As Elizabeth Edwards bravely faces each day since her announcement that her cancer has returned, many people may be wondering exactly how metastatic cancer can be treated as a chronic disease, while at the same time deemed incurable.
"There is a growing consensus among medical scientists that people can live in peaceful coexistence with cancer for years, and even decades," says Keith I.
Block, cofounder and Medical Director of the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment.
In fact, this concept - that cancer does not have to be cured in order for someone to live a full life - is one Block has embraced for well over 20 years.
"We have been working on an approach for treating cancer, one that emphasizes reestablishing health, instead of only focusing on cure," Dr.
Block explains, noting that once cancer is controlled, a homeostasis with the disease can potentially be established.
Various kinds of chemotherapies, newer treatments, radiation therapy, and hormone therapies such as tamoxifen, which block estrogen activity, are among the treatment options used to treat a cancer recurrence for patients such as Mrs.
Edwards.
"But few, if any cancer treatments can eliminate every single cancer cell," Dr.
Block says.
"Surviving cells may quietly hide in tissue for many years.
By keeping your immune resources strong, it may be possible to prolong the time these cancer cells stay inactive.
While not a cure, it does stall recurrence or progression as long as you maintain strong cancer-fighting resources.
To do this the immune system must be in top shape.
The best time to boost the immune system, Dr.
Block says, is during and right after the cancer (tumor) has been debulked (significantly reduced) through the use of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other strategies.
By eliminating much of the cancer, the immune system can be directed to capture and eliminate remaining cancer cells, which then improves ones chances of overcoming malignancy, he says.
Dr.
Block adds that viewing cancer as a chronic condition instead of an acute one, with an all or nothing approach, can be profound and liberating for many patients.
"With proper support from your diet and lifestyle through whole foods rich in phytochemicals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fats, along with a personally tailored fitness program, NK cells and macrophages may help remove cells left over after surgery," he explains.
"This is where we have directed a great deal of our research.
For each specific type of cancer, we have identified distinct nutritional agents that enhance the functioning of these immune cells so that they work in the best possible way to assist patients in their battle to overcome their cancer.
In addition, an exercise regimen that is designed to both improve aerobic fitness and muscle strength, and mind/spirit interventions such as yoga and meditation, all help strengthen a patient's biological integrity, improve quality of life, and optimizes their potential to contain and control disease.
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