9/29/2025
Patient Case Story: JM
Short Excerpt: First diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007, JM faced recurrence and metastasis in 2021. Through a combination of standard therapies, repurposed medications, and disciplined lifestyle changes, his disease is now undetectable. JM’s story exemplifies patient empowerment, blending evidence-based medicine with self-education, metabolic health, and perseverance to achieve long-term remission.
Patient Profile
- Name: JM
- Age: 66 years
- Gender: Male
- Date of Diagnosis: 2007
- Primary Diagnosis: Prostate cancer, initially Stage III, progressed to Stage IV (metastatic disease in 2021)
- Family History: Brother and father also diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Clinical History & Disease Course
JM was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 at age 48 after an elevated PSA (under 10) was detected during routine testing. Though asymptomatic, his biopsy revealed a high Gleason score, and surgery was recommended. His treatment at that time included robotic prostatectomy, Lupron (androgen-deprivation therapy), and post-operative radiation. Questionable surgical margins lead to a stage III diagnosis.
After a long remission, JM experienced a recurrence in April 2021, presenting with a PSA >900 and metastases to bone, liver, and lymph nodes, classifying his disease as Stage IV.
Treatment since 2021:
Standard Therapy
- Lupron (Leuprolide): A hormone therapy that suppresses testosterone production, slowing prostate cancer growth since the disease is often fueled by male hormones (androgens).
- Zytiga (Abiraterone): A next-generation androgen biosynthesis inhibitor that blocks extra-testicular androgen production, even in adrenal glands and cancer cells themselves.
- Prednisone: Given with Zytiga to prevent side effects from underproduction of mineralocorticoids (such as fluid retention, hypertension, and hypokalemia).
- Repurposed drug protocol: Metformin, Atorvastatin, Doxycycline, Mebendazole, and Celebrex (explained below).
Repurposed Medications in JM’s Protocol
As part of his prostate cancer regimen, JM includes several repurposed medications—drugs originally developed for other conditions that are now being studied for their potential benefits in prostate cancer treatment.
Metformin: a common diabetes medication – may help slow cancer cell growth by reducing glucose (sugar) availability, blocking the mTOR pathway, and interfering with how cancer cells produce energy. In prostate cancer treatment, Metformin can also trigger cancer cell death (apoptosis), and lower antioxidant defenses, such as glutathione. This may increase sensitivity to therapy, while also supporting immune system function.
Atorvastatin: best known for lowering cholesterol – has shown potential to inhibit tumor growth by blocking cancer cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, and disrupting lipid metabolism. In prostate cancer treatment, it also modulates key signaling pathways involved in inflammation and blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). Additionally, it may help modulate the immune system, supporting the body’s ability to target and control cancer cells. Evidence suggests it may reduce prostate cancer progression by interfering with cholesterol-mediated signaling in cancer cells.
Doxycycline: an antibiotic -may help limit prostate cancer progression by blocking enzymes (metalloproteinases) that allow cancer cells to invade nearby tissues. In prostate cancer treatment, it also disrupts cancer cell membrane integrity and suppresses cancer stem cell pathways and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMTs are mechanisms that drive tumor spread and treatment resistance. These combined effects may make cancer cells more vulnerable to standard therapies.
Mebendazole: an anti-parasitic drug – it works by disrupting microtubules and depolymerizing tubulin, which halts cell division (mitosis) and triggers cancer cell death. In prostate cancer treatment, it may also stimulate immune activation and inhibit drug transporters, making tumor cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and hormonal therapies. These effects may help slow tumor progression and improve treatment response.
Celebrex – Celebrex (celecoxib) is a selective COX-2 inhibitor commonly used to treat arthritis and inflammation. It has also been explored as a repurposed medication in cancer therapy because COX-2 and inflammation can promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune suppression. In prostate cancer, celecoxib may help slow disease progression, enhance the effects of hormonal therapy, and reduce cancer-related inflammation.
While none of these are established standards of care, JM’s protocol reflects a repurposed drug strategy—leveraging inexpensive, readily available drugs with possible anticancer effects.
JM’s Supplemental Regimen
- Melatonin: A powerful antioxidant and regulator of circadian rhythm that may help protect cells and slow tumor growth.
- Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2: Supports bone health and calcium metabolism—particularly important during Lupron therapy, which can weaken bones.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Provide anti-inflammatory benefits and may support cardiovascular and overall metabolic health, potentially offering protective effects in cancer.
- Creatine Monohydrate: Helps support cellular energy production, muscle maintenance, and recovery from regular exercise.
Lifestyle & Supportive Care
- Exercise: JM is very active—walking at least 10,000 steps daily (sometimes up to 30,000), playing golf, weight training, stretching, and resistance training. Exercise in prostate cancer patients can help improve overall survival, reduce treatment side effects (muscle loss, fatigue, bone density loss), and supports mental health.
- Diet: Following his recurrence, JM transitioned to a Mediterranean-style diet, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, legumes, nuts, and lean proteins such as fish, while limiting red meat. This diet is associated with lower inflammation, better heart and metabolic health, and emerging research suggests it may support cancer survivorship. He avoids alcohol and limits sweets to rare occasions.
- Aloe Vera Juice: JM drinks aloe vera juice every morning. While scientific evidence is limited, some research suggests aloe may support digestion, provide antioxidants, and potentially reduce inflammation.
Personal Perspective
From the beginning, JM immersed himself in prostate cancer communities, online forums, and research publications. He connected with other patients to learn from their experiences, which helped guide his own treatment decisions. Even now, he continues to research new treatment strategies and share his knowledge with others.
JM’s Advice to Other Cancer Patients
- Listen to your body.
- Be your own advocate—150%.
- Do your research. Learn everything you can about your specific cancer.
- Remember that every cancer is unique. What doesn’t work for others might work for you.
- Manage the waiting. Waiting for results can be overwhelming—don’t let it paralyze you. Keep moving forward.
Current Status (September 2025)
JM’s disease is currently undetectable.. He remains under close surveillance and continues with Lupron and his repurposed medication protocol. JM follows up on a quarterly basis with low-cost virtual medical visits to review his labs and general status, and to renew or modify his medications.
His resilience, active lifestyle, and commitment to both medical and self-directed strategies have made him a strong example of survivorship and patient empowerment.
References
- Pollak M. Repurposing metformin for cancer treatment: current clinical studies. Cancer Metab. 2016;4:17. doi:10.1186/s40170-016-0150-3.
- Gales L, Neagu M, Filippi A, Ianoși SL, Vesa CM, Neagoe IV, et al. Antidiabetics, Anthelmintics, Statins, and Beta-Blockers as Repurposed Agents in Oncology. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(9):1239. doi:10.3390/medicina58091239.
- Craig EL, Tian Y, Koziarz A, Fleshner N, Al-Mukhtar A, Hamilton RJ, et al. Statins and prostate cancer—hype or hope? J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2022;148(12):3247-3260. doi:10.1007/s00432-022-04305-y.
- Annals of Oncology. Repurposing metformin as anticancer drug (abstract 617MO). Ann Oncol. 2020;31:S510. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2020.08.670.
- Sekhoacha M, Ssemakalu C, Motaung K, Cholo M, Montso KP, Khatiwada B. Prostate Cancer Review: Genetics, Diagnosis, Treatment Options, and Alternative Approaches. Molecules. 2022;27(17):5730. doi:10.3390/molecules27175730.
- Capurso C, Bellanti F, Lo Buglio A, Vendemiale G. The Mediterranean Diet Reduces the Risk and Mortality of Cardiovascular Disease, Reduces Inflammation, and Is Linked with Reduced Cancer Risk: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2374. doi:10.3390/nu11102374.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center. Mediterranean diet may slow prostate cancer progression. Cancerwise Blog. 2021. Available from: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/mediterranean-diet-may-slow-prostate-cancer-progression.h00-159457689.html
- Cancer ABCs. Statins, Vitamin D and Zytiga. Advanced Prostate Cancer Blog. 2020. Available from: https://www.cancerabcs.org/advanced-prostate-cancer-blog/2020/5/13/statins-vitamin-d-and-zytiga
- Wikipedia. Abiraterone acetate. 2025. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abiraterone_acetate
- Murtola TJ, Syvälä H, Pennanen P, Bläuer M, Solakivi T, Ylikomi T, et al. Atorvastatin before prostatectomy and prostate cancer – a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMC Cancer. 2019;19:120. doi:10.1186/s12885-019-5307-4.
