothelin Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Efficacy in
Early Stages of Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Cancer Should Not Have to Be a Death Sentence!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Cell Immunotherapy Provides Potential Cure for Advanced
Pancreatic Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Health Risks for Occasional Smokers Considerably Higher than
Previously Believed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Clubbed Nails May Indicate Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Cancer Patient Fights Terminal Cancer Through Alternative
Treatments! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Photodynamic Theory Beats Lung Cancer!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Treatments Ensuring Quality of Life for Lung Cancer Patients! . . . . . . . . . . 136
4 Little Girls Who Beat Cancer Reunite at Hospital for Touching Photo. . . . . 154
CAR T-Cell Therapy Might Alter the Treatment of Mesothelioma. . . . . . . . . 156
New Cancer Vaccine Shows Early Promise For Patients With
Her2-Positive Cancers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer Approved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Hundreds of Kidney, Skin and Blood Cancer Patients
May Be Cured from Breakthrough Drug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Delta-tocotrienol Inhibitors Might Reduce Risk of
Tumor Invasion and Metastasis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
LOXO-101 Receives Breakthrough Therapy Designation from FDA and
Is Ready to Fight Solid Tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Olive Oil – The Amazing Elixir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

418 Categories
Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
A Light-Emitting Wireless Implant to Kill Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
New Study Could “Pause & Reverse” Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
New Initiative Could Prove Life-saving for Indians Suffering
from Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Discovery of New Metal-Based Inhibitor May Improve Treatments
for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .317
Junk Food Can Lead To Cancer According To Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Imfinzi Can Help To Fight Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Personalized Vaccine Could Become New Norm for
Treating HER2-Positive Tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

Lymphoma Cancer
When People Care There is HOPE!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
This Week in Oncology News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Japan Approves New Treatment for Advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. . . . . 365

Melanoma
New Drug Developed by Israeli Researchers That Kills Multiple
Leukemic Proteins at Once!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Melanoma Cancer
New Drug Combo to Lead Fight Against Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
New Drug Combination Could Help Curb Melanoma That
Has Spread to Brain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Immunotherapy – A New Form of Lung Cancer Treatment!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
How Could Genes be Helpful in Curing Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Discovery of T-cells Hidden in Bone Marrow Can Help Beat
Brain Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Simple Blood Test Can Reveal Skin Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer Approved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Australia Working on Breakthrough Blood Test for
Detecting Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235

Categories 419
 Revolution in Melanoma Treatment for Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Could Wart Vaccines Really Treat Skin Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
New Vaccine Completely Removes Cancer in Mice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
FR900359, Discovered from Plants to Reduces Tumor Growth
in Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
New Treatment Discovered to Fight Melanoma Better Than
Traditional Vaccine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
FDA Greenlights First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

Mesothelioma Cancer
New Treatment to Prevent Pleural Mesothelioma Recurrence. . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Mesothelin Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Efficacy in
Early Stages of Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Supercomputer Joins Fight Against Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
CAR T-Cell Therapy Might Alter the Treatment of Mesothelioma. . . . . . . . . 156
Surgeons at Pennsylvania “Light Up” Tumors for Boosting the Chances
of Mesothelioma Survival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
A Tumor Suppressor – BRCA Associated Protein. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

Non-hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer

First Non-Chemotherapy Treatment for Rare Blood Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Immunotherapy – A New Form of Lung Cancer Treatment!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer Approved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Japan Approves New Treatment for Advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. . . . . 365

Nutrition
Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15
Green Tea – More Benefits with Each Sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Beating Cancer by Discovering the Benefits of Beetroot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Cure for Acute Leukemia Within Reach - First Time in 40 Years. . . . . . . . . . . 86
Lesser Risk of Kidney Cancer with more Vitamin D Binding Protein. . . . . . 118
Know About the Too Good-to-be-True Health Benefits of Turmeric. . . . . . 122
Garlic, the Ultimate Panacea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

420 Categories
Kale and Broccoli Could Prevent Colon Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Ways of Reducing the Risk of Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Connection to Healthy Diets Imply Lower Risks of Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Long-term Study Reveals Lower Cancer Incidence from
Vegetable and Fruit Diet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Turmeric Can Cure Stomach Cancer: According to JNU Study. . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Olive Oil – The Amazing Elixir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
How To Minimize The Risks Of Pancreatic Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
More Vitamin D May Offer Less Risk of Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
How Your Diet Feeds Pancreatic Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Walnuts May be Able to Prevent Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
The Sweet Potato – An Unexpected Weapon against Breast Cancer?. . . . . 279
Can Match Tea Fight Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Dietary Tips that May Help to Stave Off Cancer –
What Do You Have to Lose? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
The Incredible Benefits of Coconut Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Red Meat May Not be as Bad as We Have Been Told – You decide!. . . . . . . 297
Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of
Gastrointestinal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
The Numerous Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Top Health Benefits of Cinnamon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Grapes May Help in Stopping the Growth of Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Top Medicinal & Health Properties of Cayenne Pepper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Benefits of Flax Seed Could Include Cancer Prevention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
How can Blueberries Help in Killing Cancer Cells?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361

Categories 421
 Benefits of Antioxidants for the Overall Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Milk Could Restore Gustatory and Olfactory Sensations to
Chemo Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395

Others
LOXO-101 Receives Breakthrough Therapy Designation from FDA and
Is Ready to Fight Solid Tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355

Ovarian Cancer
A New Drug Combination Shrinks Tumors in
Chemotherapy-Resistant Lung and Ovarian Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Researchers Explore Gene Therapy to Treat Endometrial Cancer. . . . . . . . . 55
Mesothelin Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Efficacy in
Early Stages of Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Cancer Should Not Have to Be a Death Sentence!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Carol Neufeld’s, A Cancer Fighter, Inspirational Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
The Immune System of the Alpaca Reveals a Potential Treatment
for Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Prostate Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Sarcomas and
More Cancer Types Now Linked to Lynch Syndrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Prevent Ovarian Cancer with Aspirin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
New Initiative Could Prove Life-saving for Indians Suffering
from Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
FDA Issues Breakthrough Therapy Designation for LENVIMA. . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of
Gastrointestinal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
The Prognostic Importance of Antigen 45 (CT45) in Extending Life
of an Ovarian Cancer Patient. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Personalized Vaccine Could Become New Norm for
Treating HER2-Positive Tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

422 Categories
Pancreatic Cancer
Can Artificial Intelligence Combat Pancreatic Cancer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Cancer Blood Test Based on Protein Produced by Malarial Parasite can
Revolutionize Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Mesothelin Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Efficacy in
Early Stages of Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Cell Immunotherapy Provides Potential Cure for Advanced
Pancreatic Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Chinese Tree Bark Compound Shows Anticancer Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . 146
‘Death Cap’ Mushroom Could Aid in Cancer Fight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Top Do’s & Don’ts for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
How To Minimize The Risks Of Pancreatic Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
“Promising” Treatment Trial Gives New Hope for the
Deadliest Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Vaccination for Hepatitis B Might Help in Preventing
Pancreatic Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
How Your Diet Feeds Pancreatic Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Switchable CAR-T Cells Target Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. . . . . . . 309
Could E. Coli Treatment Cure Crohn’s Disease?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Top Medicinal & Health Properties of Cayenne Pepper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Fighting Pancreatic Cancer! There is HOPE!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375

Prevention
Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15
Novel Blood Tests Help in Predicting Risks & Survival of
Kidney Cancer 5 Years Before Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Green Tea – More Benefits with Each Sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Neem Oil Could Help Prevent Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Categories 423
 Apples Reduce Chance of Cancer With Up To 25% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Why You Should Start Drinking Chamomile Tea Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Prevent Colon Cancer with These Six Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Beating Cancer by Discovering the Benefits of Beetroot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Benefits of Having Carrots Everyday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Cancer May be Prevented by Maintain Body pH Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Health Risks for Occasional Smokers Considerably Higher than
Previously Believed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Avoiding Getting Tattoos Lowers Cancer Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Cell-to-Cell Communication Opens Way for Better Cancer Treatment. . . . 116
Lesser Risk of Kidney Cancer with more Vitamin D Binding Protein. . . . . . 118
Array BioPharma Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation
for BRAFTOVI in Combination Drugs for Colorectal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
1Know About the Too Good-to-be-True Health Benefits of Turmeric . . . . 122
Garlic, the Ultimate Panacea , Kale and Broccoli Could Prevent
Colon Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Prevent Ovarian Cancer with Aspirin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Vaccination for Hepatitis B Might Help in Preventing
Pancreatic Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
More Vitamin D May Offer Less Risk of Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Oral Bacteria – a Breakthrough Passage in Weight Loss,
Cancer Treatment, and Overall Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Walnuts May be Able to Prevent Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
The Sweet Potato – An Unexpected Weapon against Breast Cancer?. . . . . 279
Early Age Drinking May Lead To Aggressive Prostate
Cancer Later In Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Can Match Tea Fight Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Dietary Tips that May Help to Stave Off Cancer –
What Do You Have to Lose? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
The Incredible Benefits of Coconut Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Eating Broccoli While Pregnant Could Help in
Preventing Breast Cancer in Child. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307

424 Categories
Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of
Gastrointestinal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
The Numerous Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Junk Food Can Lead To Cancer According To Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Grapes May Help in Stopping the Growth of Cancer Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Top Medicinal & Health Properties of Cayenne Pepper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Benefits of Flax Seed Could Include Cancer Prevention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
How can Blueberries Help in Killing Cancer Cells?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Benefits of Antioxidants for the Overall Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Milk Could Restore Gustatory and Olfactory Sensations to
Chemo Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395

Prostate
How can Blueberries Help in Killing Cancer Cells?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361

Prostate Cancer
How Could Genes be Helpful in Curing Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Neem Oil Could Help Prevent Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
New Five Minute Procedure to Help With Enlarged Prostate. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Adelaide Researchers Looking for Better Treatment for
Prostate Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Innovative Therapy to Cut Radiation Sessions for Prostate Cancer . . . . . . 134
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Connection to Healthy Diets Imply Lower Risks of Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Prostate Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Sarcomas and
More Cancer Types Now Linked to Lynch Syndrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Hundreds of Kidney, Skin and Blood Cancer Patients
May Be Cured from Breakthrough Drug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
XTANDI Treatment for Prostate Cancer Gets FDA Approval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Categories 425
 Urine Color: A Cancer Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Blood Tests can Help in Predicting the Treatment for
Patients with Prostate Cancer: Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Walnuts May be Able to Prevent Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Early Age Drinking May Lead To Aggressive Prostate
Cancer Later In Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Junk Food Can Lead To Cancer According To Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Cutting Edge Radiotherapy Machine Introduced in the U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Benefits of Flax Seed Could Include Cancer Prevention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Personalized Vaccine Could Become New Norm for
Treating HER2-Positive Tumors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

Skin Cancer
New Drug Combo to Lead Fight Against Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
New Drug Combination Could Help Curb Melanoma That
Has Spread to Brain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Immunotherapy – A New Form of Lung Cancer Treatment!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Discovery of T-cells Hidden in Bone Marrow Can Help Beat
Brain Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Simple Blood Test Can Reveal Skin Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer Approved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Australia Working on Breakthrough Blood Test for
Detecting Melanoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
HPV Vaccine Removes Dozens of Tumors from Patient
With Advanced Skin Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Hundreds of Kidney, Skin and Blood Cancer Patients
May Be Cured from Breakthrough Drug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

426 Categories
Can Pomegranate Juice Keep Cancer Away? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Revolution in Melanoma Treatment for Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Could Wart Vaccines Really Treat Skin Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Guava Leaves May Keep Cancer at Bay!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
New Vaccine Completely Removes Cancer in Mice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
New Treatment Discovered to Fight Melanoma Better Than
Traditional Vaccine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Black Raspberries Offer Promise for Treating Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
New Bladder Cancer Drug Shows Impressive Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
FDA Greenlights First Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

Stomach Cancer
Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15
How Could Genes be Helpful in Curing Cancer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Has Surprising Results On
Cancer Survivor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Garlic, the Ultimate Panacea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
LOXO-101 Receives Breakthrough Therapy Designation from FDA and
Is Ready to Fight Solid Tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Turmeric Can Cure Stomach Cancer: According to JNU Study. . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Olive Oil – The Amazing Elixir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
New Initiative Could Prove Life-saving for Indians Suffering
from Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Asian Mushrooms Show Potential for Cancer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Role of Ginger & Its Constituents in the Treatment of
Gastrointestinal Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Pancreatic, Gastric and Various Cancers May Help with Prevention
from Citrus Fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359

Testicular Cancer
FDA Extends Age Limit for HPV Vaccine to Include Adults
between 27 and 45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Categories 427
 Throat Cancer
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Thyroid Cancer
LOXO-292 Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the
Treatment of Lung & Thyroid Cancers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Why You Should Start Drinking Chamomile Tea Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Discovery Blocks Vicious Cycle of Inflammation and Tumor Growth. . . . . . 197
LOXO-101 Receives Breakthrough Therapy Designation from FDA and
Is Ready to Fight Solid Tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
The Numerous Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Fish Intake Could Lead to Lower Cancer Risks!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355

Uterine Cancer
Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15
Immunotherapy – A New Form of Lung Cancer Treatment!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Drinking More Water can Help in Reducing Bladder Infections
in Women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
PARP Inhibitors May Bring New Hope to Patients With
Small Cell Lung Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Lycopene, the Hidden Treasure from Inside Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Urine Color: A Cancer Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Uterine Cancer Breast Cancer

Why Should Cruciferous Vegetables be on Your Plate Every day?. . . . . . . . . 15

428 Categories