The second arena of treatment focuses on strengthening a patient's anti-cancer biology ”the physiological environment that either encourages the growth and spread of malignancies or thwarts them. A pro-inflammatory condition both promotes malignant progression and can impair a patient's life quality. Research supports this concern. "If a patient is suffering clinically from their disease or side effects, they may be unable to maintain the optimal dosing or be forced to interrupt their treatment schedule. This can undermine treatment." Block states that "maintaining an optimal cancer fighting terrain is essential to a successful outcome!"

The third arena of treatment targets tumors directly with conventional treatments, molecular therapies, experimental options, off-label use of approved drugs, and natural medicines. The Life Over Cancer program provides advice for coupling natural products to diminish toxicity from chemotherapy drugs, help boost treatment effectiveness, and reduce treatment resistance. For example, supplements such as fish oil or melatonin, in dosages tailored to the individual patient, may help reduce the ability of the cancer cell to develop resistance to treatment over time and maintain treatment sensitivity, with the potential for better results.

Cancer free and done with treatment? Not yet. Hearing the words "you are cancer free" should give patients cause to celebrate, but according to Block, "it should not be the end of treatment. The fact is that most patients still retain small numbers of microscopic residual cancer cells in their bodies even after successful treatment."

"It is critical to use the period immediately following treatment, when visible disease has been eliminated, to begin a program aimed at mopping up any remaining invisible cells and reducing the patient's odds of ever seeing cancer again," Dr. Block says. He has created "Recurrence Prevention," a program he believes helps patients reduce their odds of recurring through reassessments and adherence to a personally tailored plan focused at maintaining remission.

In an endorsement for Life Over Cancer, Dr. Wayne B. Jonas, President of the Samueli Institute and a former director of the NIH, writes "Here is cancer care as it should be: person-centered, integrated, individualized, and science-based. If you or your loved ones have been touched by cancer, or if you care for those with cancer, read this book."

SOURCE Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment