Because cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to fight, it is often best to simultaneously attack cancer cells using as many modalities as possible. In addition to the standard medical treatments that are traditionally used, many doctors and patients request the incorporation of complimentary therapies. These complimentary therapies do not interfere with the main treatments being utilized, but may offer significant help in the battle against cancer. The following are several of the supplements and compounds most frequently requested by cancer patients.

Ammonium Tetrathiomolybdate Capsules

Ammonium Tetrathiomolybdate is a drug that chelates (removes) excess copper from the body. The goal of this therapy is to lower copper levels so as to deprive the cancerous tumor of sufficient copper to form new blood vessels, while keeping copper levels high enough for the body to perform other copper-based reactions, such as red blood cell functioning.

By depriving cancer tumors of the copper supply that they need to form new blood vessels, researchers at the University of Michigan report that they stopped the growth and spread of disease for over a year in a small group of patients with advanced cancer. Currently, there are nine phase 2 cancer studies going on using Ammonium Tetrathiomolybdate.

At our pharmacy, we have compounded Ammonium Tetrathiomolybdate Capsules for several cancer patients. The results in many of these patients have been encouraging. Ammonium Tetrathiomolybdate Capsules are a prescription medication.

Melatonin (high dose) Capsules

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland at nighttime to aid the body in falling asleep. It is commonly sold as an over the counter (OTC) dietary supplement in doasges ranging from 0.3 mg – 3 mg.

Research into Melatonin’s anti-cancer properties has steadily increased since the early 1990’s. Melatonin is toxic to many types of human tumor cells, and it has been shown to slow the growth rate of established tumors. High doses of Melatonin have also been shown to inhibit the tumor from forming new blood vessels, discouraging the spread of cancer throughout the body.

At Lee Silsby Compounding Pharmacy, we compound Melatonin Capsules at the higher dosages that have been shown in studies to improve survival time for those suffering from various types of cancers.

Beta-1, 3-D Glucan Capsules

Beta-1, 3-D Glucan is derived from the cell walls of baker's yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae). Beta glucan is well known by immunologists for its immune enhancing properties. It works by fully activating macrophages in your body, one of the primary defenses of the immune system. Macrophages trap and consume foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Several studies have also shown macrophages to kill tumor cells.

It is important that only the highest quality Beta-1, 3-D Glucan is used for maximum effectiveness. Our compounded Beta-1, 3-D Glucan capsules utilize the purest form of Beta-1, 3-D Glucan that is available.

Additional compounds and supplements for the use in cancer patients are being developed and will be added in the future.