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Low-Dose Naltrexone- Pancreatic Cancer

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“But until such protocols come to market, the ALA-N protocol should be studied and considered, given its lack of toxicity at levels reported. Several other patients are on this treatment protocol and appear to be doing well at this time.”

As a long term survivor of an incurable cancer, Multiple Myeloma,  it became clear to me many years ago that many cancer patients need to venture beyond conventional oncology in order to heal themselves. Pancreatic cancer patients face the same challenges as MM patients face. Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is one such therapy.

Whether you would like to both enhance the efficacy of conventional oncologic chemotherapy or reduce the toxicity of a conventional therapy, the important thing is that there are evidence-based integrative therapies.

While Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is controversial as a cancer therapy, it is a therapy that needs to be learned about for those cancer patients who want to look beyond conventional cancer care. LDN is one of many evidence-based non-conventional cancer therapies. Further, I have remained in complete remission from my incurable cancer with the help of evidence-based, non-toxic therapies such as nutrition, supplementation, bone health, detoxification and mind-body therapies. Again, all supported by research.

To Learn More about Complementary, Integrative and Non-conventional Pancreatic Therapies- click now

For more information on other non-conventional and integrative therapies for your cancer, scroll down the page, post a question or a comment and I will reply ASAP.

thank you,

David Emerson

  • Long-term cancer survivor
  • Cancer Coach
  • Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Recommended Reading:

Evidence-based Non-Conventional Pancreatic Cancer Therapy
Pancreatic cancer- Alternative Therapy-
Why a Cancer Coach?
Intravenous Vitamin C, Curcumin as Integrative Pancreatic Cancer Therapies

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Plus Low-Dose Naltrexone Reviewed for Cancer Treatment

“A panel of researchers and clinicians was convened by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) on March 19, 2012 for presentations and a roundtable discussion about “The State of the Science of Alpha-Lipoic Acid plus Low-Dose Naltrexone for the Treatment of Cancer.” The meeting was hosted by the NCI Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) and the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), both part of the NCI Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD)…”

Revisiting the ALA/N (alpha-lipoic acid/low-dose naltrexone) protocol for people with metastatic and nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer: a report of 3 new cases.

“The authors, in a previous article, described the long-term survival of a man with pancreatic cancer and metastases to the liver, treated with intravenous alpha-lipoic acid and oral low-dose naltrexone (ALA/N) without any adverse effects. He is alive and well 78 months after initial presentation. Three additional pancreatic cancer case studies are presented in this article. At the time of this writing, the first patient, GB, is alive and well 39 months after presenting with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas with metastases to the liver. The second patient, JK, who presented to the clinic with the same diagnosis was treated with the ALA/N protocol and after 5 months of therapy, PET scan demonstrated no evidence of disease. The third patient, RC, in addition to his pancreatic cancer with liver and retroperitoneal metastases, has a history of B-cell lymphoma and prostate adenocarcinoma. After 4 months of the ALA/N protocol his PET scan demonstrated no signs of cancer…”

Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN): Tricking the Body to Heal Itself

“Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania have discovered the mechanism by which a low dose of the opioid antagonist naltrexone (LDN), an agent used clinically (off-label) to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases, exerts a profound inhibitory effect on cell proliferation…”

The Long-term Survival of a Patient With Pancreatic Cancer With Metastases to the Liver After Treatment With the Intravenous -Lipoic Acid/Low-Dose Naltrexone Protocol

“The authors describe the long-term survival of a patient with pancreatic cancer without any toxic adverse effects. The treatment regimen includes the intravenous alpha-lipoic acid and low-dose naltrexone (ALA-N) protocol and a healthy lifestyle program.

The patient was told by a reputable university oncology center in October 2002 that there was little hope for his survival. Today, January 2006, however, he is back at work, free from symptoms, and without appreciable progression of his malignancy.

The integrative protocol described in this article may have the possibility of extending the life of a patient who would be customarily considered to be terminal. The authors believe that life scientists will one day develop a cure for metastatic pancreatic cancer, perhaps via gene therapy or another biological platform.

But until such protocols come to market, the ALA-N protocol should be studied and considered, given its lack of toxicity at levels reported. Several other patients are on this treatment protocol and appear to be doing well at this time.”

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45 comments
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Vera says 3 years ago

My 40 yr old son just got diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Any suggestion for somewhere that offers a different approach rather than the brutal plans regular physicians are planning. I found some immunotherapy advertisements but that’s all so far .

Reply
    David Emerson says 3 years ago

    Hi Vera-

    Many of your treatment decisions will depend on your son’s stage of colorectal cancer, his general heal and goals. In general, I recommend the Block Center to discuss these issues further.

    The Block Center for Integrative Oncology

    Good luck,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Elmer Coblentz says 3 years ago

I have pancreatic cancer and it is spreading to my liver. I have done chemo and radiation and it did not shrink enough to do surgery. Will any of this help?

Reply
    David Emerson says 3 years ago

    Hi Elmer-

    I am sorry to read of your pancreatic cancer. “Will any of this help?” I’m can say for certain obviously though I wrote the blog post because of a study that said LDN kills pancreatic cancer. The study talks about alpha lipoic acid. Keep in mind that I underwent an alternative therapy for my cancer (completely different cancer called multiple myeloma) and it did work.

    So you never know… Good luck.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis- Stage 4 aka Metastatic Disease - PeopleBeatingCancer says 4 years ago

[…] Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as Pancreatic Cancer Therapy […]

Reply
Hailey says 5 years ago

Hi I was just diagnosed with stage 4 neuro endrocrine pancreatic cancer that has also spread to the liver. They are talking about doing chemotherapy and then going in to do surgery. Could this treatment also work for me?

Reply
    David Emerson says 5 years ago

    Hi Hailey,
    I am sorry to read of your metastatic pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The challenge you face is that conventional oncology can’t offer you much hope. Non-toxic therapies like low-dose naltrexone and alpha lipoic acid have been shown to help pancreatic cancer patients. Further, the pancreatic cancer coaching program contains integrative therapies shown to enhance the chemotherapies that your oncologists are talking about. In addition you will need to manage your diet (you won’t feel like eating much if at all and you need nutrition for energy) and you need to manage the side effects of all of your therapies.

    My point is that you face a tough road ahead of you and you need all the evidence-based help you can get.

    Let me know if you have any other questions. Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Folfirinox Adjuvant to Surgery in Pancreatic Cancer - PeopleBeatingCancer says 5 years ago

[…] Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as Pancreatic Cancer Therapy […]

Reply
Lucy says 6 years ago

Hi David,
My father has just been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer with liver, lung and kidney mets. I am looking for places I can go for ALA/N treatment (to use in conjunction with chemo) in Australia. I currently see a doctor who prescribes me LDN for Hashimotos (it works really well)- but I don’t know where to get treatment for the combination of ALA and LDN locally. Do you know any resources/ places to go?
Thanks for your help,
Lucy

Reply
David Jolliff says 6 years ago

I want to know where I can get the Alpha Lipoic Acid/ Naltrexone therapy in FL or as close as possible

Reply
    David Emerson says 6 years ago

    Hi David,

    According to these search results there are several clinics in FLA that can help you.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Marie Vitale says 6 years ago

Breast cancer, just doagnosed

Reply
    David Emerson says 6 years ago

    Hi Marie,

    I am sorry to learn of your BC diagnosis. Keep in mind however, that your age, stage and individual symptoms make a real difference in your prognosis.

    Have you been given a stage? What therapies are you condidering?

    David Emerson

    Reply
Patrice Howland says 6 years ago

I have Ovarian cancer mets to omentum and peritoneal cavity. Would ALA IV’s twice weekly plus oral LDN help my condition …?

Reply
    David Emerson says 6 years ago

    Hi Patrice-

    I am sorry to read of your metastatic ovarian cancer. LDN and ALA, according to the studies linked below, do have anti-ovarian cancer properties. Based on the research I cannot, however, answer your question with any certainty. In my own cancer experience, I pursued therapies that were outside the box thinking. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

    ovarian cancer- LDN, cisplatin

    ALA and ovarian cancer-

    “Our results reveal that ALA selectively inhibits the growth of tumorigenic as compared to non-tumorigenic ovarian surface epithelial cells.”

    David Emerson

    Reply
Gerald Cat Guthrie says 6 years ago

Hi,My Wife has Pancreatic Cancer and I am having a hard time finding a physician near Spokane Washington who uses ALA/N. suggestions?

Reply
    David Emerson says 6 years ago

    Hi Gerald-
    I am sorry to read of your wife’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Several things to consider. I have little experience with medical therapies in
    that part of the country. My suggestion would be to search for naturopathic doctors or to contact Baster University as they may be able to offer more info.

    Bastyr University

    Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
      Gerald Cat Guthrie says 6 years ago

      Thank You David! We found Dr Corell in Spokane since I wrote You last. He gave us LDN and we are doing ALA 1-2 times a week at his therapy room. The LDN keeps her so wired at night she can’t sleep so we are experimenting with morning dosing…. she no longer has much pain at all at this point!?!? Not sure why exactly. But Praise Jesus Christ! We took her off all the pharmaceuticals 3 weeks ago and off Cannabis over a week now…. I think the therapies are working! We just have to get her stomach valve woke up and allowing food into her small intestine. I will let You know how it goes.

      Reply
        David Emerson says 6 years ago

        Hi GCG-

        Thanks very much for the update. Please keep me posted with regard to your wife’s status. And let me know if there
        is anything that PeopleBeatingCancer can do.

        David Emerson

        Reply
Kelly says 6 years ago

David,

My mother has advanced multiple myeloma and pretty much exhausted most chemotherapy options. Can you confirm if you are still on LDN and if you feel it is effective for multiple myeloma. Any specifics related to your myeloma would also be helpful. thanks so much!

Reply
    David Emerson says 6 years ago

    Hi Kelly-

    I sorry to read about your mom. I did not achieve complete remission in ’99 with LDN for my MM. I underwent ANP at the Burzynski Research Institute. I remain in CR by living an evidence-based, anti-MM lifestyle through nutrition, supplementation, bone health and other lifestyle therapies. Please watch the free webinar linked on the right hand side of all multiple myeloma blog posts on PBC to learn more.

    Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Mauricio Freitas says 7 years ago

Hi David,

I hope you are well.

My father has Pancreatic Cancer and he lives in Brazil.
How can we start the ALA/N over there?

Many thanks in advance,
Mauricio

Reply
    David Emerson says 7 years ago

    Hi Mauricio-

    I am sorry to read of your father’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Regarding your question about getting ALA and LDN to him, would you be able to order products online and have them mailed to your dad?

    ALA is easy enough to buy online (see link below) but LDN is more complicated. I personally would either go to a clinic (U.S.) to receive LDN therapy or I would research doctors who have experience with LDN therapy that I would talk to over the phone or Skype.

    Can your dad travel? Can he receive other pancreatic cancer therapies in Brazil such as radiation and or surgery in addition to ALA/LDN?

    https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=alpha-lipoic+acid

    David Emerson

    Reply
Carole McGregor says 8 years ago

Is there anywhere in Europe where you can get intravenous alpha-lipoic acid plus oral low dose naltrexone treatment.

My husband has Stage IV Pancreatic cancer – he is a UK pensioner now – aged 65 – and we live in France.

Thanks

Reply
    David Emerson says 8 years ago

    Hi Carole-

    If I lived in France I would contact naturopathic doctors in the nearest urban center- for example naturopathic/holistic doctors in Paris. If these doctors don’t provide the service you want then I’m sure they can provide you with resources.

    http://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=naturopathic&find_loc=Paris

    David Emerson

    Reply
Chris Nugent says 9 years ago

David, Can you confirm I’m doing this ALA-N correctly. My husband with Pancreatic Cancer – Whipple surgery 2011, chemoradiation 2012, Cyberknife 2013, Gemcitabine 2014 but still has small tumour on Superior Mesenteric Artery. I started him on 1.5mg LDN 8 wks ago gradually increasing dose. Now on 4mg and 4.5mg next week. In addition he’s taking ALA 600mg, 400mg Selenium and 5mg Silymarin daily. Does this sound right to you? Although latest CT shows no change, he has just begun getting some pain which usually denotes that the cancer is active again. Are my dosages correct do you think? Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.

Reply
    David Emerson says 9 years ago

    Hi Chris-

    I have to be honest with you. When it comes to ALA/LDN and pancreatic cancer you know more than I do. I can confirm the importance of the whipple procedure if you are a candidate, selenium and silymarin’s cytotoxic properties. But you are asking for more specific info that I am able to answer. At the very least, it appears to me that you are doing everything possible for your husband. Keep me posted on your progress.

    David Emerson

    Revisiting the ALA/N (alpha-lipoic acid/low-dose naltrexone) protocol for people with metastatic and nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer: a report of 3 new cases.

    Reply
      Chris Nugent says 9 years ago

      David. Thank you very much for your comments. Sadly the pain has got worse and he’s presently on 8 paracetamols + 3 Acupan a day and I’m just about to ask our GP what the next step up is as regards painkillers. We still have to wait until October to see the Oncologist who I hope puts him on a quick burst of chemo as that gets rid of the pain almost instantly. This time I’m hoping we don’t spend months weaning him off the painkillers – the last 2 times they were morphine based so it took ages. I’ll keep you posted and thank you for your interest. Regards Chris

      Reply
        Leila says 8 years ago

        Be careful with pain killers!because of the interaction with ldn.Also,it would be best to take alpha lipoic intravenous.search for an experienced doctor.

        Reply
          David Emerson says 8 years ago

          Leila-

          Thanks again for your input. Are you a cancer survivor who has taken LDN? Is so I am interested in learning your experience.

          Let me know, thanks.

          David Emerson

          Reply
        Leila says 8 years ago

        LDN does not work with opioides…

        Reply
          David Emerson says 8 years ago

          Leila-

          Thank you for this input.

          David Emerson

          Reply
    renata says 9 years ago

    Get in touch with dr Berkson, he is based in New Mexico. He has had wounderfull succsess. They are very helpful at the clinic.

    Reply
      Chris Nugent says 9 years ago

      Renata. Thank you. I’m in the UK so I’m not sure how I can contact Dr.Berkson but I’ll go online and see what I can find. Regards, Chris

      Reply
        Keeley says 7 years ago

        Hello Chris,

        My Mum was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in October 2016. She has a small tumor on the Superior Mesenteric Artery the same as your husband. She is undergoing chemo Gemcitabine with Abraxane. For pain relief she is on slow release morphine and tops up with paracetamol. Now she’s developed blood clots on the lung and has to daily inject with Clexane Forte. Side effects are horrible, extreme fatigue, pain, sickness, neuropathy to mention a few. I’ve been researching on ALA with LDN and in a very short amount of time have found information about Dr. Berkson in New Mexico, his clinic, and the papers he’s written on the successes he’s had with treating PC. My Mum is based here in the Midlands and I’m interested to know what your success has been with your husband and if you found anywhere in the U.K who administer ALA intravenously. I’m very interested to hear of your husband’s progress.

        Thank you and best wishes to you and your husband.

        Reply
    Rikki says 8 years ago

    …did the ALA-N HELP him?

    Reply
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