TC Patient Journey (Prostate Cancer)

9/20/2024

Patient Case Story: TC

Short Excerpt: Diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer and a PSA of 200, TC adopted an aggressive treatment plan combining hormone therapy, radiation, repurposed medications, and metabolic strategies like fasting and clean nutrition. Today, his PSA remains below 0.1 and he shows no evidence of disease (NED), a testament to holistic, disciplined cancer care.

Patient Profile

• Age: 58 years
• Gender: Male
• Diagnosis: Prostate Cancer, Stage IV, Gleason Score 9
• Date of Diagnosis: November 2020
• PSA at Diagnosis: 200 ng/mL (2020)
• Current PSA (July 2024): < 0.1 ng/mL
• Current Status: No Evidence of Disease (NED)

Background and Treatment History

Upon diagnosis, TC exhibited symptoms characteristic of advanced prostate cancer, including urinary difficulties. His initial PSA level of 200 ng/mL indicated a significant tumor burden, corresponding with a high Gleason score of 9, reflecting aggressive disease.

Treatment Regimen

1. Hormonal Therapy – For three years. Stopped in early 2023.
   • Eligard (leuprolide acetate) for androgen deprivation therapy.
   • Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) for additional hormonal control
2. Radiation Therapy: Administered to target metastatic sites and relieve symptoms.
3. Bone Health: Alendronate was prescribed to maintain bone density and reduce fracture risk associated with cancer treatment.
4. Repurposed Medications: Started 2/2021, still currently using Doxycycline, Metformin, Ivermectin, Atorvastatin, and Mebendazole – adjunctive therapies used for their potential antineoplastic properties.
5. Nutritional Interventions:
   • Initially followed a typical diet high in cheese, fats, cured meats.
   • Immediately after diagnosis, TC embarked on a 20-day fast, followed by a 6-month vegan diet focused on green cruciferous vegetables. He continues to maintain a clean, organic diet emphasizing green vegetables and hormone free, grass-fed beef.
   • TC practices regular intermittent fasting and deliberately changes his eating routine often as one of the strategies he uses to “starve” his cancer, and inhibit the ability of these cells to adjust and proliferate.
6. Supplementation: Includes Loratadine, aspirin, ibuprofen, mushroom blends (e.g., shiitake, turkey tail, lion’s mane, chaga), Mitopure (a Urolithin A supplement), Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Melatonin, and Pro Omega.

Discussion of Stage IV Prostate Cancer

Overview

Stage IV prostate cancer signifies advanced disease, often characterized by metastasis to distant sites such as bones or lymph nodes. It is typically diagnosed through a combination of elevated PSA levels, imaging studies, and biopsy.

Survival Rates and Statistics

According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for men with stage IV prostate cancer is approximately 30%. Survival can vary based on factors like age, overall health, response to treatment, and advancements in therapeutic approaches.

Role of Repurposed Medicines

Recent research has explored the use of repurposed medications in cancer therapy, highlighting potential benefits in adjunctive treatment. Due to the limited traditional options for treatment for stage iv prostate cancer, these repurposed medicines offer a safe and efficacious addition to standard of care therapies.

Metformin: Traditionally used for type 2 diabetes, has shown promise in reducing cancer cell proliferation and enhancing the efficacy of hormonal therapies.

Doxycycline: An antibiotic that may exhibit anti-cancer properties by inhibiting tumor growth.

Ivermectin and Mebendazole: Antiparasitic drugs with emerging evidence of anticancer activity. Ivermectin has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of several tumor cells by regulating multiple signaling pathways.

Mebendazole prevents cancer cells from dividing properly by interfering with their internal structure. Specifically, it disrupts the formation of microtubules, which are crucial components needed for cell division. This disruption ultimately leads to the death of cancer cells as they try to multiply. Mebendazole can also inhibit cancer stem cells, which is critical in preventing metastasis.

Atorvastatin: A statin known for lipid-lowering effects, also studied for its potential in reducing cancer progression.

The Theory of Starving Cancer Cells

TC’s approach includes the concept of “starving” cancer cells by manipulating dietary intake. This theory posits that cancer cells, which often rely on glucose and other nutrients for growth, can be inhibited through dietary changes such as intermittent fasting and reduced carbohydrate consumption. Research suggests that caloric restriction and specific dietary patterns may enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments by depriving tumor cells of necessary nutrients while promoting metabolic flexibility.

Intermittent Fasting and Exercise

TC’s intermittent fasting, coupled with a weightlifting routine post-meals, can aid in regulating blood sugar, boosting metabolism, and enhancing overall health. Fasting selectively targets cancer cells based on their vulnerabilities. While healthy cells lie dormant during a fast, cancer cells are already damaged, so they struggle to survive without nourishment.

Conclusion

TC’s journey through stage IV prostate cancer highlights the importance of a multifaceted treatment approach. His combination of standard care, nutritional changes, repurposed medications, and lifestyle modifications illustrates a proactive stance in battling cancer. By integrating medical guidance with personal research and holistic practices, TC has achieved NED status, emphasizing the potential of comprehensive cancer care strategies.

Patient Advice

TC recommends that others facing a cancer diagnosis adhere to medical advice while exploring additional therapies and lifestyle changes. TC coaches other cancer patients to ”be willing to fight” and take the steps needed to arm themselves to defeat the cancer. His experience underscores the importance of an active, informed role in one’s treatment journey, advocating for a holistic approach to combat cancer effectively.

References

• https://massivebio.com/what-is-stage-4-prostate-cancer-prognosis/
• https://protons.com/treatments/prostate-cancer/diagnosis-prostate-cancer
• https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-survival-rates-what-they-mean
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/stages-of-prostate-cancer
• https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/survival
• https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/types/metastatic-prostate-cancer
• https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
• https://www.cityofhope.org/clinical-program/prostate-cancer/diagnosis-staging/stage-4-metastatic