Cancer and Immunity

Michael Lam, MD, MPH
www.DrLam.com

The human immune system is a magnificent and well-coordinated network of cells, organs, and glands. An optimized immune system is the key to good health and longevity. There is little doubt that the immune system plays a critical role in deterring cancer. Many in the forefront of cancer research in fact regard cancer as an indication of immune weakness. The fact is, that a weak immune response has a direct and inverse correlation with many types of cancer. Restoring the immune system function is perhaps the most critical step to be taken in any cancer treatment program. Having a strong immune system is a key component of any anti-cancer protocol, traditional or otherwise.


Immune System Basics

The key elements of our immune system are the T and B-lymphocytes. B-lymphocytes are in charge of humoral immunity. They are primarily concerned with the manufacturing and deployment of immunoglobilins. Immunoglobilins can act what they determined to be antigens, and for this reason, these immunoglobulins are known as antibodies. There are many different kinds of antibodies. They are classified into five five major classes, IgA (immunoglobulin A), IgD, IgG, IgM and IgE. Each class has a special function. Together, they ensure that all foreign bodies are recognized and destroyed.

T-lymphocytes are in charge of cellular immunity. They act as a command post from which most orders for the immune system flows. They stimulate macrophages and B-lymphocytes. These are the soldiers vital for the ultimate protection of the body against disease such as bacterial infections, strong viruses, most fungi, cancer, and some parasitic infections. This system protects the body against most chronic, disabling and fatal diseases.

A small, but important, sub-group of T-lymphocytes, the T-helper cells, also known as CD4s, control the various WBCs, by issuing chemical codes known as cytokines.  Examples of cytokines include interleukins and interferons.  T-helper cells, therefore, coordinate the combined effort of the WBCs to contain and destroy any non-self substance, once detected. Without T-helpers, the deeper immune responses that keep the body healthy would be unable to function on an optimal basis.

To keep the lymphocytes in check, the body makes T-suppressor or T-8 cells. These secrete counterbalancing cytokines to down-regulate the destructive activities of cytokines from other WBCs. This is an important function and serves to protect the host. The proper ratio of T-helper to T-suppressor cells is critical as it maintains a balance between necessary aggressive action, that kills the enemy, and all out generalized destruction, that may target healthy cells as well.


Immune Building Agents

1. Cats Claw (Una de Gato) -

A woody vine of up to 100 feet in length, Cat's Claw is found on trees in the rain forests of the Andes Mountains, particularly in Peru. Although virtually unheard of in the United States until recently, the beneficial effects of the Peruvian herb Uncaria Tomento
sa, commonly known as "una de gato" in Spanish and "cat's claw" in English, have been studied at research facilities in Peru, Austria, Germany, England, Hungary and Italy, since the 1970's. These studies suggest that the herb may be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, bursitis, allergies, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, herpes, organic depression, menstrual irregularities and disorders of the stomach and intestines.

It far surpasses such well-known botanicals as Echinacea, Golden Seal, Astragalus, and Siberian Ginseng in its anti-bacterial and immune building properties.

Unique alkaloids in una de gato seem to enhance the immune system in a general way. These alkaloids have a pronounced effect on the ability of white blood cells to engulf and digest harmful microorganisms and foreign matter. Laboratory testing has shown these alkaloids to have a pronounced enhancement effect on phagocytosis (the ability of the white blood cells and macrophages to attack, engulf and digest harmful micro-organisms, foreign matter and debris). The most immunologically active alkaloid appears to be isoteropodine or isomer A.  Cat's claw has also been shown to increase the production of leukocytes and specifically T4 lymphocytes, thus blocking the advance of many viral illnesses.

In addition to its immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory actions, Cat's Claw has antioxidant properties that could reduce the risk of the hardening of arteries and heart disease. Traditionally, the bark of the root was considered the medicinal part, but bark from the vine is now sold instead.

Dosage: Tea: 1 cup of tea 3 times per day; Tincture: 1 to 2 milliliters up to 2 times per day; Dry extract: 20 to 60 milligrams per day; Cancer in remission: 2 to 6 grams a day, and in advanced cases, up to 3 times as much can be taken if an aggressive stance is taken. Because Cat's Claw may cause the immune system to reject foreign cells, anyone with organ or tissue transplants should avoid it, as should those with autoimmune illnesses, multiple sclerosis, or tuberculosis. Cat's Claw should also be avoided during pregnancy, and is not for children under 2 years of age. It may block platelets from forming clots, so those on blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin should be used careful.