Real-World Case Studies: Integrative Metabolic Oncology in Cancer Treatment
Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health
Changing the standard TO cancer care and prevention
Summarized by Lynn Hughes
For over a century, cancer treatment has been guided by the Somatic Mutation Theory (SMT)—the idea that genetic mutations are the primary cause of cancer. While this theory has led to critical advancements in oncology, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and for many patients, survival outcomes remain poor.
Emerging research supports the Metabolic Theory of Cancer, which suggests that cancer is not just a genetic disease but also a metabolic disorder, driven by disruptions in how cells generate and use energy. This alternative perspective is shifting the way we think about treatment, highlighting new opportunities to target cancer’s metabolic vulnerabilities alongside standard therapies.
A case study poster presentation — presented by Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO, co-founder of the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health and expert in integrative oncology and metabolic therapies; Ahmed Elsakka, MD, Director of Clinical Research at the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health and specialist in metabolic oncology and precision medicine; and Abdul Slocum, MD, Oncologist and co-founder of the Chemothermia Oncology Center in Istanbul, Turkey — explored integrating metabolic therapies with conventional cancer treatment. Their work highlights real-world case studies demonstrating how metabolic therapies combined with standard of care (SOC) have led to remarkable clinical responses—even in advanced, aggressive cancers.??
?? View the poster presentation: Is It Time to Consider Metabolic Oncology in Cancer Treatment?
Why Metabolic Oncology Matters
Unlike genetic mutations, which vary across cancer types, metabolic dysfunction is a shared feature of nearly all cancers. Tumor cells reprogram their metabolism to fuel rapid growth, heavily relying on glucose and glutamine for survival. This raises critical questions:
The case studies presented in the poster suggest that metabolic therapies, when combined with SOC, may enhance treatment effectiveness, reduce side effects, and improve long-term outcomes.
Case Study Highlights: Integrating Metabolic Therapies with Standard of Care
1. Glioblastoma (GBM) – A Novel Approach to an Aggressive Cancer
Patient Background:
A 38-year-old man diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) presented with chronic headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and upper limb weakness. MRI confirmed a solid cystic tumor in the right parietal lobe.
Treatment Approach:
Outcome:
After nine months, the patient’s seizures and limb weakness resolved. Given that rapid regression of GBM is rare with SOC alone, the metabolic approach may have played a key role in his recovery.
2. Stage IV Breast Cancer – Defying a Terminal Prognosis
Patient Background:
A 47-year-old woman with stage IV (T4N3M1) ER+, PR+, HER2- breast cancer was diagnosed with metastases to the brain, lungs, mediastinum, liver, abdomen, and bones. Due to the advanced stage and poor prognosis, she was deemed ineligible for standard treatment and given a life expectancy of less than one month.
Treatment Approach:
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Outcome:
The patient achieved a complete and durable response, remaining cancer-free for over two years (as of 2021). Given her initial prognosis, this case suggests that metabolic strategies, when combined with SOC, may significantly improve survival outcomes.
3. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) – A Complete Pathological Response
Patient Background:
A 29-year-old woman with stage IV (T4N3M1) triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma (TNBC) presented with a large observable breast mass in December 2015. By August 2016, imaging confirmed lymph node involvement and metastases to the liver and abdomen.
Treatment Approach:
Outcome:
A February 2017 PET scan revealed a complete therapeutic response. Following six additional treatment sessions, she underwent a mastectomy, which confirmed a complete pathological response.
This case highlights the potential role of metabolic therapies in achieving durable remissions, even in aggressive and late-stage cancers.
The Future of Metabolic Oncology
These cases illustrate that integrating metabolic therapies with standard cancer treatments can:
With global cancer rates expected to double by 2030, it is time to expand the conversation around cancer treatment. While the Somatic Mutation Theory has driven important discoveries, incorporating the Metabolic Theory of Cancer into oncology care may offer new hope for patients facing difficult diagnoses.
?? View the poster presentation: Is It Time to Consider Metabolic Oncology in Cancer Treatment?
Support the Future of Metabolic Oncology
At the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health, we are committed to advancing research, education, and patient support in metabolic oncology. With your help, we can:
?? Fund groundbreaking metabolic health research ?? Provide treatment grants for patients who need metabolic therapies ?? Expand education for providers integrating metabolic strategies into cancer care
?? Donate Today
Cancer care is evolving. The question is: Are we ready to evolve with it?
Summarized by:
Lynn Hughes Director of Development, Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health
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1 个月Part of the problem is standard of cares viewpoint. They see these people as dying, they only administer end of life care even denying ordinary humanitarian care. I have witnessed first hand; these people live a year or more dying? They are living!! They suffer horrible pain, its heartbreaking and hopeless. I think standard of care oncology offers assistance to death not health. Why not rebuild oncology from the ground up, offer hope and life by really treating each patient according to their personal needs. Standard of care one size fits all does not work on all different bodies. Train & equip oncologists to offer whole health and allow them to use their brains and their compassion.
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1 个月The second case, woman with breast cancer, states that because of her poor prognosis, she was ineligible for standard of care. Yet the Outcome statement says: "this case suggests that metabolic strategies, when combined with SOC, may significantly improve survival outcomes." I would contend that the statement could more accurately read as "metabolic therapies may significantly improve survival outcomes, even with minimal SOC intervention." Because this case highlights that SOC failed at this late stage, and that's where metabolic therapy stepped in and succeeded. I understand that scientists are very careful with wording; however this case could accurately say that metabolic therapy succeeded where full SOC was not advised or implemented. And that is an important and vital distinction.