Bastyr Unversity Cancer Research Center

Scientific Activities

Survey of North American Naturopathic Physicians Who Treat Women with Breast Cancer. Over 1360 licensed naturopathic doctors in Canada and the United States were contacted regarding the treatment of women with breast cancer. Eligible and willing NDs (n=334) were surveyed about their clinical experiences, therapeutic approach, and perceived efficacy in treating women with breast cancer. With data collection completed, this survey will serve as a platform for further research to ultimately determine the safety and efficacy of naturopathic treatments for breast cancer. This study is funded by the Hecht Foundation and Evy's Garden. Additional funding is currently being sought for further research based upon the findings from this study. This work has resulted in a manuscript entitled, "Complementary and alternative medical treatment of breast cancer: Survey of licensed North American naturopathic physicians" which has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Paclitaxel as a Promising High Dilutional Chemotherapeutic Agent in the Treatment of Breast Cancer. This study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of Ultra-High Dilutions (UHD) of Paclitaxel (Taxol) of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in culture. Taxol has been shown to be an effective cytotoxic agent in vitro and has been used clinically with success to treat a variety of cancers, among them ovarian and breast cancers. The overall purpose of this study is to determine whether lower concentrations of Paclitaxel, spanning a range of concentrations from pharmacologic to homeopathic, have cytotoxic effects in vitro. A parallel aim of this research is to address basic science questions pertaining to the mechanisms of action of UHD compounds on cellular physiology. The Hecht Foundation has funded this study and additional funding sources are being sought to continue this innovative research.

Botanical Medicines as Potential Therapies for Gynecological Cancers a recently published review of the peer-reviewed literature on botanicals that show in vitro or in vivo activity in gynecological cancers. This work resulted in a paper that appeared in the Journal of American Medical Women's Association authored by Dr. Cynthia Wenner, Ph.D. This paper was featured on JAMWA's web site in Autumn 1999.

Apoptotic Activity of Garlic and other Botanical Substances on Breast Cancer cells In Vitro A study of the apoptotic activity of Allium sativum (garlic) and other botanical substances. Preliminary data has shown that garlic induces apoptosis in low concentrations in several hormone receptor positive breast cancer cell lines. Also under evaluation is the in vitro apoptotic effects of a botanical formula used in Thailand for the treatment of solid tumors.

Controlled Trial of Garlic in Advanced Breast Cancer Preliminary evidence in epidemiological and clinical studies of garlic and its active constituent, Allium sativum, suggest the hypothesis that garlic may have anti-tumor activity. Studies showing apoptosis of breast cancer cells and cytotoxicity have led to the proposal of a small controlled phase II trial in stage IV breast cancer testing a standardized garlic extract. This proposal is currently being submitted for funding.

Use of Alternative Medicine by Cancer Patients SEER Special Studies; collaborative research with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center A population-based telephone survey of CAM usage among adults and parents of children in western Washington with colorectal, prostate or breast cancer. The study examines types of CAM used, doses and duration of use, attitudes about conventional and alternative treatments, and perceptions regarding quality of life. A paper, the first in a series, entitled, "Use of alternative medicine among pediatric cancer patients," resulting from this work has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

A Naturopathic Medical Treatment of Breast Cancer: An Evolving Treatment Manual This ongoing research is based on working with women diagnosed with breast cancer and their visitations to the University Health Center. The ultimate goal of this study is to work towards the development of a comprehensive treatment program that prevents the recurrence of local breast cancer, prevents metastases, and to prolong the quality survival in those women already diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

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