In this post I will be describing the use of different enzymes and their role against cancer. The use of pancreatic enzymes to treat cancer dates back over a century with many case studies of patients surviving long-term. Enzymes have many other benefits, so keep reading to learn about these amazing supplements and why you may want to add them to your treatment plan.
HISTORY OF PANCREATIC ENZYMES AS A CANCER TREATMENT
The story behind how pancreatic enzymes help in treating cancer is fascinating and worth knowing. In 1905, an embryologist named John Beard, proposed the use of proteolytic, pancreatic enzymes as a potential treatment for cancer. This is how he came by that theory.
Cancer cells are “immortal”. They resemble embryonic stem cells called trophoblasts. Trophoblasts are the cells that adhere to the uterus in mammals during pregnancy and form the placenta. They grow and proliferate and form a new blood supply, just like cancer cells do.
However, at some point, the trophoblasts receive a signal to stop proliferating and spreading. They stop forming new blood vessels and become the placenta to feed the fetus.
He found that the signal to tell the trophoblast cells to stop growing came from the enzymes secreted by the pancreas of the fetus. From there he theorized that pancreatic enzymes and their proenzymes may also signal immortal cancer cells to stop growing and prevent them from spreading and forming new blood vessels.
As an interesting side note, Beard also believed that estrogen kept stem cells in their rapidly dividing state leading to cancer. According to Beard, cancer arises when certain cells revert to a trophoblastic state, leading to uncontrolled growth. A trophoblast releases a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which becomes elevated during pregnancy. In 1995, professor Hernan Acevedo showed that the expression of hCG and its subunits was a phenotypic marker characteristic of 74 different human cancer cell lines he evaluated, irrespective of their type or origin. Read More
Today, testing of hCG in blood and urine can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of certain types of cancer. Beard was way ahead of his time.
John Beard and others started studying the use of injectable pancreatic enzymes in mouse models and eventually cancer patients. He believed the enzymes had to be injected to avoid breakdown by the acid in the stomach. In spite of promising results over several decades, there were a lot of other studies to try to debunk his theory and eventually the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of injectable enzymes in 1964.
Around this time Dr. Kelly, an orthodontist, used oral pancreatin along with dietary changes to cure himself of an unknown cancer. Over time, cancer patients started coming to him for help and he developed a protocol for treating cancer, which included enzymes. In spite of helping a lot of people live longer and even survive aggressive cancers, he was touted as a quack and ridiculed. Dr. Nick Gonzalez, MD found Dr. Kelly’s work in the 1980s and started using it with his cancer patients also with great success. He eventually went on to develop his own formula of pancreatic enzymes ( Nutricology Pancreas) and published reports of his work. He teamed up with Dr. Linda Isaacs, MD in 1985. Nick Gonzalez has passed away, but Dr. Isaacs is still helping cancer patients to this day with her naturopathic treatments, including the use of enzymes.
Since then, many naturopathic doctors recommend enzymes, especially pancreatic enzymes in their treatment regimens. Many believe pancreatic enzymes are not just dietary aids, but can control the trophoblastic state and convert cancer stem cells back to normality. You can read a detailed report (by Linda Isaacs) of this brief history here and about how successful these treatments have been. Read More
WHAT ARE ENZYMES?
Enzymes are vital for our health and there are thousands of enzymes in each cell of our bodies. They help speed up chemical reactions essential for digesting food, respiration, muscle and nerve function and more. Enzymes are not destroyed during chemical processes, so a cell can reuse each enzyme repeatedly.
Here are some of their functions. Enzymes help the body break down larger complex molecules into smaller molecules, such as glucose, so the body can use them as fuel. Each cell in the body contains DNA and when a cell divides, the cell needs to copy its DNA. Enzymes help in this process by unwinding the DNA coils. The liver breaks down toxins in the body. To do this, it uses a wide range of enzymes.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ENZYMES
The most common and widely known type are pancreatic enzymes, but there are others. Here is a list of enzymes that are effective for treating cancer and other conditions.
PANCREATIC ENZYMES
- Amylase
- Lipase
- Protease
- Trypsin
- Chymotrypsin
Pancreatic enzymes usually come from pigs or cows. Enzymes from pigs most closely resemble those of humans.
PROENZYMES
- Trypsinogen
- Chymotrypsinogen
Proenzymes are precursors to the enzymes and studies show that proenzymes also work against cancer.
PLANT ENZYMES
- Bromelain (from pineapples)
- Papain (from papayas)
- Nattokinase (from fermented soy, called natto)
OTHER ENZYMES
- Serrapeptase (from the intestine of the silkworm)
- Lactase (produced in the small intestine)
- Lumbrokinase (derived from earthworms)
HOW ENZYMES FIGHT CANCER
Enzymes can be helpful in treating cancer through multiple mechanisms.
- Enzymes inhibit angiogenesis, preventing tumors from forming new blood vessels and continuing to grow larger.
- Enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin have been shown to have direct cytotoxic effects against cancer cells by inducing apoptosis.
- Enzymes can break down the extracellular matrix, a complex coating mainly composed of fibrin, that surrounds all malignant tumors. This coating is part of what prevents the body’s immune system from attacking the cancer cells. By weakening this fibrin matrix, enzymes make the tumor more susceptible to the immune system.
- Excess fibrin deposition can contribute to inflammation and cancer progression and metastasis. Fibrin is also involved in blood clotting. Blood clots are often a sequela of cancer and cancer treatments like surgery. Enzymes can prevent fibrin associated inflammation and clot formation.
- Pre-cancerous cells in the bloodstream attach to tissues via fibrin. By digesting fibrin, the enzymes can prevent adhesion of the pre-cancerous cells, which are released into the blood stream. These abnormal cells can then be destroyed by circulating enzymes and white blood cells.
- Enzyme supplements, such as nattokinase and lumbrokinase, support healthy circulation. By improving circulation, more oxygen is delivered to tumors weakening them and chemotherapy drugs can better penetrate and target cancer cells.
- Cancer cells often shed tumor-associated or tumor-specific antigens, which can be recognized by the immune system as foreign. The immune system, in an attempt to fight the cancer, produces antibodies to these antigens, leading to the formation of circulating immune complexes (CICs). If not cleared properly, these complexes can deposit in tissues and trigger inflammation, damaging organs like the kidneys, joints, skin and nerves. Proteolytic enzymes break down these complexes, facilitating their removal.
- A key factor in cancer progression is the loss of cell-to-cell adhesion, which allows for cancer cell migration and invasion. Enzymes enhance cell-to-cell adhesion, which helps prevent cancer cells from breaking away and spreading.
- Enzymes can prevent cancer cells from changing into a more aggressive form that metastasizes (anti-epithelial to mesenchymal transition effect)
OTHER BENEFITS OF ENZYMES
SUPPORT DIGESTION
- Pancreatic enzymes, like lipase, amylase and protease are essential for breaking down fats, carbohydrates and proteins in the digestive system. Cancer patients often have problems with digestion leading to malabsorption, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Pancreatic enzymes aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. The use of enzyme supplements can help slow the progression of cachexia and muscle wasting.
- Digestive enzymes can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, gas and abdominal pain. For women with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive problems, this is very helpful.
- By ensuring proper digestion, enzymes can prevent undigested food particles from fermenting in the gut, which can contribute to dysbiosis (imbalance of gut bacteria), leaky gut, inflammation and other problems.
- Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) is a well known medical treatment to help cancer patients digest food allowing for better absorption of nutrients.
REDUCE INFLAMMATION
- Certain systemic, proteolytic enzymes like bromelain and papain are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These enzymes work throughout the body, not just in the digestive tract to promote healing.
- Bradykinin is a potent peptide that causes blood vessel dilation and increased permeability, which leads to swelling and pain. Both bromelain and papain help break down bradykinin reducing its inflammatory effects.
- Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are lipid compounds that cause inflammation, pain and fever. Bromelain can inhibit the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes by interfering with the signaling pathways. It down-regulates COX-2 expression, a key enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis.
- These enzymes directly break down cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-⍺, which are signaling molecules that promote inflammation. These cytokines are often elevated with cancer.
- As mentioned above, CICs are antibody-antigen complexes formed in the body in response to foreign substances and cancer. If not cleared properly, they can become pathogenic and attract inflammatory cells leading to tissue and organ damage. Bromelain and papain clear these CICs from the body.
- Bromelain, papain and serrapeptase can be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories in treating arthritis by reducing swelling and relieving pain.
- Bromelain in particular also has antioxidant properties. It helps neutralize harmful free radicals.
TISSUE HEALING
- Enzymes break down dead or damaged tissues, which then prompts tissue repair and regeneration.
- They improve lymphatic drainage of tissues and reduce edema, which aids in wound healing.
- Serrapeptase can prevent bacteria from forming biofilms, thereby preventing resistant infections.
- Serrapeptase can also reduce scar formation.
IMPROVED CIRCULATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
- Enzymes like serrapeptase, nattokinase and lumbrokinase are known for thinning the blood, preventing blood clots from forming and helping dissolve existing blood clots. They break down fibrin and reduce overall levels of fibrinogen, the precursor to fibrin. This improves blood flow and circulation, which is important to bring oxygen and nutrients to healthy cells.
- Studies have shown these enzymes can decrease atherosclerotic plaque build-up in arteries and reduce hyperlipidemia, factors that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
- Nattokinase has been shown to reduce blood pressure. It inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), similar to blood pressure lowering medications, called ACE inhibitors. It also promotes nitric oxide production, which helps relax blood vessels.
HOW TO TAKE ENZYMES
Digestive and/or pancreatic enzymes should be taken with a meal or 1/2 hour before a meal.
Pancreatic enzymes are often taken 2-3 times per day. High doses may be necessary to combat cancer.
Systemic enzymes like bromelain, papain, serropeptase, nattokinase and lumbrokinase should be taken on an empty stomach.
If possible, consult with your naturopathic doctor to discuss which enzymes would be best for you, the proper dose and how often to take them.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
There are many different forms of anticoagulants and blood pressure lowering medications. These are synthetic drugs and can have side effects and require frequent monitoring. Switching to natural supplements to do these same functions would be ideal, but do not do this without discussing it with your doctor. Enzyme supplements may interact with these medications potentially causing additive effects.
Make sure to notify your doctor if you are going to have surgery or a dental procedure as you may need to lower the dose or discontinue some enzyme supplements before hand.
Dosage and quality of supplements can vary. Try to find supplements from reputable manufacturers that have been third party tested for purity and verified enzyme activity.
Look for products that specify enzymatic activity (i.e. FU for nattokinase, SPU for serrapeptase, GDU or MCU for bromelain). The amount of the enzyme in mg doesn’t tell you how potent the enzyme is.
Consider products with a broad range of enzymes:
- Proteases (or proteolytic enzymes) break down proteins into amino acids
- Amylases digest carbohydrates
- Lipases break down fats
- Cellulases break down fiber from plants
- Lactase helps digest lactose found in dairy
- Bromelain, papain, serrapeptase, lumbrokinase and nattokinase are all proteases
I hope this overview of enzymes has been helpful. They are very beneficial for uterine cancer patients and something you should look into.
You are stronger than you think, more beautiful than you know and more loved than you can imagine.