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Integrative Treatment of Lung Cancer Patients: Observational Study of 57 Cases
Address for correspondence Lorenzo Anelli, MD, Integrative Oncology Ambulatory, Nuova Villa Claudia, Rome, Italy. lorenzoanelli@me.com
This article was originally published by Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd. and was migrated to Scientific Scholar after the change of Publisher.
Abstract
Introduction A retrospective clinical study was performed to identify the characteristics of patients with lung cancer treated with integrative cancer treatment in addition to conventional medicine.
Materials and Methods We reviewed medical records for lung cancer patients who visited a single integrative setting in Rome, Italy. A total of 57 patients were included, and the majority had advanced-stage cancer. All of them underwent integrative therapy with nutrition and phytotherapy indications. The diet was designed to reduce most of possible factors promoting cancer proliferation, inflammation, and obesity. Foods with anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties had been chosen. Herbal supplements with known effects on lung cancer were prescribed. In particular, astragal, apigenine, fucosterol, polydatin, epigallocatechin gallate, cannabis, curcumin, and inositol were used. Furthermore, medical mushrooms and other substances were used to improve the immune system and to reduce chemotherapy side effects. Five key parameters have been evaluated for 2 years starting at the first surgery: nutritional status, immune status, discontinuation of therapy, quality of life, and prognosis of the disease.
Results A relevant improvement in parameters relative to nutritional status, immune status, and quality of life has been observed after integrative therapy compared with the same parameters at the first medical visit before starting such approach.
Conclusion The results suggest that integrative therapy may have benefits in patients with lung cancer. Even though there are limitations, the study suggests that integrative therapy could improve nutritional status and quality of life, with possible positive effect on overall survival.
Keywords
herbal medicine
integrative oncology
lung cancer
nutrition
oncology
Introduction
Lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, with incidence at 11.6% and mortality at 18.4%.1
Conventional medical treatment could include surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Five-year survival after radical surgery is 60 to 80% at stage I, 40 to 60% at stage II, and 20 to 40% at stage III. Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment in advanced stage like IIIB, IIIC, and IV is based on several driver mutations analysis including mutations/alterations of the epidermal growth factor receptor, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, ROS1, and PDL-1 expression.2 Chemotherapy is associated with several adverse effects and signs of immediate and delayed toxicity. Immediate side effects could be observed on skin and hair, bone marrow and blood, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, essential organs such as brain, lungs, and heart.
Grade III or IV neurotoxicity could induce weakness, paresthesia, interfering with function and activities of daily living. In addition, chronic chemotherapy effects include drug resistance, carcinogenicity, and impairment of fertility. Chemotherapy often has low specificity for cancer cells and high toxicity. On the contrary, immunotherapy has less side effects, seems to be much more tolerated, and has a different dose–response curve.3
In last decades complementary and alternative medicine is being increasingly adopted in mainstream cancer care to strengthen anticancer effects and to control cancer-related symptoms. Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. Integrative oncology aims to optimize health, quality of life (QoL), and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum, and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during, and beyond cancer treatment.4
Nutrition in Cancer Care
The lifestyle factors of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet are increasingly being studied for their associations with cancer.
Food could influence five key factors in carcinogenesis:
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Epigenetics: some nutrient compounds could be involved in genetic expression, methylation processes and silencing of oncosuppressors.5,6,7,8
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Gastrointestinal microbiota could act in cancer prevention, in carcinogenesis, and in anticancer therapy.9,10,11
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The inflammation: the increase or the inappropriate expression of chemokines promotes cancer cells survival, proliferation, and metastasis process.10,12
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The extracellular acidic pH of solid tumors13
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The key role of IGF-1 on antiapoptotic and mitogenic pathway of many cell types. IGF-1 that stimulates cell cycle progress from G1 to S phase,14 is an oncogenic mediator in several tumors, lung cancer included.15,16 The obesity could control progression, proliferation, and tumor angiogenesis.17 Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is increased in human NSCLC, while FTO knockdown represses lung cancer cells growth in vitro and in vivo.18
The nutrition could modulate these factors and consequently act on cancer. A diet rich in simple and refined sugar, for example, is involved through aerobic glycolysis in growth and survival of cancer cells.19,20 Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) activity involves cancer cell development; in lung cancer there is a particular correlation with squamous cancer cells.21 The improvement of glucose absorption is a trademark in tumor cells.
Many studies aimed to evaluate the role of glucose and lipid metabolism in growth and survival of cancer cells and investigated the effect of FTO gene in the association between dietary carbohydrates and cancer.22,23,24,25 Meat and derivatives, milk and derivatives are also evaluated for their effects on tumor growth. The increased intake of milk-based protein through cow’s milk consumption (200–600 mL) resulted in a 30% increase in the IGF-1 serum concentration. Structural proteins like meat and fish proteins are less efficient in elevating the insulin and IGF-1 plasma concentrations than milk proteins.27,28 Milk contains leucine, glutamine, palmitate that promote more than others the activation of mTORC1 (serine and threonine protein kinase that regulates cell growth, proliferation, motility and survival, synthesis protein, and transcription).29,30 3.9% of the milk composition is also characterized by fats, 98% of which by triglycerides, (approximately 65% of the total is made up of saturated fatty acids, mainly represented by palmitic acid which accounts for approximately 30% by weight of the total fatty acids, myristic acid and stearic acid. The increase in IGF-1 was also found in meat consumption.31 A critical review of the meta-analysis found a convincing association between increased red meat intake and cancer, including lung cancer.32 A European prospective survey on cancer and nutrition cohort (EPIC or European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition), and further studies highlighted the association between meat consumption and weight gain, fat storage, and inflammatory process.33,34,35 The association found between the consumption of heme iron and lung cancer should also be considered.36,37,38 Individuals with the highest red meat consumption were at 34% greater risk of lung cancer compared to the lowest consumers in a meta-analysis of 18 cohort studies.38 In addition, polyamines (abundant in solanaceae and citrus) seem to allow cancer to function at optimal capacity. Cancer and highly proliferative cells have high levels of polyamines, which have been suggested as supporters of their proliferative capacity, insulin receptor regulators, interacting with some oncogenes.39,40
There are foods or herbs that could negatively interfere with different chemotherapies: garlic, ginkgo biloba, echinacea, ginseng, hypericum, soybeans, licorice, pepper, grapefruit, senna, valerian, vitis vinifera, and alcohol. Foods of vegetable origin and fish are preferable to those of animal origin.
Fish proteins compared to other animal proteins could lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.41 Red meat consumption in high cardiovascular risk population seems to be very high and far from the reccomendations of Mediterranean diet. High intakes of total and saturated fat could be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. there are significant differences in the tumor compared with the normal cells in the absorption of n3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and in the generation of reactive species from PUFA.43 Polyunsaturated fatty acids could improve survival during chemotherapy,44,45 causing normal cells to produce greater quantities of resolvins and protect themselves from anticancer drugs.43 The protective effects of almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts, and many seeds are mainly attributable to PUFAs: nut consumption is inversely related to all the main histological subtypes of lung cancer,46 while almonds can help to control blood sugar47 and this could have a positive effect on tumor control. Vegetables and fruit are very rich in anthocyanins, carotenoids, vitamin C, chlorophyll, carotenoids, folic acid, lutein, polyphenols, flavonoids, sulfur compounds, lycopene, phycocyanins, and monogalactosyl diacylglycerol, all protective compounds against inflammation, oxidative stress, acidification, for an environment unfavorable to tumor survival and favorable for the immune system.48 Indole-3 carbinol, surfuraphane,49 isothiocyanates,50,51,52 epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG),53 chlorogenic acid,54 and compounds present in vegetables, mainly cruciferous, have been shown to have proapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor action.
Phenolic acids, flavanols, flavones, isoflavones, anthocyanins, and condensed tannins, have been identified and characterized in legumes (that seems to be protective and are an important protein source). The fibers contained in previous foods are essential for the fermentation and maintenance of a good gut microbiota, with positive effects on cancer: intestinal fermentation of dietary fiber by members of the colon microbiota causes the generation of several short chain fatty acids including acetic, propionic, and butyric acids with anti-inflammatory55 and immunostimulant53 effects. Dietary fibers are contained in whole grains, reason why they are preferred over refined ones. It is fundamental to completely exclude any form of refined cereal even because of its high GI capable of influencing the etiology of lung cancer.56 The consumption of ancient grains gives more benefits compared with the modern ones: significant reduction of total cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood sugar; significant increase in circulating endothelial progenitor cells; increase in DHA and selenium; reduced fasting insulin levels; improvement of the microbiota.57,58
Phytotherapeutics for Lung Cancer
There are phytotherapeutically active ingredients, now confirmed by scientific literature, active directly on lung cancer cells.
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Curcumin (Curcuma longa polyphenol) is able to regulate oncogenes,59 inhibits the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells,59,60,61 inhibits their growth by suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and NF-kB (important for the production of inflammatory cytokines and for the activation of the inflammasome).58 Curcumin potently inhibits the growth of NCI-H460, NCI-H446,62 and NSCLC A549 cells by inducing both apoptosis and autophagy by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway63 by demonstrating cytotoxic activity against NSCLC.64 It can improve anticancer immunity by regulating tumor-specific immune tolerance.65 The synergistic effect with chemotherapy is also significant66 with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities59 even after radio and chemotherapy, and with cytoprotective effects for normal tissues.67
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EGCG is the most abundant polyphenol in green tea. It has an antioxidant power stronger than vitamin E68; it has remarkable properties on lung cancer cells69: inhibition of PD-L1 expression,70 inhibition of cell proliferation,71 potentiation of erlotinib,71 suppression of resistance to multiple drugs such as that for etoposide,72 increase in growth inhibition, redistribution of the cell cycle, and increase in the rate of apoptosis concomitantly with cisplatin.73
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Another phytotherapeutic principle active on lung cancer is inositol: clinical studies in humans have indicated that inositol hexaphosphate is able to improve the anticancer effect of conventional chemotherapy, to control tumor metastases and improve the QoL.74 Its antitumorigenic effects on lung cancer cells could include a reduction in the expression of mutant KRAS, a change in the tumor microenvironment through the recruitment of polarized (M1-like) macrophages at tumor sites and regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion.75
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The polysaccharide astragalus (APS), isolated from the root of the Astragalus membranaceus, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, can suppress human non–small cell cancer cells by downregulating p65 and p50, reducing the transcription of NF-κB (active in NSCLC) and reducing the level of Bcl-xL protein expression in A549 cells76; APS induces apoptosis by blocking the ERK pathway in NSCLC77 and NSCLC H460 cells through suppression of notch1 and notch3 and subregulation of Bcl-2,78 increases proapoptotic Bax levels (activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in H1299 cells).79,80
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Apigenin is a flavonoid with several properties: it is antioxidant, proapoptotic,81,82 and causes ROS accumulation with apoptosis induction of approximately 30% in cancer cells pulmonary H1299, H460, and H2030. It is anticarcinogenic81: the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) has been reduced by approximately 60%83; it suppresses the expression of glycolytic GLUT1 in lung cancer cells A549 (carcinoma lung), H460 (lung cancer), H2030 (lung adenocarcinoma).84 Apigenin has a significant anti-inflammatory activity81: blocks the secretion of IL-6 and IL-10.83 It exerts an antiproliferative81 and antiprogressive action on lung cancer cells A54983 suppressing the expression of VEGF in angiogenesis through degradation of the HIF-1α protein.85
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The polydatin inhibits the cell proliferation of both A549 and H1299 in a dose-dependent way, suppresses the migration of NSCLC cells, suppresses the NF-κB pathway in NSCLC cells86 and cell proliferation in the S phase.87 It was found that 6 μmoL PD caused 65% (48 hours) loss of cell viability in A549 lung cancer cells, 66% (48 hours) loss in NCI-H1975 lung cancer cells and 28% in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells derived from normal HBE cells, suggesting that polydatin is more potent in eliminating cancer cells than noncancer cells. It causes apoptosis for the increase of Bax expression87 and for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) inhibition, causing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species.88 It seems effective in patients with NSCLC treated with afatinib because of its anti-inflammatory activity in epidermal keratinocytes.89
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Fucosterol (marine algae phytosterol) has anticancer properties on lung cancer cells: it has apoptotic effect90 with an increase in Bax, triggering the arrest in G2/M of the cell cycle of cells A549 and SK-LU-1; it is associated with the reduction of the expression of CDC2, Cyclin A, Cyclin B1, and upregulation of the negative regulators of cell cycle progression (p21Cip1 and p27Kip1).91 Fucosterol has shown an increase in antioxidant defense92 with the suppression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)93; the anti-inflammatory effects of fucosterol are associated with the suppression of the NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways.93,94
Phytotherapeutics with Immunostimulant Activity
In addition to herbal medicine directly active on cancer, there are other substances that can stimulate the immune system of patients with lung cancer. Mushrooms, for example, are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Shiitake, reishi, and maitake mushrooms have immunostimulating and immunomodulating properties thanks to the β-glucans of the cell walls, the so-called PAMP (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) involved in initiating an immune response: it binds to TLR2 by initiating adaptive immunity and PAMP- pattern recognition receptors on monocytes, dendritic cells, granulocytes, and NK cells of the innate immune system leading to the activation of immune cells, production of cytokines, and expression of adhesion molecules.95
The Japanese shiitake mushroom, particularly used, is rich in lentinan polysaccharide associated with the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, with the increase in the salivary production of immunoglobulins A and the increase in the amount of circulating B cells.96 It causes in vitro secretion of various cytokines95 and increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy for lung cancer.97 The MD-fraction (glucan purified by the maitake) increases body weight, spleen weight, and the number of immunocompetent cells such as macrophages, dendritic cell (DC), and NK cells in mice treated with cisplatin, and increase the number of colony-forming unit for granulocytes and macrophages colonies in the bone marrow.98
Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) involves stimulating T cells and inflammatory response by expression and production of chemokines95; a significant increase in B cell population has been found.99
Ganoderma frondosa (maitake) extracts enhance the action of immune cells including macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and cytotoxic T cells against cancer cells.96 Grifolan promotes macrophage activities by increasing the production of IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8, activating and increasing the number of leukocytes.95
The immune role of vitamin D is also significant: in addition to controlling lung cancer by favorably altering the microenvironment of the tumor,100,101 it stimulates the immune system100,102: it is directly related to the stimulation of B and T cells.103 Cytokines secreted by vitamin D-treated dendritic cells are significantly more potent in driving T-cell differentiation.104
Melatonin could prevent or minimize the unfavorable effects of radiotherapy on blood cell count and has potential protective effects on bone marrow.105,106,107
Phytotherapeutics for Adverse Effects
There are numerous herbal therapies that could mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy for lung cancer.
Ginger is able to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy108,109,110 through the inhibitory effect of gingerols and shogaols (the main chemical components of ginger) on M3 and 5-HT3 receptors.111
Peripheral neurotoxicity is one of the main complications associated with the use of chemotherapy agents such as platinum compounds, taxanes, and vinca alkaloids. Acetyl L-carnitine could have neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties, antioxidant activity, positive actions on mitochondrial metabolism, and stabilization of intracellular membranes; it determines the recovery of nerve conduction velocity,112,113 could restore the mechanical nociceptive threshold, and induces analgesia with efficacy and high tolerability in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapy (CIPN or chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy)112 such as paclitaxel and cisplatin.114
American Ginseng is useful against fatigue: for a long time used in traditional Chinese medicine as a natural energy booster, the active ingredients of ginseng, called ginsenosides, reduce inflammation-related cytokines and help regulate cortisol levels by improving related symptoms to cancer fatigue including pain, appetite, and quality improvement.115
The joint pains resulting from the treatments can be alleviated with the natural Boswellia serrata (BSE). It has anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic activity.116,117 It can reduce joint pain and improve physical functional capacity.116 Boswellia is able to prevent, treat, repair, reduce damage, or control connective tissues inflammation. It protects cartilage or reduce symptoms associated with damage to connective tissue.118
Finally, with regard to oral mucositis from chemotherapy, data from a series of cases of patients undergoing radiotherapy/chemotherapy have suggested that the use of prophylactic hyaluronic acid can be effective,119 even more if combined with Lapacho,120 avoiding the use of sweet mouthwashes.
The clinical study has evaluated the efficacy of integrative medicine with nutrition and phytotherapy on lung cancer patients.
Materials and Methods
Ambulatorial Phase
A total of 57 lung cancer patients, 25 males and 32 females, were included. Their age was in the range of 39 to 89 years. The majority of cancers were adenocarcinomas. The extent of the tumor, the presence of pleural effusion, the presence or absence of metastasis, the number of other organs involved, the diversity of lung lesions, the lymph node involvement, the presence or absence of liver, brain and bone metastases made the treatment group heterogeneous. The primary tumor was in the lung and they all started the integrated therapy in association with the conventional therapy already ongoing.
At each medical evaluation, five basic parameters were analyzed: nutritional status (SN), immune status (SI), QoL, discontinuation of conventional therapy (IT), and disease prognosis (PM).
SN was analyzed by the investigation of nutritional values from blood tests: liver, kidney, thyroid, nervous and bone system function, hemostasis, coagulation and hemodynamics efficiency, hematocrit, glucose and lipid metabolism, protein turnover, serum mineral levels, and vitamins.
SI was analyzed by blood tests, with the number of basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, and monocytes. Lymphocyte typing is fundamental.
The QoL investigation was based on the presence and number of side effects.
The prognosis of the disease was assessed by diagnostic reports with the analysis of four parameters: reduction of lesions, stability, increase of lesions, and new metastasis.
The integrative approach consisted of the following:
|
Food not allowed |
Suggested food |
|---|---|
|
Red meat, white meat (possible use of organic chicken or rabbit only for necessary psychological support) Milk and dairy products Soy Solanaceae Large fish Refined and simple sugars (the fruit is allowed only one portion per day, whole, without extraction) Complex sugars such as bread and pasta with refined flours |
Legumes, eggs (2 per week) Fish: anchovies, cod, sardines, mackerel, sole, red snapper, wild salmon, sea bass, sea bream (not bred), small tuna Fresh seasonal vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables: cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sauerkraut, and savoy cabbage Organic whole grains, ancient grains, Khorasan, spelled, buckwheat, brown or basmati rice, naturally leavened bread Dried fruit: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, pine nuts, and seeds, sesame seeds Leaves of celery and parsley Vegetable milk: oats, almond, rice, donkey, spelled. No sugars, salt, and vegetable oils should be added Vegetable protein supplements Vitamin supplements Iron supplements Calcium supplements: calcium orotate |
Abbreviation: PUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acid.
|
Medicinal mushrooms: agaricus reishi, maitake, shitake Vitamin D Tamarix Gallica Melatonin |
Astragalus Epigallocatechin-gallate Curcumin Fucosterol Apigenin Inositol Aloe vera |
American ginseng Ginger Colostrum melatonin probiotics Boswellia Acetyl L-Carnitine Lapacho Polydatin |
Analytical Phase
We reviewed medical records for lung cancer patients who visited our integrative clinical setting between 2014 and 2019. All patients were visited after 3 to 4 months. The effects of integrative cancer treatment were observed for 2 years. At the first medical evaluation and at every medical control a score was given for every parameter analyzed (Table 3).
|
Nutritional status |
Immune system |
Quality of life |
Discontinuation of chemotherapy |
Cancer prognosis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3: all parameters in the range 2: one altered value 1: more than one parameter altered |
3: all parameters in the range 2: one altered value 1: more than one parameter altered |
3: no adverse effects 2: one adverse effect 3: more than one adverse effect |
3: no discontinuation 2: one discontinuation 1: more than one discontinuation |
4: reduction of the lesions 3: stable disease 2: increase of the lesions 1: new metastasis |
The average of each score was calculated for every parameter using the Excel spreadsheet: on the first visit, the 3-month check, the 6-month check, the 1-year check, and the 2-check years. In this way it was possible to observe which score at each visit was predominant and with what percentage, to deduce the condition of the different parameters during the therapy. The whole treatment group (57 patients) performed a 3-month check-up; 39 patients guaranteed the control at 6 months; 23 were also observed at 1 year and 12 even at 2 years. All 57 patients were contacted after the study to find out the reason for the dispersion of the treatment group (death or other causes).
Results
We analyzed the percentages of the scores1,2,3 relative to the nutritional status of the treatment group at the first visit and at the checks at 3, 6, 12, 24 months (Table 4).
|
Score 3 All parameters in ranges |
Score 2 Only one parameter out of range |
Score 1 More than 1 parameter out of range |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 3 mo (57 pts) |
66.66%38 |
22.80%13 |
10.52%6 |
|
Medical evaluation at 3 mo (57 pts) |
77.18%129 |
19.29%11 |
3.50%2 |
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 6 mo (39 pts) |
66.66%25 |
25.64%10 |
7.69%3 |
|
Medical evaluation at 6 mo (39 pts) |
79.48%31 |
17.94%7 |
2.56%1 |
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 12 mo (23 pts) |
69.56%16 |
21.73%5 |
8.69%2 |
|
Medical evaluation at 12 mo (23 pts) |
78.26%17 |
18.18%4 |
4.34%1 |
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 24 mo (12 pts) |
75%9 |
16.66%2 |
8.33%1 |
|
Medical evaluation at 24 mo (12 pts) |
75%9 |
25%3 |
0% (0) |
The scores relative to the immune status of the treatment group were evaluated (Table 5).
|
Score 3 All parameters in ranges |
Score 2 Only one parameter out of range |
Score 1 More than 1 parameter out of range |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 3 mo (57 pts) |
19.29%11 |
47.36%27 |
33.33%18 |
|
Medical evaluation at 3 mo (57 pts) |
50.87%29 |
36.84%20 |
12.28%7 |
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 6 mo (39 pts) |
15.38%6 |
46.15%17 |
38.46%15 |
|
Medical evaluation at 6 mo (39 pts) |
58.97%22 |
38.46%15 |
2.56%1 |
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 12 mo (23 pts) |
17.39%4 |
43.47%10 |
39.13%9 |
|
Medical evaluation at 12 mo (23 pts) |
73.91%129 |
17.39%4 |
8.69%2 |
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 24 mo (12 pts) |
25%3 |
41.66%5 |
33.33%4 |
|
Medical evaluation at 24 mo (12 pts) |
83.33%10 |
16.66%2 |
0% (0) |
The scores relative to the QoL in the treatment group at the first visit and subsequent visits were evaluated (Table 6).
|
Score 3 No adverse effects |
Score 2 One symptom |
Score 1 More than one symptom |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 3 mo (57 pts) |
43.85%24 |
26.31%15 |
29.82%129 |
|
Medical evaluation at 3 mo (57 pts) |
70.17%40 |
17.54%10 |
12.28%7 |
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 6 mo (39 pts) |
46.15%17 |
28.20%11 |
25.64%10 |
|
Medical evaluation at 6 mo (39 pts) |
74.35%29 |
12.82%5 |
12.82%5 |
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 12 mo (23 pts) |
43.47%10 |
30.43%7 |
26.08%6 |
|
Medical evaluation at 12 mo (23 pts) |
73.91%129 |
17.39%4 |
8.69%2 |
|
First visit of patients evaluated at 24 mo (12 pts) |
58.33%7 |
16.66%2 |
25%3 |
|
Medical evaluation at 24 mo (12 pts) |
66.66%8 |
33.33%4 |
0% (0) |
Another evaluation was about the interruption of conventional therapies (Table 7).
|
Score 3 No discontinuation |
Score 2 One discontinuation |
Score 1 More than one discontinuation |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total sample56 |
94.74%51 |
5.26%3 |
0% (0) |
The prognosis of the disease in the treatment group was evaluated (Table 8).
|
Score 4 Reduction of the lesions |
Score 3 Stable disease |
Score 2 Increase of the lesions |
Score 1 New metastasis |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Medical evaluation at 3 mo for all patients (57 pts) |
47.36%27 |
36.84%20 |
10.52%6 |
5.26%3 |
|
Medical evaluation at 3 mo for patients evaluated at 6 mo (39 pts) |
41.02%16 |
41.02%16 |
10.25%4 |
7.69%3 |
|
Medical evaluation at 6 mo for patients evaluated at 6 mo (39 pts) |
41.02%16 |
35.89%14 |
12.82%5 |
10.25%4 |
|
Medical evaluation at 3 mo for patients evaluated at 12 mo (23 pts) |
43.37%10 |
34.78%8 |
13.04%3 |
8.69%2 |
|
Medical evaluation at 12 mo for patients evaluated at 12 mo (23 pts) |
30.43%7 |
34.78%8 |
30.43%7 |
4.34%1 |
|
Medical evaluation at 3 mo for patients evaluated at 24 mo (12 pts) |
41.66%5 |
25%3 |
16.66%2 |
16.66%2 |
|
Medical evaluation at 24 mo for patients evaluated at 24 mo (12 pts) |
50%6 |
16.66%2 |
16.66%2 |
16.66%2 |
An evaluation of the life expectancy was performed (Table 9).
Discussion
|
9 mo |
Over 1 y |
Over 2 y |
Over 3 y |
Over 4 y |
Over 5 y |
Over 6 y |
Over 7 y |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alive 34 pts (59.64%) |
2 |
8 |
8 |
6 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
Lost at follow-up 13 pts (22.80%) |
||||||||
|
Dead pts 10 pts (17.54%) |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Survival percentage |
3.50% |
19.29% |
19.29% |
14.56% |
12.28% |
5.26% |
1.75% |
1.75% |
The integrated treatment of the study gave good results in all of the five parameters evaluated. Regarding the nutritional status, although 66.66% of the treatment group started with an optimal status (score 3) at the first visit, nutritional deficiencies were found (low values of vitamin D, C, A of group B; low values of iron, low protein intake, low omega 3). After the integrated intervention, compared with the first visit, the optimal state (score 3) increased + 10.52% after 3 months, + 12.82% after 6 months, + 8.70% after 1 year, returning as the first visit in 2 years (Table 4). The critical state (score 1) improved by 7.02% at the first check, 5.13% after 6 months, and 4.35% after 1 year.
A frequent course among cancer patients is characterized by cachexia, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oral complications, and dysgeusia.121 The diet prescribed in the study was able to optimize nutritional status. None of patients whom had followed this treatment for 24 months had score 1 at at nutritional status, contrasting the typical worsening of the disease. The diet is balanced in proteins (fish, egg, and legumes), carbohydrates (whole grains and ancient low-GI grains) and polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins (vegetables, fruit, legumes, dried fruit). There were patients that declared to have reduced the assiduity in the application of dietary rules for psychological reasons,122 not for impossibility.
The diet appeared anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, antioxidant, and antiproliferative.
Before integration, the immune status of the very critical group (score 1) was 33.33% (below the reference values: platelets, NK cells, T4 lymphocytes and T8 lymphocytes). At the controls after integrated therapy, the score 1 dropped: 21.05% after 3 months, 35.90% at 6 months, 30.44% at 1 year, and complete elimination of critical issues at 2 years. Therefore, the immune status with supplementation had a positive course: +31.58% after 3 months, +43.59% after 6 months, +56.52% after 1 year, and +58.33% after 2 years (all compared with the first visit) (Table 5).
Tumors develop several methods to avoid and inhibit the function of immune cells.123 Chemotherapy not only acts on cancer cells, but also attacks blood cells, counteracting the natural antitumor response.124,125
It is essential to improve the weakened immune status to better fight cancer cells synergically with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The QoL significantly improved after natural phytotherapy acting on the symptoms of adverse effects.
The following substances have been prescribed: ginger, Boswellia, acetyl L-carnitine, American ginseng, Lapacho, melatonin, polydatin.
At the first visit, 29.82% of patients had more than one side effect, with a low QoL. After 3 months there was a reduction in this state of malaise: 17.54%, 12.82% at 6 months, 17.39% after 1 year, and total reset of the low QoL at 2 years. On the other hand, there was an increase in QoL improvement of +26.32% at 3 months, +28.20% at 6 months, +30.44% at 1 year, +8.33% at 2 years (Table 6). At 2 years the improvement was lower, but that could be because of the adverse effects of the new lines of therapies taken. In any case, even at 2 years follow-up all cases of low QoL have shifted toward mediocre and good conditions. QoL is a determining factor in allowing patients to better deal with therapies, both physically and psychologically.126 The improvement of nutrition, immunity, and QoL ensured the continuity of conventional therapies: 94.74% of the sample did not have to make any interruption of therapy (Table 7), thus maintaining an advantage over the tumor compared with a worsening due to interruptions.127 The improvement of the previous factors combined with the integration with other phytotherapeutics such as astragalus, apigenin, epigallocatechin-gallate, inositol, fucosterol, polydatin, and aloe (anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, antiproliferative, antimetastatic, proapoptotic, synergistic effects) could have been decisive in improving the prognosis of cancer. In the follow-up there was a reduction in the lesions: +47.36% at 3 months. At 6 months and 1 year, compared with 3 months, the reduction of the lesions stopped, while there was an increase of the lesions (+2.57% at 6 months, +17.39% at 1 year) and new metastases (+2.56% at 6 months).
Integrated therapy, together with conventional therapy, has shown a significant advantage over the tumor, letting prevail cases of reduction and stability of the lesions guaranteeing a good life expectancy. The estimated survival time of small cell lung cancer is 20 months with a 5-year survival rate of 20% and <1% for SCLC (small cell lung cancer). For NSCLC, the 5-year survival rate of patients varies by stage, from 60 to 70% in stage I patients to <1% in patients with stage IV disease.128 According to estimates of Global Cancer Observatory relating to lung cancer survival in several European states, out of a total sample, approximately 39% have 1-year survival, 19.30% of survivors are likely to achieve 3 years. In our treatment group patients at stage IV were 34 and those at stage II and III were 18. Even though in the study there are only 12 controls at 2 years, after the recall of the whole treatment group at the end of the study, it has been shown that the dispersion of the sample over the years was not caused only by deaths but mainly for other reasons.
Considering the onset of the disease for all patients, and also that the design of the current study is subject to limitations, it is possible to say that integrated therapy, together with the conventional one, ensured 1-year survival of 74.18% of treatment group, 2-year survival of 54.89%, 3-year survival of 35.6%, and 4-year survival at 21.04%. At 5 years, 8.76% of patients survived, 6- and 7-year survival was 1.75% in both cases (Table 9).
Patients independently followed mind-body disciplines, acupuncture, and hyperthermia as additional support to the therapy. Such disciplines were not considered as observational parameters in the study. Almost all patients, even those missing in the study, who confirmed survival to date, despite the interruption of the controls, continued autonomously the integration with phytotherapy and they all continued the diet as a lifestyle, although not in a perfect way.
Conclusion
Integrated therapy, as a support for conventional therapy, is a new approach to consider for lung cancer patients. Through nutrition (with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating antioxidant, antiproliferative effects) and targeted phytotherapeutic support, integrated therapy was able to improve the nutritional status, immune status, and QoL in patients with lung cancer. This guaranteed the continuity of the therapies without interruptions and an advantage over the disease thanks to the combined action of chemotherapy/biological drugs, food and phytotherapy, all without any interference. The result was a good prognosis for the disease and a good survival, even for stage IV cases. Thus, further cohort studies with a rigorous prospective study design are required.
Conflict of Interest
None declared.
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