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Disclaimer & Warning: The information in this blog is only provided for informational purposes. This information is not designed to be used to treat any disease or health problem. Instead, always consult with your physician for proper treatment.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Multiple Myeloma

If we were to put your whole body under a powerful microscope, we would see your body is not as solid as it appears. In fact, your body is actually made up of trillions of individual living cells.

These cells grow, perform functions, and then naturally die, only to be replaced by more cells. This is a harmonious system and a basic process of life, but this orderly system can be disrupted if certain cells start to grow out of control. This is what happens in a person with cancer.

If this abnormal growth affects the plasma cells, which are cells made in the bone marrow that make antibodies, then a specific type of cancer is present, known as multiple myeloma. Therefore, multiple myeloma can be defined as a cancer of the plasma cells.

And when we look closely at this term, we see that it explains some of the main characteristics of this disease. For instance, the prefix 'myelo' refers to bone marrow and the suffix 'oma' refers to tumor, so 'multiple myeloma' literally means 'multiple bone marrow tumors.'

As previously mentioned, multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of the plasma cells, particularly the bone marrow. About 22,000 Americans receive a diagnosis of multiple myeloma each year. It is more common in people over age 65, men and African-Americans.

The disease arises in immune cells called plasma cells—specialized types of white blood cells that normally produce infection-fighting antibodies. For unknown reasons, these cells can lose their ability to respond to signals from various immune system cells.

The plasma cells then divide and start to form abnormal proteins, which damages the bone, bone marrow, and other organs of the person's body.   The cancerous plasma cells produce abnormally high levels of a nonfunctional antibody, called M (monoclonal) protein, which can be detected in the blood or urine.

Some people have elevated M protein in their blood but no other symptoms of multiple myeloma, such as bone pain, fatigue and anemia. These individuals have a pre-cancerous condition known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and are not treated, although roughly 12 to 30 percent of these individuals will eventually develop multiple myeloma (most commonly), amyloidosis (a buildup of protein in multiple organs), lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Related Conditions
Plasma cells are made in your bone marrow alongside other cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Plasma cells are important to our immune system because they produce the infection-fighting proteins called antibodies, or immunoglobulins, which is another name for antibodies.

As the plasma cells grow in a person with multiple myeloma, they take up space within the bone marrow. This can reduce production of the other cells simply because they get crowded out. A reduction in red blood cell production can lead to a related condition or symptom of multiple myeloma called anemia.

In a patient with multiple myeloma we might see another related condition, which is erosion of the bones. This erosion may be seen on an X-ray as fairly well-defined areas of bone loss, which makes it look like the bone has been punched out. Therefore, these bone lesions are sometimes called 'punched out lesions.'

These lesions can occur in multiple areas of bone, and we know that bones are made up of calcium; therefore, a patient with multiple myeloma may have elevated calcium levels in the blood as the bones deteriorate.

As we mentioned, the plasma cells are produced in excess and they, in turn, produce a certain type of antibody, which is a protein. This excess protein in the system must be filtered by the kidneys, but too much protein is hard on the kidneys and can lead to another related condition, renal failure, which is another name for kidney failure.

So we see that we have some related conditions of multiple myeloma, which are excessive calcium in the blood, renal failure, anemia, and bone lesions. You can recall these related conditions by remembering the acronym 'CRAB,' which stands for Calcium, Renal, Anemia, and Bone lesions.

MM is characterized by neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells involving more than 10% of the bone marrow (see the images below). Increasing evidence suggests that the bone marrow microenvironment of tumor cells plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of myelomas. This information has resulted in the expansion of treatment options.

The malignant cells of MM, plasma cells, and plasmacytoid lymphocytes are the most mature cells of B-lymphocytes. B-cell maturation is associated with a programmed rearrangement of DNA sequences in the process of encoding the structure of mature immunoglobulins. It is characterized by overproduction of monoclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and/or light chains, which may be identified with serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) or urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP).

The role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of MM is an important area of research. Interleukin (IL)–6 is also an important factor promoting the in vitro growth of myeloma cells. Other cytokines are tumor necrosis factor and IL-1b.

The pathophysiologic basis for the clinical sequelae of MM involves the skeletal, hematologic, renal, and nervous systems, as well as general processes.

Skeletal processes
Plasma-cell proliferation causes extensive skeletal destruction with osteolytic lesions, anemia, and hypercalcemia. Mechanisms for hypercalcemia include bony involvement and, possibly, humoral mechanisms. Isolated plasmacytomas (which affect 2-10% of patients) lead to hypercalcemia through production of the osteoclast-activating factor.

Destruction of bone and its replacement by tumor may lead to pain, spinal cord compression, and pathologic fracture. The mechanism of spinal cord compression symptoms may be the development of an epidural mass with compression, a compression fracture of a vertebral body destroyed by multiple myeloma, or, rarely, an extradural mass. With pathologic fracture, bony involvement is typically lytic in nature.

Hematologic processes
Bone marrow infiltration by plasma cells results in neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. In terms of bleeding, M components may interact specifically with clotting factors, leading to defective aggregation.

Renal processes
The most common mechanisms of renal injury in MM are direct tubular injury, amyloidosis, or involvement by plasmacytoma. Renal conditions that may be observed include hypercalcemic nephropathy, hyperuricemia due to renal infiltration of plasma cells resulting in myeloma, light-chain nephropathy, amyloidosis, and glomerulosclerosis.

Neurologic processes
The nervous system may be involved as a result of radiculopathy and/or cord compression due to nerve compression and skeletal destruction (amyloid infiltration of nerves).

General processes
General pathophysiologic processes include hyperviscosity syndrome. This syndrome is infrequent in MM and occurs with IgG1, IgG3, or IgA. MM may involve sludging in the capillaries, which results in purpura, retinal hemorrhage, papilledema, coronary ischemia, or central nervous system (CNS) symptoms (eg, confusion, vertigo, seizure). Cryoglobulinemia causes Raynaud phenomenon, thrombosis, and gangrene in the extremities.

Epidemiology
MM accounts for 10% of all hematologic cancers. The age-adjusted annual incidence of MM is 4.3 cases per 100,000 white men, 3 cases per 100,000 white women, 9.6 cases per 100,000 black men, and 6.7 cases per 100,000 black women.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States, approximately 26,850 new cases of MM (14,090 in men and 12,760 in women) will be diagnosed in 2015. The lifetime risk of getting MM is one in 143 (0.7%). Approximately 11,240 deaths from MM (6,240 in men and 5,000 in women) are expected to occur in 2015.

The median age of patients with MM is 68 years for men and 70 years for women. Only 18% of patients are younger than 50 years, and 3% of patients are younger than 40 years. The male-to-female ratio of MM is approximately 3:2.

In the United States, African Americans are twice as likely as whites to have myeloma, with a ratio of 2:1. Myeloma is rare among people of Asian descent, with an incidence of only 1-2 cases per 100,000 population. According to a study of the ethnic disparities among patients with MM, Hispanics had the youngest median age at diagnosis (65 years) and whites had the oldest (71 years). Asians had the best overall survival rates, while Hispanics had the worst.

Patient Education
Patient education is very important in the management of MM. The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) offers educational resources, a quarterly newsletter, and conferences. Patients or physicians can contact the IMF by phone at (800) 452-CURE (800-452-2873) in the United States and Canada or on the Web at International Myeloma Foundation.

Patient education should address, at a minimum, the following questions:
    What is MM, and how does it affect the body?
    What are the causes of MM?
    What is the treatment for MM?
    What are the adverse effects of medicine? (As an example, patients should be informed of the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw, which has been associated with bisphosphonate therapy in MM.)
    What are some of the complications of MM?
    Where can additional information be found?

Alternate Treatment Strategies
http://www.cancertutor.com/bone_marrow_cancer/

The Cesium Chloride Protocol
The Cesium Chloride Protocol is the only recommended treatment recommended by the CancerTutor website for Multiple Myeloma or any other bone marrow cancer. There are two reasons for this recommendation. First, the cesium chloride treatment easily penetrates the bones and gets to the bone marrow where it can kill cancer cells and even the microbes in the bone marrow.

Secondly, and just as important, MM can cause the bones to become brittle and break. When a cancer patient starts to have their bones break, for no apparent reason, they can become very depressed and confused. MM should be considered to be a bone cancer as much as a bone marrow cancer.

Cesium chloride, being a mineral-based treatment, can help protect the bones. Moreover, the vendor will add other key minerals to his normal protocol to protect the bones and provide telephone support to those on his protocol.

Because MM is a “Stage IV” cancer by definition and can be fast-growing, and destroy the bones, the Cesium Chloride / DMSO Protocol treatment should begin immediately.

Limu juice (with fucoidan), which is an optional treatment, actually kills cancer cells but lacks the power of cesium chloride to work quickly.
http://www.cancertutor.com/limujuice/

Limu juice is a natural product from the sea. It is a special kind of seaweed. However, because people generally do not like the taste of seaweed by itself, Limu juice is generally mixed (by the vendor) with fruit and vegetable juices to mask the taste of seaweed (that is a wise thing to do).

The anti-cancer effect of fucoidan is well proven and has been the focus of many, many scientific studies which are published on PubMed. Fucoidan safely kills cancer cells and does not harm non-cancerous cells.

Limu juice has cured many cases of cancer by itself, but it should be used in conjunction with other “Stage IV” protocols as a “supplemental” protocol.

This protocol can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy for those inclined to take chemo. In fact, this product may significantly reduce the side-effects of the chemotherapy.

For a referral to this product, contact the Independent Cancer Research Foundation, Inc. (ICRF) CancerTutor website at:
http://www.cancertutor.com/email3/

Important Note About Brittle Bones
If you use the Cesium Chloride protocol, when you have hit your “cesium limit,” continue using the minerals that the Essense of Life vendor has given you for the protection of your bones!!

The product Cellect, in the Cellect-Budwig protocol, also has these minerals if you are on that protocol.

Cellect Supplement
http://cancercompassalternateroute.com/therapies/cellect/

Cellect Vendor:
http://cellect.org/products.php

Cellect Ingredients:
http://cellect.org/facts.php

Note: Key ingredients in Cellect include the following:
-- Vitamin A (as Bovine Colostrum Pre-Milk) (PI)               
-- Vitamin C (from Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen) (PI)       
-- Vitamin D3 (as Bovine Colostrum Pre-Milk) (PI)      
-- Natural Vitamin E (as d-Alpha Tocopherol Succinate)
-- Calcium (as AlgaeCal® Algas Calcareas)         
-- Iodine (as AlgaeCal®Algas Calcareas)
-- Magnesium (as AlgaeCal® Algas Calcareas & Biokey® Amino Acid Magnesium Chelate) 
-- Zinc (as Biokey® Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Colostrum)          
-- Selenium (as Albion® Selenium Amino Acid Chelate) 
-- Chromium (as Albion® Chromium Polynicotinate)

Omega-3
In addition to the mineral treatments, omega-3 has been shown to help prevent deterioration of the bones. See this article on the best way to take omega-3:
http://www.cancertutor.com/budwig/

Calcium
Here is an article by the well-known natural medicine guru on a form of calcium that will help prevent bone density loss:
http://www.oralchelation.com/

Other Treatments To Consider (Supplemental Treatments Only)

Essaic Tea
http://www.cancertutor.com/essiac/
There are testimonials on the internet for the use of Essiac Tea as the major component in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Furthermore, there are testimonials for the herbs in the Hulda Clark diet in the treatment of multiple myeloma (i.e. Black Walnut Hulls (from the black walnut tree), Wormwood (from the Artemisia shrub) and Common Cloves (from the clove tree)). At least some of the cancer-killing nutrients in these herbs does get to the bone marrow.

Essiac Tea Vendor
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AYEHUM/

Noni Juice
http://www.cancertutor.com/noni/
Not all Noni Juices are the same. There are powerful testimonials for Noni Juice in treating Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, another bone marrow cancer, and leukemia. Pain is another thing which is improved by Noni Juice. But most importantly, Noni Juice can work very quickly. In short, Noni Juice would clearly help MM.

Noni juice contains a whole slew of cancer fighting nutrients. It kills cancer cells (the anthraquinone damnacanthal and the trace element selenium), it stops the spread of cancer (beta sitosterol, noni-ppt and limonene), it stimulates the white blood cells and other parts of the immune system (polysaccharides) and takes part in a process that enlarges cell membranes so they can better absorb nutrients (proxeronine aids in creating xeronine).

Noni Juice Vendor
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00121USSU/

Budwig Diet
The Budwig Diet (e.g. flaxseed oil and cottage cheese) has some profound testimonials for treating MM. However, it should be realized that I have never seen an authoritative description of her complete protocol, including all of the supplements she used. Just using flaxseed oil and cottage cheese would not be a cancer treatment strong enough for “Stage IV” cancer, such as MM. So, you can use it for MM, but not by itself. It should be used as an adjunct to other alternative treatments.

“In a study reported in the July 1999 issue of The American Journal of Nutrition, the authors found a consistent pattern of protection against cancers of the digestive tract. Cancers like multiple myeloma and uterine cancer were also found to be decreased.” Of course, without the cottage cheese, yogurt or skim milk, the omega-3 in the flaxseed oil (or walnuts, etc.) is not as effective.

http://www.cancertutor.com/budwig/

Raw Food Diet
In discussing the Raw Food diet, it is beta carotene that is most often talked about. Beta carotene is specifically mentioned as a major killer of leukemia cells as well as Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer cells. It is also part of a bone cancer treatment plan. While beta carotene is rarely used by itself, it is clear that it is a major contributor, if not the main contributor, of many treatment plans. Of course raw carrot juice should be the major source of beta carotene.

http://www.cancertutor.com/rawfood/

Coenzyme Q10 – CoQ10
A powerful antioxidant which builds the immunity system. It works best when the Budwig diet is being used due to the fats in the Budwig diet. It is clear that the effects of CoQ10 reach the bone marrow.

“Coenzyme Q10 was first identified in 1957. Its chemical structure was determined in 1958. Interest in coenzyme Q10 as a potential treatment for cancer began in 1961, when a deficiency of the enzyme was noted in the blood of cancer patients. Low blood levels of coenzyme Q10 have been found in patients with myeloma, lymphoma, and cancers of the breast, lung, prostate, pancreas, colon, kidney, and head and neck.”

CoQ10 Vendor:
http://www.evitamins.com/raw-coq10-200-mg-garden-of-life-23916

Curcumin
Curcumin (from the spice turmeric) has been found to stop the spread of MM and cause cancer cell death.

Curcumin Vendor:
http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/item00407/Super-Bio-Curcumin

Barleygreen/Wheatgrass
Here are a couple of testimonials:
“A seventy-year-old man diagnosed with bone cancer (multiple myeloma) was unable to receive chemo treatments because blood count was too low. Started on AIM BarleyGreen, Just Carrots and Redi Beets and in 5 days, his blood counts were up and repeatable, so he could continue with chemotherapy. Immediately after using these products he felt his nausea disappear.”

“Gordon E., 48 years old, was diagnosed with lymphoma. He started on AIM BarleyGreen and the lump on his neck began to soften and shrink within 2-3 weeks. His blood count stayed up during his 6 months of chemotherapy and the one-month of radiation.” -LI Nutrition Newsletter

FYI: Hemoglobin and chlorophyll have virtually identical molecular structures. Since bone marrow cancers destroy critical red blood cells, it would seem logical that chlorophyll would be a critical nutrient for bone marrow cancer patients.

Wheatgrass Powder 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LW8AH8/

Note: Instead of a powder, try the real thing! If you don't want to juice your own wheatgrass, then, order the frozen cubes:
https://www.dynamicgreens.com/en-us/wheatgrass-juice-for-adults-en-us/?from_lang=en-us

Essential Oils
The main treatment was a combination of several essential oils called: Juva Flex, by the vendor Young Living. If you look at the actions of the various individual essential oils, you see at least 3 essential oils that are either antifungal or antimicrobial. This may mean that the essential oils were killing the microbes inside of the cancer cells, allowing them to revert back to being normal cells. Essential oils are an exciting new field of research in alternative medicine. Here is the testimonial:
http://www.oil-testimonials.com/aromatherapy.php?t=1&q=cancer

Active Hemicellulose Compound (AHCC)
Over the years AHCC has been known by two different names:
“AHCC was originally used as an acronym for Active Hemicellulose Compound, but was changed to stand for Active Hexose Correlating Compound by the Japanese manufacturer (AminoUp) because they felt that it was a more appropriate term. Older research papers in which Active Hemicellulose Compound is referred to are discussing the identical material as Active Hexose Correlating Compound.”http://www.integratedhealth.com/infoabstract/impodes.html

In other words, “Active Hemicellulose Compound” and “Active Hexose Correlating Compound” are the same thing. AHCC is sold by numerous companies. Just type: AHCC in Google.

Obtained 50% complete remission in MM study:
http://www.ahccpublishedresearch.com/

Cancer Cure Coalition
This was a treatment protocol used to successfully treat MM. See:
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2003/dec2003_profile_01.htm

Clodronate
Clodonate helps preserve the bones and treats the cancer (not available in U.S.):

IP-6 or IP6 (Inositol hexaphosphate)
“IP -6 has been used against a wide variety of cancers. Blood based cancers such as leukemia are the most sensitive, with solid tumors needing a larger dose. Most studies at this point have used either animals or human cancer cells in vitro, i.e. in a test tube. As an example, adding IP-6 to human liver cancer cells resulted in complete inhibition of tumors. Human liver cancer cells injected into mice resulted in 71% tumors. Cells pretreated with IP-6 resulted in no tumors. Pre-existing liver cancers regressed. In another study with Rhabdomyosarcoma, tumors were suppressed from 25 to 49 fold!”

Vitamin A and Vitamin D
Vitamin A and Vitamin D are two of the most critical vitamins for fighting diseases like cancer and diabetes. But, avoid synthetic versions and look for natural food sources such as cod liver oil and raw butter oil.

Cod Liver Oil
Note: Avoid traditional cod liver oils such as Norwegian Carlson because the cod liver oil is distilled and overly-processed, stripping the cod liver of its Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Synthetic versions of the vitamins are added back in after processing.

Fermented Cod Liver Oil
http://www.greenpasture.org/public/Products/CodLiverOil/

Other Comments
Here is a good web site devoted to Multiple Myeloma:
http://www.go-symmetry.com/health/multiple-myeloma.htm

Facebook Page
There is a Facebook page which is not controlled by orthodox medicine which focuses on MM.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HealingMyeloma/

For more details about bone marrow cancer, refer to the web link at:
http://www.cancertutor.com/bone_marrow_cancer/

Additional Resources
Microbes and Cancer
http://healyourselfathome.com/health_problems/cancer/why/microbial_theory.aspx

Multiple Myeloma Treatment
http://m.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=166

Your Diet and Multiple Myeloma 
http://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-myeloma/multiple-myeloma-diet.aspx


The Good, The Bad and The Multiple Myeloma: Anti Cancer Diet
http://thegoodthebadandthemultiplemyleoma.blogspot.com/2012/03/anti-cancer-diet.html


Diet Tips for Multiple Myeloma
http://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/multiple-myeloma-diet#KidneyCare3

Guide To Nutrition In Multiple Myeloma – Part 1: Introduction 
http://www.myelomabeacon.com/news/2010/08/27/guide-to-nutrition-in-multiple-myeloma-part-1-an-introduction/

Guide To Nutrition In Multiple Myeloma – Part 2: Supplements
http://www.myelomabeacon.com/news/2010/09/02/guide-to-nutrition-in-multiple-myeloma-part-2-supplements/

Multiple Myeloma Supplements
http://www.cancerfightingstrategies.com/multiple-myeloma.html#sthash.GC5muoUE.dpbs

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