Erbitux and Rituxan - Drug Treatments for Addressing Specific Cancers

Located in Tijuana and emphasizing integrative therapy pathways to treat cancer, Oasis of Hope offers treatments ranging from epigenetics to insulin potentiation chemotherapy. Oasis of Hope also provides access to leading-edge drug therapies, including those involving the administration of erbitux and rituxan. 

The latter drug is employed in treating B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and stands as the first FDA-approved cancer fighting therapeutic monoclonal antibody. This relatively recent therapy approach targets CD20 antigens on both malignant and normal B-Cells. This type of white blood cell lymphocyte is essential in producing antibodies. While the immune system naturally attacks and eliminates marked B-cells, it does not attack the young stem cells in the bone marrow which do not possess the CD20 antigen. This enables the regeneration of healthy B-cells following treatment. 

Erbitux is used to address neck, head, and colorectal cancers through targeting malignant cells that contain the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Inhibiting the activity of EGFR, erbitux selectively blocks signals that generate cancerous growth and also triggers an immune response against these cells.

The Metronomic Approach to Cytotoxic Therapy for Cancer

Located in Tijuana and with offices in Southern California, Oasis of Hope provides a range of cancer treatment pathways under the Contreras Alternative Cancer Treatment (C-ACT) collective protocol. Oasis of Hope employs multiple therapeutic approaches, including cytotoxic treatment, which may or may not include very mild oral chemotherapy.

The effectiveness of traditional chemotherapy often is hampered by hypoxia, or poor oxygenation of tumors, and decreased activity in specific signaling pathways, which enables cancer cells to survive. An innovative approach involves the use of metronomic chemotherapy, or low doses of chemotherapy applied daily. This causes a continuous death of cancerous endothelial cells, which attempt to expand by forming new blood vessels. Metronomic chemotherapy slows down the angiogenic process significantly.

The metronomic approach has also been shown clinically to kill regulatory T (T-reg) cells. A type of immune cell, T-reg cells can congregate in tumors and suppress the beneficial activity of other immune cells that are able to fight tumors. When the T-reg cell population diminishes, T-cytotoxic cells and natural killer immune cells are better able to do their work of attacking the tumor.

Oasis of Hope Hospital on Diet, Exercise, and Cancer Treatment

Oasis of Hope Hospital offers counseling on diet and exercise through all of its integrative cancer treatment. As researchers continues to study the issue, it becomes clear that both what we eat and how we live play a key role in the development and treatment of many types of cancer. Oasis of Hope Hospital offers some practical tips on the types of food and activities that will help your body fight off cancer by slowing or reversing its development.

Emphasize Fruits and Vegetables

Almost all cancer researchers agree that a relatively low-fat diet that is predominantly based on fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and fiber, is good for preventing cancer. In particular, you should eat dark green, leafy vegetables; whole grains like brown rice and oats; and beans and legumes. Avoid processed foods, those with added sugars, and high-fat items. For the fats that you do consume, emphasize unsaturated, omega-3 fats such as olive oil and fish oil.

 

Maintain Healthy Calcium and Folic Acid Intake

Calcium plays an important role in mitigating bowel cancer and several other types of cancer, as well as preventing against osteoporosis and other bone conditions. For this reason, many cancer diets emphasize dairy products, but you can also get a good supply of calcium from many vegetables, especially broccoli and kale. Similarly, folic acid remains an important nutrient in combating cancer. Some of the best sources are spinach, egg yolks, peas, asparagus, and lentils.

Engage in Moderate Exercise at Least Every Other Day

Research suggests that the amount of exercise necessary to have an effect on cancer is three to five sessions per week, using up approximately three to four METs per session. A MET is a unit representing the energy used by your body at rest through burning calories and intake of oxygen. A brisk one-hour walk, or a light weight-lifting routine equals about three METs.

In simpler terms, this amount of exercise is roughly equivalent to a normal workout routine. If you are not accustomed to this level of exercise or are debilitated by your cancer, you will need to start with more gentle activities and gradually work your way up.