Mitochondria, Repurposed Medications & Cancer: Exploring a Hybrid Orthomolecular Approach
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By Dr. Nathan Goodyear
Mitochondria meets stem cells: a breakthrough in cancer treatment?
Cancer is one of the most complex diseases facing us today, often regarded as primarily a genetic issue due to somatic mutation theory. However, recent research sheds light on a new approach, one that goes beyond genetics to focus on the metabolic and cellular environment—specifically, the relationship between mitochondria and cancer stem cells (CSCs). A recent study, "Targeting the Mitochondrial-Stem Cell Connection in Cancer Treatment: A Hybrid Orthomolecular Protocol," explores the power of targeting dysfunctional mitochondria to disrupt CSCs and stop cancer in its tracks.
The Role of Mitochondria and Stem Cells in Cancer
Mitochondria are often described as the cell’s powerhouses, producing energy through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). In certain types of cancer, OXPHOS is downregulated in CSCs, which enables them to evade typical therapies. Yet in other cancers—such as MAPK-resistant melanoma, SMARCA4-mutant lung cancer, and RB-1 deficient breast cancer—OXPHOS can actually be upregulated, making these cancers particularly aggressive.
This study proposes a unique hybrid approach that targets the mitochondrial-stem cell connection. By disrupting mitochondrial function in cancer stem cells, we can hinder CSC survival and potentially prevent tumor growth and recurrence. The findings point toward a multipronged strategy for fighting cancer that goes beyond traditional therapies, leveraging orthomolecular nutrients, metabolic therapies, and repurposed medications.
Core Components of the Hybrid Orthomolecular Protocol
The protocol brings together a range of therapeutic strategies, each aimed at creating a hostile environment for cancer cells at both metabolic and molecular levels. Here’s a breakdown of each component:
1. Orthomolecular Nutrients
Orthomolecular medicine focuses on using natural substances that the body recognizes, such as high doses of vitamins and minerals. Key components in this protocol include:
IV Vitamin C: Known for its role in promoting immune health and exerting oxidative stress on cancer cells.
Vitamin D: Supports immune function and has been shown to have potential anticancer properties.
Zinc (Zn): Plays a role in immune modulation and antioxidant protection.
2. Metabolic Therapies
The metabolic approach to cancer seeks to deprive cancer cells of their preferred energy sources, such as glucose. This is where metabolic therapies come into play:
Fasting: Reduces glucose availability, potentially starving cancer cells.
Ketogenic Diet: Forces the body to use ketones rather than glucose, limiting the energy source for many types of cancer cells.
3. Repurposed Medications
Drugs originally intended for other uses are finding a place in cancer therapy, where they disrupt critical cellular processes:
Ivermectin: Exhibits anti-cancer properties by targeting cancer cell metabolism.
Mebendazole: Disrupts microtubule formation in cancer cells, impairing cell division.
Fenbendazole: An antiparasitic that has shown promise in limiting cancer cell growth.
DON (6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine): An inhibitor of glutamine metabolism, starving cancer cells reliant on glutamine for survival.
4. Additional Therapies
These therapies enhance the main components, offering further ways to weaken cancer cells:
Press-Pulse Therapy: Alternates between metabolic stress and recovery phases to apply pressure on cancer cells without harming normal cells.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Increases oxygen levels in the blood, making it more challenging for anaerobic cancer cells to survive.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise improves immune function and helps maintain metabolic balance.
Synergy: Combining Approaches for Maximum Impact
The principle behind this hybrid approach is simple: target multiple vulnerabilities in cancer simultaneously. The combination of nutrients, metabolic therapies, and repurposed drugs aims to create a metabolically hostile environment for cancer cells, targeting CSCs and minimizing the chance of metastasis.
A key element of this strategy is modulating the tumor microenvironment. Repurposed medications and metabolic therapies not only target cancer cells directly but also modify the surrounding environment to prevent tumor growth and reduce immune evasion. As recent research highlights:
“…targeting the mitochondria-related pathway using anticancer drugs can initiate the killing of cancer cells by increasing the ability of cancer cells to be recognized by immune cells, tumor antigen presentation ability, and the anti-tumor function of immune cells.”
Connecting the Dots: Mitochondria, Immunity, and Cancer Control
While the article covers a groundbreaking approach, it’s essential to address the role of the immune system. A comprehensive cancer strategy must engage the immune response to ensure cancer cells are recognized and destroyed across the body. Mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells not only affects energy production but also compromises immune surveillance.
Improving Immune Recognition: Targeting mitochondrial pathways enhances the body’s ability to detect and fight cancer cells.
Enhancing Tumor Antigen Presentation: A disrupted mitochondrial pathway makes it easier for immune cells to recognize cancer cells, boosting the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
Strengthening Anti-Tumor Immune Functions: The immune system becomes better equipped to target and eliminate cancer cells.
Looking Forward: An Integrative Future for Cancer Care
The hybrid orthomolecular protocol represents a significant step forward in integrative oncology. By combining targeted nutrients, metabolic interventions, and repurposed drugs, we create a layered attack on cancer’s weaknesses, especially within CSCs and mitochondrial function. This approach is about more than just attacking cancer; it’s about transforming cancer therapy to make it more adaptable, comprehensive, and effective.
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Supporting Evidence
ISOM. (2024). Targeting the Mitochondrial-Stem Cell Connection in Cancer Treatment: A Hybrid Orthomolecular Protocol. ISOM. Link to article.
Klein K, He K, Younes AI, Barsoumian HB, Chen D, Ozgen T, Mosaffa S, Patel RR, Gu M, Novaes J, Narayanan A, Cortez MA, Welsh JW. Role of Mitochondria in Cancer Immune Evasion and Potential Therapeutic Approaches. Front Immunol. 2020 Oct 16;11:573326. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.573326.
Bai R, Cui J. Mitochondrial immune regulation and anti-tumor immunotherapy strategies targeting mitochondria. Cancer Lett. 2023 Jun 28;564:216223. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216223.
