German Integrative Medical Center

Saudi German Hospital – Dubai

German Integrative Medical Center

Saudi German Hospital – Dubai

Metastatic breast cancer before and after German integrative therapy and surgery

Specialized Care for Therapy-Resistant Cancer Patients in United Arab Emirates

Managing metastatic and therapy-resistant cancers is highly challenging because current treatments often fail to address the root causes of cancer. Tumor diversity, resistance to therapies, the supportive tumor microenvironment, limitations of conventional treatments, complexity of metastasis, and personalization hurdles all contribute to these challenges. While new approaches like combination therapies and precision medicine show promise, there’s a pressing need for innovative solutions targeting the core mechanisms behind cancer progression.

Our team in Germany won a deep insight into this process in the last 20 years and published several original papers in this respect demonstrating the essential roles played by the low oxygen perfusion in in so called hypoxic areas forcing primary tumor cells to shift their energetic metabolism from a mitochondrial oxidative phosphorilation to a cytosolic aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) generating and transfering large amounts of protons (H+) and lactic acid outside of the tumor cells. The resulting peripheral acidosis efficiently blocks the immune cells of the host (monocyte and macrophages) to access the appropriate receptors on the tumor cell membranes and induce their lysis or apoptosis.

Tumor transcription factors like HIF-1 and MYC as well as tumor specific Carboanhydrases are strongly supporting both the aerobic glycolysis and the transfer of acidic equivalents outside of the cells, thus maintaining an intracellular alcalosis state, mandatory for continuous cellular replications.

Accumulation of large deposits of heavy metals (like Hg, Sn, Ni, Co, Cr, As, Pb, Zn Fe,) pesticides, PCBs, DDT, HCB, phtalates, etc. in the tumor mass, generating a high oxidative stress via free radicals, is in turn responsible for the continuous genetic mutations in all tumor centers. It’s easy to understand that as long as every tumor nodule has his own DNA mutations, his own form of glucose, glutamine or fatty acid metabolism and his own resistance pattern against radiation or chemotherapy, it is practicaly impossible to destroy all tumor nodules with a first line therapy protocol, even in the same tumor (see references)

The Importance of an Evidence-Based Integrative Therapy

In response to the limitations of conventional cancer treatments, our approach emphasizes evidence-based integrative therapies. These therapies target universal hallmarks of cancer cells in both primary tumors and metastases, providing a holistic and personalized treatment strategy. Integrative therapies combine innovative metabolic interventions with traditional approaches, aiming to enhance efficacy while minimizing side effects. Key components include:

  1. A package of inhibitors of the aerobic glycolysis and glutaminolysis like genistein, oxythiamine, DCA and ketone bodies derivates, blocking the entry of glucose and glutamine into the tumor cells. All free of side effects both in animal and human studies.
  2. Inhibitors of the carboanhydrase mediated extracellular acidosis like acetazolamide, sulphonamides or coumarins, all free of side effects.
  3. High dose intravenous Vitamin C, specifically oxidizing at tumor site in the presence of increased metal concentrations with generation of superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide, both of them inducing the apoptosis/necrosis of tumor cells. Free of side effects.
  4. Natural polyphenols like curcumin, artemisinin, EGCG or substituted phenols, generating superoxide and semiquinone radicals in the presence of increased heavy metal consentrations at the tumor site.
  5. The inhibition of the intracellular redosis in cancer cells by means of pro-oxidative interventions such as hyperthermia, short term fasting (3-5 days), ketogenic diet and regular physical exercise.
  6. A personalised combination of the above mentioned interventions with an appropriate form of Immunotherapy with check-point-inhibitors like nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab etc, in line with the therapy resistance tests on circulating tumor cells.
  7. An appropriate form of nutrition with low glycemic index low in sugar, flour products, glutamine, iron, nickel, zinc, chromium, folic acid, fat peroxides and alcohol, but rich in omega-3-fatty acids, vitamin D, carotenoids. plant proteins, selected amino acids, sphingolipids, phytosterols, isoflavonoids, polyphenols, L+lactic acid and pro-oxidative vegetable juices.

By integrating these strategies, our therapy approach addresses not only the tumors themselves but also the underlying conditions that sustain cancer growth. This comprehensive and evidence-backed method has shown promise in overcoming resistance and improving patient outcomes.

For a deeper insight in our cancer therapy concept please consider our peer reviewed original paper “Metabolic hallmarks of cancer cells as targets for integrative therapies” published in the Journal of Translational Science, 2020.

Liver cancer with peritoneal & spine metastasis before and after German integrative therapy

Collaboration and Implementation

The oncology department of our German Integrative Medical Center in Dubai is dedicated to addressing the needs of patients facing therapy-resistant cancer cases. We specialize in treating individuals who have not responded to standard therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy. Our approach focuses on providing innovative and tailored treatment options, designed to align with and complement existing guideline therapies practiced across other oncology hospitals in the UAE.

In addition to medical care, we place a strong emphasis on equipping patients and their families with the necessary knowledge and resources to manage at-home care effectively after discharge. Our comprehensive support services ensure that patients are empowered to maintain their quality of life during their recovery journey.

Collaboration is at the heart of our mission. We actively seek to build strong partnerships with other cancer treatment centers within the UAE to create a cohesive network of oncology care. By fostering open communication and joint efforts, we aim to share expertise, improve treatment strategies, and achieve better outcomes for patients with challenging and complex cancer cases.

With a commitment to advancing oncology care, we aspire to offer hope to patients and their families by providing advanced options and compassionate support in the fight against cancer.

REFERENCES