In the second part of our three-part series on Jane McLelland’s book How to Starve Cancer, we’ll explore something that might blow your mind. What if some of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer are already sitting in our medicine cabinets? I’m talking about repurposed drugs—medications originally developed for other conditions but now showing incredible promise in starving cancer. One of these is mebendazole, a drug usually used to treat parasitic infections. It might sound far-fetched, but stay with me—this is where things get truly exciting.
What is Mebendazole?
The anti-parasitic drug mebendazole has been around for decades. It’s cheap, it’s safe, and it’s widely available. What’s remarkable is that researchers have discovered that it has some potent anti-cancer properties. Here’s how it works to starve cancer:
- Inhibits tubulin polymerization: This is a fancy way of saying it breaks up cancer cell division. No division, no growth.
- Blocks angiogenesis: Tumors need blood vessels to grow, and mebendazole stops them from forming.
- Reduces hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs): These are proteins that help cancer cells survive in low-oxygen environments. By blocking them, mebendazole makes it harder for cancer to thrive.
- Stimulates an anti-tumor immune response: It helps your body’s natural defenses fight back.
Isn’t that wild? A drug designed to fight parasites is now helping us starve cancer.
Synergy with Other Treatments to Starve Cancer
Moreover, mebendazole doesn’t just work on its own—it can work in combination with other treatments to make them more effective. For example, studies have shown that it can enhance the effects of radiation and chemotherapy. In one phase I clinical trial for high-grade glioma (a type of brain tumor), mebendazole combined with temozolomide was not only safe but also showed promising results. Some patients even saw their tumors shrink!
The Role of Other Repurposed Drugs in Starving Cancer
In addition to mebendazole, other repurposed drugs and supplements are also instrumental in targeting cancer’s metabolic vulnerabilities. Jane McLelland’s approach involves combining multiple repurposed drugs and supplements to starve cancer from every angle. Here are a few examples:
- Metformin and berberine: These lower blood glucose levels, cutting off cancer’s sugar supply.
- Antiplatelet drugs (like dipyridamole): These block protein synthesis, which cancer cells need to grow.
- Statins: These disrupt fat pathways, another key fuel source for cancer.
- Senolytics (like dasatinib and quercetin): These target senescent cells, which can promote cancer growth.
It’s like having a team of superheroes, each with their own special power to starve cancer.
Conclusion: A Low-Cost, Low-Toxicity Way to Starve Cancer
To sum up, repurposed drugs like mebendazole offer a promising, low-cost, and low-toxicity way to starve cancer. They’re not a universal solution, but they’re a powerful tool in the fight against this complex disease. And the best part? They’re accessible. You don’t need to wait for years of clinical trials to start using them.
You’ve reached the end of Part 2! If you missed Part 1, you can find it here. For the final installment, Part 3, where we we take a look at how to personalize your cancer treatment plan using Jane McLelland’s approach to starving cancer, click here.
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