Phytochemical Modulation of Ion Channels in Oncologic Symptomatology and Treatment.

Modern chemotherapies offer a broad approach to cancer treatment but eliminate both cancer and non-cancer cells indiscriminately and, thus, are associated with a host of side effects. Advances in precision oncology have brought about new targeted therapeutics, albeit mostly limited to a subset of patients with an actionable mutation. They too come with side effects and, ultimately, 'self-resistance' to the treatment. There is recent interest in the modulation of ion channels, transmembrane proteins that regulate the flow of electrically charged molecules in and out of cells, as an approach to aid treatment of cancer. Phytochemicals have been shown to act on ion channels with high specificity regardless of the tumor's genetic profile. This paper explores the use of phytochemicals in cancer symptom management and treatment.

A Case Study Using Papaya Leaf Extract to Reverse Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a GBM Patient.

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) is a critical condition in which platelet counts are abnormally reduced following the administration of chemotherapeutic compounds. CIT poses a treatment conundrum to clinicians given the increased risk of spontaneous bleeding, obstacles to surgical management of tumors, and exclusion from clinical trials. Treatment of CIT involves the removal of the offending agent combined with platelet infusion or thrombopoietin agonist treatment. However, due to the autoimmune and infection risks associated with infusions, this treatment is only reserved for patients with critically low platelet counts. One potential solution for patients in the mid to low platelet count range is Carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE). In this case, we report the novel use of CPLE as a method of bolstering platelet counts in a patient presenting with CIT. The patient was initiated on CPLE therapy consisting of 1 tablespoon twice daily with meals. Following CPLE treatment, the patient's platelet counts rebounded from less than 10,000/µL to 113,000/µL. This clinical vignette supports the use of CPLE in the clinical context of CIT when thrombopoietin agonists are not a viable option. The potential benefits of CPLE as a method for increasing platelet count deserve further exploration, especially as a treatment option for refractory patients or those ill-suited for other traditional thrombocytopenia therapies.

Integrative medicine considerations for convalescence from mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease.

The majority of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease. Convalescence from mild-to-moderate (MtoM) COVID-19 disease may be supported by integrative medicine strategies. Integrative Medicine (IM) is defined as healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. Integrative medicine strategies that may support recovery from MtoM COVID-19 are proposed given their clinically studied effects in related conditions. Adoption of an anti-inflammatory diet, supplementation with vitamin D, glutathione, melatonin, Cordyceps, Astragalus and garlic have potential utility. Osteopathic manipulation, Qigong, breathing exercises and aerobic exercise may support pulmonary recovery. Stress reduction, environmental optimization, creative expression and aromatherapy can provide healing support and minimize enduring trauma. These modalities would benefit from clinical trials in people recovering from COVID-19 infection.

Naturopathic Oncology Modified Delphi Panel.

UNLABELLED: Naturopathic oncology is a relatively new and emerging field capable of providing professional integrative or alternative services to cancer patients. Foundational research is critical to identify topics in the clinical and research development of naturopathic oncology for future growth of the field. STUDY DESIGN: This study implements a modified Delphi protocol to develop expert consensus regarding ethics, philosophy, and research development in naturopathic oncology. METHODS: The modified protocol implements a nomination process to select a panel of 8 physicians and to assist in question formulation. The protocol includes an in-person discussion of 6 questions with multiple iterations to maintain the concept of the Delphi methodology as well as a postdiscussion consensus survey. RESULTS: The protocol identified, ranked, and established consensus for numerous themes per question. Underlying key topics include integration with conventional medicine, evidence-based medicine, patient education, patient safety, and additional training requirements for naturopathic oncologists. CONCLUSIONS: The systematic nomination and questioning of a panel of experts provides a foundational and educational resource to assist in clarification of clinical ethics, philosophy, and research development in the emerging field of naturopathic oncology.