Lymphatic leukaemia
I have been a flying instructor for several years but have now been grounded because of chronic lymphatic leukaemia. I have had two courses of old-fashioned chemotherapy which have not helped to reduce my enlarged spleen. “Modern” chemotherapy would ground me permanently. Is there an alternative treatment which would reactivate my immune system and return my spleen to normal so I could fly again?
Chronic lymphatic leukaemia is a cancer in which some of the body’s white blood cells multiply slowly in an unregulated way. They live longer than healthy cells and do not perform properly. Symptoms can include anaemia, recurring infections and enlarged lymph nodes, liver, and spleen but the course of the disease varies between individuals.
Dr Etienne Callebout, a medically-qualified doctor with a complementary health practise and a particular interest in cancer, says a very enlarged spleen which is destroying normal blood cells can be surgically removed leaving other parts of the body to take over its job.
There are studies which indicate you can take steps to protect your normal cells from the chemotherapy treatment and to make the cancer cells more responsive. Dr Callebout suggests you consider taking Co-enzyme Q10 and something called whey protein. In normal cells, the latter increases levels of glutathione - a protective agent in cells - and simultaneously reduces levels of the same substance in cancer cells. Co-enzyme Q10 is found in every cell in the body and is vital for energy production.
Because your cancer involves immune cells, (lymphatic cells), Dr Callebout warns against using popular immune-stimulating herbs such as echinacea but says that under medical supervision, high doses of vitamin A and the less well known vitamin D3 (D three) may help.
Curcumin, which is one of the active ingredients in the spice, turmeric, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties and has been shown to induce natural cell death in certain cell lines. If, under advice, you take this supplement avoid all other antioxidants, except vitamin A. If you have gallbladder problems, do not take curcumin.
Soy extracts with high concentration of the phytochemical, genistein, stop cell proliferation by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called protein tyrosine kinase. This enzyme is crucial for the multiplication of cancerous cells. You should avoid soy if you are advised to undergo radiotherapy as the genistein can affect the ability of radiation to kill cancerous cells.
Do not try and self-prescribe natural remedies for cancer. Instead, find a qualified practitioner who can help. Dr Callebout practises in Harley Street and can be contacted on 0171-935 6593. The Bristol Cancer Help Centre is on 0117-980 9505.