Q&A with BCCT

Integrative cancer therapies pose many practical, legal and ethical questions for patients and practitioners. We welcome your comments.

Michael Lerner

Diagnostic Testing

Question: I was diagnosed with lung cancer (NSCLC) a year ago stage IV with metastasis to bones, liver, brain and left breast; genetic study revealed MET axon 14 Skipping mutation, I was given chemo, immunotherapy, targeted therapy but no shrinkage of the tumor in the chest. Could I do chemosensitivity testing now and how and where is done? I was treated in Toronto, Canada, many thanks.

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Therapies

Accessing Restricted Therapies

Question: I have a friend who is in significant pain from bone cancer. I am aware of the negative side effects of many of the mainstream pain medications. CBD products (cannabis) have an excellent safety profile and there is a substantial literature on its benefits for cancer pain. It is legal in adjacent states but not in my state. I could readily drive over the border to obtain some for my friend, who is eager to try it, but that would be illegal. What should I do?

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I just finished reading Michael Pollan’s book How to Change Your Mind: What the new science of psychedelics teaches us about consciousness, dying, addiction, depression and transcendence. Inspired by Pollan’s book, I read James Fadiman’s The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic and Sacred Journeys. My wife has breast cancer and is quite depressed. She has a life history of depression following experiences of abuse in childhood. Pollan makes a powerful research-based case for the benefits of MDMA, psilocybin, and even ayuahasca as ways to address cancer, depression, and PTSD. Fadiman’s collection of key writings from others as well as his own observations provides further reinforcement for my sense that the risk is low if one proceeds carefully and the potential benefits can be life transformative. Yet these substances are Schedule 1 drugs, strongly disapproved by the FDA. Should we take the legal risk and try one of these substances for her healing—and mine?

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Searching Therapies

Question: I would like to search by condition. For example, I would like to find therapies used with CLL. Thank you.

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Natural Products and Supplements

Question: Can't I just use all the supplements and therapies that come up [in the Search Therapy Summaries list] for my kind of cancer?

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Question: my husband has stage 4 gastric cancer and is currently getting FLOT chemotherapy. we're hoping he will be a surgical candidate. wondering if turkey tail mushroom extract may help and if does what does do we use and where do I get it? thanks!!

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Question: I am interested in learning more about the use of Turkey Tail Mushrooms (PSK extract) for lung cancer. Are there certain companies that you would recommend?

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Question: Do you have a brand of Coriolus versicolor /PSK that manufactured in US that meet the potency in the Japan and US research? Thank you for your help!)

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Question: Pls Dr I have a fibroid I don't want to have an operation, do u think I can take turkey tail mushroom to cure it. Thank you.

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ONCAs (Off-label, Overlooked and Novel Cancer Approaches)

Question: My son suffering from ewing sarcoma mettasised to his bones and brain and at present he his under steroids and other medication can i start him LDN along with alopic acid, waiting for ur kind reply.

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Question: Hi, I have T2a bladder cancer. My question is what is the dosage frequency of LDN? As I have been taking LDN for 18mths now for my psoriatic arthritis.

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Question: Do you have any information about the use of fenbendazole as an anit-cancer treatment?

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Other Therapies

Question: There is no mention of fasting regimens in here, and perhaps it is still too early to run down that path. But the work of Dr. Walter Longo from USC is showing significant improvements in chemo effectiveness when combined with a fasting mimicking diet. Something to consider in the very near future.

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Expense and Access

Many of these integrative cancer therapies are expensive—and not reimbursed on health insurance. Beyond that, there are millions of low-income people for whom they are completely inaccessible. How do you address the issue of access?

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Specific Cancers

Question: Hello. I'd like more suggestions on help with assisting my treatment for Myloma. Thank you

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Question: I am interested in the information regarding metastatic breast cancer. 

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My son’s 8 year old son has leukemia. BCCT does not seem to address childhood cancers. Why this omission?

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Question: I diagnosed of cervical cancer,I'm very stressful,can you help m

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Caregiving

Question: My mother is 74 years old. She was just diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She only wants to do conventional therapies. I am aware that some integrative therapies—diet, stress reduction, exercise, social support and the like—might enhance her quality of life and potentially extend her life. How can I convince her to try them?

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Healthcare Professionals

Question: Hello: I’m a practicing oncology pharmacist in Southern California. I have an interest in integrative oncology and would like to pursue some trainings, preferably remotely when possible due to family and work obligations. Please advise if you have anything that can assist me with this desire. Thank you.

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Treatment Centers

Question: Is there a week retreat or other learning avenues that are open to the public

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Question: Good afternoon. I would like to have my cancer treatment in Mexico, how can I do that, is there some place I can contact ? Thank you

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Social Support

Question: I was recently diagnosised w/glioblastoma and am looking for support.

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BCCT Services

Question: I want to know more about your service and pricing.

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Question: I would like to know more about integrative cancer programs that you offer- have had stage 4 cancer diagnosis for almost 3 years and VERY interested in more integrative program! Thank you.....

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Last updated September 1, 2020.

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