Oroma B Nwanodi
Locum Tenens, USA
Title: Homeopathy and nutraceuticals: Adjuvants and adverse effect resolvers
Biography
Biography: Oroma B Nwanodi
Abstract
Background: Conventional cancer treatment is associated with resistant cancer development, treatment and quality of life limiting adverse effects, and patients’ inability to complete intended treatment plans. Conventional cancer treatment’s adverse effects lead 36.1% of cancer patients to seek integrative cancer treatments, which can provide a 15 percentage-point improvement in cancer patients’ health status.
Methods: PubMed searches in September 2016 and January 2017, and Google Scholar searches in August 2016 were performed with search terms “Homeopathy or Nutraceuticals or Phytochemicals Cancer Treatment”. Adjuvant characteristics and adverse effects were taken from these searches. Supplemental specific hand searches were performed as needed.
Findings: At least five homeopathic formulations are immunologic adjuvants, activating natural killer cell destruction of cancer and virally infected cells. Even delayed start homeopathy can extend survival. Organosulphur are also immunologic chemosensitizers. Terpenes can inhibit or reverse drug resistance. Epigallocatechin modulates estrogen receptor expression. Polyunsaturated fatty
acids are cancer cell membrane chemoradiation sensitizers. Esterified vitamin E analogues and Ayurvedic Triphala radiosensitize the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Curcumin and resveratrol also radiosensitize cancer cells. Withaferin A is synergistic with cisplatin permitting a smaller cisplatin dose while maintaining cisplatin’s effectiveness. Conventional cancer treatment associated anxiety, asthenia, depression, dermatitis, folliculitis, hot flushes, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, and stomatitis, respond to numerous homeopathic treatments including hetero-isotherapy. Conventional cancer treatment associated hand-foot syndrome, hematologic toxicity, mucositis, pain, sleep dysfunction, and overall toxicity respond to several nutraceuticals.
Conclusion & Significance: Evidence exists for concurrent homeopathy and nutraceuticals usage to prevent or limit conventional cancer treatment-associated adverse effects. In vitro evidence suggests that homeopathy and nutraceuticals are effective chemoradiation sensitizers and adjuvants, with synergistic potential. Positive human trials would facilitate a broader and deeper role for homeopathy and nutraceuticals in integrative cancer treatment.