New Data Validates CyberKnife SBRT for Prostate Cancer Treatment

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Accuray Incorporated announced this week study results which followed hundreds of prostate cancer patients treated with the CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System.

The study followed 304 patients for a median of 5 years, and many to 6 years post-treatment. Results showed that 97 percent of patients with low-risk and 90.7% of patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer remained cancer-free throughout that time.

The CyberKnife treatment was shown to be minimally harmful, producing low levels of toxicity that are similar to the level produced by other radiation treatment options including brachytherapy. Preservation of sexual function was achieved for 75 percent of patients who were sexually potent prior to CyberKnife treatment. The positive quality of life outcomes, low side effects, and brief duration of CyberKnife treatment are especially encouraging for men weighing their many treatment options.

“Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer: Disease Control and Quality of Life at 6 Years,” appears in the May 2013 edition of “Radiation Oncology”. The study was led by Dr. Alan Katz, a radiation oncologist with more than 30 years of experience who currently practices at Flushing Radiation Oncology in Queens, N.Y.

In related Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) news, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recently updated its position on the use of SBRT for prostate cancer. According to its recently posted Model Policy, the Society believes that enough clinical evidence now exists to so that “SBRT could be considered an appropriate alternative for select patients with low to intermediate risk disease.”

“These latest long-term CyberKnife data coupled with ASTRO’s new position on SBRT for prostate cancer confirm what I have seen in my clinical practice,” said Dr. Alan Katz. “CyberKnife SBRT is a safe and effective treatment for prostate cancer that offers men the opportunity to complete a non-invasive treatment in five days and should be considered for patients with organ-confined prostate cancer.”

“Dr. Katz’s five-year CyberKnife prostate SBRT data show good disease-free survival, low toxicity, and preservation of sexual function. The data support prior findings that validate an approach to prostate SBRT that includes dynamic tracking and automatic correction for target motion,” said Fabienne Hirigoyenberry-Lanson, vice president of medical affairs at Accuray.

The first five-year outcomes on CyberKnife SBRT for prostate cancer patients were published in January 2011. For more information on our locations, and where you can be treated with CyberKnife in Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties, call us today at 1-877-930-7376.

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Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients; Ditch the Sugary Drinks!

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Ditching the Sugary Drinks: A Small Modification can Make a Big Difference
Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
Raquel Rivera, SA

After receiving a diagnosis of cancer many patients become more aware of their nutrition and make lifestyle changes that include diet changes. At times the amount of calories consumed is a focus. Sometimes the source of calories requires some attention. This would be true for high calorie sugary soft drinks. There are much more healthy ways to get your calories!

Researchers are interested in the effect that simply replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with water or a diet drink may have on weight loss. A study published in The American Journal of Nutrition (2013) involved 200 overweight men and women. All participants had a usual habit of drinking 280 calories (2 cans of soda) per day. They replaced these calories as described above for 6 months and lost a minimum of 5% of body weight.

In addition, another observation which proved very interesting- the section of the population that replaced the sugary drink with a diet drink also cut back on desserts.  Even though zero or low calorie diet drinks have sugar alcohol and acesulfame potassium, which have been inadequately studied for safety, the bottom line remains true. Removing sugary drinks not only reduces caloric intake but may result in other healthier dietary changes.

Here are a few ideas on how to find ways to enjoy a low calorie and a few no calorie drinks:
Below are suggestions for no and low calories drinks:
•    Brew your favorite caffeine free tea and store it in a pitcher or canteen
•    Dilute fruit juice with h2o to cut sugar and calorie intake
•    Drink water whenever you drink (daily recommended 8, 8ounce servings)
•    Slice up cucumber and desired fruit into a larger pitcher, refrigerate and enjoy
•    Make a simple fruit slushy- frozen fruit such as strawberries, or berry mixture and a fresh citrus fruit of your choice and water, then blend together, serve immediately
•    Try drinking nut or grain milk (almond, walnut, quinoa, rice)

Sources:
•    Nutrition Action Health Letter. CSPI. April 2013.
•     American Journal of Nutrition 2013. Doi:10.3945/ajcn.112.048405.

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Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients; Safe Fish Consumption Report

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Something Fishy:  Latest Report on Safe Fish Consumption
Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
Raquel Rivera, SA

Fish is a protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are known to reduce inflammation. However the safety of your fish has of late been called into question. The latest report by Food & Water Watch indicates that “less than 2% of the 860,000 imported seafood shipments were visually inspected and less than 1% were actually tested for contaminants.”  Below you will find a list of the top offenders and some healthy alternatives to keep your consumption of fish safe.

THE UNSAFE FISH LIST with SAFE ALTERNATIVES

•     Imported & Farm-Raised Catfish, also known as Basa and Swam is usually imported from Vietnam.  They do not regulate or monitor closely the use of  antibiotics and other chemicals.
If you love catfish, try Pollock. This fish is similar in taste and is also low in mercury.      Look for this mild-flavored fish imported from the US, Canada and Norway.  These     places all have eco-friendly harvesting for safer consumption.
•    Eel (aka Unagi) is pen-farmed in China. The use of toxic nitrofuran, and othere drugs and pesticides are used to keep disease away in the pens.  Eel is extremely high in mercury and cancer-causing PCBs.
If you fancy eel, experiment with squid.  This fish has a comparable flavor and it is     clean of contamination.
•    Atlantic Flatfish which includes Sole, Flounder and Halibut – are high in toxins, have been overfished over time and has been attributed to the breakdown of Atlantic Ocean ecosystem.
If you enjoy any of these fish, check out Pacific Halibut which is considered to be an     eco-friendly choice.
•     Imported & Farm-Raised Shrimp – one of the most polluted types of seafood sold.  Chemical residues, antibiotics and other contaminants have been found in farmed shrimp.
MSC-certified wild-caught Pacific shrimp from Oregon is the safest shrimp for     consumption.  According to The Healing Gourmet,70 percent of domestic shrimp comes     from the Gulf of Mexico. The recent oil spill this raises concern for the health of these shrimp stocks. Even though you are playing it safe by staying away from farm raised shrimp, the location is still an important aspect to consider.
•    Farmed Atlantic Salmon has many chemical contaminants ranging from pesticides and antibiotics to PCBs.  These farmed fish are fed in overcrowded, disease- ridden pens.  They are considered to be genetically engineered and unsafe due to the high levels of carcinogens they contain.
For a safer alternative, choose wild Alaskan Salmon only. In the near future, you may     see a label on Farmed Atlantic Salmon- if the FDA approves the change.
•     Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is considered to contain the “highest levels of mercury and have reached near-extinction levels,” according to NY Times. According to the Healing Gourmet, “Oceana – a non-profit ocean protection group – collected 1,215 samples from seafood vendors from 2010 to 2012. They found that 59% of tuna is not just mislabeled but it is almost entirely comprised of escolar – a fish once banned by the FDA.”

A safer alternative would be Atlantic mackerel and sardines.  These fish do not contain problematic ingredients and are low in mercury.

For more information refer to www.healinggourmet.com

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Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients: Spice Up Your Life

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Spice Up Your Life

by Corrie Trottier, MS, RD
Incorporating spices into your diet will add variety, flavor, and a plethora of health benefits.
•    Cinnamon is a well known spice native to Southeast Asia. For centuries this spice has been used as an anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, treatment for arthritis, aide for upset stomach, and for regulation of blood glucose levels.
•    Cumin or Nigella sativa, has an active ingredient called thymoquinone.  Scientists discovered that thymoquinone displayed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties in the 1930s. Cumin has also been shown to help with colon cancer.
•    Ginger is an herbal remedy used for nausea, motion sickness, and diminished appetite. It is a popular spice in cooking and juicing.
•    Tumeric is a spice grown in India and Asia. Its active ingredient is curcumin. Experimentally, curcumin has displayed anti-cancer effects. It helps as well  with other diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and stomach ulcers.
For recipes incorporating these anti-cancer spices please visit: http://www.aicr.org/reduce-your-cancer-risk/diet/reduce_diet_recipes_test_kitchen.html
Reference:
•    http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/cinnamon
•    http://www.livestrong.com/article/350940-does-cumin-inhibit-colon-cancer/
•    http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/ginger
•    http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/turmeric
•    http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/turmeric

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Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients: The Multiple Roles of Ginseng

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The Multiple Roles of Ginseng

By Cindy Collins, PhD, RD, LD/N
American ginseng, also known as Panax quinquefolium, is grown in northwest regions of the United States and Canada.  Similar to Asian ginseng, both contain ginsenosides which give ginseng its medicinal properties.  Consumers use this to enhance stamina, strength, athletic performance, and as complimentary treatment for diabetes and cancer.
Studies using Asian ginseng have shown it may boost the immune system, reduce the risk of cancer, and improve overall well being.  An epidemiological study resulted in improvements in survival and quality of life in breast cancer patients.  In addition, a perspective study showed improvement in cancer related fatigue.  In laboratory studies, American ginseng is effective in boosting the immune system.  Additionally, American ginseng has shown to have an anti-inflammatory component.
Ginseng can be purchased in a variety of forms such as: dried root, fresh root, standardized extract, tincture, or fluid extract.  Ginseng can interact with various medications; make sure to contact your medical team for further information. For a fatigue busting juice recipe, see below!
References:
•    http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/ginseng-american?aboutherbs=april&loc=txt
•    http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/american-ginseng-000248.htm

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Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients; Can Eggs Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer?

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Can the Incredible Edible Egg Reduce Breast Cancer?

By CIndy Collins, PhD, RD, and Corrie Trottier, MS, RD

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 232,340 new cases of breast cancer are estimated for 2013.

Prevention is a key focus in cancer research. Studies on the nutrient choline have illustrated that it can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Choline is an essential nutrient that your body naturally makes in small amounts; however you must consume foods rich in choline to ensure adequate levels. Choline has many roles within the body: aids in cell membrane function and nerve communication, prevents homocysteine buildup in the blood, and reduces chronic inflammation.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) conducted a comparison study with data from 1,508 women with breast cancer and 1,556 women who have never had breast cancer. The results of the study concluded that the participants consuming 455mg/day of choline had a 24% lower risk of breast cancer than those who consumed <196mg/day.

Additionally, Harvard University published a study that followed adolescents into adulthood. The study concluded that one egg, which contains 112mg choline, per day was associated with an 18% reduced risk of breast cancer in adulthood.

Unfortunately most Americans do not get an adequate amount of choline in their diet on a daily basis. The Institute of Medicine has suggested the following:
•    425mg/day for women
•    550mg/day for women breastfeeding and men
Food
Serving
Total Choline (mg)
Beef liver, pan fried
3 ounces
355
Wheat germ, toasted
1 cup
172
Egg
1 large
126
Beef, trim cut, cooked
3 ounces
67
Brussel sprouts, cooked
1 cup
63
Broccoli, cooked
1 cup, chopped
62
Salmon
3 ounces
56
Milk, skim
8 fl oz.
38
Peanut butter, smooth
2 tablespoons
20

In order to minimize the risk of breast cancer, make sure to choose foods rich in choline. Prevention is key in the fight against cancer; scrambled eggs and a glass of skim milk anyone?

References:
1. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/overviewguide/breast-cancer-overview-key-statistics

2. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/10/08/choline-consumption-during-pregnancy.aspx

3. Xinran Xu,Marilie D. Gammon,Steven H. Zeisel,Yin Leng Lee,James G. Wetmur,Susan L. Teitelbaum, Patrick T. Bradshaw,Alfred I. Neugut,Regina M. Santella,and Jia Chen. Choline metabolism and risk of breast cancer in a population-based study FASEB J. 2008 June; 22(6): 2045-2052.Published online 2008 January 29. doi:  10.1096/fj.07-101279

4. Xu X, Gammon MD, Zeisel SH, Bradshaw PT, Wetmur JG, Teitelbaum SL, Neugut AI, Santella RM, Chen J. High intakes of choline and betaine reduce breast cancer mortality in a population-based study. FASEB J. 2009 Nov;23(11):4022-8. doi: 10.1096/fj.09-136507. Epub 2009 Jul 27.

5. Frazier AL, Ryan CT, Rockett H, Willett WC, Colditz GA. Adolescent diet and risk of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res. 2003;5(3):R59-64. Epub 2003 Feb 21.

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Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients: Cumin, the Anti-Cancer Spice

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Cumin – an Anti-Cancer Spice

by Cindy Collins, PhD, RD and Corrie Trottier, MS, RD
Have an upcoming event and don’t know what to make?  Try the Sun-Dried Tomato Dip recipe from the American Institute of Cancer Research Test Kitchen.  It contains the well known spice cumin which is grown in the Mediterranean, Asia, and India.  The active ingredient thymoquinone was discovered in the 1930’s and has shown anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Promising studies using thymoquinone have also been shown as an anti colon cancer agent. Now you have the recipe for a perfect dip that will be sure to spicy up any occasion!
Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Ingredients:
2 large red bell peppers or 1 jar (12 oz.), drained
1 can (15 oz.) can white beans, rinsed and drained
10 marinated sun-dried tomato halves, coarsely chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3 Tbsp. low-fat mayonnaise
1 tsp. dry oregano
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground chipotle chili powder or pinch cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:
Grill fresh peppers over open flame or under broiler until their skins are blackened all over, using tongs to turn often, about 5 minutes. Place peppers in bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit 20 minutes. When skin is loosened, pull it away with your fingers. (Some black bits will remain.) Open peppers and remove seeds and ribs. Coarsely chop peppers.

Place peppers in food processor or blender and pureé. Add beans, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, mayonnaise, oregano, cumin and chili powder or cayenne. Process to a smooth pureé. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Dip is best if it sits an hour before serving. It keeps up to 3 days, tightly covered, in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information:
Makes 2 1/2 cups, with a suggested serving of 1 tablespoon.

Per tablespoon: 18 calories, less than 1 g. total fat (less than 1 g. saturated fat), 3 g. carbohydrate, 1 g. protein, 1 g. dietary fiber, 22 mg. sodium.

Reference:

http://preventcancer.aicr.org/site/News2?abbr=dc_rc_&page=NewsArticle&id=7233&news_iv_ctrl=1122

http://www.livestrong.com/article/350940-does-cumin-inhibit-colon-cancer/

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Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients; Whole Grains

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Whole Grains: What’s in a Name?
Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
Raquel Rivera, SA

The grocery store aisle for grains seems to be growing in amount and variety that is offered! How do you make sense of the new options and their health benefits?  The term ‘whole grain’ means the integrity of the grain is still intact.  In other words, it has not been broken to its individual parts. There are three parts to a grain:  germ, bran and endosperm.  Often, when you see a label that reads “refined grain” it means the germ and bran has been removed, leaving behind only the endosperm, which is mainly made up of starch.  Unfortunately, when you consume refined grains, you are losing the nutritional benefits which reside in the germ and bran.   Whole grains are a wonderful way to keep your blood glucose levels even, making you feel fuller over a longer period of time.

Whole grains are full of fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, a compound that protect cell function.  Additionally, AICR studies point to specific substances in whole grains that have been linked to lower cancer risk, including antioxidants, phenols, lignans and saponins.  The Mediterranean Diet recommends a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans.  Furthermore, AICR states this diet, “can help with weight maintenance and, in turn, may decrease your risk of developing cancer.”

Below are some examples of whole grains:

•    wheat breads, rolls, pasta
•    cereals; whole grain oat cereals such as oatmeal
•    popcorn
•    wild rice
•    brown rice
•    kasha (roasted buckwheat)
•    tabouleh (bulghur wheat)

For more information please refer to:

http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/foodsthatfightcancer_whole_grains.html

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UM Neurosurgeon Uses Innovative Laser Technique to Eradicate Brain Tumor

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UM Neurosurgeon Uses Innovative Laser Technique to Eradicate Brain Tumor

17 hours 28 minutes ago

When Thomas Jambeck was diagnosed with brain tumors caused by metastatic melanoma in 2011, the 64-year-old West Palm Beach resident underwent radiation and two surgeries.

One tumor responded, but the second doubled in size. That’s when his physicians sent him to the Miller School of Medicine for what would be a life-changing procedure.

On February 22, Ricardo Komotar, M.D., assistant professor of neurological surgery, and Director of Surgical Neuro-oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, performed a laser tumor ablation at University of Miami Hospital, the only facility in the southeastern U.S. offering this procedure, to eradicate the problem tumor with pinpoint accuracy.

“Before my treatment I was stumbling all over the place, because the tumor had affected my balance,” Jambeck said at an April 11 news conference with Komotar and Anthony Addesa, M.D., of South Florida Radiation Oncology, who referred Jambeck to UM. “Afterwards, I felt perfect. On the way home from the hospital, my wife and I stopped to run some errands, and I was walking down the aisles at Lowe’s without any problems.”

Using the FDA-approved Visualase Thermal Therapy System, Komotar inserted a tiny 3-millimeter laser probe into Jambeck’s brain. Using magnetic resonance imaging technology, he guided the probe to the tumor and delivered precisely controlled radio-frequency energy to destroy the tumor, without harming healthy brain tissue. The entire procedure took less than an hour and Jambeck spent only one night in the hospital’s intensive care unit for observation.

“This game-changing technology provides hope for brain cancer patients who otherwise have no treatment options,” said Komotar, adding that laser ablation procedures dramatically reduce the medical risks, long patient recovery times and high costs associated with opening the skull and removing the tumor through conventional brain surgery. “This minimally invasive approach is an example of the future of neurosurgery,” he said.

While laser ablation can be used for virtually all types of brain tumors, the procedure is most suited for malignancies deep in the brain that are hard to reach or otherwise inoperable, according to Komotar. “While it is easier to treat smaller tumors, there is no upper limit. In Mr. Jambeck’s case, the tumor was about the size of a half dollar, and we were able to treat it with one laser in just a few minutes.”

Reflecting on his experience, Jambeck, a retired General Motors employee from Michigan, said that his first cancer symptom was a swelling in his groin. “My doctors don’t know where the melanoma originated, but it had already spread to other parts of the body,” he said. Jambeck underwent two surgeries in 2012 to remove the groin tumor and related lymph lodes.

Despite the successful removal of the two brain tumors this year, Jambeck said new tumors have appeared. Asked if he had any advice about melanoma, Jambeck said, “Get yourself checked regularly and stay on top of things. Once the cancer cells get into your body, they are hard to treat.”

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Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients; Creating A Backyard Garden

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Creating a Homemade Garden:  Start with Healthy Soil
Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
Raquel Rivera, SA

Our strongest encouragement for cancer patients post-diagnosis is to focus on making more conscious decisions that lead to a healthier lifestyle.  There are many ways to do this! They include making healthier food choices, enhancing physical activity, and engaging in mindfulness and relaxation. Many patients search for a novel activity to include in their routine.  Favorite pastimes often bring a peaceful state of relaxation and uplift your overall mood.  Gardening is a fantastic way to get physical activity, grow your own healthy foods and herbs, and increase mindfulness.

One of the fundamental recommendations for those of us starting our own garden is to use health soil: healthy soil leads to healthy crops.    Soil is an intricate system of minerals, air, water and organic matter.  Within the complexity of the soil, there is an entire ecological system designed to achieve one goal- generating a harvest.  The quality of the soil is affected by the climate, the environment and the things you do to manipulate the soil.

Here are a few things you can do to enhance the quality of your soil:  tillage, crop rotation, and cover crops.  Below is a brief description of each:

•    Tillage- Plowing to turnover deeper layers of the soils; mix up and blend organic substances and also prevent weeds from growing

•    Crop Rotation- Alternate your crops to avoid pests and disease; replace nutrients that crop may have used up

•    Cover Crops- Covering crops will absorb nutrients back into the ground soil in between seasons which builds organic matter, prevents weeds from growing and lessens erosion

Before you know it, you will be making your own teas, spicing up foods with homemade herbs, and serving up homegrown vegetables and fruits.  Enjoy! Be well.

For more information refer to Food and Nutrition, Issue March/April 2013, www.aicr.org

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