Increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and natural killer cell (NK) function using an integrative approach in late stage cancers.
Immunol Invest 2002 May;31(2):137-53
See D, Mason S, Roshan R.
Center for Advanced Medicine, Encinitias, California 92024, USA.
Natural products may increase cytotoxic activity of Natural Killer Cells (NK) Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-alpha) while decreasing DNA damage in patients with late-stage cancer. Pilot studies have suggested that a combination of Nutraceuticals can raise NK cell function and TNF-alpha alpha activity and result in improved clinical outcomes in patients with late stage cancer. The objective of the study is to determine if Nutraceuticals can significantly raise NK function and TNF levels in patients with late stage cancer. After informed consent was obtained, 20 patients with stage IV, end-stage cancer were evaluated (one bladder, five breast, two prostate, one neuroblastoma, two non-small cell lung, three colon, 1 mesothelioma, two lymphoma, one ovarian, one gastric, one osteosarcoma). Enhanced transfer factors ( 3 tablets 3 times per day), IMUPlus (non denatured milk whey protein, 40 gm/day); Intravenous (50 to 100 gm/day) and oral (1-2 gm/day) ascorbic acid; Agaricus Blazeii Murill teas (10 gm/day); Immune Modulator Mix (a combination of vitamin, minerals, antioxidants and immune-enhancing natural products); nitrogenated soy extract (high levels of genistein and dadzein) and Andrographis Paniculata (500 mg twice, daily) were used. Baseline NK function by standard 4 h 51Cr release assay and TNF alpha and receptor levels were measured by ELISA from resting and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated adherent and non-adherent Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC). Total mercaptans and glutathione in plasma were taken and compared to levels measured 6 months later. Complete blood counts and chemistry panels were routinely monitored. As of a mean of 6 months, 16/20 patients were still alive. The 16 survivors had significantly higher NK function than baseline (p < .01 for each) and TNF-alpha levels in all four cell populations studied (p < .01 for each). Total mercaptans (p < .01) and TNF-alpha receptor levels were significantly reduced (p < .01). It was also observed that hemoglobin, hematocrit and glutathione levels were significantly elevated. The only toxicity noted was occasional diarrhea and nausea. The quality of life improved for all survivors by SF-36 form evaluation. An aggressive combination of immunoactive Nutraceuticals was effective in significantly increasing NK function, other immune parameters and hemoglobin from PBMC or plasma in patients with late stage cancers. Nutraceutical combinations may be effective in late stage cancers. Clinical outcomes evaluations are ongoing.
The following study was conducted at the Institute of Longevity. The purpose of the study was to examine the synergistic effects of the components of Enhanced transfer factors. Each component was tested separately and then tested as a whole unit. Together the proprietary blend increased NK Cell functions more than the sum total of all of the ingredients tested separately. This study indicates that the intelligence contained in products with transfer factors has an enhancing effect on other nutrients.
In vitro study
Ingredient 10 GM /ml NK Function
PBMC (Control) 25.6%
Zinc 26.8% NS
Proprietary Blend 59.9% <0.02
(Mushrooms etc)
Zinc +Prop. Blend 95.4 <0.01
transfer factors alone 128.5% <0.01
Complete Prod. (Enhanced transfer factors) 273.6% <0.01
The sum of the individual product is less than the Complete Product (Enhanced transfer factors).
There is synergy in having a combination of Enhanced transfer factors.
Twenty patients, 12 men and 8 women, were selected for this in vivo study. The average age was 49.3. The twenty individuals were each level 3 or level 4 cancer patients. Each patient was basically sent home by his or her oncologist to die. The average life expectancy was 3.7 months. The protocol was to place each patient on 9 capsules per day of Enhanced transfer factors. The patients were given a number of other general nutrients*. After eight months, 16 of these individuals were still living and were either in remission, improving or stabilized.
The baseline for natural killer cell function was 6.4. Within 4 weeks the average NK Cell function was increased to 25.7 and in 6 months it increased to 27.6. This represented a 400% increase in NK Cell function. This is an ongoing study. This study has been submitted to a peer reviewed publication.
*Antioxidants, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics and multi-vitamins.
The following study was conducted at the Institute of Longevity. The purpose of the study was to examine the synergistic effects of the components of Enhanced transfer factors. Each component was tested separately and then tested as a whole unit. Together the proprietary blend increased NK Cell functions more than the sum total of all of the ingredients tested separately. This study indicates that the intelligence contained in transfer factors has an enhancing effect on other nutrients.
In vitro study
Ingredient 10 GM /ml NK Function
PBMC (Control) 25.6%
Zinc 26.8% NS
Proprietary Blend 59.9% <0.02
(Mushrooms etc)
Zinc +Prop. Blend 95.4 <0.01
Transfer factors alone 128.5% <0.01
Complete Prod. (Enhanced Transfer Factors) 273.6% <0.01
The sum of the individual product is less than the Complete Product (Enhanced transfer factors).
There is synergy in having a combination of enhanced transfer factors.
This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to promote any product as a medical cure. Nutrients do not directly cure diseases or destroy germs. Nutrients reinforce the immune system. Our immune system naturally fights germs and attempts to keep us well. Although there is a volume of research that would indicate nutrition has a powerful effect on our immune system and health, all research is open to interpretation and contradictions. We cannot conclude that in vitro (In the lab) studies will work in the human body. When analyzing in vivo studies (in the body), one must understand the nature of the study and products involved in order to draw a viable conclusion. Remember that even doctors have differences of opinions. Some doctors will endorse natural products for medical use while others will not. A possible placebo effect must be taken into consideration when reviewing testimonies. The preceding information is provided as one source of educating oneself.