Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide to Alternative Treatment Options

Breast cancer patients often seek alternative treatments to enhance the effectiveness of traditional therapies.

1. Hyperthermia 

Hyperthermia involves heating cancerous tissues to damage or kill cancer cells. This treatment can also make other therapies, like radiation and chemotherapy, more effective. It's especially helpful for treating tumors that are close to the skin, such as those in breast cancer.

Hyperthermia works by raising the temperature of the cancerous area to between 104°F and 111°F (40°C to 44°C) for about 30 to 60 minutes. This heat can weaken the cancer cells, making it harder for them to repair damage caused by other treatments like radiation.

During the procedure, a device is used to heat the targeted area. Hyperthermia is often done in combination with radiation therapy or chemotherapy, typically within an hour of these treatments to maximize its effectiveness.

Research shows that combining hyperthermia with radiation therapy can be more effective than using radiation alone, especially including for recurrent breast cancer. A multicenter study showed that 36% of patients with advanced breast cancer survived without the disease when treated with hyperthermia and radiation, compared to only 19% who were treated with radiotherapy alone.

When is Hyperthermia Used in Breast Cancer?

• Recurrent Breast Cancer: Hyperthermia is particularly effective for breast cancer that has returned after treatment. When combined with radiation, it has been shown to increase the chances of controlling the cancer
• Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: While there's less research on its use in locally advanced breast cancer, early studies suggest that hyperthermia could be beneficial when used alongside chemotherapy or radiation.

Find a clinic offering Hyperthermia>> 

2. Targeted Chemotherapy 

Intra-Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy delivers chemotherapy directly to the area around the tumor, which makes it more effective and causes fewer side effects. In a study with 53 patients, 26% had their tumors completely destroyed, and 48% saw a major reduction in size when Intra-Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy was combined with surgery. Most patients had good results with mild side effects, including reduced hair loss.

For Advanced Breast Cancer, isolated Thoracic Perfusion (ITP) may be used. This method targets cancer that has spread to the lungs or chest by delivering high doses of chemotherapy directly to these areas, reducing side effects for the rest of the body.

In 162 patients, 50% responded well to this treatment.

Find a clinic offering Targeted Chemotherapy >>

3. Cryoablation/ Cryotherapy

Cryoablation is a technique that uses very cold temperatures to destroy cancer cells in the breast without needing major surgery.

A thin, needle-like tool called a cryoprobe is inserted into the tumor. It freezes the cancer cells, forming an ice ball that kills them.

Cryoablation might help the immune system fight cancer by making cancer cells easier for the body to recognize and attack.

The main benefits of cryoablation in comparison to a surgery:

> Minimally invasive

> No tissue excision, resulting in better cosmetic outcomes

> Reduced risk of surgical complications

> Faster recovery and earlier return to normal activities

Long-term outcomes appear to be better for smaller tumors- Complete tumor kill was observed in 100% of tumors <1 cm and 92% of lesions ≤2 cm in a phase II trial.

Find a clinic offering Cryoablation>> 

4. Cancer Vaccines

Breast cancer vaccines are a promising area in integrative and alternative cancer care. While no vaccines are currently approved for treatment or prevention, several are in clinical trials with encouraging results. For example, a DNA vaccine targeting HER2 showed 80% survival after 10 years in a phase I trial, and the GP2 peptide vaccine demonstrated 94-100% 5-year survival in patients with the highest levels of HER2.

Despite these advancements, vaccines face challenges such as tumor immune escape and complex immune responses. Researchers are working on combining vaccines with other therapies to improve effectiveness.

5. Mistletoe

Mistletoe is being studied as a new way to help treat breast cancer. Research shows that mistletoe extracts contain special compounds, like lectins and viscotoxins, that can help kill cancer cells and might boost the immune system to fight the disease. Some studies suggest that, in combination with other therapies, mistletoe might help breast cancer patients live longer and improve their chances of remission
Mistletoe therapy is also knownappears to improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients. Many patients who use mistletoe along with regular treatments like chemotherapy have reported feeling less tired and having fewer side effects like nausea, vomiting, and depression. A review of 26 studies found that 22 of them showed mistletoe helped patients feel better overall.

Find a clinic offering Mistletoe>> 

For breast cancer, several repurposed medications have shown potential due to their established safety profiles and unique mechanisms of action against cancer cells. Here are some examples:

• Metformin: Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, metformin has been investigated for its potential anti-cancer effects, including in breast cancer. It is believed to work by affecting metabolic pathways and reducing insulin levels, which may inhibit cancer cell growth.
• Chloroquine: An antimalarial drug, chloroquine has been studied for its ability to inhibit autophagy, a process that cancer cells use to survive. This makes it a potential candidate for combination therapies in breast cancer.
• Thioridazine: An antipsychotic medication, thioridazine has been identified as a candidate for targeting cancer stem cells, which are thought to contribute to treatment resistance and relapse in breast cancer.
• Niclosamide: Originally an anti-parasitic drug, niclosamide has shown promise in preclinical studies for its ability to target cancer cell signaling pathways, potentially making it effective against breast cancer.

These repurposed drugs are being explored for their potential to complement existing breast cancer treatments. While preclinical studies and some clinical trials are promising, further research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in breast cancer patients. It’s essential to consider these treatments under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

These medications require prescriptions by an integrative oncologist specializing in repurposed drugs. For more information on how you can access these treatments through an online service with an MD specializing in repurposed medications, available in 45 states, click here to learn more.

Vitamin D: Widely studied for its potential role in cancer prevention and treatment, low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. However, there is no conclusive evidence that supplementation can prevent recurrence.

Calcium: Often recommended in combination with Vitamin D, calcium is crucial for maintaining bone health, particularly since chemotherapy can lead to bone weakening.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, Omega-3 fatty acids may offer benefits in slowing cancer progression, though research is still ongoing.

Curcumin: The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Curcumin can lessen the effects of some chemotherapy drugs, so consult your healthcare provider if you are planning to take this supplement.

Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria may support immune function and reduce inflammation. However, more research is needed to determine their specific role in cancer treatment.

Multivitamins: A daily multivitamin can help ensure you’re getting essential nutrients, but it’s important to avoid high doses of certain vitamins that might interfere with cancer treatments.

Supplements to Avoid:

• Antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, E): Some studies suggest that taking high doses of antioxidants during chemotherapy could increase the risk of cancer recurrence, so they should be used with caution.
• Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs, such as black cohosh, and St. John’s Wort, can interfere with breast cancer treatments and should be avoided.

While some supplements may provide potential benefits, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen. 

Supplements can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone. 

A comprehensive treatment plan, combining both conventional and alternative approaches under professional guidance, is key to effectively managing breast cancer.

Get your integrative plan by a healthcare professional>> 

Research indicates that fasting may be effective in supporting breast cancer treatment. Watch the video to learn more.

Treatment for breast cancer varies depending on the type and stage of the disease but may include:

• Surgery: Options include lumpectomy (removal of the tumor) and mastectomy (removal of the entire breast).
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs are administered to destroy cancer cells, which may be used before or after surgery.
• Hormone Therapy: Used for hormone receptor-positive cancers to block cancer's ability to use hormones for growth.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs like HER2 inhibitors specifically target HER2 positive breast cancers.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including:

• Genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
• A family history of breast cancer
• Advancing age
• Female gender (though it can also occur in men)
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption

To reduce the risk of breast cancer, consider these preventive measures:

• Regular breast cancer screenings (such as mammograms)
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise
• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
• Seeking genetic counseling if you have a family history of breast cancer

This overview provides essential information on breast cancer, from its definition and types to symptoms, risk factors, stages, diagnosis, treatment, survival rates, and prevention. By staying informed and proactive, individuals can better manage their risk and improve their chances of early detection and successful treatment.

Breast cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of the following methods:

• Mammogram: An X-ray image of the breast used to detect abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to produce images of structures within the breast.
• Biopsy: A sample of breast tissue is removed and analyzed for cancer cells.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed images of the breast tissue.

Breast cancer is categorized into stages based on the size of the tumor and the extent of its spread:

• Stage 0: Known as non-invasive or in situ breast cancer, such as DCIS, where the cancer cells remain confined to their place of origin.
• Stage I: Early-stage invasive cancer where the tumor is up to 2 cm in size and has not spread beyond the breast (Stage IA) or may have minimal spread to nearby lymph nodes (Stage IB).
• Stage II: The tumor is larger than 2 cm but not more than 5 cm, and/or the cancer has spread to a few nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage III: The cancer is more extensive, potentially involving nearby tissues, such as the skin or chest wall, and more lymph nodes, but it has not spread to distant organs.
• Stage IV: Also known as metastatic breast cancer, this stage indicates that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.

The prognosis and survival rates for breast cancer vary widely depending on the stage at diagnosis:

• Stage 0 and Stage I: These early stages have an excellent prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of nearly 100%.
• Stage II: The 5-year survival rate for Stage II breast cancer is approximately 93%.
• Stage III: At this stage, the 5-year survival rate decreases to about 72%, reflecting the more extensive nature of the disease.
• Stage IV: The prognosis for Stage IV breast cancer is more guarded, with a 5-year survival rate of around 22%, though treatments can extend life and improve quality of life.

It’s important to note that these rates can vary based on many factors, including the specific characteristics of the cancer and the overall health of the patient.