Patient Case Story: LG
Short Excerpt: Diagnosed with stage IIIb colon cancer in 2018, LG combined surgery and chemotherapy with repurposed medications, supplements, and a disciplined Mediterranean lifestyle. Now cancer-free for six years, his story exemplifies how metabolic therapies, nutrition, exercise, and a proactive mindset can sustain long-term remission and redefine what’s possible after diagnosis.
Patient Profile
- Age: 55 years
- Gender: Male
- Primary Diagnosis: Colon Cancer
- Date of Diagnosis: February 2018
- Stage at Diagnosis: Stage IIIb (regional spread to lymph nodes)
- Current Status: No Evidence of Disease (NED) for 6 years
Clinical Presentation
Routine blood tests for his hemochromatosis disorder showed that LG was anemic. Additional work-ups and a colonoscopy indicated the presence of a right-sided lesion, and a biopsy identified Adenocarcinoma. Notably, LG had no other symptoms, and his Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) levels remained normal throughout his treatment. Scans did show lung nodules, but these were never confirmed as cancerous and did not change or resolve with chemotherapy.
Courses of Therapy
1. 2018 Surgery: LG underwent a surgical procedure to address the colon cancer, during which more than 10 lymph nodes were found to be cancerous.
2. Chemotherapy: Initially prescribed oral chemotherapy, LG could not tolerate it and
transitioned to the FOLFOX regimen (a combination of folinic acid, fluorouracil, and
oxaliplatin), completing a 6-month course.
3. Metabolic Acting Repurposed Drugs (2019 – Present): LG began a regimen including doxycycline, metformin, atorvastatin, and mebendazole. He continues to take metformin and atorvastatin. LG also takes a lipophilic ibuprofen called Flarin which is a non steroidal nsaid.
4. Additional Supplements: LG’s supplement regimen includes calcium, zinc, polyphenol, Mega Free tea extract, vitamin D3 + K2, liver GI detox, lion’s mane for cognition, cinnamon, Circuit Eval 400, Coriolus versicolor, Ultimate Omega D3, and melatonin.
5. Other Therapies: LG has also utilized an infrared sauna in his treatment plan.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Diet: LG adheres to a Mediterranean-influenced diet that is organic and rich in healthy oils, fish (especially salmon), vegetables, moderate meat and fruit, and low in sugar.
- Exercise: Engages in a comprehensive exercise routine six days a week, including 1.5 hours daily of resistance training, cardio, aerobics, and balance work.
- BMI: 23.01
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 165 lbs
Patient’s Perspective
LG attributes his current NED status to a rigorous commitment to lifestyle changes including dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and overall wellness practices. He finds inspiration in his father, a 13-year survivor of Mantle Cell Lymphoma, who has been a source of motivation and guidance. LG emphasizes focusing on controllable health factors and not dwelling on statistical outcomes, advocating for a personalized approach to cancer care.
Discussion
Stage IIIb Colon Cancer Survival Rates and Statistics
Stage IIIb colon cancer is characterized by regional spread to lymph nodes without distant metastasis. The prognosis for Stage IIIb colon cancer has improved significantly with advancements in treatment, although survival rates can vary based on several factors, such as treatment adherence and patient health.
Survival Rates
- According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for Stage IIIb colon cancer is approximately 64.1%
- A more recent study published in *Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention* reports a 5-year survival rate of 74% for Stage IIIb colon cancer, reflecting improvements in treatment protocols and early detection.
Impact of Lifestyle and Integrative Approaches
Research supports the potential benefits of lifestyle modifications on cancer outcomes.
- Diet: A Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, has been
associated with improved survival rates and reduced cancer recurrence. - Exercise: Regular physical activity is linked to better overall survival and a reduced risk of cancer recurrence.
Metabolic Acting Repurposed Drugs
Repurposed drugs such as metformin, doxycycline, atorvastatin and mebendazole have shown promise in cancer therapy by helping to inhibit cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. These medicines may enhance the effects of chemotherapy drugs when used synergistically with standard of care therapies.. Mebendazole specifically can be cytotoxic and antiproliferative to cancer cells by interfering with cancer cell metabolism, Flarin, a lipophilic anti-inflammatory ibuprofen from England, is considered a selective COX-2 inhibitor which can help reduce the metabolic action of the cancer cells and may help reduce cancer growth. Celebrex, a COX-2 inhibitor found here in the U.S, may help prevent and treat colon cancer by inhibiting tumor growth and suppressing the growth of adenomatous polyps, resulting in tumor regression and increased survival rates of colon cancer patients.
Conclusion
LG’s journey underscores the effectiveness of a multifaceted approach to cancer care, combining conventional treatments with lifestyle modifications and integrative therapies. His sustained NED status highlights the potential benefits of personalized care strategies in managing Stage IIIb colon cancer. LG’s experience and insights align with contemporary research advocating for a holistic approach to cancer management, emphasizing the importance of addressing controllable health factors and personalizing treatment plans.
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15467030/
- https://www.curetoday.com/view/stage-3-colon-cancer-survival-rate
- https://www.targetedonc.com/view/risk-of-recurrence-in-stage-3b-crc
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bowel-cancer/survival
- https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer/stages
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
- https://www3.mdanderson.org/app/medcalc/index.cfm?pagename=coloncancer
