Adjunctive Cancer Support in Philadelphia

What is Adjunctive Cancer Support?

When we use the term “adjunctive cancer support,” we are referring to a range of additional therapies designed to complement conventional cancer treatment. It encompasses a holistic approach to care, addressing not only the disease itself but also the overall well-being of cancer patients. These supportive measures aim to mitigate the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, manage pain, correct the immune response, and improve the patient’s quality of life. By incorporating adjunctive therapies into a patient’s treatment plan, we seek to enhance the patient’s resilience, reduce treatment-related discomfort, and support their physical and emotional health throughout their cancer journey.

Adjunctive Cancer Support Therapies We Offer

1. IV Ozone Therapy

Intravenous Ozone Therapy, often referred to as IV Ozone Therapy, is one of the key treatments we offer at Meeting Point Health. This therapy involves the administration of ozone gas into the bloodstream in a controlled manner. The most beneficial form for cancer is EBOO – Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation. Ozone, a form of oxygen, is believed to have several potential benefits, including:

• Oxygenation: Ozone therapy may help increase oxygen delivery to cells, potentially supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
• Immune Support: Ozone therapy may stimulate the immune system, potentially enhancing its ability to fight off infections and illness.
• Antioxidant Properties: Ozone is believed to possess antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress in the body.

It’s important to note that while IV Ozone Therapy may offer potential benefits, it is not a standalone treatment for cancer and should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach.

2. EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation)

During EBOO, a patient’s blood is treated with ozone and oxygen outside the body before being reintroduced into the bloodstream. This procedure is designed to potentially improve oxygenation and oxygen delivery to tissues. Benefits associated with EBOO may include:

• Enhanced Oxygenation: EBOO may help increase the amount of oxygen carried by the blood, supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
• Detoxification: Some proponents suggest that EBOO can assist in the removal of toxins and waste products from the body.
• Potential Immune Support: Improved oxygenation may contribute to a more robust immune response.

3. High Dose Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient known for its antioxidant properties and potential immune-boosting effects. Some of the other  potential benefits of high-dose vitamin C in cancer support include:

• Oxidative Effect: In high doses (50-100g), it has an oxidative effect that can help in turning back on the body’s own mechanisms for killing cancerous cells, a process known as apoptosis.
• Selective toxicity to cancer cells: Some studies suggest that high concentrations of vitamin C can selectively target and damage cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
• Collagen synthesis inhibition: High-dose vitamin C may interfere with collagen synthesis in tumor blood vessels, potentially inhibiting tumor growth.
• Sensitizing cancer cells to treatment: Vitamin C has been explored for its ability to enhance the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Potential antioxidant effects: High-dose vitamin C is believed to act as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that may contribute to cancer development.
• Reduction of inflammation: Vitamin C may help in reducing inflammation, which is often associated with cancer progression.

4. RGCC Testing – Liquid Biopsy and Oncogenomics

At Meeting Point Health, we believe in personalized cancer care. RGCC testing, or circulating tumor cell analysis, examines the genomic profile of cancer cells circulating in the blood. By identifying specific genetic mutations and expression patterns, it provides insights into the tumor’s characteristics. This information helps in tailoring a more precise and effective treatment plan that considers the unique genomic makeup of the cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes. Key aspects of RGCC testing include:

• Personalized Treatment Plans: RGCC testing helps identify treatment options that have been identified as the most effective in that patient’s particular cancer. These recommendations may include:
  • Diet and supplementation
  • IV Nutritional Therapy
  • Chemotherapy
• Monitoring: Periodic RGCC testing can help track changes in cancer biomarkers, aiding medical providers in making informed treatment decisions.
• Proactive Approach: RGCC testing allows for a proactive approach to cancer management by detecting changes in cancer markers before they become clinically evident.

It’s crucial to understand that RGCC testing is a diagnostic tool and not a therapy on its own. The results of this test can guide treatment decisions made in collaboration with a patient’s medical provider.

5. SOT Therapy

Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT) is an advanced method in cancer treatment. It uses special molecules called oligonucleotides like antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target and silence specific genes related to cancer, slowing down tumor growth. Unlike traditional treatments, SOT aims to minimize side effects on healthy cells. Ongoing research is fine-tuning the approach for different cancer types to make it safer and more effective.

6. Mistletoe Therapy (coming soon)

Mistletoe Therapy involves the administration of extracts from the European mistletoe plant (Viscum album). While the potential benefits of mistletoe therapy are still being studied, it is often used to address various aspects of cancer support, including:

• Quality of Life: Some individuals report improved well-being, reduced side effects of conventional treatments, and enhanced quality of life with mistletoe therapy.
• Immunomodulation: Mistletoe extracts are thought to have immunomodulatory effects and oxidative effects, potentially strengthening the immune system.
• Pain Management: Mistletoe therapy may help alleviate cancer-related pain and discomfort.

Mistletoe therapy is typically administered as subcutaneous injections and should be discussed with a healthcare provider as part of a comprehensive cancer management plan.

7. Lifestyle Medicine

Crafting an effective strategy for cancer support involves a targeted approach to diet, supplements, and lifestyle. Collaborating with healthcare professionals to create a personalized plan ensures that these strategies align with the specific needs and treatment protocols of the individual battling cancer.

• Diet: Prioritize an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, which may help manage inflammation associated with cancer. Our health coaching team can help make this a sustainable practice
• Herbal Therapy and Supplementation: Each cancer is vastly different and requires a personalized approach, considering factors like the type of cancer, its stage, and individual patient characteristics. It’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals to tailor herbal therapies and supplements to complement conventional treatments.
• Infrared Sauna: Some studies suggest that controlled hyperthermia might enhance the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy, by sensitizing cancer cells to the treatment while potentially sparing normal tissues. Also, the heat from infrared saunas may induce sweating, which is believed to assist in the elimination of toxins from the body.
• Home Ozone: doing ozone insufflations such as rectal ozone can be a useful adjunctive measure to introduce at home

Collaborative Approach with Medical Providers

At Meeting Point Health, we recognize the importance of collaboration between patients and their medical providers. While we offer a range of therapies and diagnostic tools, we do not track cancer progress ourselves. Instead, we work closely with medical professionals to provide them with information and support. Here’s how our collaborative approach works:

1. Patient Consultation: Patients interested in our therapies begin with a consultation at our center. During this consultation, we gather essential information about the patient’s medical history and current condition before doing cellular and oncogenomic testing.
2. Shared Decision-Making: We engage in a shared decision-making process with the patient. Our team provides information on our therapies, potential benefits, and any known contraindications. Any information on our plan and therapies can be shared with the patient’s oncologist.
3. Treatment Plan: Get started with your plan and meet regularly with your physician at Meeting Point Health! Those who choose to commit fully to the process have the most success.
4. Monitoring: We do require our patients to have an oncologist on board who is responsible for monitoring the progress of the cancer. While we can track certain serum markers, we leave more specialized tracking of specific cancers to your oncologist. We are here to support you with integrative modalities but are unable to function as your primary oncology team.

Meeting Point Health operates in full compliance with regulatory guidelines and ethical standards. Our commitment is to provide adjunctive support to cancer patients with evidence-based therapies. Your overall well-being is our greatest concern.

Find Out if Adjunctive Cancer Support is Right For You

At Meeting Point Health, our mission is to offer a holistic approach to cancer support. Our therapies and diagnostic tools are designed to provide complementary support to conventional medical treatments. We firmly believe in collaboration with medical providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. If you or a loved one are on a cancer journey and are interested in exploring additional support options, we welcome you to contact us for a consultation. Together, we can work towards a brighter and healthier future.