Integrative Oncology
A comprehensive approach to cancer care that uses complementary therapies alongside conventional medical treatments. Dr. Moore is not an alternative medical provider, he is an expert in complementary care for cancer patients. Nutritional interventions and lifestyle strategies can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects, but some can interact with conventional treatment. It is important to work with a medical doctor experienced in complementary oncology care. Dr. Moore prescribes exercise programs, stretches, nutritional interventions, and lifestyle recommendations specific to each patient, their cancer type, and their obstacles. He only recommends evidence-based strategies and will work collaboratively with your oncologist to guarantee team rapport.
The American College of Sports Medicine, the American Cancer Society, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend cancer patients aim to achieve 150-300 minutes of moderate activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week. They advise at least two days of resistance training and at least two days of stretching per week. With or without a serious medical condition, it is difficult to consistently hit those exercise guidelines. 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week is not easy! Ability to exercise during treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, stamina and strength level before and during treatment, and the treatment itself. In addition, what constitutes aerobic exercise is different for every patient.
High Dose Intravenous Vitamin C (HDIVC)
Preclinical studies report high-dose intravenous Vitamin C improves the cancer killing capability of chemotherapeutics such as:
HDIVC has showed an ability to reduce fatigue and other side effects from chemotherapy (29, 30).
In combination with radiotherapy: preclinical studies
There is significant evidence HDIVC acts as a radio-sensitizer in radiation and chemo-radiation preclinical studies (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41). HDIVC enhances cell radiation cytotoxicity in addition to offering protection from radiation damage in normal surrounding tissue. There are examples of combination radio-chemotherapy with high dose VitC increasing overall survival by 50%.
Complementary cancer therapy: clinical studies
Clinical trials have shown that HDIVC combined with chemo and/or radiation increases overall survival and progression free survival compared to institutional averages, decreases toxicities compared to patients treated without IVC, and is considered safe and well tolerated (42).
New research from a phase II clinical trial shows high dose intravenous vitamin C doubles survival time for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Phase II and III trials for other cancer types are ongoing but preclinical and empirical data unequivocally show significant benefit in treatment response, survival time, and improved quality of life.
16 clinical trials have included medium to high dose IVC in cancer treatment.
The Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Cornell University Weill Medical College, and Kansas Medical Center are all currently performing clinical trials.
Which cancer types is high dose vitamin C effective against?
Studies demonstrate high dose intravenous vitamin C can kill cancers cells and improve conventional treatments against the following cancer cell types:
Breast
Pancreatic
Colorectal
Prostate
Lung
Ovarian
Cervical
Melanoma
Leukemia
Lymphoma
Head and neck
Oral squamous
Gastric
Multiple myeloma
Glioblastoma
Myelodysplastic syndrome
Vitamin C damages cancer cell DNA via Fenton reaction
Tumors generally retain increased levels of iron in and around their cells (43). When large amounts of vitamin C come into contact with iron it generates hydrogen peroxide (H202) and hydroxyl radicals (OH) (44). Cancer cells have a limited ability to neutralize hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals compared to healthy cells, thus causing selective damage to cancer cells.
This idea that high dose intravenous vitamin C may be misunderstood by your oncologist. Often oncologists advise against the use of antioxidants during treatment, however, high doses of vitamin C cause oxidative stress and DNA damage in cancer cells. Recent clinical studies prove that HDIVC is destructive to cancer cells by a variety of mechanisms.
Vitamin C creates an energy crisis in cancer cells
The Fenton reaction converts vitamin C (ascorbic acid) into its oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), which enters cancer cells through glucose transporters (45), and interferes with glycolysis inside cancer cells, which often rely heavily on glycolysis for energy. An influx of DHA in the cancerized cells inhibits glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, disrupting glucose transport and ATP production. This disruption can lead to oxidative stress, damage to cellular components, and ultimately cell death.
HDIVC is safe for cancer patients
High dose vitamin C is regarded as having an “outstanding safety profile” (46). Published clinical studies report that high dose intravenous vitamin C is well tolerated by patients and no significant adverse events can be directly attributed to VitC.
There are, of course, contraindications based on past medical history, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, poor kidney function, etc. Please schedule a free discovery call to discuss if you are a good candidate for intravenous vitamin C.
Adjunctive Cancer Services:
High Dose Intravenous Vitamin C
Nutrient Therapy
Botanical Medicine
Environmental Medicine
Clinical Nutrition
Thermal Therapy
Soft Tissue Manipulation
A Comprehensive Approach to Cancer
Potentiate treatment with evidence-based complementary medicine
Therapeutic Exercise & Stretching
Cardiovascular exercise, stretching, and resistance training drastically enhance immune function, oxygen delivery, and metabolic health. Studies show exercise programming significantly increases survival in advanced stage cancer patients. It is currently underestimated and underutilized in oncology care. Dr. Moore designs a program specifically tailored to each patient, their capacity, and cancer type.
Massage Therapy
Our immune system is housed in lymphatic tissue and lymph actually requires contraction from skeletal muscle to flow properly. Tumors are characterized by excessive thickening of the surrounding connective tissue, leading to fibrosis and stiffness. Stiffness reduces mobility, muscle function (atrophy), lymphatic flow, and… regional immune function. Every cancer patient needs massage.
Hyperthermia
Whether in a sophisticated hyperthermia device, a bath tub, hot yoga, at the beach, or in a sauna, heat is a powerful ally in comprehensive cancer treatment programs. It enhances immune cell function, micro-circulation, our natural elimination pathways, and our mood. Heat produces a relaxation response both physically and mentally, helping to alleviate stress, an often overlooked aspect of standard care.
Heavy Metal & Environmental Toxin Analysis
Military service members, farmers, construction workers, firefighters, rubber manufacturers, mechanics, and nail salon workers have an increased risk of developing cancer. Unfortunately pollution is part of modern, industrialized life. Fearful avoidance is not healthy, but it is important to mitigate hazardous exposure. Testing carcinogen exposure can help us understand what is driving genetic mutations to create a more specific treatment plan.
Clinical Nutrition and Nutrient Therapy
Nutrition and nutritional supplements reduce symptoms of pain, anemia, fatigue, nausea, lymphedema, and weight loss. Some effectively improve standard therapies, while others may interfere. It is important to consult with an experienced naturopathic medical doctor or integrative oncologist before beginning nutritional therapies.
Micronutrient Panel
Vitamin, mineral, amino acid, and essential fatty acid status can be checked with an at-home fingerprick blood test. Tracking nutrient status is useful due to the high risk of malnutrition during cancer treatment. Essential nutrients supply the raw materials for tissue and DNA repair, energy production, and are co-factors for our immune system.
*Modalities are not meant to treat cancer or act as replacement for standard-of-care. These methods are complementary and used in adjunct at the doctor’s discretion. Functional medicine lab tests are an additional out-of-pocket expense and, while they can provide tremendously useful information, they are not necessary for every patient.
Exercise and Cancer
Breast cancer: In a 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, breast cancer survivors who were the most physically active had a 42% lower risk of death from any cause and a 40% lower risk of death from breast cancer than those who were the least physically active.
Colorectal cancer: Evidence from multiple epidemiologic studies suggests that physical activity after a colorectal cancer diagnosis is associated with a 30% lower risk of death from colorectal cancer and a 38% lower risk of death from any cause.
Prostate cancer: Limited evidence from a few epidemiologic studies suggests that physical activity after a prostate cancer diagnosis is associated with a 33% lower risk of death from prostate cancer and a 45% lower risk of death from any cause.
Vigorous Exercise Helps Prevent Spread of Cancer
Cohort: 1,302 females and 1,432 males were followed for 20 years, with self-reported duration and intensity of exercise
Results: Those who participated in high-intensity exercise had a 73% reduced risk of developing metastatic cancer
Discussion: Data suggests that vigorous exercise reprograms the metabolism of surrounding tissue and challenges the fuel requirements tumors need to grow and spread