Benefits of Transfer Factors
INCREASED TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA (TNF-a) AND NATURAL KILLER CELL (NK) FUNCTION USING AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH IN LATE STAGE CANCERS 06/01/2002
Abstract
Natural products may increase cytotoxic activity of Natural Killer Cells (NK) Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-a) while decreasing DNA damage in patients with late-stage cancer. Pilot studies have suggested that a combination of Nutraceuticals can raise NK cell function and TNF-a alpha activity and result in improved clinical outcomes in patients with late stage cancer. The objective of the study is to determine if Nutraceuticals can significantly raise NK function and TNF levels in patients with late stage cancer. After informed consent was obtained, 20 patients with stage IV, end-stage cancer were evaluated (one bladder, five breast, two prostate, one neuroblastoma, two non-small cell lung, three colon, 1 mesothelioma, two lymphoma, one ovarian, one gastric, one osteosarcoma). enhanced transfer factors ( 3 tablets 3 times per day), IMUPlus® (non denatured milk whey protein, 40 gm/day); Intravenous (50 to 100 gm/day) and oral (1–2 gm/day) ascorbic acid; Agaricus Blazeii Murill teas (10 gm/day); Immune Modulator Mix (a combination of vitamin, minerals, antioxidants and immune-enhancing natural products); nitrogenated soy extract (high levels of genistein and dadzein) and Andrographis Paniculata (500 mg twice daily) were used. Baseline NK function by standard 4 h 51Cr release assay and TNF alpha and receptor levels were measured by ELISA from resting and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated adherent and non-adherent Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC). Total mercaptans and glutathione in plasma were taken and compared to levels measured 6 months later. Complete blood counts and chemistry panels were routinely monitored. As of a mean of 6 months, 16/20 patients were still alive. The 16 survivors had significantly higher NK function than baseline (p<.01 for each) and TNF-a levels in all four cell populations studied (p<.01 for each). Total mercaptans (p<.01) and TNF-a receptor levels were significantly reduced (p<.01). It was also observed that hemoglobin, hematocrit and glutathione levels were significantly elevated. The only toxicity noted was occasional diarrhea and nausea. The quality of life improved for all survivors by SF-36 form evaluation. An aggressive combination of immunoactive Nutraceuticals was effective in significantly increasing NK function, other immune parameters and hemoglobin from PBMC or plasma in patients with late stage cancers. Nutraceutical combinations may be effective in late stage cancers. Clinical outcomes evaluations are ongoing.
INCREASED TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA (TNF-a) AND NATURAL KILLER CELL (NK) FUNCTION USING AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH IN LATE STAGE CANCERS 06/01/2002
Introduction
Despite enormous expenditures, little real progress has been made in the treatment of most cancers. Cancer incidence in the United States has risen 60 percent since 1950 and 27 fold since 1900 according to Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER).[1] Each year one in two men and one in three women in the U.S. develop some form of cancer according to the American Cancer Society.[1] Mortality has climbed dramatically. In 1999, 560,000 people died of cancer in the U.S. alone. The mortality rate for cancer in 1994 was 6 percent higher than in 1970.[1] Major gains have been made using chemotherapy in childhood leukemias, testicular cancer and some rare cancers, but the ability of chemotherapy and radiation to alter mortality of most cancers is negligible at best. Because of these facts, many Americans are utilizing some sort of alternative medicine in their battle against cancer. Estimates range from 9% of patients by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to 60% of patients by other estimates. It appears that only about 5% of patients completely abandon traditional treatments for alternatives.[2] There is a significant need for research to determine, which if any alternative therapies show promise in the treatment of cancers. The role of the immune system in fighting cancer was first proposed by Paul Ehrlich around 1900, and the concept renewed by Lewis Thomas in 1959 and MacFarlane Burnet in 1969. Various research centers have been looking at immunotherapy for some time, and in fact in certain cancers recombitant interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferons are used, but these therapies are plagued with serious side-effects.[3] Various natural products have been shown to have immune modulating properties.
The importance of the immune system in cancer prevention and adjuvant therapy has been well-established. Penn reports the following evidences for the role of the immune system in the development of cancers.[4]
Children with immunodeficiency diseases have increased rates of lymphoma, leukemia and Hodgkin's disease.
High rates of Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma in HIV infected individuals.
In organ transplant patients on immunosuppressive medications, there is a 3 fold increase in malignancies including skin, lips, vulva, anus, liver, lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma.
Cancer risk increases with duration of immunosuppressive treatment. In a study of heart transplant patients, cancer incidence increased 3 fold after one year of immunosuppressive therapy and 26 fold after 5 y.
Patients with autoimmune diseases treated with immunosuppressive therapy showed increased incidence of acute leukemia, lymphoma, liver cancer, bladder cancer and skin cancer.
Secondary tumors are common in cancer patients who receive immunosuppressive chemotherapy treatment. These may include acute leukemias, lymphoma, and bladder cancers. However this increase may be due to the DNA damage caused by the chemotherapeutic agent.
The importance of Natural Killer (NK) cells in effective immunotherapy has been broadly accepted. Our laboratory has consistently found that stage 4 cancer patients typically have severely depressed NK function, and sometimes decreased numbers (unpublished data). This is consistent with a plethora of other research on the subject.[5] Decreases in NK function are believed to be, at least in part, attributable to neoplasm's ability to “steer” the immune system towards T-helper 2 (Th2) vs. cell mediated or T-helper 1 (Th1) immunity. Many cancers secrete interleukin-10 (IL-10) as part of this mechanism.