This post is intended to give you information regarding the options for complementary cancer care at Intellectual Medicine 120.
The treatments offered at Intellectual Medicine 120 are intended to improve quality of life, while possibly slowing the rate of cancer progression, or decreasing the chance of cancer recurrence. It should be emphasized that none of our treatments are FDA approved for the treatment of cancer, and that definitive proof of benefit as determined by double-blind placebo-controlled studies has not been established.
It should also be emphasized that we encourage our clients to continue following with their Orthodox cancer specialist and following their recommendations for Orthodox treatment.
The treatment modalities that we recommend are based upon the scientific evidence with regard to laboratory evidence of toxicity towards cancer, individual case reports of benefit, and the accumulated decades of clinical experience of other clinicians providing similar treatments. Our recommendations are also supported by the low rate of adverse effects regarding complementary treatment.
IV Vitamin Support
Intellectual Medicine uses several different intravenous substances to help fight cancer. In some cases, they are used in combination. Current options include; high dose vitamin C, Mistletoe therapy, and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). Depending on the type of cancer you have, and other aspects of your medical history, we will make a recommendation for the combination best suited to your circumstance.
High Intensity Treatment
This approach is intended for people who have active tumors and are desiring the most aggressive form of treatment. At the end of one-month clinical response and tolerance are reevaluated, and recommendations are made for the next round of therapy. The regimen may include any combination of the modalities listed above based on the doctor’s recommendation.
The hope is that by doing high intensity treatment your cancer may have a greater possibility of having delayed progression. This option is best suited for individuals with aggressive cancers that have already metastasized or have a high risk of metastasizing in the near future.
Moderate intensity
This approach is most suitable for individuals with less aggressive forms of cancer. It is also suitable for individuals who are seeking improved quality of life while undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other orthodox treatments. The recommended duration of therapy is for three months, followed by a reevaluation of response and benefit.
Relapse Prevention
This approach is intended for those who have ever had cancer and are seeking ways to possibly reduce the risk of relapse. When cancer first begins to progress, it initially occurs on a cellular level that cannot be detected by imaging. We recommend monthly high dose vitamin C infusions. This approach is based upon the theory that early dividing cancer cells will be more vulnerable to the toxic effect of vitamin C, and that by potentially killing these cells as they are trying to divide you can improve your chances of long-term disease-free intervals.
Since the usual “doubling time“ (the time that it takes for cancer cells to divide) can range from a few weeks, to several months, the monthly interval of infusion may be sufficient to keep the cancer in check, while doing so in an affordable and safe manner.
It should be emphasized that the cancer prevention approach that we offer has not been proven to have benefit. It is based upon the known toxic effect of vitamin C to most cancers as demonstrated in laboratory studies.
Things to Consider When Assessing Your Options
The most important variable is the safety of the approaches that we recommend. Not only other substances that we recommend extraordinarily save, but our IV infusions at Intellectual Medicine adhere to the highest possible standards of procedure, process and sterility.
The greatest variable to consider is the use of your time and money when it comes to applying complementary care. Since cancer in many cases behaves like a chronic relapsing disease, the Intellectual Medicine philosophy of treatment is to extend care over several years while gradually reducing the frequency of treatments. Most of our patients will end up having a recommendation to go into a monthly relapse prevention protocol. We feel that attention toward prevention is most critical, since the factors that first triggered your cancer may still be at play and are worthy of modifying.
Other Modalities and Clinical Monitoring
Oral prescriptions and Supplements
We will review all of your current supplements with you in a clinical appointment and make recommendations. The objective is to concentrate benefit, control costs, and minimize the burden on your daily routine. Prescription medication such as; low-dose naltrexone (LDN), Metformin and others will also be considered.
Many patients suffering with cancer will have impaired hormonal function. Deficits in thyroid, adrenal hormones, testosterone and others can deprive patients of energy, strength, and muscle mass. These deficits can be addressed, and consideration can be given to replacement therapy as a component of supporting vitality while you fight cancer.
Clinical Monitoring
In most cases you will be asked to follow up in a clinical setting every three months to monitor your condition, and your treatment plan. In some cases, follow up visits may be requested at more frequent intervals.
Coordination of Care
We will send updates to your oncologist, and others involved in your cancer treatment plan. If someone else is guiding your hormones or supplements, please share that with us. It is helpful for each clinician to know what the others are doing. Our objective is to work with your cancer treatment team in a mutually supportive and open manner.
At Intellectual Medicine 120 we believe that there is a lot more to fighting cancer than chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Our objective is to apply all of the most advanced complementary care to support your flight. Everyday matters, we want you to live each one at your highest level.
Dr. Stephen Petteruti is a board-certified family physician specializing in functional medicine, bioidentical hormones, IV Vitamin therapy and weight loss. His practice Intellectual Medicine 120 is in Warwick, Rhode Island.