© 2009 Ralph W. Moss, PhD
This 102-page report consists of my biography of Beard, another article on his legacy as a medical scientist, as well as a time line of his life and a complete bibliography of his works. This is the first time, to my knowledge, that anyone has paid such serious attention to the details of this important thinker's life and work. Along with four other scientific articles (not included here), this appeared last year as part a special issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies (December 2008) devoted to the topic of pancreatic enzymes, the trophoblastic cells of pregnancy, and cancer on the sesquicentenary of Beard's birth.
John Beard (1858-1924) was a fascinating character who, until now, has been poorly understood and the subject of many misstatements. He was in fact an outstanding biologist of the late 19th and early 20th century. For instance, his work laid the foundation for our modern understanding of apoptosis (programmed cell death), the immunological role of the thymus gland, and cancer stem cells. He was awarded a prize from the French Academy of Sciences and was nominated for the 1906 Nobel Prize in medicine. But what he is best remembered for was his revolutionary teachings of the similarity between the trophoblastic cells of pregnancy and cancer, and his advocacy of pancreatic enzymes (principally trypsin and amylase) as a cancer treatment.
Enzyme therapy remains an important contribution of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to oncology. At one time, one in six American physicians was using pancreatic enzymes against cancer in his or her practice. Many people also remember when the theories and work of William Donald Kelley, DDS, roiled the medical establishment, and the ongoing controversy over the work of Nicholas J. Gonzalez, MD of New York City.
But a combination of factors has diminished the use of these and other enzymes. Principal among these is a lack of standardized products, as well as disagreements over the optimal type of enzymes, their route of delivery and proper dosage. Needless to say, competition from Big Pharma and its myriad academic supporters has also played a role in limiting use of this important adjunctive therapy.
There are some signs of a revival of interest in pancreatic enzymes therapy, but the path is a rocky one. It is axiomatic, as George Santayana said, that those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Not wanting to see the world endlessly repeat past mistakes, I spent the better part of two years writing and polishing this 102-page report, with its 176 references and its bibliography of all of Beard's books, monographs and articles. It has been one of the greatest pleasures of my professional life to write this and to edit the special issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies. Now, finally, John Beard's life and work are accessible to scientists all over the world, for as long as PubMed and the Internet lasts. I hope that you will find this biographical report as enlightening to read as it was for me to write.
"Ralph W. Moss has written a truly beautiful work on John Beard and his times. Speaking for all of John Beard's devotees, we should be thankful for these outstanding reports and writings. Beard would be pleased, and deservingly so."
-Prof. Josef Novak, PhD, Department of Biology, Bucknell University
"An impressive set of scholarly biographical and historical studies of Beard and the course of his studies on enzymes and cancer."
-Keith I. Block, MD, editor-in-chief, Integrative Cancer Therapies
"This report deserves attention from everyone interested in cancer treatment, control or prevention. It is the most comprehensive and well-put-together research for those who are looking into every avenue of cancer treatment."
-Jack O. Taylor, MS, DC, DACBN
WRITTEN MOSS REPORTS
We offer written up-to-date Moss Reports on over 200 different cancer diagnoses. Each report costs $297.00, which includes periodic updates. These reports cover, in a comprehensive manner, the best conventional, alternative and complementary approaches to each diagnosis. The Moss Reports can be accessed around-the-clock at our Web site, www.cancerdecisions.com, and can be ordered either for instantaneous electronic delivery or (at an extra cost) can also be printed and shipped. For more information see our Web site or call Anne or Jacquie at 800-980-1234 (814-238-3367).
PHONE CONSULTATIONS
Ralph Moss does phone consultations for clients who have previously ordered one of our comprehensive Moss Reports on their cancer. The following is from a client who recently had a phone consultation:
"My wife has Stage III Synovial Sarcoma. Even after all conventional treatment, chances of recurrence or metastasis are very high. We were told that sarcomas are not immunogenic. However, historical data on Coley's Toxins as well as groundbreaking research being done at NIH prove otherwise. In my quest to identify the best 'consolidation' therapy for my wife, I concluded that I needed to talk with Dr. Moss. I had done all the research I could and consulted multiple doctors. I felt it necessary to consult an objective third party who is not personally invested in one specific modality. All I expected from the consultation was a discussion comparing Coley's to other immunology options such as Dendritic Cell Vaccination. However, Dr. Moss surprised me with two very promising and relevant options I had never heard of. He also recommended alternative methodologies to track the cancer (there are no known markers for synovial sarcoma). In summary, I found Dr. Moss to be highly intelligent, compassionate, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his work. I would recommend him to anyone serious about finding the best treatment possible." -- E. C. 5/15/09.
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WHERE TO GO? - CAM RESOURCES IN SELECTED METROPOLITAN REGIONS
The Where To Go? series continues to attract favorable reviews from readers. Newly released is Complementary And Alternative (CAM) Cancer Treatments In Germany, which can be accessed by clicking here. Also, already available are Where To Go? - Houston, Where To Go? - Philadelphia, Where To Go? - Chicago and Where To Go? - Boston. These reports offer useful information on regional availability of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
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