CELL SUPPRESSION THEORY OF CANCER
This is a new theory on the origin of cancer proposed by Mark Lintern
Sources: cellsuppression.com
The Cancer Resolution? by Mark Lintern.
“Challenging the mainstream narrative, I have amassed a formidable body of evidence that indicates cancer is one disease that is triggered and mediated by a number of opportunistic intracellular pathogens. Taking advantage of chronic inflammation to sustain an infection, leads to the symptoms that we refer to collectively as ‘cancer.”
Proposed Treatment
35 key considerations.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, so please do as much research as you feel is necessary.
1. Adopt an organic, whole food plant-based diet: If you didn’t apply this initially, consider applying this now. Include raw juices of fruit and veg and spices that contain known medicinal compounds and anti-fungal chemicals. These include bromelain (pineapple), sulforaphane (broccoli) and curcumin (turmeric), which have been shown to inhibit cancer stem cells. This produce should be as fresh as possible, and preferably local because the anti-fungal salvestrol compounds present within the food, are at their most abundant at the point of ripening, and degrade during storage. Essentially, the aim is to change your diet and lifestyle to reverse the cell-damaging and inflammation-causing habits that may have led to the disease in the first place.; and to create a healthy environment in which the tumour, and fungal pathogen, will struggle to grow.
2. Agree to non-invasive surgery where applicable: If the tumour can be safely removed without being intrusive, it makes sense to remove it. While there is a chance of cancer spreading during surgery, the greater threat is the tumour mass and the concern that it may generate cancer stem cells. Therefore, it would be wise to also adopt an organic, whole-food plant-based diet and an exercise regime to help kill any remaining cancer cells. You may wish to consider other options such as cannabis or salvestrol supplements for a while after surgery, and even an anti-fungal drug for a short period.
3. Research the fuel that is feeding the disease: Uncovering the dominant fuel type will determine which treatments you need to adopt. As always, converse with your doctor, do your own research, and read Jane McLelland’s book How to Starve Cancer to learn about these fuel types and the compounds that can be used to target these metabolic pathways. Keep in mind though, that fungal involvement is not likely to be considered within most protocols suggested by others. Learn about the drugs that can inhibit the fuel your tumour is absorbing, with a view to it being the fungus that is actually utilising this fuel. Choose your medications based upon their anti-fungal capability, capability, as well as their fuel restricting properties. Lovastatin is an excellent example of an anti-fungal drug that inhibits fat absorption; Tamoxifen is an example of an anti-fungal drug that restricts estrogen (but only in breast cancer). Metformin blocks the glutamine-to-glucose conversion pathway and is also anti-fungal.
4. Support sleep patterns and the immune system with melatonin: Naturally, your sleep will be affected, which will negatively impact your immune system. We create melatonin when we sleep, and broken sleep patterns reduce the amount the body produces. Melatonin is essential because it is a potent antimicrobial hormone capable of killing fungal pathogens,532, 533 and has been shown to kill cancer cells.533, 534 For this reason, and due to its ability to improve sleep,535 if insomnia becomes an issue, it may be beneficial to take melatonin supplements before going to bed. The benefits of melatonin against cancer appear to be remarkable and well worth researching. It’s of particular interest that melatonin restricts glucose absorption and cancer cell energy creation.545, 546 Please consult your physician regarding safe dosage, and when it is best to take these supplements, but be aware not to rely heavily on melatonin supplements to get you to sleep; too much reliance on an external source can mean your body will stop producing it naturally.
5. Supplement with vitamin D and K: Vitamin D is critical to immune function and to the absorption of calcium. Vitamin D regulates calcium within the blood and is used to help alert immune cells to the risk of fungal infection. Vitamin D deficiency is an under-diagnosed condition that is directly related to many diseases, including cancer. Ensure the supplement used is the D3 form and not the synthetic D2 form, which doesn’t appear to be as effective. Vitamin K works in unison with vitamin D and is needed to ensure calcium is absorbed into your bones and removed from soft tissue. MK-7 appears to be the preferred version of vitamin K to take. As with any vitamin, there is a limit to the benefit it provides. Overdosing on vitamins will not provide ever-increasing levels of benefit; past a specific dose, some vitamins can do more harm than good, so always be mindful of the quantity you are taking.
6. Supplement with vitamin B12:
All cancer patients develop a level of methyl-deficiency, which is largely caused by a reduction in Vitamin B12, but also dysregulation of methionine metabolism. Vitamin B12 is required to keep DNA functioning normally, and depletion adversely affects every cell of the body. A plant-based diet won’t supply the vitamin B12 needed, unless B12-fortified foods are consumed. This is increasingly the case for a standard meat-based diet as well, because most cattle bred for consumption are factory-farmed, and no longer acquire vitamin B12 from eating grass in open pastures. It is the consumption of the bacteria present in the soil that creates this vital vitamin. It is important to regularly monitor vitamin B12 levels within the blood.
7. Restrict glucose and lactate via diet: Glucose is the primary food source of cancer cells and fungi. Cancer cells absorb it at approximately 18 times the rate of normal cells due to the switch in energy to glycolysis that occurs. Furthermore, glycolysis generates lactate (lactic acid), which fungi also use as fuel. This makes glucose restriction a particularly promising strategy, because it depletes the two primary fuel sources of the cancer cell and the fungus. Eliminate all refined sugars from your diet. Refined sugar is not bound to fibre, so it’s absorbed into the bloodstream extremely quickly, providing the fungus and tumour with the abundance of glucose both need to thrive. Try to consume foods containing a low GI rating. The Glycaemic Index (GI) of a food indicates how quickly sugar from it is absorbed and converted within the body. Depending on your cancer type, you may also want to consider the ketogenic diet, which is specifically designed to restrict glucose. Please note that the ketogenic diet generally incorporates meat consumption; red meat, in particular, can generate inflammation.074 This diet is also lower in plant anti-fungals to that of an organic plant-based diet. There is a plant-based version of the ketogenic diet worth considering.
8. Restrict glucose via exercise: Exercise will deplete glucose stores and strengthen mitochondria, which are part of your natural cell defence system. Within a month of starting a moderate exercise programme, the number of mitochondria within each cell can almost double; this provides cells with an increased ability to defend against invading fungal pathogens. Exercise has been shown to prevent cancer from forming by up to 60%, which is a remarkable figure, so it should be an essential part of any treatment regime. Don’t overdo it though, as excessive exercise can weaken the immune system. I wouldn’t recommend performing exercise immediately after consuming a meal either, as some advocate. It’s thought that exercising immediately after food consumption will help burn off any sugar consumed. However, this may be detrimental, as diverting considerable resources to exercise will be likely to reduce the stomach’s capacity to absorb the essential nutrients that are needed to support the immune system and kill the fungal infection; it can also lead to cramps and nausea. There are much better ways to restrict the amount of sugar that tumours can access, such as limiting the glucose you consume at meal times.
9. Restrict glutamine-to-glucose conversion: If dietary glucose restriction doesn’t appear to be working, this could be due to the liver generating glucose from lactate and glutamine via gluconeogenesis. This means that glucose is still being supplied to tumours via an internal glucose-creation mechanism that keeps blood glucose levels normal in spite of glucose restriction within the diet. Critically, fungi can also convert glutamine into glucose when glucose is scarce by utilising this same gluconeogenic pathway that is present within the fungus itself. Thankfully, the drug Metformin and the plant extract berberine can block this conversion from occurring in both the liver and the fungus. The only downside to using berberine is that medical science hasn’t tested it on humans in clinical trials to determine how much berberine is needed for it to be effective. The drug Metformin has been tested and is known to be effective at restricting the liver’s ability to create glucose. It is used by diabetics, so has a long proven safety profile; however, it comes with side effects and can be toxic to the liver. Metformin also has anti-fungal properties.717, 718
10. Restrict cell energy pathways using off-label drugs, such as DON: Patients have reported great successes with a multitude of off-patent drugs that restrict cell energy creation. These include Jane McLelland,449 Rosie Garrett,325 and Professor Ben Williams.322, 324 Jane McLelland provides a detailed account regarding which cellular pathways each of these over-the-counter drugs affect. I highly recommend reading her book, How to Starve Cancer and understanding her ‘Metro map’. You may also want to consider a glutamine inhibitor drug, such as 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (also known as ‘DON’)780 that directly prevents glutamine from being utilised by cancer cells (Metformin does not block glutamine absorption, just the conversion of glutamine into glucose via the liver). Successfully blocking glutamine absorption may also block aspartate, arginine creation and DNA synthesis, which fungi rely upon for growth (aspartate is created from glutamine and used to create DNA and arginine). It may also sensitise the tumour to damage because the cell will be inhibited from making the protective antioxidant glutathione (which is also created from glutamine). Just ensure the glutamine inhibitor drug of choice does not adversely affect the gut and the immune system (both require glutamine to function). With this in mind, it may be preferable to use glutamine inhibitor drugs sparingly and pulse them in ‘kill phases’, allowing the gut and immune system to recover between bouts of the treatment.
11. Consider anti-fungal medications: Itraconazole, Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Econazole and Fluconazole are anti-fungal drugs that have shown efficacy at killing cancer cells and reducing tumour size. I cannot emphasize enough that caution needs to be taken with these drugs, because they are extremely toxic. The advice is always to research the medication you plan to use, and consult a medical professional. Depending upon your overall health status and any other medications you may be taking, anti-fungal drugs may result in a detrimental reaction. Furthermore, the fungal pathogen(s) proposed to be responsible are currently unknown, and not all anti-fungal drugs kill all fungal pathogens. For instance, while Fluconazole is available over the counter and can be effective at killing Candida fungal species, it is ineffective against Aspergillus fungi – if Aspergillus infection is driving your cancer, the toxicity of Fluconazole may worsen your outcome and aid these Aspergillus species. Itraconazole, which is only available with a prescription, kills both Candida and Aspergillus species as well as many others. It’s broad-spectrum efficacy may explain why Itraconazole appears to be more effective against a broader range of cancers than Fluconazole.
12. Consider fat restriction in combination with anti-fungal drugs: If you have a fat-dominant cancer, choosing a statin help. Statins work on several levels. They restrict the cell from absorbing fat and act upon the fungus directly by preventing the fat-to-glucose conversion pathway present within the fungus. Statins are exciting because they can also be used in combination with the azole class of anti-fungal drugs to markedly increase their effect.599 When combined with Fluvastatin, the anti-fungal effects of Itraconazole are improved, allowing lower dosages, and so reducing toxicity.599 Lovastatin works in synergy with Fluconazole, improving its anti-fungal effects.599 Both combinations are effective against Candida albicans. A word of caution – there are different types of statins. According to Jane McLelland, the lipophilic type appears to be effective, but the hydrophilic type of statin appears to aid the disease, as she explains in her book (pg 333 under the heading mevalonate). Please research this carefully.
13. Consider medicinal plants and essential oils: Consider cannabis oil but be aware of local laws. The oil should be natural, not synthetic, and from a reputable source, preferably grown in organic conditions. All of our cells contain two cannabinoid receptors, allowing the medicinal and anti-fungal elements of cannabis to be absorbed directly and immediately into cells. This is why cannabis appears to be so effective and acts so quickly. All essential oils extracted from plants have shown promising effects against cancer in pre-clinical studies, and they all contain powerful anti-fungal compounds. These potent essential oils should be as pure as possible and taken only after researching how to safely administer them.
14. Consider taking colloidal silver: Silver was widely used as an antibiotic before the creation of synthetic antibiotics. Colloidal silver refers to tiny silver nano-particles that are suspended in a solution, which is then consumed. Studies confirm that it selectively kills cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. But as with any substance, toxic levels can be reached if consumed to excess.
15. Eradicate systemic fungal infection: Anti-fungal drugs can kill the initial infection, but they may not completely eliminate fungi within the body. If a lifestyle change is not adopted, then the previous lifestyle that encouraged fungal infection will again promote tumour growth, only next time, the fungus may be resistant to the previous anti-fungal medication used. So it’s not wise to just rely on anti-fungal drugs alone. There are many diets that purport to eliminate or mediate unwanted fungal infections.
16. Consider plant-based anti-fungal supplements: Salvestrol supplements contain condensed plant antibiotics and have been shown to treat 15 cancer patients in three small human trials. The two professors that identified and created them made salvestrol available as nutritional supplements. This was in response to the lack of interest to fund human clinical trials that could establish the efficacy of salvestrol. In particular, science confirms that salvestrols are converted by the CYP1B1 enzyme into toxic substances that only kill cancer cells.
17. Factor in fungal die-off: Fungi release toxins when killed. These ‘mycotoxins’ are released into the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation that can result in severe reactions. This can make the patient feel like they are getting worse, and place an extra strain on the liver, which deals with toxin removal. Patients should keep this in mind when attempting to treat cancer, so as not to overload the liver by killing the fungus too fast. Blood tests should be taken, and cancer antigen markers should be closely monitored to see if tumour volume decreases. You may also wish to monitor ‘nagalase’, which can indicate the extent of infection within the body, and is a reflection of the tumour burden.
18. Reduce your exposure to fungi: Remove mould-fermented produce from the diet, such as cheese, alcohol, and yeast associated foods such as bread. Regularly wash bed linen and avoid dampness in the home and work environment that can encourage fungal growth. Consider wearing a surgical mask when outside or in public, not only to protect yourself against germs passed on by others that risk weakening your immune system but because, on average, we inhale up to 300 fungal spores a day via the air we breathe. An N95 rated mask can filter out most fungi, bacteria and some viruses. Just be mindful that wearing a mask for too long can have adverse effects on your carbon dioxide and oxygen consumption, and if over-used there is a risk of the mask harbouring toxic levels of the bacteria and fungi you breathe out. Please note, not all fungi are pathogenic, in fact, some are medicinal, such as Trametes Versicolor (also known as turkey tail), which has actually been shown to inhibit cancer cells, so mycotherapy should also be considered.548
19. Consider restricting methionine and arginine: Both methionine and arginine are consumed by fungal pathogens and are required for their continued survival. Studies show that in cancer, levels of both are abnormal and increased consumption of methionine and arginine occur. Restricting both has been shown to have a beneficial effect, especially in aggressive cancers that rely on dietary sources of methionine and arginine.833
20. Use iron to your advantage – Artemisinin: Artemisinin is an anti-malarial drug that’s in common use today. In pre-clinical studies it has also been shown to kill cancer cells selectively. It appears to achieve this by reacting with the excess iron contained within the tumour. Peroxide within Artemisinin reacts with iron to form free radicals;493, 494 healthy cells aren’t affected, as they do not contain the level of freely available iron that is found to be present within cancer cells. Artemisinin is, therefore, a targeted form of treatment that only kills cancer cells, and of course, free radicals also kill fungal pathogens. Iron supplementation during the use of Artemisinin has been shown to increase the potency of the drug. In studies, Artemisinin was shown to be more effective than chemotherapy at killing cancer cells and a great deal less toxic.495 The condition of the liver should be considered before opting for this approach because the liver stores large quantities of iron. While Artemisinin should be fine to use with a healthy liver, freely available iron will be present in a damaged liver, which may react with the drug, causing further damage to this critical organ.
21. High-dose intravenous vitamin C therapy: Recent studies have confirmed that high-dose intravenous vitamin C therapy (IV-C) can selectively kill cancer cells because hydrogen peroxide reacts with the freely available iron present within cancer cells, in much the same way as Artemisinin. This produces a large quantity of damaging free radicals. IV-C therapy is also being tested in clinical trials, as the free radical damage it generates seems to sensitise cancer cells to chemotherapy.520 Before this recent landmark study was conducted, high-dose IV-C therapy was deemed controversial and ineffective. But this previous view of the therapy was based on studies that were set up incorrectly: scientists should have been measuring the effectiveness of intravenous vitamin C, but instead measured high-dose vitamin C given orally in supplement form – this provided a completely different reaction.520 High-dose vitamin C taken intravenously generates free radicals that kill cancer cells by reacting with iron. But when vitamin C is taken in pill form, it is metabolised to create antioxidants that neutralise the free radicals that kill fungi, and it increases iron absorption, with potentially the opposite effect of supporting the fungal pathogen.654
22. Eliminate inflammation: Wherever inflammation is found, cancer too may be found. Inflammation is not the cause of the disease; it is the warning sign that damage is being caused by either a toxin or micro-organism or even both. Many chemical toxins in conventional foods and everyday products will cause irritation and inflammation (cell damage). Personal care products often contain toxins, even carcinogens. Processed foods can contain additives such as carrageenan, and many vegetable oils have the wrong ratio of omega-3 to -6; all these should be avoided because they all generate persistent inflammation. There are many more everyday products and food additives that need to be avoided. I cover some of these in Chapter 20.
23. Avoid endocrine disrupters (such as BPA): These are found in plastics, and many common household items, including fizzy drinks cans, tin cans that store food, and even bottles used to feed babies. They create hormonal imbalances that weaken the immune system and generate inflammation. Some products are now BPA free and are advertised as such, although the BPA has often been replaced by some other compound that is as yet, untested for its effects.
24. Carefully consider antioxidant supplements: The issues surrounding antioxidant supplementation is complex. Some studies, which are limited in scope due to their reliance on synthetic antioxidants, indicated that antioxidants in high doses can encourage cancer growth. Antioxidants are essential for healthy cell function in order to control damaging free radicals. They can also be used to aid with pro-oxidant therapies. How you utilise antioxidants will depend on your health status, and the treatment strategy being deployed. Given the nuances involved, discussing your choices with a medical professional who understands the complexity associated with free radicals and antioxidant interactions, is critical to ensuring antioxidant supplements are being used in a beneficial manner.
25. Avoid exposure to antibiotics where possible: Antibiotics destroy the beneficial bacteria of our microbiome, and also damage mitochondria. If antibiotics cannot be avoided, you should consider supporting the gut microbiome with probiotics and prebiotics during and after medication. Probiotic tablets designed to bypass the acid within the stomach are available to purchase at most health food stores. But please consult a medical professional who appreciates the complex interactions between probiotic supplements and the microbiome, as this is a relatively new area of study; our understanding of the intricate relationship between the microbiome and our health is in its infancy.
26. Reduce your exposure to growth hormone: Growth hormone is found in animal products, especially milk and factory-farmed meat. It is injected into cattle to artificially increase growth. These hormones stimulate growth signals in cancer cells too, increasing the risk of driving tumour aggression. If purchasing meat or dairy products, always opt for organic and grass fed.
27. Remove cosmetics containing known irritants: SLS, parabens, parfum and other synthetic chemicals will irritate the body and cause inflammation as well as cell damage. Most cosmetics contain some, if not several of these toxins, so take the time to research brands that specifically market their products as being free from them, look for the Soil Association organic mark, and beware of ‘greenwashing’ – where appealing language and natural-looking packaging is used to make a toxic product appear ‘cleaner’ than it really is.
28. Consider glutamine supplementation: Glutamine depletion throughout the body (caused by tumours absorbing it in quantity) causes side effects that benefit cancer cells. A lack of glutamine results in immune suppression, weakening of our defensive microbiome, and cells that are less able to defend themselves. Glutamine depletion also leads to cachexia (a wasting disease resulting in muscle loss). Studies show that, on balance, glutamine supplementation may provide a greater overall benefit to the patient rather than the tumour.460, 462 This needs to be carefully considered, and the best choice will depend on your health status; it is also contrary to one of the options previously suggested, which is to restrict glutamine absorption. The option you choose will depend entirely upon your particular circumstances, whether a pro-oxidant treatment is being used, and the stage to which the cancer has progressed. With a pro-oxidant therapy you would want to reduce glutamine temporarily in order to reduce the antioxidant ‘glutathione’, so that the treatment is more damaging.
29. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and breathing techniques: This therapy increases the oxygen within the body, which can have many beneficial effects. Hypoxia (a lack of oxygen) causes an increase in acidity as it promotes the activation of glycolysis, which generates lactic acid as a byproduct;489 lactic acid feeds the aggressive nature of fungal pathogens, which also prefer hypoxic conditions. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help reverse this process, reducing the amount of lactic acid being produced, as well as the levels of freely available iron. Increasing oxygen levels within the body has been shown to improve resistance to infection from micro-organisms,489, 834, 835 in fact, studies show that HBOT is anti-fungal and can treat common fungal infections,836, 837 which aligns with the Cell Suppression model. Could this be why HBOT has been shown to have a positive effect against cancer?838 With this in mind, you may wish to consider implementing specific breathing methods into your daily routine, such as the ‘Wim Hof’ breathing method, which effectively increases oxygen saturation within the cells of the body. Wim Hof and his breathing technique have been studied in a scientific setting, so there is good evidence to support its health benefits. Home HBOT chambers are now available, although these are costly. A more economic alternative may be available at a nearby MS Therapy Centre, which usually have a chamber, and often allow cancer patients access at low cost.
30. Alkalising the body: This is seen as controversial because acidity is a symptom, not the underlying cause. However, studies confirm that reducing acidity levels can inhibit cancer invasiveness. The controversy seems to be associated with how best to alkalise the body. Rebalancing body pH levels appears to be a beneficial strategy; however, it can facilitate cancer growth if applied incorrectly. Luckily, a plant-based diet seems to be metabolised within the body to generate alkaline conditions. This is covered in more detail within the next chapter.
31. Stay well hydrated by drinking filtered water: Dehydration will diminish your body’s natural repair mechanisms. Good hydration will expedite the excretion of toxins and pathogens and ensure the body is working at its optimum. According to Dr Batmanghelidj, most of us are unaware that we are chronically dehydrated, and that undiagnosed dehydration is a major player in many diseases, given that the body cannot function effectively without being adequately hydrated.314 Consider using a gravity-fed ceramic water filtration system capable of removing chemicals such as fluoride, pesticides and heavy metals from the water supply. Cheaper common household water filters can’t remove most toxins; a more robust ceramic gravity-fed filtration system should be used.
32. Resist treats that will support fungi and weaken the immune system: Its extremely tempting to reward ourselves with treats such as confectionery or alcohol, as we all deserve to let our hair down. Unfortunately, refined sugars found in confectionery suppresses the immune system and feeds fungal and cancer cell growth. Consuming these treats will undo the progress you have made because it will allow fungi to re-group, as will alcohol.
33. Research how others have treated the same type of cancer: Speak to other cancer survivors – you are not alone. Don’t just rely on close friends and family for support. They may not have any experience of cancer and will likely push you to choose conventional treatment, because they are unaware of the state of the industry, and understandably, believe that doctors know best. Jane McLelland has a great Facebook group for cancer patients, as do many others, such as Mark Sean Taylor’s group ‘Patient Led Oncology Trials’.
34. Join support groups and seek out other health professionals: While family and friends will support you as best they can, they may not have the experience to deal with your illness emotionally. Support groups can provide an extra level of understanding, which will help take a little pressure off you and your family. Look for groups interested in researching all options and integrative care, such as Yes To Life’s Wigwam groups. Seek out an Integrative Doctor, Nutritional Therapist (who specialises in supporting people with cancer), or a Functional Medicine Practitioner, as they provide a holistic approach and are open to using a broad range of treatments. They will be able to look at your vitamin and mineral levels, including the health of your microbiome.
35. Be friendly towards your oncologist: Most medical professionals genuinely want to help and are just following the mainstream training they have been provided with. In most cases, they are restricted by the profession and cannot legally provide the unconventional treatments you may wish to pursue. But be wary of pushy and rude doctors who aren’t supportive of your views and concerns, as dealing with them can be undermining and can sap valuable energy you need to pursue your health and well-being. This is your body, not theirs. This is by no means an exhaustive list; there are other approaches presented by people who have experience of successfully treating their cancer, so please continue your research…
Page updated October 2024