A Brand New Approach To Understanding and Beating Cancer

From Powerhouse to Proliferation: Mitochondria’s Role in Cancer Stem Cells

Scientists have debated what truly drives cancer for many decades. Traditional ideas often focus on genetic changes in cancer cells, while newer views emphasize the role of cell metabolism.

A recently introduced concept called the mitochondrial-stem cell connection (MSCC) aims to merge two major theories. The idea that cancer involves damaged energy production in cells (the metabolic theory) and the belief that unique cancer stem cells lie at the root of tumor growth (the cancer stem cell theory). According to MSCC, defective mitochondria in normal stem cells can create cancer stem cells, setting the stage for tumor formation.

Why Mitochondria and Stem Cells Matter

Mitochondria act like energy factories inside cells. They make energy through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation, often shortened to OxPhos. The MSCC theory proposes that when OxPhos is disrupted in a stem cell, the cell relies on alternate fuel sources—mainly glucose and glutamine.

This shift in energy production can trigger the appearance of cancer stem cells, which seem to drive every stage of cancer, including metastasis. Researchers hope to identify new ways to disrupt cancer at its source by understanding the tight connection between stem cells and mitochondria.

Rethinking Standard Therapies

Many standard treatments target the DNA of cancer cells, assuming genetic mutations are the core problem. However, these treatments do not fully address the breakdown in mitochondrial function.

They may even worsen this dysfunction by harming both cancer cells and healthy cells. Further, these therapies often fail to eliminate cancer stem cells, which are believed to fuel relapses and the spread of the disease. This may explain why newer therapies have generally shown modest improvements in overall survival rates.

Orthomolecular That Support OxPhos

Some vitamins and minerals appear to restore or protect normal OxPhos in cells. Vitamin C, when delivered in high doses through an IV, can directly attack cancer cells by creating a pro-oxidant effect in their damaged mitochondria. It has been shown to reduce tumor size, lower the number of metastases, and even act on drug-resistant cancer stem cells.

Vitamin D also aids mitochondrial activity and blocks some of cancer’s go-to pathways for energy, especially glycolysis and glutaminolysis.

Another promising nutrient is zinc, which protects mitochondria from the harmful by-products of energy production. Research suggests that zinc can reduce cancer cell “stemness” … inhibit tumor growth, and promote healthy cell function.

Repurposed Drugs That Target Mitochondria

Some existing drugs, originally developed for other conditions, appear to affect mitochondria in ways that can harm cancer cells. Ivermectin, mostly known as an antiparasitic, triggers cancer cell death by interfering with metabolic pathways, especially those involving glucose.

It can also reduce tumor volume in animal models without severe side effects in humans. Benzimidazoles (such as mebendazole and fenbendazole), used to treat parasitic infections, may block cancer cells from using glucose and glutamine. They can trigger cell death by damaging mitochondria and interrupting the cell cycle. A more potent drug called DON inhibits glutamine use, crucial for fast-growing cancer cells.

Dietary Approaches That Limit Cancer’s Fuel

Fasting is another approach that can starve cancer cells of glucose and encourage the body to rely more on OxPhos. It also boosts normal stem cell regeneration and may enhance the effects of certain drugs. The ketogenic diet aims to reduce glucose and glutamine availability while promoting fat as the main fuel source.

By shifting cells toward more efficient energy production, a keto diet can stress cancer cells that depend on fermentable fuels. Several case reports and pre-clinical studies show that combining a ketogenic diet with drugs like DON or benzimidazoles yields better outcomes than using the drugs alone.

Lifestyle and Oxygen Therapies

Physical activity also has broad benefits, including increasing the number and function of mitochondria in muscle and other tissues. This can bolster healthy cells while making it harder for cancer cells to get the fuel they need. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing oxygen in a pressurized chamber.

This process can reduce tumor hypoxia (lack of oxygen), which is known to help cancer cells survive and spread. When coupled with a ketogenic diet or other metabolic therapies, hyperbaric oxygen may further disrupt cancer’s ability to adapt to stressful environments.

A New Combined Strategy and Future Directions

Based on existing research, scientists have proposed a “hybrid orthomolecular protocol” to tackle every step in the MSCC chain. This protocol includes intravenous vitamin C, high-dose vitamin D, adequate zinc, repurposed drugs like ivermectin or benzimidazoles, a low-carbohydrate or fasting-based diet, moderate exercise, and when needed, hyperbaric oxygen sessions.

Each element of this combined approach targets mitochondria, blocks cancer cells from getting the necessary fuels, and seeks to eliminate cancer stem cells. Early case reports support improved survival and reduced tumor growth, but more extensive, controlled studies are still needed.

Final Thoughts

I’d like to thank my daughter Sarah for forwarding the original paper to me. It’s a bit technical, but worth a look. Here’s the original paper.

Listen, the mitochondrial-stem cell connection offers a fresh way to look at cancer. Exciting stuff! It suggests strategies beyond traditional treatments aimed solely at cancer’s genetic features. And yep, by restoring normal energy production in healthy cells and interrupting alternative fuel sources in cancer cells, scientists hope to achieve more lasting disease control.

Although further research is required, there is growing optimism that focusing on mitochondria and cancer stem cells together could transform the cancer treatment landscape. And don’t forget…

Be sure to ask your doctor if “hybrid orthomolecular protocol” is right for you.

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