Traumeel S Combats Stomatitis
For the first time in memory, a mainstream cancer journal has published an article favorable to homeopathy. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) concerned the homeopathic medication Traumeel S. The patients were all children receiving high-dose chemotherapy with bone marrow transplantation. This is a treatment that often results in stomatitis (inflammation of the soft tissues of the mouth, resulting in mouth sores).
Of 30 patients, 15 were given placebo (sugar pill), while 15 others were treated with Traumeel S. Five patients (33%) in the Traumeel S treatment group did not develop stomatitis at all compared with only one such patient (7 percent) in the placebo group.
Furthermore, stomatitis worsened in 93 percent of the control patients but in only 47 percent of the treatment groupÉa statistically significant difference. The Israeli authors concluded that Traumeel S "may reduce significantly the severity and duration of chemotherapy-induced stomatitis in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation."
Traumeel S is produced by Heel, Inc., Its products are a cross between classical homeopathy and conventional pharmacology. In general, they contain small but measurable amounts of active ingredients and are used to treat specific conditions. In other words, they are a bridge between conventional and nonconventional medicine. I don't know which is more significant: the fact that an effective medication has finally been found for stomatitis...or that such a study should appear in Cancer, a journal of the American Cancer Society {2001;92:684-90}.
The Ultraviolet Dilemma
The debate continues over whether or not sunlight promotes or protects against cancer. A recent report from England indicated that exposure to sunlight actually combats prostate cancer. Researchers at North Staffordshire Hospital found that ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun protect men from developing prostate cancer, and delay its onset {Lancet 2001;358:641-642}. Professor Richard Strange, who led the research team, said: "We have discovered that those with a higher exposure to UV got the disease later. The difference in onset was about five years." Childhood sunburn, regular foreign holidays and sunbathing were all associated with a decrease in prostate cancer.
On the other hand, there is plenty of evidence implicating UV exposure to an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
"Identifying what is a good level of exposure with no risk and what is a risky level is difficult," said Prof. Strange. "We just don't know at the moment." For myself, I try to get a moderate amount of sun exposure but also to protect myself from intense exposures and to avoid sunburn. In general, I suggest using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher. It is important to find a sunscreen that contains antioxidants. The reason emerged last week with a report from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Sunscreens that have an SPF of 15 can block up to 94 percent of the ultraviolet light but the residual light that does penetrate the skin can create free radicals. These are highly reactive molecules that can weaken or destroy cellular membranes. Free radicals may also damage DNA, create age spots and wrinkles, and depress the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Dr. Kerry Hanson showed that the addition of antioxidants such as vitamins E or C to sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer and keeps the skin firm and youthful. Free radicals that are generated in the skin by UV exposure are quenched by the vitamin C stored in the skin. It provides another reason that you should make sure that your intake of dietary antioxidants is high, first through the proper selection of foods and, second, through antioxidant supplements. Please see my book, Antioxidants Against Cancer, for detailed suggestions.
Hanson will present her findings this week (9/13-16/01) at the Eighth Biennial Sunscreen Symposium in Orlando, Fla.
This Week at the Moss Reports
This has been another busy week here at the Moss Reports. I have just written a report on a very rare kind of cancer called "epithelioid sarcoma." To demonstrate how rare this tumor is: the world's largest private cancer center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering (N.Y.), which has an international reputation as a center for the treatment of rare malignancies, saw a total of 16 such patients between 1982 to 1995, little more than one per year. Our report has to be one of the most extensive summaries of the state-of-the-art ever written for the lay public.
If you have any cancer diagnosis, no matter how unusual, we probably have a report on that particular disease. If not, I can almost always write one. Each report provides an extensive review of the conventional understanding and treatment, as well as the most promising complementary and alternative treatments. To find out more, please visit our website, www.cancerdecisions.com, or call our patient coordinator, Diane Galbo, at 800-980-1234 (718-636-4433). We can usually have a report sent out to you very quickly.
Phone Consultations Available to Clients
I am also now making myself available for half-hour and one-hour phone consultations for clients who require that degree of individualization. Phone consultation is only available to clients who have already ordered a Moss Report on their particular diagnosis. It is particularly appropriate for clients who are facing difficult treatment choices or who are thinking of travelling to a nonconventional clinic for treatment. Please call Diane at 800-980-1234 (718-636-4433) to find out more about this service.
September Updates Now Available to Clients
The September updates are now available. As part of the Moss Reports, we offer a monthly update, at no added expense, for our clients on the latest developments in the cancer field. This is available in two ways: by calling the phone number indicated in their Report, clients can hear my recorded message of the month. Also, by accessing the Members Area at our www.cancerdecisions.com website, and entering their ID and password, clients can see this month's update, as well as an archive of all the updates dating back to January 1999. There is a wealth of information here on cancer treatment and prevention.
Schedule for the November Conference at Jefferson
Well, here it is: the schedule for the Jefferson Conference on CAM Cancer Treatments. I will be leading this course for health professionals who have an interest in the CAM approach to cancer. (We have applied for CE credits.) For information or registration, please contact Sharifa Pettigrew at the Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 215 503-0720 or email her at sharifa.pettigrew@mail.tju.edu
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1:00 |
Welcome and Introductions
Steve Rosenzweig, MD |
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1:10 |
"CAM and Cancer: History, Politics & Science"
Ralph W. Moss, PhD |
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2:00 |
"Antioxidants and Chemotherapy"
Presenter: Steven C. Halbert, MD
Respondant: Michael B. Dabrow, DO
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2:50 |
"Nutritional Supplements"
Ralph W. Moss, PhD
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3:45 |
Break with refreshments
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4:00 |
"Folate, Methylation and Cancer"
Joel Edman, DSc, FACN
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4:30 |
"Enzyme Therapy, MTH-68, and 714-X"
Ralph W. Moss, PhD
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5:00 |
"Mistletoe and The Immune System"
Steven Rosenzweig, MD
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5:30 |
"Panel Discussion"
Ralph W. Moss, PhD; Steven C. Halbert, MD; Michael B. Dabrow, DO
Moderator: Ira Cantor, MD
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6:00 |
Networking Reception
Thomas Eakins Lounge > Jefferson Alumni Hall
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8:30 |
"Neoangiogenesis blockers"
Ralph W. Moss, PhD
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9:15 |
"Soy, Phytoestrogens & Breast Cancer"
Edward R. Sauter, MD, PhD
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10:00 |
"Mushrooms and Polysaccharides"
Ralph W. Moss, PhD
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11:00 |
Break
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11:15 |
"Botanical Medicines"
Ralph W. Moss, PhD
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12:15 |
Networking Lunch
Eakins Lounge - Roundtable discussions with faculty
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1:15 |
"PC SPES and Prostate Cancer"
Presenter: Ralph W. Moss, PhD
Respondant: Leonard G. Gomella, MD
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2:00 |
"Mindfulness: Using the wisdom of the mind & body
to face stress, pain and illness"
Diane Reibel, PhD
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2:45 |
Break
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3:00 |
"Hyperthermia"
Ralph W. Moss, PhD
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3:45 |
"Acupuncture"
Ian Cyrus, LAc
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4:15 |
"Developing Integrative Treatment Plans & Counseling Your Patients"
Ira Cantor, MD
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2:45 |
Wrap-up & Feedback
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Till next week...Best wishes for your good health!
Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
The news and other items in this newsletter are intended for informational purposes only. Nothing in this newsletter is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
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