PDF Summary:How to Starve Cancer, by Jane McLelland

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, most people turn to conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. But what if these approaches aren't enough? In How to Starve Cancer, Jane McLelland argues that effective cancer treatment requires a different strategy—one that targets cancer's metabolic vulnerabilities by cutting off its fuel sources.

McLelland explains that cancer cells are metabolically flexible, able to switch between glucose, amino acids, and fats to survive. She presents a multi-targeted approach that combines diet, supplements, and repurposed medications to simultaneously block multiple metabolic pathways. This guide covers the science behind cancer metabolism, practical interventions for starving cancer cells, and strategies for working with healthcare providers to implement a personalized treatment plan that goes beyond conventional options.

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(Shortform note: HIF is a protein that helps cells adapt to low oxygen levels. When oxygen is low, HIF becomes stable and moves into the cell nucleus, where it binds to specific DNA sequences called hypoxia response elements (HREs) in the VEGF gene. This binding acts like a switch, turning on the VEGF gene and increasing the production of VEGF mRNA. The more HIF binds to these HREs, the more VEGF mRNA is made, leading to higher levels of VEGF protein. This process helps cells survive in low-oxygen conditions by promoting the growth of new blood vessels.)

McLelland reminds us that metastases (secondary cancers) cause more than 80% of fatalities. She suggests taking available genetic drugs to reduce and weaken rapidly dividing cells. She also suggests careful use of immunotherapy medications, pointing out that they are most effective only if you have a healthy microbiome—especially if you have adequate bifidobacteria—and when the growth factors and metabolism have been normalized. Otherwise, you might end up needing higher doses that grow more toxic in your attempt to defeat the cancer, ultimately arriving at a stage where the immune system just collapses. Drugs used in immunotherapy can cause severe inflammation and autoimmune issues.

(Shortform note: Bifidobacteria are a group of bacteria that live in the intestines and help break down complex carbohydrates. They also interact with the immune system. They’re considered beneficial bacteria and are often included in probiotic supplements.)

McLelland states that additional treatments can be incorporated into your regimen to boost the likelihood of eliminating cancer, such as using light-based treatment, HIFU, targeted radiation like cyberknife or Proton Beam, and thermal therapy. She also recommends using drugs and supplements to focus on MMPs and growth factors. Preventing these is crucial to stopping growth. Additionally, block estrogen, which contributes to certain cancers, notably brain, lung, breast, uterine, cervical, and prostate cancers. DIM (Diindolylmethane), indole-3-carbinol, tamoxifen, melatonin, and metformin can help. Additionally, each can inhibit IGF-1.

(Shortform note: Blocking estrogen can increase the risk of blood clots, especially when using tamoxifen. Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is commonly used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer by blocking estrogen's effects on breast tissue. However, it can also increase the risk of blood clots, particularly in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism). This risk is higher in women who are older, overweight, or have a history of blood clots. Other estrogen-blocking drugs, such as aromatase inhibitors, may also increase the risk of blood clots, although the risk is generally lower than with tamoxifen. It's important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of estrogen-blocking therapy with your doctor, especially if you have a history of blood clots or other risk factors.)

She advises exploring pharmaceutical or supplementary options to address the irregular pathways of cellular signaling that your tumor indicates (Sonic Hedgehog, Wnt, Notch). Your physician or online medical journals should provide this information. She also suggests enhancing immune function and possibly using cimetidine for three months post-treatment if you've moved toward a Th2-skewed immune response. Various mushrooms used in Chinese medicinal practices (such as maitake and turkey tail) will aid in stimulating better immune function. Melatonin is especially effective when combined with interleukin 2 (IL2) to treat certain cancers, like kidney cancer.

(Shortform note: The Th2-skewed immune response is a relatively new concept in immunology. It refers to the idea that the immune system can be biased toward a particular type of response, in this case, the Th2 response. The Th2 response is one of the two main types of immune responses, the other being the Th1 response. Th2 responses are characterized by the production of certain cytokines (signaling molecules) and the activation of specific immune cells, such as eosinophils and mast cells. Th2 responses are typically associated with allergic reactions and defense against parasites. A Th2-skewed immune response means that the immune system is more likely to mount a Th2 response than a Th1 response. This can have implications for how the body responds to infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.)

McLelland suggests receiving oxygenation by taking large amounts of intravenous vitamin C or liposomal C (ascorbate) a minimum of three times weekly, while making sure to inhibit pathways involving glutamine and fats. This approach will not succeed if it's used in isolation or solely with inhibitors of glycolysis. Consider adding hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) or ozone infusions. She also suggests staying away from stress as much as you can. Meditation, visualizations, stretching, pilates, and soothing baths—use whatever benefits you. Propranolol helps manage high stress levels, and it also has the added benefit of inhibiting cancer spread by blocking MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGF (keep in mind that you shouldn’t combine it with dipyridamole). She notes that morning is when cortisol levels peak.

Vitamin C as a Cancer Therapy

The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute both note that high-dose vitamin C is an investigational therapy for cancer, and that there’s no evidence that it improves survival. There’s also no evidence that it’s an effective oxygenation therapy. The idea that vitamin C can treat cancer was first proposed in the 1970s by Linus Pauling, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist. He and a Scottish surgeon named Ewan Cameron published a study in 1976 that suggested high-dose vitamin C could improve survival in terminal cancer patients. However, subsequent studies at the Mayo Clinic failed to replicate these results, leading to skepticism about vitamin C's effectiveness as a cancer treatment. The theory behind vitamin C as a cancer therapy is that it acts as an antioxidant, protecting normal cells from damage while potentially generating hydrogen peroxide that can kill cancer cells. Some laboratory studies have shown that high concentrations of vitamin C can slow the growth of cancer cells in test tubes and animal models. However, these effects have not been consistently demonstrated in human clinical trials.

Next, we will cover pharmacological interventions and strategies for nutrition and living.

Pharmacological Interventions

Pharmacological interventions can increase how well chemotherapy works. McLelland mentions several substances that can help, such as: - Berberine: A substance that blocks calcium channels and retains the cytotoxic drug in malignant cells for longer, enhancing the likelihood of intercepting them during active division and eliminating them. Additionally, it focuses on SREBP-1. - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These trigger apoptosis at high doses and disrupt the phase of cell division that is most receptive to chemotherapy drugs.

(Shortform note: SREBP-1 is a protein that acts as a master switch, turning on genes that help cells make and take in fats and cholesterol. It does this by attaching itself to specific parts of DNA, which then kickstarts the production of enzymes needed for fat and cholesterol synthesis.)

• Vitamin C: Targets the mitochondria of cancer stem cells, interrupting a crucial part of glycolysis and triggering apoptosis. It is more beneficial for solid tumors compared to blood cancers or lymphomas. - Metformin: Reduces IGF-1, which isn't possible with berberine. - Mebendazole: A chemotherapy enhancer that shows promise for pediatric brain cancers because it is almost non-toxic. - Statins and dipyridamole: Can be used to mitigate the cardiac impact of NSAIDs and enhance efficacy. - Substances like tea, resveratrol, and curcumin: Also help improve the efficacy of chemotherapy.

Integrating Chemotherapy Enhancers

To integrate these chemotherapy enhancers into your cancer care program, consider forming a multidisciplinary review committee to evaluate the latest research on their efficacy and safety. This committee can assess potential drug interactions, determine appropriate dosing protocols, and develop patient education materials to ensure safe and effective implementation. By systematically reviewing options like vitamin C, metformin, mebendazole, statins with dipyridamole, tea, resveratrol, and curcumin, your organization can make informed decisions about which therapies to offer alongside standard chemotherapy treatments.

Dietary & Lifestyle Strategies

McLelland emphasizes that eating low-glycaemic foods is vital for starving cancer. This type of diet avoids simple sugars and foods with a high glycemic index that cause blood sugar and insulin levels to spike. Cancer cells feed on glucose, meaning that keeping blood sugar low is a key strategy for depriving them. Eating low on the glycaemic index also helps you avoid saturated fats and proteins that can fuel certain cancers.

(Shortform note: While eating low-glycaemic foods is important for starving cancer, there are some situations where it may not be the top priority. For example, if a patient is undernourished or losing weight rapidly, preventing further weight and muscle loss may take precedence over strictly eating low-glycaemic foods. In these cases, the focus may need to shift to ensuring adequate calorie and protein intake to maintain strength and energy.)

Integrative Implementation & Monitoring

McLelland believes that integrative cancer treatment, which involves combining conventional and complementary approaches, is the best strategy. She recommends that patients work with a group of specialists, including an oncologist, a dietitian, a wellness guide, a dental professional, and a physiotherapist. She also suggests taking a mix of low-toxicity medications and natural treatments to reach remission. However, she acknowledges that medicine is slow to evolve, so patients must take the lead in demanding improved treatment.

(Shortform note: This approach to cancer care is part of a broader medical movement called integrative oncology. This subspecialty of oncology emerged from research on how nonstandard therapies influence symptoms, quality of life, and adherence to standard treatment plans. Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that uses mind and body practices, natural products, and lifestyle modifications alongside conventional treatments.)

Next, we will cover the Push-Pulse Protocol and personalized monitoring and collaborative care.

The Press-Pulse Protocol

McLelland explains that the Press-Pulse Protocol aims to deprive malignant cells of sustenance and destroy them. This dual strategy involves the “press” part, which aims to deprive the cells of nutrients they need to grow, and the “pulse” part, which aims to kill them. Cancer cells need fat and proteins to build new cells and glucose to fuel them. If you starve them of glucose, they will use different energy sources, such as glutamine and fat. The protocol aims to cut off energy sources to the cancerous cells.

The Origins of the Press-Pulse Protocol’s Name

The Press-Pulse Protocol’s name and approach may have been inspired by an academic paper published in 1984 by ecology researchers. In the paper, the ecologists explain that there are two types of environmental disturbances that can affect a biological community: a “press” disturbance, which is a continuous, long-term stressor, and a “pulse” disturbance, which is a short-term, intense stressor. The researchers argue that understanding how these different types of disturbances affect ecosystems can help us better understand how communities respond to environmental changes. The Press-Pulse Protocol’s approach of combining continuous and intermittent treatments to target cancer cells mirrors this ecological concept of using different types of disturbances to reshape biological communities.

Personalized Monitoring & Collaborative Care

McLelland emphasizes how crucial personalized monitoring is. She believes people must demand consistent metabolic tests to track their progress. These include antigen markers, a TM2PK test, levels of lactate dehydrogenase, a PET scan to show glucose uptake, a test to assess the ratio of lactate production to glucose consumption, and scans to detect oxygen consumption.

(Shortform note: Since the publication of How to Starve Cancer, cancer researchers have developed new ways to personalize monitoring. In addition to the tests McLelland lists, many oncologists now use blood tests to track circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). This approach allows doctors to directly measure tumor DNA in the bloodstream, providing a more precise way to monitor cancer progression and treatment response.)

Additionally, McLelland asserts that effective cancer treatment relies on a comprehensive strategy involving an oncologist. The oncologist can assist with decisions, whether traditional or alternative, and aid in understanding the cancer's metabolic characteristics.

(Shortform note: When working with an oncologist to make decisions about traditional and alternative treatment options, consider using a shared decision-making process. This approach involves open communication between you and your oncologist, where you discuss your values, preferences, and treatment goals.)