Twenty-eight percent of the patients responded favorably. These patients also experienced a decline in tumor growth factor IGF-1, one of the markers of cancer growth. In addition to antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium, which seem to prevent the initiation of cancer by quenching free radicals, vitamin D also appears to offer some protection. Vitamin D receptors have been found in breast-cancer tumors, and a high level of vitamin D receptors seems to result in a better prognosis. Vitamin D is involved in apoptosis or cell death, an important process in the destruction of cancer cells.
Herbs actually have a rich tradition in cancer treatment.
The Hoxsey herbal treatment has been used for decades with considerable success in the treatment of breast and other types of cancer. Hoxsey's treatment consists of potassium iodide and a dozen botanicals including licorice, red clover, pokeroot, barberry and burdock. There are several other herbs or plant constituents that may improve the effect of chemotherapy drugs or decrease their side effects. Bromelain, an enzyme from pineapple, appears to improve the effect of certain chemotherapy drugs. Dosages of bromelain as high as 2.4 grams daily may be necessary to be effective.