Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments

Find Alternative Treatments for Mesothelioma

     Researchers are now studying how to imitate or stimulate the immune system's natural response to Mesothelioma or asbestos cancer. There are ways to possibly assist your own immune system in fighting mesothelioms without interfering with chemotherapy, radiation or other traditional forms of treatment. In fact, some may actually enhance the efficiency of traditional methods. You could help your immune system by any of the following:
 
 * Promote your relaxation response often. You might consider massage, Yoga, meditation, breathing    methods or other less structured forms of relaxation.
   

* Consider taking Melatonin (10 to 20 milligrams one hour before bed).
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* Take an immune modulator: eat gourmet mushrooms, take mushroom extracts, herbal  preparations of Astragalus and Ecchinacea, purified in concentrated colostrum products. A product called AG-Immune by BodyWise has these elements in one capsule.
 

* Add enzymes before meals to enhance chemotherapy drugs and possibly extend survival. Over-the- counter supplements are available at health food stores. If you are serious about enzyme therapy, you should consult a practitioner familiar with appropriate dosages.
 

Immuno-Augmentation Therapy
     Researchers are examining ways in which your immune system distinguishes between healthy cells and cancer cells. Types of Immuno-therapy may allow for repair of cells or stimulation of the immune system to fight and destroy mesothelioma cells. Some immune therapies have been studied in traditional cancer programs and have been incorporated into traditional treatment programs for certain cancers, including mesothelioma
Immuno-Augmentation Therapy (IAT) was developed by the late Lawrence Burton, Ph.D. and has been used with patients in the Bahamas since 1977. The treatment program is based on an assessment of immunocompetence. Cancer patients are felt to be lacking in various elements that would normally keep their immune system vigilant. Certain blood factors are used to reestablish the proper immune balance so their immune system can fight the cancer cells.
 

Antineoplaston Therapy
     Antineoplastons are naturally occurring proteins found in the urine and blood of all humans and other animals. Certain of these proteins are believed to inhibit cancer cell growth. "Health" patterns of these substances have been identified in urine. Also, patterns associated with certain disease states including cancer have also been observed. Abnormal patterns involve absence of lack of some of the substances. Restoring the missing or lacking substances to "healthy" levels is thought to actually reprogram diseased cells to become normal again. The National Cancer Institute has interest in studies to determine the effectiveness of antineoplaston therapy in patients with several advanced malignant mesothelioma cases.
 

Gene Therapy
Gene Therapy or Replacement Gene Therapy both hold promise as ways to correct an abnormal gene that causes cancer to grow out of control. Gene Therapy treats cancer at the DNA level. Replacement Gene Therapy involves replacing a mutated or missing gene to prevent cancer from growing out of control.
 

Photodynamic Therapy
     PDT uses a laser to stimulate a photosensitive drug. Used in conjunction with surgery, the laser kills only the cancer cells when they react to the photosensitive drugs. With mesothelioma, a laser light chosen for its ability to activate the photosensitizing agent targets the pleura through a fiber optic device.
 

Visual or Guided Imagery
      Visual Imagery refers to the creation of mental images which could positively effect the state of one's health. Cancer patients often use relaxation and mental imaging to improve their immune response or to combat negative side effects of traditional chemotherapy or radiation. Imagery is a powerful tool in use with cancer. It is practiced extensively by cancer patients and therapists who work with cancer patients even though its potential for bringing about physical recovery remains an open question.
 

     Guided imagery involves the process of letting a person's voice guide you to a deeper state of relaxation, where an imaginary experience feels so real that it can include sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and emotion.
You can communicate with the deepest parts of your mind through the use of images - especially effective when the images convey symbols of deep feelings. If the feelings encourage self-worth, healing, pleasure, and simple relaxation, your mind is capable of directing your body to respond with the release of various neurochemicals that offer you a specific response. Although both these treatment techniques are very controversial and few believe they have any real influence on the treatment of mesothelioma, many argue that they do in fact have a positive effect on a persons recovery from mesothelioma.
 
These are just a few of the claimed benefits of visual or guided therapy:
I. Reduces difficult emotions like fear, powerlessness, and depression
II. Instills confidence and creates optimism
III. Reduces physical tension and stress
IV. Helps to manage pain and reduce unwanted suffering
V. Helps to reduce unwanted side effects during treatment
VI. Enhances the immune response
VII. Speeds healing
VIII. Deepens a persons "will to live"
IX. Helps to evaluate and change unhealthy beliefs
X. Helps create a positive atmosphere
XI. Help to attain a higher quality of life
 
     Athletes know that imagery must be added to a workout schedule in order to encourage peak performance of the body. In the same way, guided imagery can be added to conventional medical treatment for peak performance then too. As doctors finally come to understand that we need to treat illnesses three-dimensionally. Rather than as just treating the affected organs, we have discovered that one of our most valuable assets we bring to our health is the power of our own mind.
Other alternative therapies include treatments such as acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy, and therapeutic massage. Many mesothelioma patients use alternative practices in conjunction with traditional therapies. This type of "integrative" approach is considered holistic because it treats the "whole" person, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Consultation with a specialist in these fields and with your doctor is always recommended before beginning any treatment.

You should always inform your doctor of any type of treatment you are considering. More information on diet and nutrients therapy for the mesothelioma patient is found in Nutritional Treatments.