institute for cancer research

What is Vaginal Cancer?

Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer of the female reproductive system. Only three percent of gynecological cancers are vaginal. The vagina (birth canal) is the corridor through which menstrual fluid leaves the body and babies are born. It is connected to the cervix (the opening of the uterus or womb) and the vulva (folds of skin around its opening). The vaginal walls have a thin layer of cells called the epithelium, which contains a type of cells called squamous epithelial cells. The vaginal wall, underneath the epithelium, consists of connective and involuntary muscle tissue, lymph vessels, and nerves.

Usually, the vagina is in a collapsed position with its walls touching. The walls have many folds that allow the vagina to open and expand during sexual intercourse and childbirth. The vaginal lining is kept moist by mucus released by glands in the cervix.

Statistics

Vaginal cancer is rare. In the United States, approximately 2,160 new cases of vaginal cancer are expected to be diagnosed, and an estimated 790 women will die of the disease in 2004.

Cancer statistics should be interpreted with caution. These estimates are based on data from thousands of cases of this type of cancer in the United States and may not apply to a single person. It is not possible to tell a person how long she will live with vaginal cancer. Because the survival statistics are measured in five-year (or sometimes one-year) intervals, they may not represent advances made in the treatment or diagnosis of this cancer.

There are several types of vaginal cancers:

Squamous Carcinoma - Squamous cell cancer starts in the vagina’s epithelial lining, most often in the area closest to the cervix. Squamous cancers make up 85 to 90 percent of vaginal cancers. It develops slowly through pre-cancerous changes called vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN).

Adenocarcinoma - This cancer may develop in tissues of vaginal glands. It accounts for 5 to 10 percent of vaginal cancers

Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma - This cancer occurs in young women whose mothers took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy between the late 1940’s and 1971. About one woman in 1,000 exposed to DES develops vaginal cancer.

Melanoma - Melanomas are the most serious type of skin cancer. They are usually found on skin exposed to the sun, but can begin on the skin of the vagina or other internal organs. Dark-colored tumors appear on the lower or outer parts of the vagina.

There are two types of cancer of the vagina: squamous cell cancer (squamous carcinoma) and adenocarcinoma. Squamous carcinoma is usually found in women between the ages of 60 and 80. Adenocarcinoma is more often found in women between the ages of 12 and 30.

Young women whose mothers took DES (diethylstilbestrol) are at risk for getting tumors in their vaginas. Some of them get a rare form of cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma. The drug DES was given to pregnant women between 1945 and 1970 to keep them from losing their babies (miscarriage).

A doctor should be seen if there are any of the following:

• Bleeding or discharge not related to menstrual periods.


• Difficult or painful urination.


• Pain during intercourse or in the pelvic area.


• Also, there is still a chance of developing vaginal cancer in women who have had a hysterectomy.

A doctor may use several tests to see if there is cancer. The doctor will usually begin by giving the patient an internal (pelvic) examination. The doctor will feel for lumps and will then do a Pap smear. Using a piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick, the doctor will gently scrape the outside of the cervix and vagina in order to pick up cells. Some pressure may be felt, but usually with no pain.

If cells that are not normal are found, the doctor will need to cut a small sample of tissue (called a biopsy) out of the vagina and look at it under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. The doctor should look not only at the vagina, but also at the other organs in the pelvis to see where the cancer started and where it may have spread. The doctor may take an x-ray of the chest to make sure the cancer has not spread to the lungs.

The chance of recovery (prognosis) and choice of treatment depend on the stage of the cancer (whether it is just in the vagina or has spread to other places) and the patient's general state of health.

As we well know, there are many kinds of cancer; unfortunately they all come about because of the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.

Healthy Cells vs. Cancer Cells

Healthy cells are like a cat.  They need structure to determine the size of bones and shape of the body, tail and whiskers. The DNA in genes and chromosomes determine this. They need energy to play and prowl and sustain life. This is derived from chemicals in food. Cats need a system to deliver chemicals (food nutrients like amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals) to all parts of their body. These are the blood vessels. Growth factors take a kitten into a lazy old cat, all the while helping it to function normally.

The body and its cells are mostly made up of protein. The building blocks of proteins are substances called amino acids that in the form of enzymes and hormones literally control every chemical reaction within the cells. When these are modified, different messages are sent to a complex control system that can alter their function. There are twenty different kinds of amino acids that are essential to life. Twelve of these can be synthesized within the body however; eight must be supplied by the daily diet.

 

RISK FACTORS

Even though the exact cause of vaginal cancer is not known, researchers have determined that the following factors increase a woman's chance of developing the disease:

Age. Squamous carcinoma most often occurs in women between 50 and 70 years old; approximately half of all cases are diagnosed in women over age 60.

Smoking. Cigarette smoking places women at increased risk of vaginal cancer.

DES. Daughters whose mothers took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) during their pregnancy between the late 1940s and 1971 are at increased risk of clear cell adenocarcinoma. The average age of diagnosis is 19 years old. Since most daughters of mothers who took DES are between 30 and 60, the number of cases has declined. However, doctors do not know how long women are at risk of developing DES-caused cancers.

Cervical cancer. Women who have had cervical cancer or cervical precancerous conditions are at increased risk of vaginal cancer.

Radiation therapy. Women who have had radiation therapy in the vaginal area are at increased risk of vaginal cancer.

Hysterectomy. Women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of part or all of the uterus) are at increased risk of vaginal cancer.

HPV infection. Women with genital warts caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) are at increased risk of vaginal cancer. HPV infection is transmitted through sexual intercourse. High-risk sexual behavior that can lead to HPV infection includes intercourse at an early age, multiple sexual partners, sex with a person who has had many partners, and unprotected sex.

SYMPTOMS

Most vaginal cancers do not cause symptoms in the early stages, but cancer in more advanced stages can cause symptoms to occur. Even precancerous conditions such as vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) may not cause symptoms (asymptomatic). However, many cases of VAIN and early vaginal cancer, although asymptomatic, can be found through regular Pap tests.

The most common symptom of vaginal cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding during menopause is not normal and, therefore, always a sign of some problem.

Most women with vaginal cancer report more than one symptom.

Symptoms of vaginal cancer include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding


• Abnormal vaginal discharge


• Difficulty or pain when urinating


• Pain during sexual intercourse


• Pain in the pelvic area (the lower part of the abdomen between the hip bones)


• Pain in the back or legs


• Swelling in the legs (edema)

These symptoms may be caused by vaginal cancer, or they may be signs of some other, less serious condition. The best way for a woman to determine the cause of these symptoms is to consult a doctor.

Pessary. Long-term vaginal irritation in women using a pessary (a device used to keep a sagging uterus in place) increases the risk of vaginal cancer.

Prevention

Research has shown that certain factors may reduce a woman's risk of vaginal cancer:

• If young, delaying having sexual intercourse


• Avoiding sex with many partners and avoiding sex with someone who has had many partners


• Practicing safe sex


• Having regular Pap tests to detect and treat precancerous conditions


• Not starting to smoke


• Quitting smoking, if a smoker

DIAGNOSIS

As with all cancers, early detection and treatment is essential for recovery from vaginal cancer. It is important for women to be aware of disease symptoms and see a doctor if any occur. Some vaginal cancers do not present symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage.

All women should have an annual gynecologic examination. The doctor will take a family medical history and perform a general physical examination. Other tests may include:

Pelvic examination. The doctor feels the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum for any abnormalities.

Pap test. The doctor gently scrapes the outside of the cervix and vagina and takes sample cells for testing. During the process, there is some pressure but seldom pain.

Colposcopy. The doctor inserts an instrument with binocular magnifying lenses into the vagina and examines the vaginal walls and cervix.

Biopsy. If there is anything unusual, the doctor may perform a biopsy. The doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area before taking out a small piece of tissue to send to the laboratory. At the laboratory, a pathologist will look at the tissue under a microscope to determine whether the cells are cancerous.

X-ray. A chest x-ray can show if the cancer has spread to the lungs.

TREATMENT

Once vaginal cancer is diagnosed, the patient's health-care team (gynecologic oncologist, surgeon, and radiation oncologist) will recommend a treatment plan. Treatment depends on tumor size and location, disease stage, maintaining vaginal function, and whether the patient plans to have children. Before a woman begins treatment, she may want to consider seeking a second opinion for additional information regarding her treatment options.

Vaginal cancer is most often treated with one or a combination of treatments: surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.

Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for vaginal cancer. Surgery may require repair or replacement of the vagina. Intensive preoperative and postoperative counseling is essential.

Surgical options include:

Laser surgery. A narrow beam of light is used to kill very early stage cancer cells. Additional tissue may be removed to be certain that all cancer has been destroyed.

Wide local excision. The surgeon takes out the cancer and some of the surrounding tissue. Vaginal repair using skin from other parts of the woman's body may be necessary.

Vaginectomy. The surgeon removes the vagina and possibly lymph nodes from the pelvic area.

Radical hysterectomy. When cancer has spread outside of the vagina, the surgeon may remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, as well as lymph nodes. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it may be necessary to also remove the lower colon, rectum, or bladder.

If the vagina is removed, a plastic surgeon will create a new vagina with grafts of tissue from other parts of the woman's body. The patient will be able to have sexual intercourse but will need to use a lubrication aid.

If the patient's bladder is removed, a small piece of intestine will be attached to the abdominal wall, allowing her to periodically drain urine by placing a slim, hollow tube into a surgically created opening. A plastic bag worn at the front of the stomach can be used for continual draining.

If the patient's rectum or part of her colon is removed, the remaining intestine will be attached to the abdominal wall so solid waste can pass through a small opening into a bag worn at the front of the stomach.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses x-rays or other high-energy particles to kill cancer cells. Treatment is concentrated on a specific area. Radiation may be used alone or after surgery. Often, women may receive both internal and external radiation.

The most common type of radiation is called external-beam radiation, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. Treatment is usually given five days a week for about six weeks, either in a hospital or clinic.

Some women receive internal radiation. One method is intracavity radiation, in which tiny tubes of a radioactive substance are placed in the vagina for one to two days. The patient must stay in bed during this time. Another method is interstitial radiation, in which needles filled with radioactive material are placed directly into the tumor.

Side effects depend on the treatment dosage, area, and type of radiation (internal or external). Specific side effects may include narrowing of the vagina, damage to healthy vaginal tissue, irritation of the intestines, and diarrhea. The vagina may shorten and narrow so much that intercourse is not possible. To prevent this, a woman can stretch her vagina several times weekly using a plastic tube called a vaginal dilator.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, the use of drugs to kill cancer, is rarely used to treat vaginal cancer. The goal of chemotherapy can be to destroy cancer remaining after surgery, slow the tumor's growth, or reduce symptoms.

Although chemotherapy can be given orally (by mouth), when chemotherapy is used to treat vaginal cancer, most drugs are given intravenously (IV). Intravenous chemotherapy is either injected directly into a vein or through a thin tube called a catheter, a tube temporarily put into a large vein to make injections easier. When treating early-stage vaginal cancer, the drugs may be put directly into the vagina (intravaginal chemotherapy).

Since chemotherapy drugs affect normal cells as well as cancer cells, many people experience side effects from treatment. Side effects depend on the drug used and the dosage amount. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, low blood count, bleeding or bruising after minor cuts or injuries, numbness and tingling in the hands or feet, headaches, hair loss, and darkening of the skin and fingernails. Side effects usually go away when treatment is complete.

Stage 0 Vaginal Cancer

Treatment may be one of the following:

1. Surgery to remove all or part of the vagina (vaginectomy). This may be followed by skin grafting to repair damage done to the vagina.


2. Internal radiation therapy.


3. Laser surgery.


4. Intravaginal chemotherapy.

Stage I Vaginal Cancer

Treatment of stage I cancer of the vagina depends on whether a patient has squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma.

If squamous cancer is found, treatment may be one of the following:

1. Internal radiation therapy with or without external beam radiation therapy.


2. Wide local excision. This may be followed by the rebuilding of thevagina. Radiation therapy following surgery may also be performed in some cases.


3. Surgery to remove the vagina with or without lymph nodes in the pelvic area (vaginectomy and lymph node dissection).

If adenocarcinoma is found, treatment may be one of the following:

1. Surgery to remove the vagina (vaginectomy) and the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes (hysterectomy). The lymph nodes in the pelvis are also removed (lymph node dissection). This may be followed by the rebuilding of the vagina. Radiation therapy following surgery may also be performed in some cases.


2. Internal radiation therapy with or without external beam radiation therapy.


3. In selected patients, wide local excision and removal of some of the lymph nodes in the pelvis followed by internal radiation.

Stage II Vaginal Cancer

Treatment of stage II cancer of the vagina is the same whether a patient has squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma.

Treatment may be one of the following:

1. Combined internal and external radiation therapy.


2. Surgery, which may be followed by radiation therapy.

Stage III Vaginal Cancer

Treatment of stage III cancer of the vagina is the same whether a patient has squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma.

Treatment may be one of the following:

1. Combined internal and external radiation therapy.


2. Surgery may sometimes be combined with radiation therapy.

Stage IVA Vaginal Cancer

Treatment of stage IVA cancer of the vagina is the same whether a patient has squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma.

Treatment may be one of the following:

1. Combined internal and external radiation therapy.

Stage IVB Vaginal Cancer

If stage IVB cancer of the vagina is found, treatment may be radiation to relieve symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, or abnormal bowel function. Chemotherapy may also be performed. A patient may also choose to participate in a clinical trial.

INTEGRATIVE THERAPY

4. THE SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED AMINO ACID THERAPY

(Keep in mind, CAAT is much more than just a “diet”; it is an amino acid, carbohydrate, & glucose REDUCTION protocol which strategically uses the chemical reactions of amino acids, foods, and nutritional supplements to impair the development of cancer cells, thus starving them to death.) Clinical trials have already been done with humans using amino acid depravation formulas, and with much success. (Journal American Medical Association. 1967; 200:211)

CAAT is a course of therapy to control a patient’s amino acid intake. This is achieved by taking certain foods out of a persons’ daily food plan for a short time and by replacing them with a scientifically supported formula of amino acids. It is also important to emphasize that the food plan that accompanies the amino acid formula needs to be followed so not to offset any of the benefits we are creating by depriving the cancer cells the nutrients they need to grow. Also, it is important to realize that the patient does not need to abandon their conventional cancer treatment, (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone treatments) nor is it recommended that they do so unless it has already failed them. CAAT works synergistically with chemotherapy and/or radiation to enhance their benefits (see study by Dr. Marco Rabinowitz of the National Cancer Institute). His report on amino acid deprivation, such as with Controlled Amino Acid Therapy (CAAT), proven to inhibit phosphofructokinase which shuts down the energy supply to cancer cells, simultaneously enhancing the benefits of chemotherapy while lessening their toxic side effects. CAAT has also proven to work successfully alone.

Phase 1: CAAT Formulation

The most important component of CAAT is the scientifically formulated amino acids. Based on the specific formula for each cancer, it consists of separate amino acids, citric acid, and small amounts of sodium benzoate. Each formula replaces most of the regular daily proteins found in meats, dairy, fish, beans and nuts, which cancer cells can derive their energy from. The CAAT formula taken two times per day will nourish the healthy cells while causing the cancer cells to starve to death. Of course each individual has specific needs concerning their diet, and this is explained in the second phase of the protocol as well as with a specialist at the Institute when beginning the CAAT therapy.

Phase 2: Daily Food Intake

DISCLAIMER: The following food program SHOULD NOT be consumed without the amino acid formula and without consent from your doctor and our Institute.

Breakfast:
*1/2 Grapefruit or 1-orange or 6-ounces of fresh orange juice.
Whey Enhanced Protein (Vanilla Flavor – Vitamin Shoppe Brand) approximately
10 – 12 grams of protein – read label carefully, based on 150 lb. person ].
A serving of Grits (Butter, cinnamon and other spices are okay).
1 cup of green or black tea (Fructose is sweetener of choice).
* Do Not have ½ grapefruit if taking Chemotherapy

Explanation: ½ Grapefruit or 1 orange or 6 ounces of fresh orange juice are rich in the natural nutrients called Limonene and Citric Acid. Limonene helps shut down the Ras cancer gene which is over active in 90 percent of all cancers. Citric Acid helps shut down glycolosis which in turn helps starve cancer cells to death.

Whey Enhanced Protein (Vanilla Flavor – Vitamin Shoppe Brand) Phosphorus is a nutrient that cancer cells must utilize in order to grow and reproduce. This brand of whey protein is very low in phosphorous and contains no additional vitamins, so when using approximately 10 – 12 grams of protein per 150 lb. person, it helps to protect normal cells, maintain a normal appetite, and also helps to fight edema. (Edema is the swelling or water build up in the legs or other sites in the body)
Whey protein is included in the daily menu of all advanced or metastatic cancer patients. When treating cancers that are stable or have regressed in size, patients then have the option of including other protein foods at their breakfast meals such as cottage cheese, yogurt, or soy foods. Eggs are allowed in the diets of patients with lymphoma and brain cancers.

Grits or Cream of Wheat or 1 slice of white toast or ½ plain bagel or ½ English muffin (Butter is okay)
Grits or white rice is the preferred carbohydrate food at each meal. The other choices are options once the patient’s cancer is stable or reduced in size. Unrefined carbohydrates are included in the CAAT menu instead of whole grains to deprive cancer cells of a certain B-complex vitamin called Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6). Cancer cells require this vitamin to manufacture certain amino acids that we keep away from through CAAT’s amino acid reduction formula and diet. Grits is the preferred carbohydrate food at all meals instead of rice, corn, or pasta because it helps deplete Tryptophan in the body, which is essential for the growth and spreading of cancer cells.

1 cup of green or black tea, using fructose as the sweetener of choice. These teas are rich sources of several compounds that help shut down glycolosis and cut off the energy supply to cancer cells. Also, green or regular tea helps to prevent certain hormones and tumor growth factors from stimulating cancer cells to grow and metastasize to other parts of the body. Brassica teas can also be taken because they contain sulphorane, a nutrient that inhibits cancer growth, and also shuts down the cancer genes.
* Why we use fructose as the sweetener of choice will be explained in detail at the end of this phase of the CAAT protocol.

Lunch:

Amino acid formula (4 level plastic scoops) mixed with any of the following: Water & Fructose; Sugar free Kool-Aid; Diet ginger ale; Fresh lemonade & Fructose; Chicken or Beef broth; V8 juice.
Generous amounts of One cooked vegetable or a combination of the following: asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, brussell sprouts, spinach, squash, string beans.
One serving (1/2 cup)of fresh fruit. Choice of: pear, orange, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries.
1 serving (moderate) of grits or corn or rice or pasta (Add tomato sauce or butter)
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
8 to 10 black or green olives
2 tablespoons of vinegar (minimum of 5% acidity) add to vegetables or food
1 cup of green or black tea (Fructose as desired)

Explanation:

This Amino Acid Reduction Formula (4 level plastic scoops may vary) combined with the special diet, allows the CAAT Protocol to reduce certain amino acids in the daily diet of the cancer patient, and is designed to replace most of the animal protein in the diet. Cancer cells require the amino acids glycine, serine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid to synthesize DNA, build new blood vessels or duplicate its entire contents of proteins. Also, cancer cells require these and certain other amino acids in order to synthesize other proteins that act as growth promoting hormones or tumor growth factors. CAAT impairs the synthesis of a protein called elastin, which is absolutely essential to the manufacture of new blood vessels. The Amino Acid Reduction Formula, diet, certain phytochemicals and herbs work efficaciously to attack cancer cells at each and every biological front.

The generous amounts of one cooked vegetable or a combination of such helps keep normal cells healthy. They are low in carbohydrates and proteins, and high in phytochemicals, compounds which help fight cancer. Patients are allowed to eat these vegetables and salads whenever desired.

The 8 to 10 olives are rich in squalene and oleic acid, nutrients that have been reported to inhibit certain cancer growth factors. The calories in olives also help control body weight and increases ketones in the blood. Ketones help fight cancer by impairing glycolosis – a process in which cancer cells depend almost exclusively upon for their daily supply of energy. Vinegar (and fructose) are two natural products that increase the production of both ACETIC ACID and CITRIC ACID in the body.

Acetic acid and citric acid also help fight cancer by shutting down the process of glycolosis.
Normal cells derive most of their daily energy supply from acetic acid and citric acid, where as cancer cells derive most of their daily energy from glycolosis.

Dinner:

Amino acid formula (4 plastic level scoops) mixed with any of the following: Water & fructose; Sugar free Kool–Ade; Diet Ginger Ale; Fresh lemonade & Fructose; Chicken or Beef broth; V8 Juice.
Generous amounts of One cooked vegetable or a combination of the following: asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, spinach, squash, string beans.
One serving (1/2 cup) of stewed plums with fresh cream & fructose; use 4-ounces of orange juice if plums are not in season.
Avacado salad with lettuce, tomatoes, celery, onions, with lemon juice and coconut oil or olive oil.
2 tablespoons of vinegar (minimum of 5% acidity) add to vegetables or food.
1 serving of grits or corn or pasta or rice (Add garlic and butter or tomato sauce)
1 cup of green or black tea (Fructose as desired)

Mid Evening Snack: Ketogenic Cocktail – 2 ounces of fresh cream, ½ ounce each of both coconut & olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Fructose.
Sugar free Jell-O with whipped cream & Fructose or 1 plum or 4 ounces of orange juice.

Explanation: The sugar free jell-o helps to appease the appetite. Plums contain quinlic acid, which is converted into benzoic acid in the body and which in turn helps to deplete the availability of the amino acid Glycine (Glycine is essential to the synthesis of DNA for cancer cells) and the proteins that cancer cells require to build new blood vessels and their tumor growth factors. If underweight take two ounces of light cream and one ounce of olive oil/coconut oil as needed to maintain weight.

Optional Meal:

3 to 4 ounces of Veal, Fish of choice, Beef, Chicken breast, and 1-slice of white bread.

Consume this meal with a minimum of 3 hours before or after taking the amino acids.

Explanation: If the patient is 10 or more pounds underweight or if their albumin levels are below normal is when the optional meal is allowed. This meal should be eaten a minimum of 3 hours before or after taking the amino acids. CAAT provides sufficient protein to maintain the health of normal cells and adequate amounts of calories to maintain desired body weight. Any proteins taken in excess of amounts recommended in the diet will counter act the benefits of the CAAT protocol.

Special Diets: A special diet will be created for any cancer patient whose ability to consume food and liquids has placed them in a critical situation. When a patient is using a feeding apparatus, or they have become too weak or lethargic to eat and drink the daily minimum amount for survival, we will break up the total breakfast, lunch, and dinner over a period of every 2 hours during the entire day until the patient is capable of returning to a daily diet as outlined above.

Carbohydrate and glucose reduction in this diet: CAAT’S dietary menu provides approximately 20 percent of its calories in the form of carbohydrates. Calories need not be a focal point or counted daily. It is recommended that all patients combat their cancers by keeping their body weight at normal or slightly below normal levels. A patient’s desired body weight is regulated by their rate of metabolism, which in turn is regulated by their blood levels of thyroxine, cortisone, insulin, and the amounts of fats and oils in the diet. Studies with human cancer patients and laboratory animals show that reducing the calories of carbohydrates (glucose) in their daily diet by only 10 percent reduced the size of cancerous tumors. When carbohydrate (glucose) calories were reduced 40 percent, the cancers disappeared. It is recommended that those patients who are obese gradually and systematically lose their excess weight to increase the efficiency of the CAAT protocol. Those patients who are underweight shoudn’t gain weight unless they are more than 10 pounds below normal levels. When a patient is underweight due to anorexia or cachexia, such illnesses must be addressed before the CAAT protocol can begin.

Why we use Fructose and Vinegar to treat cancer:

Nobel Prize winner Dr. Otto Warburg discovered more than 50 years ago that all cancer cells produce inordinate amount of lactic acid but he couldn’t explain why.

In 2001 our Institute published the first study to show that cancer cells produce excess amounts of lactic acid because they could not access the oxygen in compartments in the cells called the mitochondria. This provided evidence that cancer cells depend almost exclusively upon glycolosis or the metabolism of glucose as their major source of energy.

Dr. Spitz and Dr. Lee with other cancer researchers published studies showing that when cancer cells are deprived glucose, their energy supply is cut off which causes these cancer cells to commit suicide.

Therefore shutting down glycolosis would be one means of destroying cancer cells because energy can only be derived from glucose through the metabolic process called glycolosis.

Recently our Cancer Institute discovered that both acetic acid and citric acid could inhibit the activity of a key enzyme in glycolosis called phosphofructokinase, which in turn shuts down the process of glycolosis. Our cancer Institute is the first to introduce both fructose and vinegar as treatments for cancer because they either contain or produce acetic acid.

In conclusion, fructose and vinegar are added as supplements to the CAAT protocol because of their acetic acid properties that help shut down glycolosis, shutting off cancer cells energy supply and causing them to die off.

Phase 3: Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements are based on each unique situation. For example, slow growing cancers produce low levels of toxic free radicals. Tumor cells that grow aggressively produce large amounts of toxic free radicals. The patient will be instructed whether or not to take anti-oxidants (in a nutritional supplement) and at what dosage, according to the levels of toxic free radicals produced in the cancerous cells.

An example of how nutritional supplements can help manipulate cancer cells involves vitamin B-6 (pyroxidine) There are four amino acids essential to the synthesis of DNA. However, those amino acids cannot be synthesized without a certain enzyme, which includes vitamin B-6 among other components. Any supplement containing vitamin B-6 SHOULD NOT be taken during the first 2 months of the CAAT protocol.

The patient will be instructed as to which nutritional supplements or phytochemicals should be purchased and at what dosage strength. Keep in mind that each supplement only complements the CAAT protocol. However, when they are combined they augment the therapeutic benefits of the aminoacid, carbohydrate, and glucose reduction diet.

Parsley: Contains ingredients that can help shut down certain enzymes called Epithelial Growth Factors, which stimulate the growth and spread of cancer. ( CAAT’S amino acid reduction diet works in the same manner )

Vitamin D: Helps activate in many kinds of cancers enzymes called Phosphotases, which literally shut down the activities of other enzymes called Kinases, which are essential to the growth and reproduction of cancer cells.

Green Tea Extract: Phytochemicals in tea help shut down glycolosis (cancer cell’s main supplier of energy) and thereby help to starve cancer cells to death. These effects help complement the effects of CAAT’S carbohydrate reduction.

Anti-Oxidants: The controversy as to whether or not to treat cancer with anti-oxidants is slowly resolving with the current understanding of how they affect the activity of genes and enzymes in cancer cells. The prevailing data shows that the benefits or lack of benefits depend upon the oxidative state the cancer cells are in. Anti-oxidants taken when the cells are in a very high oxidative state may prevent cancer cells from entering apoptosis ( apoptosis is when a cancer cell commits suicide) When oxidative stress in cancer cells is only slightly above normal, anti-oxidants are then expected to stop their growth and reproduction.

Blood Chemistry: Blood tests are usually taken every 6 to 8 weeks, depending upon the results of each test. Not only is it important to monitor the tumor markers but equally important to keep abreast of the overall health of normal tissues and organs. For example, it is important to learn of the health of the kidneys and liver, whether the body is producing sufficient red and white blood cells, etc. Low albumin levels most often indicate insufficient intake of proteins in the diet and this problem would have to be addressed. CAAT is designed to attack cancer but keep the normal cells and tissues functioning harmoniously.

Whey Protein: This protein food is recommended at the breakfast meal to help meet the daily needs of amino acids for the normal cells of the body, and to help keep albumin levels normal and to help prevent edema. We recommend Whey protein purchased from the Vitamin Shoppe because it is the only brand that we have seen with no phosphorous or additional vitamins added to it.

Grits: Grits are also recommended at the breakfast meal in place of whole grains because it is low in vitamin B-6. Cancer cells require B-6 to manufacture the amino acid Glycine, which is required for DNA synthesis. Grits, instead of whole grains, therefore helps prevent cancer cells from manufacturing DNA and building new blood vessels.

Calcium D-Glucurate: This phytochemical helps the body to retain a compound called Glucuronic acid. This is necessary to eliminate both estrogen and testosterone from the body. This is why Calcium D-Glucurate is added to the regiments of patients with breast & prostate cancers. Calcium D-Glucurate is not to be confused with calcium carbonate, which is nothing more than a calcium supplement.

D-Limonene: This phytochemical found mostly in citrus fruits blocks the process called Isoprenylation, which is necessary for tumor growth factors such as the RAS gene, Epithelial Growth factor, Tyrosine Kinase, and Insulin-Like-Growth-factor, to send their signals into the nucleus of a cancer cell and directs them to grow and divide into more cancer cells.

Tocotrienols: This member of the Vitamin E family also helps shut down Isoprenylation and assists D-Limonene in blocking the actions of the various tumor growth factors. More specifically, tocotrienols shut down an enzyme called HMG-2, which is essential to the synthesis of the building blocks that form the Isoprenylation process.

Niacin: This B-Complex vitamin works with D-limonene and the Tocotrienols to shut down the process of Isoprenylation, which as mentioned above prevents the cancer promoting RAS genes from sending signals into the nucleus of the cell. Niacin also helps deplete thee amino acid Glycine, which cancer cells need to synthesize DNA. And by reducing cholesterole in the body, Niacin helps lower the production of estrogen and testosterone.

Choline: This B-complex vitamin is included in our supplement list to help the liver metabolize Niacin and other compounds and to help fight fatigue that accompanies most forms of cancer.

Selenium: Numerous studies show that this mineral can interfere with the activity of certain genes that promote the growth of cancer and to induce cancer cells to commit suicide (apoptosis)

Perilla Oil: This oil is rich in Alpha Linolenic Acid which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in several ways. One way is to inhibit the synthesis in the body of a tumor growth promotin hormone called Prostaglandin-2, also, Alpha Linolenic Acid inhibits the actions of certain genes that promote the growth of cancer cells. Linolenic acid is not to be confused with linoleic acid, which is a bad fat that stimulates the growth of cancer cells. This bad fat, linoleic acid, is found in all vegetable oils and nuts (With the exception of coconut oil). Olive oil has the least amount of this bad fat.

Super Miraforte: This herb impairs the synthesis of estrogen from testosterone in the body and is included in the regiments of women with breast cancer.
Licorice Root Extract & Pantothenic Acid: This herb and vitamin are added to the regiment when it is desirable to produce steroid like actions in the body. Also used to help patient’s gain weight and to inhibit the growth of lymphomas and leukemia’s.

Resveratrol: This phytochemical blocks the actions of a number of a number of cancer promoting genes thereby causing cancer cells to enter into apoptosis (cell death) and is included in the treatment of all cancers.

Indole-3 Carbinol & D.I.M.: These two phytochemicals block the actions of both estrogen and testosterone and are included in the regiments of both breast and prostate gland cancer.

Melatonin: Numerous studies show that this hormone blocks the synthesis of the cancer promoting chemicals in the body called Leukotrienes, and is included in the treatment of all cancers.

Artho Pro System: This combination of herbs and phytochemicals inhibits the synthesis of the cancer promoting hormone called Prostaglandin-2 and the Leukotriens and replaces the drug celebrex when liver problems are present. The Prostaglandin hormone is over active in most cancers and stimulates cancer growth. The body manufactures the Prostaglandin hormone from the bad fat, Linoleic acid, mentioned above.

Licorice Root Extract & Pantothenic Acid: This HERB and VITAMIN are added to the regiment when it is desirable to produce steroid like actions in the body. Used also to help patients gain weight and ti inhibit the growth of Lymphomas and Leukemias.

CAAT is designed to attack cancer, while keeping normal cells and tissues functioning harmoniously.

* When considering any type of complementary cancer treatment or alternative cancer treatment, always consult with your physician first, as possible interactions could reduce your regimen’s efficacy.

If this information has generated any questions you would like answered.