Complementary Therapies
for Breast Cancer
What you’ll find here: a practical guide to complementary therapies that you can add to your main cancer treatment. These were either shown in studies to increase survival in cancer patients or recommended by long-term survivors or cancer experts.
“Healing does not happen in a doctor’s office, it happens at home.“
Junnifer Simmons M.D
Many people have survived cancer against all the odds. Here’s how some of them did it.
For her ground-breaking book Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds Dr Kelly Turner, PhD studied over 1000 cases of people who recovered from cancer against all odds. She found 10 key factors that most of these people used to get better. These 10 key factors are also included below.
Before starting conventional (chemo etc) treatment
If you haven’t started treatment yet (or just started recently) please see Before starting treatment page for helpful tips.
Important updates on surgery and chemotherapy.
See Latest Updates on Breast Cancer Treatments
Heal Your Body, Mind, Spirit.
Start Daily Physical Exercise (if possible)
✓ All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
✓ One of the 10 key healing factors identified by Dr Kelly Turner
Exercise improves breast cancer survival
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) says: Studies have also shown that physical activity can help lower the recurrence of cancers, improve overall quality of life, and even increase survival, as outlined in the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2024.
A large cohort study involving 2987 female registered nurses who were diagnosed with stage I, II, or III breast cancer found that women who exercised moderately (the equivalent of walking 3 to 5 hours per week at an average pace) after a breast cancer diagnosis had approximately 40% to 50% lower risks of breast cancer recurrence, death from breast cancer, and death from any cause compared with more sedentary women.
Radically change your Diet
✓ All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
✓ One of the 10 key healing factors identified by Dr Kelly Turner
Why a plant-based diet is critical for survival
Cancer Stem Cells are the only cells that can give rise to new tumors. There is no known way of eliminating them medically. This is why cancers usually recur (come back). However, Dr Young S. Kim, a scientist at the National Cancer Institute in the US showed that poor diet causes cancer stem cells to regrow while a good diet could stop that regrowth.
A good diet reduces recurrence and improves survival
A study of 4,886 Chinese breast cancer survivors diagnosed with stage 1 to stage 4 breast cancer found cruciferous vegetable intake during the first 36 months after diagnosis was associated with a 27% to 62% decrease in total mortality, 22% to 62% decrease in risk for breast cancer-specific mortality, and 21% to 35% decrease in risk for recurrence.
Did you know?
Soy isoflavone significant reduced risk of Breast Cancer recurrence
Flaxseed significantly reduces breast cancer mortality
Add Herbs, Plant Extracts, and Supplements
✓ All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
✓ One of the 10 key healing factors identified by Dr Kelly Turner
Curcumin (Supplement) improves survival
This Systematic Review of 22 studies concluded: In several other studies, it was reported that curcumin has increased patient survival.
This study says: In several systems, curcumin has been described as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Evidence has also been presented to suggest that curcumin can suppress tumor initiation, promotion and metastasis. Pharmacologically, curcumin has been found to be safe.…it is quite apparent that curcumin has tremendous potential for prevention and therapy of various cancers.
Study: Our result indicate that curcumin is able to inhibit the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells and induce their apoptosis in vitro by inhibiting the EGFR signaling pathway.
Curcumin and Quercetin
Study: Our present study concluded that the combination treatment of quercetin and curcumin acts synergistically to induce anticancer activity against TNBC cells by modulating tumor suppressor genes.
Broccoli sprouts improves survival
This 2019 study says analysis revealed a higher survival rate.
This study says: broccoli sprouts contain several isothiocyanates, the most important of which is sulforaphane (SFN). Numerous studies have demonstrated that SFN can be used as an effective supplement for treating a variety of diseases. In addition, it is known to possess anti-cancer properties such as chemopreventive properties against gastrointestinal, breast, lung, bladder, prostate, and other cancers. The reported data indicates that broccoli could be a potent inhibitor of cancer development and progression and can be used alone or in combination with other isocyanates or conventional anti-cancer medications.
Fish oil and Glucosamine improves survival
This large prospective cohort study [14,920 participants – including 4,889 breast cancer] showed that the use of fish oil and glucosamine was associated with decreased all-cause mortality and cancer mortality among patients with cancer.
Melatonin improves survival
In this study, 250 metastatic cancer patients received Melatonin plus chemo, or chemo alone. The 1-year survival rate was significantly higher in patients treated with Melatonin.
Study: In conclusion, our findings indicated that melatonin inhibits TNBC progression via the lnc049808/miR-101/FUNDC1 axis and that melatonin may serve as an alternative therapy for TNBC.
Resveratrol
This Review looked at results from a number of studies:
The clinical trials presented in this review show that resveratrol’s therapeutic efficacy depends on several factors. Resveratrol was more effective in certain types of cancer than in others. For example, it seems to epigenetically reduce the expression of certain breast cancer-related genes.
This study says: Resveratrol influences multiple signaling cascades that regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, thereby affecting key pathways involved in cancer cell growth, survival, and metastasis.
Berberine
This study concluded: The experimental findings based on in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that berberine shows health-promoting effects through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Berberine reveals anticancer potential by directing cell signaling pathways, such as angiogenesis, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, transcription factors, and other cell signaling molecules.
Triple Negative breast Cancer
StudyTo summarize, our study showed that berberine inhibited TNBC cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
This study concluded: Berberine reveals anticancer potential by directing cell signaling pathways, such as angiogenesis, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, transcription factors, and other cell signaling molecules.
The antitumor activity of berberine against the triple-negative breast cancer cell line clarifies its mechanism, specifically regarding anti-inflammation. Moreover, berberine efficiently affects both tumor extension and spontaneous metastasis, which provides a novel mechanism related to the inhibition of the inflammasome pathway
Study In this study, two triple-negative breast cancer cell (TNBC) lines, MDA-MB-231 and BT549, were used to investigate the effect of BBR on growth of TNBC in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that Berberine inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration and induced cellular apoptosis.
Matcha Green Tea (EGCG)
This 2025 study says: This comprehensive review has elucidated the intricate web of molecular pathways through which catechins, particularly (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), exert anticancer effects. Our analyses confirm that catechins modulate key processes in carcinogenesis, including apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and angiogenesis, and also exhibit the potential to inhibit metastasis.
Quercetin
This 2025 study says: In conclusion, QUR has demonstrated potent anticancer effects by targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which is crucial for tumor growth, survival, and resistance. Across various cancers, including breast, prostate, pancreatic, colon, and brain cancers, QUR effectively suppresses key signaling nodes such as PI3K, Akt, and mTOR at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 300 µM in vitro and 15–200 mg/kg in vivo.
Study: Furthermore, we observed that quercetin induced the anti-tumor activity of doxorubicin by inhibiting the migratory ability of TNBC cells. These results suggested that quercetin may inhibit TNBC metastasis and also improve the therapeutic efficacy of existing chemotherapeutic drugs.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
This study says: Studies have shown that patients with advanced cancer have low amounts (<30% of normal values) of fatty acids in their plasma phospholipids. The potential impact of an essential fatty acid deficit is exemplified by data showing that survival is reduced by about half (approximately 8 months shorter) in cancer patients who have EPA below the range observed in an age matched healthy control group. There is evidence to suggest improvement in muscle health when essential fatty acid supply is maintained.
BreastDefend (BD)
Study: BD inhibits proliferation and invasive behavior of the highly metastatic human breast cancer cells in vitro. BD may have a therapeutic potential for prevention or treatment of highly metastatic breast cancers.
Study: BreastDefend can be used in an adjuvant therapy to increase the therapeutic effect of tamoxifen in patients with ER-positive breast cancer.
BreastDefend™ (BD)
Study: In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the novel dietary supplement BreastDefend (BD): i) is not toxic in vivo at the concentration 100 mg/kg of body weight, and ii) inhibits growth of breast tumors and breast-to-lung cancer metastases in mice. Our data suggest that BD specifically targets expression of PLAU and CXCR4 in triple-negative and highly aggressive breast tumors in vivo. In conclusion, BD may be considered as novel polybotanical preparation for the prevention and alternative therapy of metastatic breast cancer.
Heal Emotionally and Spiritually
✓ All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that these extends survival in cancer patients.
✓ One of the 10 key healing factors identified by Dr Kelly Turner
Increase positive emotions to improve survival
Several studies have shown that a positive attitude or emotional state can boost your chances of surviving cancer. In one study, among patients with metastatic cancers, those who expressed greater hope at the time of their diagnosis survived longer.
Release suppressed emotions to improve survival
This study involving 847 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer looked at breast cancer survival and found that expression of emotion was related to better survival, and suppression of emotion was associated with worse survival.
Deepen your spiritual connection to improve survival
Research shows that in cancer care, being spiritual can have a powerful positive effect on your outcome.
The authors of this study of 2,638 patients treated at 37 palliative care units said their findings suggest the possibility of a positive relationship between spiritual care and survival time in patients with far advanced cancer.
Take control of your health
✓ One of the 10 key healing factors identified by Dr Kelly Turner
Studies suggest that people who take control of their physical, mental, and spiritual health tend to live longer.
Have strong reasons for living
✓ One of the 10 key healing factors identified by Dr Kelly Turner
A strong reason to live – like wanting to see your children grow up – can affect your mental state and survival.
Follow your Intuition
✓ One of the 10 key healing factors identified by Dr Kelly Turner
Intuition (a hunch) is the ability to understand something instinctively. It can save your life if you follow it.
Address Parasites, Bacteria, and Viruses
✓ All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
The National Cancer Institute says: Certain infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can cause cancer or increase the risk that cancer will form. Some viruses can disrupt signaling that normally keeps cell growth and proliferation in check. Also, some infections weaken the immune system, making the body less able to fight off other cancer-causing infections.
In a study, Breast cancer showed the highest occurrence (32/43.8%).
NOTE: There is real scientific and public interest inIvermectin, Fenbendazole, and Mebendazole but the human data are early and limited. They are included here because there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that they are effective anti-cancer treatments.
Ivermectin
Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic agent…Over the past few years, there have been steadily increasing reports that ivermectin may have varying uses as an anti-cancer agent, as it has been shown to exhibit both anti-cancer and anti-cancer stem cell properties. – The Journal of Antibiotics
Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole is used to treat parasites. This 2024 study states: With its high safety profile, affordability, and minimal side effects, fenbendazole stands out as a potential option for cancer therapy. Furthermore, by inhibiting glycolysis in cancer cells and preventing lactate buildup, fenbendazole surpasses albendazole and mebendazole in treating drug-resistant cells, making it the benzimidazole of choice for cancer therapy.
Mebendazole
Mebendazole is used to treat infections caused by worms, sold under the brand name Vermox This is from a 2023 study: Mebendazole can penetrate the blood–brain barrier and has been shown to inhibit the malignant progression of glioma by targeting signaling pathways related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, or invasion/migration, or by increasing the sensitivity of glioma cells to conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Moreover, several preclinical models and ongoing clinical trials explore the efficacy of Mebendazole in multiple cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia, brain cancer, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, lung carcinoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, prostate cancer, and head and neck cancer.
Artemisinin
This study says: Experimental evidences suggest that artemisinin compounds may be a therapeutic alternative in highly aggressive cancers with rapid dissemination, without developing drug resistance. They also exhibit synergism with other anticancer drugs with no increased toxicity toward normal cells. It has been found that semisynthetic artemisinin derivatives have much higher antitumor activity than their monomeric counterparts via mechanisms like apoptosis, arrest of cell cycle.
Practice Nightly Fasting
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
In this study of 2413 women with breast cancer, nightly fasting duration of less than13 hours per night was associated with a 36% higher hazard for breast cancer recurrence compared with fasting 13 or more hours per night. Conclusions: Prolonging the length of the nightly fasting interval may be a simple, nonpharmacologic strategy for reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Heal your gut
✓All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
All illness starts in the gut
The Human Microbiome Project (40 Medical Schools, 200 scientists, 3 years, $178 million) concluded,: your gut bacteria get ill first, then you get ill. And you can’t get fully better, until they get better.
According to this study, cancer patients run a great risk of developing enteroparasitic infections, as they are more susceptible to opportunistic agents due to anticancer treatment and are already immunocompromised because of the disease itself. These opportunistic infections are usually more severe in this group of individuals, and may even lead to fatal complications. Of the 73 participants in the study, 45 (61.6%) were positive for one or more parasitic species…
This 2020 Review article says: …there is evidence that the gut microbiome plays an important role in breast cancer survival…
Boost your Immunity – most cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
A good immune system can work for or against you!
This 2019 study by Yuexin Liu, MD Anderson Cancer Center looked at the effect pre-existing immune conditions had on cancer. A total of 10,062 PanCanAtlas tumor samples had both gene expression and survival data, covering 32 different cancer types.
The results showed that in the majority of human cancers, higher immune response was significantly associated with better Overall Survival, Progression Free Interval, or both, which was in agreement with previous reports that pre-existing immunity is probably necessary for most treatment response.
The study also demonstrated that in some cancer types higher immune response is significantly associated with worse outcome.
In particular, higher immune responses were significantly correlated with longer Overall Survival in
breast invasive carcinoma.
A high immune response in triple negative breast cancer is associated with better survival.
However, survival was negatively correlated with immune activity in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer.
Get lots of sunshine / boost your vitamin D
✓ All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
Research has shown that women with breast cancer who initiated vitamin D supplements within the first 6 months of their diagnosis had substantially lower breast cancer-specific mortality.
This study by Irish Researchers says:
Our original cohort comprised of 5417 women from the linked NCRI-PCRS databases with a diagnosis of stage I–III breast cancer between the ages of 50–80 years, who were not dispensed vitamin D supplements before diagnosis.
Of these, 2581 (49%) initiated any vitamin D use afterbreast cancer diagnosis and the vast majority (98%) of these were on a vitamin D and calcium combination drug.
Our results were users who initiated vitamin D supplements within the first 6 months of their breast cancer diagnosis had a substantially lower breast cancer-specific mortality.
We found that de novo post-diagnostic vitamin D use was associated with a 20% reduction in breast cancer-specific mortality in this large cohort study. In additional analysis, we found the reduction in breast cancer-specific mortality was even greater at 49%, if vitamin D use was initiated soon after the breast cancer diagnosis (within 6 months).
Note: Chemo depletes Vitamin D levels so 10,000 IUs daily is recommended for cancer patients – ask your doctor first.
Embrace Social Support
✓ All cancer types
✓ One of the 10 key healing factors identified by Dr Kelly Turner
Social support: A network of family, friends, neighbors, and community members that is available in times of need to give psychological, physical, and financial help.
When cancer patients seek and receive help from family and others, they often find it easier to cope during illness.
This study says: Research suggests that social support has an impact on physical health, well-being and adjustment to cancer of cancer patients.
Identify and remove your cancer’s fuel
✓ All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
Diet and Lifestyle are among the causes of up to 90 percent of cancers, according to this paper published in the prestigious journal Nature.
The following may be causing or feeding your cancer:
Parasites, Bacteria, and Viruses
Toxins in your body, air. food, water
Geopathic stress
Grief, Distress, or other emotional turmoil
Toxic Relationships
According to a Ohio State University study breast cancer patients who have a poor relationship with their spouse may face a more difficult road to recovery than would other women.
Researchers found that, over five years, patients in distressed marriages had higher levels of stress, less physical activity, slower recovery and more symptoms and signs of illness than did similar patients who reported good marriages.
Maintain a healthy weight
✓All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
This 2021 study involved 351 women who had completed curative treatment for breast cancer, more than 6 months before randomization. It found exercise and weight loss are associated with decreased breast cancer recurrence, which may be mediated through reduced insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity.
How does obesity affect cancer survivorship?
The National Cancer Institute says: Research indicates that obesity may worsen several aspects of cancer survivorship, including quality of life, cancer recurrence, cancer progression, and prognosis (survival). For example, obesity is associated with increased risks of treatment-related lymphedema in breast cancer…
Add Anti-cancer Therapies
IV Vitamin C Therapy
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
Treatment of breast cancer patients with IV vitamin C was shown to be a well tolerated optimization of standard tumor-destructive therapies. It has also given the opportunity to many patients to increase survival time.
This Study (Drs. Cameron and Pauling) states:
A study has been made of the survival times of 100 terminal cancer patients who were given supplemental ascorbate, usually 10 g/day, as part of their routine management and 1000 matched controls, similar patients who had received the same treatment except for the ascorbate…
The ascorbate-treated patients were found to have a mean survival time about 300 days greater than that of the controls.
This study says:
…We subsequently reported a case of resolution of bone metastases in a patient with primary breast cancer (1A) using infusions of 100 grams, once or twice per week.
This 2022 study says Ascorbic acid may become a significant treatment option in the fight against cancer, due to its widespread availability in nature, minimal toxicity, and low cost.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
National Cancer Institute says: In medicine, breathing hyperbaric oxygen increases the amount of oxygen in the body…It is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Hyperbaric oxygen may increase the amount of oxygen in cancer cells, which may make them easier to kill with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
This study says: We conclude that the administration of HBO can provide many clinical benefits in the treatment of tumors, including management of highly malignant gliomas. Applied immediately before irradiation, it is safe and well tolerated by patients, causing rare and limited side effects.
This study found: Despite the fact that behavior and prognosis of the triple positive and negative subtypes of cancer are different, the HBOT had a similar suppressive effect on tumor growth, indicating that they share a common oxygen dependent anti-tumor mechanism…HBOT significantly reduced both numbers and total area of the metastatic lesions…
Chemo drugs – contraindications
This Study says: It is, however, important to underline that Mayer et al. list up five chemotherapeutic agents (doxorubicin, bleomycin, disulfiram, cisplatin, and mafenide acetate); all of which are strongly contradictory in combination with HBO due to potential potentiation of toxicity.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
✓ All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
A large scale review of research by Australia and Chinese University scientists has proved with thousands of studies using hundreds of thousands of cancer patients that Chinese herbal medicine offers significant treatment for most types of cancers – including breast cancer.
Stimulate your Vagus nerve
✓ All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
The vagal nerves carry signals between your brain, heart and digestive system. They’re a key part of your parasympathetic nervous system.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Source: 2023 Review article published in Cancer Medicine. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is any method such as the use of electrical current, manual touch, mindfulness meditation, or deep breathing exercise to stimulate the branches of vagus nerve.
High vagal activity is related to good prognosis and increased chance of survival in patients with various forms of cancers such as colon, pancreatic, lung, and breast cancers.
This is because high vagal activity inhibits sympathetic nervous system activity. In contrast, the absence of vagal nerve activity promotes tumor growth and reduces cell survival, which in turn promotes invasion and migration of cancer cells.
Therapies to reduce your risk of Cachexia
✓ All cancer types
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
Cachexia affects 50–80% of advanced cancer patients, with currently no effective treatments. Cachexia is defined by loss of muscle function and muscle mass, loss of body weight, and increased fatigue and weakness.
This results in diminished physical activity, reduced tolerance to anticancer therapies and overall increased death (By some estimates, nearly one-third of cancer deaths are caused by cachexia, according to the National Cancer Institute).
Here are some products that have beenshown to extend cancer survival in patients.
AHCC
Melatonin
This study says: A randomized study was carried out in patients with metastatic solid tumors comparing a combination of low-dose IL-2 plus melatonin with best supportive care. In the treated group, the percentage of patients with improved performance status, as well as overall survival, was significantly higher than the controls.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
This study says: Studies have shown that patients with advanced cancer have low amounts (<30% of normal values) of fatty acids in their plasma phospholipids. The potential impact of an essential fatty acid deficit is exemplified by data showing that survival is reduced by about half (approximately 8 months shorter) in cancer patients who have EPA below the range observed in an age matched healthy control group. There is evidence to suggest improvement in muscle health when essential fatty acid supply is maintained.
Pomegranate (study)
✓ MORE THERAPIES AVAILABLE IN CLINICS OUTSIDE IRELAND
Add Off-label anti-cancer Drugs
Off-label drugs
✓ All cancer types
Note: Off-label drugs are drugs that are used for a disease or condition other than the one they were originally approved for. For example, Metformin was originally approved to treat 2 diabetes but is also used off-label to treat cancer.
Several off-label drugs have shown a breast cancer survival benefit in randomized trials or studies. These include Lipophilic Statins, Antihistamines, Propranolol, Melatonin, and Bisphosphonates.
Statins
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
Statin drugs can lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Atorvastatin therapy was shown to reduce tumor cell proliferation in patients with primary invasive breast cancer according to this review article published in Clinical Cancer Research.
This study of 20,559 Swedish women diagnosed with breast cancer says: In conclusion, statin users, particularly simvastatin users, had a lower risk of breast cancer related deaths compared to non-users in this nationwide cohort of Swedish women with breast cancer diagnosed after the age of 40.
This study says: Many clinical studies have demonstrated that statins can influence carcinogenesis and cancer progression. While statins do not affect the incidence of most cancers, they do exert significant benefits on recurrence and survival in many cancer types, including breast cancer. Importantly, statin recurrence and mortality benefits are most strongly seen with lipophilic statins.
Aspirin
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
This 2023 Meta Analysis says:
Meta-analyses of 118 observational studies of mortality in cancer patients give evidence consistent with reductions of about 20% in mortality associated with aspirin use.
A study of recovering breast cancer patients found those who took a daily aspirin for three to five years were 60% less likely to suffer from a recurrence of the disease. The aspirin swallowers also were 71% less likely to die as a result of breast cancer.
Itraconazole
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
Itraconazole is a medication used in the management and treatment of fungal infections.
According to Repurposing Drugs in Oncology (ReDO), Clinical trials have shown that patients with prostate, lung, and basal cell carcinoma have benefited from treatment with itraconazole, and there are additional reports of activity in leukaemia, ovarian, breast, and pancreatic cancers…There is evidence that that it may also be applicable to a number of other cancers, including glioblastoma, breast, pancreatic, and ovarian.
Antihistamines
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
This study included all 54,406 women with Breast Cancer [BC] diagnosed in Sweden 2000 through 2008. It concluded:
This population based registry study shows that women treated with second generation antihistamines have a better overall and BC specific survival compared with non users regardless of age, history of allergy, ER status and tumor stage. The results are strongest for desloratadine use and use after BC diagnosis.
Note: There is some concern that the antihistamine Cimetidine has estrogenic properties. If you have ER+ breast cancer this may be a concern.
Beta-blockers
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
This meta-analysis of twelve studies involving 20,898 subjects provides evidence that beta blocker use can be associated with the prolonged survival of cancer patients, especially patients with early-stage cancer treated primarily with surgery.
Propranolol (a beta-blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure)
This Editorial looked at a number of studies. It says: Propranolol was also shown to have an effect on metastasis to the brain – the other major site of interest in breast cancer. Choy et al assessed retrospective data that showed that for stage II breast cancer patients beta-blocker usage was associated with a significantly reduced risk of post-operative recurrence or distant metastasis.
Retrospective studies have shown that beta-blocker usage is associated with improved recurrence free survival in women with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and reduced risk of metastasis. In a trial of advanced HER2 negative breast cancer, beta-blockers were associated with improved progression free survival (PFS), particularly for the subgroup of TNBC patients. There is also some evidence to suggest that propranolol may revert resistance to trastuzumab in HER2 positive breast cancer.
Bisphosphonates (anti-hypercalcemia drugs)
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
This study involving 18 766 women with early breast cancer, says:
…When the study authors looked at the findings according to the trial participants’ menopausal status, they found that treatment with adjuvant bisphosphonates had no effect on any of the outcomes for premenopausal women. However, among the 11,767 postmenopausal women included in the analysis, the use of bisphosphonates was associated with statistically significant reductions in distant recurrence, in bone recurrence, and in death from breast cancer.
Metformin (type 2 diabetes drug)
✓ Studies have shown that this extends survival in cancer patients.
This study reviewed the records of 460 consecutive patients with pathologically proved stage I-III breast cancer…Regarding overall survival, diabetic breast cancer patients treated with metformin as antidiabetic agent had longer mean overall survival time (59.71 months) than diabetic patients not treated with metformin (41.79 months) and nondiabetic patients (52.0 months).
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Study In this report, we demonstrate that metformin specifically reduces the expression of key glucose transporters in TNBC, including GLUT1. We also show that it reduces transcription of key enzymes in the glycolytic pathway that are critical for cancer replication and survival.
Not suitable for BRAF mutations.
Niclosamide
Study: In conclusion, the present study offered new ideas for the treatment of chemoresistant HER2-positive breast cancer…Niclosamide combined with cisplatin may be considered as a novel treatment therapy for chemoresistant HER2-positive breast cancer.
Sodium Dichloroacetate
FOR PATIENTS WITH LIMITED OPTIONS
This study says: Observational data collected from more than 300 cancer patients with advanced disease revealed measurable benefits from DCA therapy in 60%-70% of cases…Based on our clinical experience, combined with existing publications, off-label DCA therapy is an option for patients with limited available conventional treatments, once they understand and accept the risks and benefits of therapy.
This study says: Interestingly, DCA could significantly affect cancer stem cell fraction and contribute to cancer eradication.
Cesium Chloride (inorganic compound)
FOR PATIENTS WITH LIMITED OPTIONS
This study reports on 50 patients treated with Cesium. An impressive 50% recovered from various cancers, i.e., cancer of unknown primary, breast, colon, prostate, pancreas, lung, liver, lymphoma, ewing sarcoma of the pelvis and adeno-cancer of the gallbladder. A consistent finding in these patients was the disappearance of pain within the initial 3 days of Cs-treatment.
This study warns:
Cesium chloride, which is used as alternative therapy by some cancer patients, has been determined to have significant adverse effects, especially cardiovascular effects.
How to access off-label drugs
If you can’t get a prescription or the drugs you need, try Dickson Chemist in the UK. They ship to all EU countries.
Kill Cancer Stem Cells & Clear Senescent Cancer Cells
✓ All cancer types
Why are Cancer Stem Cells and Senescent Cancer Cells so important?
According to this 2020 study: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to the initiation, recurrence, and metastasis of cancer; however, there are still no drugs targeting CSCs in clinical application.
Most metastases are caused by Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs).
CSCs have been shown in numerous cancer models to be involved in tumor development, cell proliferation, and metastatic dissemination, while possessing a capacity for sustained self-renewal. CSCs, which typically represent a small proportion of total cells of a given tumor, also exhibit resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Indeed, exposure to these treatments may promote “stemness” in – cancer cells, which may explain why successful therapeutic reduction of tumor bulk will often fail to produce clinical improvement, says this 2016 study.
Compounds that can kill cancer stem cells include:
Curcumin
Lycopene
Green Tea
CLEAR SENESCENT CANCER CELLS
Senescent cells are unique in that they eventually stop multiplying but don’t die off when they should. (source)
According to this 2020 Review in Trends in Cancer, a significant number of commonly used cancer interventions have been associated with the induction of cellular senescence in either tumor or non-tumor cells and tissues.
Therapy-induced senescence can cause cancer metastasis and relapse and several adverse reactions to cancer treatments.
How can we target Senescent Cancer Cells?
Extra steps you can take
Extra steps towards better health
✓ All cancer types
Get Grounded (beach is great)
The terms “earthing” and “grounding” is simply the act of placing your bare feet on the earth, or walking barefoot. According to this 2020 study, grounding: Connects people to the Earth’s natural healing energy;
Reduces inflammation, pain, and stress; Improves blood flow, sleep, and vitality.
Start Juicing
Why? Green Juicing floods your cells with nutrition almost instantly and is a vital part of the recovery process as well as stopping cancer production in your body.
Stay Hydrated
Cancer patients are at high risk for dehydration from both the disease and the treatment, according to this study The American Oncology Institute warns that if a cancer patient becomes dehydrated during their treatment, side effects may become even more severe.
Ensure Your Blood Oxygen Saturation level is >98%
Why? Oxygen-Starved Tumor Cells Have Survival Advantage That Promotes Cancer Spread.
Monitor Homocysteine Levels
This 2024 retrospective study involved 1272 CRC patients. The risk of mortality increased with increasing Homocysteine levels in colorectal cancer patients. Higher homocysteine levels are found in cancer patients when compared to controls. Various clinical trials have shown that the oral supplementation of folic acid, B6, and B12 vitamins significantly lowers circulating homocysteine level.
Detox your body
Two proven methods of detoxification include Strenuous Exercise and Safe removal of root canals and amalgams. The latter is crucial if you have cancer.
Get your home tested for Geopathic Stress
Geopathic stress is a natural phenomenon which affects certain places and can be damaging to human health. If people sleep on such stress zones, they are susceptible to various diseases like cancer.
On completion of your standard treatment you might want to consider a liver cleanse because toxins from treatment can damage your liver and ultimately reduce survival time.
Taking supplemental antioxidants during chemo or radiotherapy.
Some oncologists discourage the use of supplemental antioxidants claiming they could interfere with treatment. However, the opposite is actually the case.
For example, this study concluded: 280 peer-reviewed in vitro and in vivo studies, including 50 human studies involving 8,521 patients, 5,081 of whom were given nutrients, have consistently shown that non-prescription antioxidants and other nutrients do not interfere with therapeutic modalities for cancer. Furthermore, they enhance the killing of therapeutic modalities for cancer, decrease their side effects, and protect normal tissue. In 15 human studies, 3,738 patients who took non-prescription antioxidants and other nutrients actually had increased survival.
This Systematic Review of 19 trials evaluating the effects of Antioxidants concluded: None of the trials reported evidence of significant decreases in efficacy from antioxidant supplementation during chemotherapy. Many of the studies indicated that antioxidant supplementation resulted in either increased survival times, increased tumor responses, or both, as well as fewer toxicities than controls…
This study concluded: Hypotheses that antioxidants’ inhibition of free-radical activity may negate cytotoxic properties of some cancer therapies have been dependent on naive and inaccurate assumptions. The available data suggest a rational basis for the continued use of selected antioxidant agents as therapeutic adjuncts in cancer therapy…
Cancer Survival Tips from a medical doctor and recovered cancer patient – 4 mins
Cancer Survival Tips from a recovered cancer patient – 2 minutes
See also Alternative treatments
Page last updated January 2026