Alternative Medication for Treating Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a "silent killer" that usually doesn't exhibit symptoms until the disease is advanced. According to the National Cancer Institute, 42,470 individuals are diagnosed and 35,240 die each year in the United States. Less than 5 percent of those diagnosed live longer than five years, and remission is extremely rare. Conventional medical treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery is unlikely, as it requires that the cancer has not spread, and chemotherapy is generally effective only in prolonging the life for a short period of time.

Nigella Sativa Seed Oil

• Since the Biblical era, nigella sativa, also known as black cumin, has been a popular herb in Middle Eastern cultures to remedy a range of diseases. Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have found that nigella sativa seed oil is an alternative treatment for pancreatic cancer as it blocks pancreatic cell growth and augments programmed cell death.

Resveratrol

• Resveratrol, long known to remove free radicals from the blood, is a naturally occurring ingredient of red wine. Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center suggests that resveratrol can debilitate pancreatic cancer cells, increasing their vulnerability to chemotherapy. Lead researcher Paul Okunieff said "resveratrol seems to have a therapeutic gain by making tumor cells more sensitive to radiation and making normal tissue less sensitive." This antioxidant may be an effective treatment when taken in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Green Tea and IP6

• As published in the Journal of Surgical Research, catechins found in green tea and inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) found in high-fiber foods have been found by researchers to be effective in the treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer. A combination of these compounds were found to significantly hinder the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. While each compound did slow proliferation on its own, results were greater when combined. Catechins and IP6 have been found to reduce the risk of other types of cancer and provide antioxidants. IP6 can be found in whole grains, dried beans, nuts, seeds, rice, wheat germ and corn. Supplements containing green tea and IP6 also are available.

Oleander Plant

• A study led by MD Anderson researcher Doctor Robert Newman found that an aqueous extract of the oleander plant was found to trigger increased degradation of pancreatic cancer cells. Oleander extract has been shown in previous studies to inhibit the spread of cancer, prevent cells from protecting themselves when under attack, induce cell death and increase immunity. Since 1966, a doctor in Turkey, Doctor H. Ziya Ozel, has successfully treated thousands of patients using oleander. This plant has been used medicinally for at least 3,500 years.

Cancer Treatment

• The selection of a cancer treatment program should be carefully evaluated with the help of medical professionals. The above-mentioned remedies have shown great promise for pancreatic cancer patients and may be utilized with increasing visibility over the years to come.