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National Institute of
Integrative Medicine
Newsletter
February, 2007
www.niim.com.au
This edition:
News
Snapshot – Travel
Restrictions
‘Cancer and
Complementary Medicine’
Prof Avni Sali and Assoc
Prof Luis Vitetta
Booklist:
‘Foods that fight cancer’
Richard Beliveau
‘We want real food’
Graham Harvey
News
The last few months have
been extremely busy at the
NIIM with both Professor Avni
Sali and Associate Professor
Luis Vitetta being invited to
speak at several seminars as
well as conducting various
workshops.
In October, Professor Sali
visited Singapore where, as
keynote speaker at the
Singapore
International
Integrative
Medicine
Meeting, he addressed the
topic of 'the overview and
scope
of
integrative
medicine in Asia-Pacific' and
also offered workshops on
multiple topics. Following this,
back at home in Australia,
he addressed the Gawler
Foundation
Annual
Conference
receiving
extremely positive feedback
for his lecture on Mind/Body
medicine and workshop on
the management of cancer.
In November, Professor Sali
was a lecturer at the Natural
Therapies Expo where he
spoke
about
Anti-Ageing
medicine and later that month
he was joined by Associate
Professor
Vitetta
at
the
General
Practitioners’
Conference and Exhibition in
Melbourne. Associate Professor
Vitetta
opened
the
conference with a seminar on
'Nutrition and Osteoarthritis'
and Professor Sali conducted
a workshop on ‘Foods that
accelerate ageing’.
In addition to the seminars and
conferences, both Professor
Sali and Associate Professor
Vitetta have continued writing
articles
in
the
usual
publications.
2007 looks to be a busy year;
already we have welcomed
Stephen Bunce BBus(InfoSys)
to the team, with the focus
of expediting the necessary
processes for offering our
post-graduate courses. The
various systems required to
facilitate course delivery are
currently being developed
and with the experience
brought to the team by Mr.
Bunce we are hoping to
have these operational and
the course accreditation
process completed in the
near future.
Please make sure to check
our
website
for
news
updates as well as details
about upcoming seminars
and workshops.
www.niim.com.au
Snapshot – Travel Restrictions
A recent study investigated
what effect different levels of
travel restrictions might have
on
the
speed
and
geographical spread of an
outbreak of a disease similar
to severe acute respiratory
syndrome (SARS). A stochastic
simulation model was used,
incorporating survey data of
travel
patterns
between
municipalities
in
Sweden
collected over 3 years. The
study tested scenarios of travel
restrictions in which travel over
distances >50 km and 20 km
would be banned, taking into
account different levels of
compliance and found that
a ban on journeys >50 km
would drastically reduce the
speed and geographical
spread of outbreaks, even
when compliance is < 100%.
See the whole article:
http://www.biomedcentral.
com/1741-7015/4/32
2
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE – FEBRUARY 07
Cancer and Complimentary Medicine
This article, written by Avni
Sali and Luis Vitetta,
appeared in the Journal of
Complimentary Medicine.
“…most cancers are
difficult to treat
successfully and therefore
there needs to be a major
effort made to prevent this
disease and community
education is an integral
part”
This editorial highlights the
priority
that
is
the
prevention of cancer and
the
role
mind-body
medicine modalities and
nutritional
and
herbal
therapies can play in the
management
of
this
disease. The Cook Senate
inquiry on the care of
cancer
patients
and
complementary medicine
[CM]
summarises
the
current needs.
Incidence
The
prognosis
of
the
majority of cancer patients
has not improved over the
last forty years.
The
incidence rates of cancer
for males and females in
Australia are much higher
than for the UK and
Canada, but slightly lower
than for the US and lower
than for New Zealand
[NZ][1]. Australia’s mortality
rates are lower than all of
these countries. Australia
has one of the highest rates
of
colorectal
cancer.
Breast cancer is also much
higher in Australia than the
average for the more
developed countries of the
world, but almost the same
as for Canada and NZ and
below that of the US.
Australia’s
male
lung
cancer
incidence
and
mortality rates are both well
below the averages for the
more developed countries
of the world, especially
when compared with the
high incidence rates in
Canada, the US and most
European countries.
illness better
significantly
prognosis.
Prevention of Cancer
Mind-Body Medicine
The lower incidence for
lung cancer in Australia is
almost certainly due to the
major preventive programs
that have been a feature in
this country [1,2]. Another
example of the success of
preventive action is that of
cervical cancer primarily as
a result of the national
screening program. Clearly
most cancers are difficult to
treat
successfully
and
therefore there needs to be
a major effort made to
prevent this disease and
community education is an
integral part.
It is known that stress
reduction
improves
immunity and decreases
stress hormones such as
cortisol,
insulin,
growth
hormone and prolactin
which can stimulate growth
[3-5]. It is now generally
accepted
that
psychosocial interventions
have beneficial effects on
psychological
health
although
there
is
considerable
controversy
surrounding the effects of
such
interventions
on
physical health and survival
for cancer. A review of the
published studies shows
that five of ten studies
report that psychotherapy
prolongs survival. Whereas
three trials demonstrated
psychological benefit and
no survival benefit [4]. It is
likely that the quality of the
psychosocial
support
determines whether there is
survival benefit.
Those who are best placed
to carry out education
about prevention of this
disease
are
general
practitioners [GP’s] who
have frequent contact with
the community [2]. Other
health professionals e.g.
naturopaths, pharmacists
and others are also well
placed
to
carry
out
education about cancer
prevention. GP’s who work
in integrative medicine are
interested in why a person
has developed cancer but
this is not the case in
mainstream
medicine
where the emphasis is on
diagnosis and treatment.
In the care of the cancer
patient the very least that
should be done is to make
the patient as healthy as
possible as this in itself is
very likely to help the
patient cope with their
and may
improve
Nutritional
and
Supplements.
Herbal
Epidemiology
provides
compelling evidence that
many cancers may be
avoidable.
In
an
epidemiological study of 24
European countries a direct
correlation
was
found
between the consumption
of
animal
fat
and
colorectal
plus
breast
cancer with an inverse
relationship with fish oil
consumption [6,7].
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE – FEBRUARY 07
3
Cancer and Comp. Medicine Cont…
There
is
ongoing
controversy over the role of
dietary fat and cancer [8].
It is our opinion that
epidemiological
studies
that compare people in
different countries tend to
yield the most reliable
information
provided
differences
in
human
behaviour are taken into
consideration. Many of the
studies
have
not
differentiated between the
different types of fats
consumed [8]. Fruit and
vegetables have generally
been
shown
to
be
protective against cancer
and it is possible that
nutrients such as vitamin C
and E plus other plant
phytochemicals such as
isoflavones
play
an
important part [9,10].
A healthy diet for a cancer
patient
is
of
key
importance not only to
improve general health but
as there is increasing
evidence showing that
certain nutrients can be
cytotoxic to cancer cells
whereas other nutrients can
promote cancer growth.
For example substances in
cruciferous vegetables can
be cytotoxic to cancer
cells in vitro and soy can
influence
growth
of
prostate
cancer
[10].
Selenium and vitamin D
also inhibit prostate cancer
cells [11].
Although there is a dearth
of
clinical
studies
investigating the role of
nutrient supplements, an
example is the use of a
combination of a mega
dose of nutrients to reduce
the recurrence of bladder
cancer by approximately
half [12,13]. Prasad and
others have demonstrated
in in vitro experiments and
preliminary human studies
that high doses of multiple
antioxidants enhance the
efficacy of chemotherapy
on cancer cells [14]. It is
essential that these studies
are
further
tested
in
humans. A Chinese herbal
combination initially called
PC SPES and more recently
prostasol has been found
to cause regression of
prostate cancer in humans
in several studies but there
has been very little interest
on its role [15].
Senate Inquiry
Senator Peter Cook, a
Western Australian Senator
who died last year was
responsible for initiating one
of the most important
Senate inquiries to do with
health in this country [16]. It
is significant that there was
all party support for this
Senate inquiry.
Senator
Cook
had
developed
metastatic melanoma and
was very disappointed with
the poor care he received
especially as a result of the
lack of integration in the
management
of
his
cancer. With the Gawler
Foundation, one of us (AS)
was fortunate to provide
input to this Senate inquiry
and the receptive response
by the Senators was most
auspicious.
The Senate
report has been passed by
the Senate and is currently
being
processed
by
Government. Key aspects
of the report included that
there should be dedicated
research
funding
established
with
appropriate
CM
representation to assess
research
applications,
Cancer Australia was to
provide information on CM
to cancer patients and
health professionals, referral
networks to be enhanced
and that an integrative
approach be encouraged
through expansion of the
MBS.
A diagnosis of cancer is
enough to shatter most
people. It is essential that
those involved with cancer
patients maintain a sense
of humanity and sensitivity
as human beings and also
remain
open
to
the
possibilities
that
could
improve the well being and
survival of their chronically
ill patients.
It is clear that while survival
from cancer is generally
poor, the emphasis must be
on prevention of this family
of diseases.
References
1. Australian Bureau of
Statistics. National Health
Survey: Summary of Results
- Australia 2004 - 2005 ;
<http://www.abs.gov.au/a
usstats/[email protected]/>
2. Sali A. JCM 2004; 2:58-65
3. Fawzy F, et al. Malignant
melanoma. Effects of an
early structured psychiatric
intervention, coping, and
affective
state
on
recurrence and survival 6
years later.
Arch Gen
Psychiatry. 1993; 50(9):681-9
Continues on next page…
Professor Avni Sali MBBS, PhD,
FRACS, FACS, FACNEM is
founding head and director of
the
National
Institute
of
Integrative Medicine (NIIM),
president of the Gawler
Foundation and Vice-President
of the Australian Integrative
Medicine Association (AIMA).
Assoc Professor Luis Vitetta
BSc(Hons),
PhD,
GradDip
IntegrMed,
GradDip
NutrEnvironMed
is
deputy
director
of
the
National
Institute
of
Integrative
Medicine (NIIM) and Senior
Research Fellow, Centre for
Molecular
Biology
and
Medicine.
4
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE – FEBRUARY 07
Cancer and Comp. Medicine Cont…
4. Reavley N, Vitetta L,
Cortizo F, Sali A.
JAIMA
2004.
5. Stolzenberg-Solomon RZ,
et al. Insulin, glucose, insulin
resistance, and pancreatic
cancer in male smokers.
JAMA. 2005; 294(22):2872-8.
‘Foods that Fight Cancer’
Richard Beliveau Ph.D,
Denis Gingras Ph.D
Publisher: McClelland &
Stewart (2006)
216 pages
ISBN-10: 0771011350
ISBN-13: 978-0771011351
6. Terry PD, et al. Intakes of
fish and marine fatty acids
and the risks of cancers of
the breast and prostate and
of other hormone-related
cancers: a review of the
epidemiologic
evidence.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;
77(3):532-43. Review.
7. Caygill CP et al. Fat, fish,
fish oil and cancer. Br J
Cancer. 1996; 74(1):159-64.
8. Prentice RL, et al. [The
Women’s Health Initiative].
Low-fat dietary pattern and
risk
of
invasive
breast
cancer: the Women's Health
Initiative
Randomized.
Controlled
Dietary
Modification Trial. JAMA.
2006; 295(6):629-42.
9. Pham PTK et al, In
Complementary
and
Alternative Medicine, an
evidence-based approach,
St. Louis, Mosby, 2003; 93152.
10. Tiwari RK, etal. Selective
responsiveness of human
breast cancer cells to
indole-3-carbinol,
a
chemopreventive
agent.
JNCI 1994; 86(2):126-31.
11. Corcoran NM et al.
Inorganic selenium retards
progression of experimental
hormone refractory prostate
cancer. J Urol. 2004; 171(2
Pt 1):907-10.
12. De Luca HF et al, In An
Evidence-Based-Approach
to Vitamins and Minerals ,
New York, Thieme, 2003:73-81
13, Lamm DL et al ,
Megadose
vitamins
in
bladder cancer: a doubleblind clinical trial. J Urol. 1994;
151(1):21-6.
14.
Prasad
K
et
al,
Complementary Oncology,
New York, Thieme, 2005:151170
15. Pirani JF. The effects of
phytotherapeutic agents on
prostate cancer: an overview
of recent clinical trials of PC
SPES. Urology. 2001; 58(2
Suppl 1):36-8. Review.
16.
Commonwealth
of
Australia. Inquiry into services
and treatment options for
persons with cancer, 2006.
<http://www.aph.gov.au/Sen
ate/committee/clac_ctte/ca
ncer/index.htm>
Recommended Books
‘Foods that Fight Cancer’,
Richard Beliveau Ph.D,
Denis Gingras Ph.D
“Over
138,000
Frenchlanguage copies sold!
‘We Want Real Food’
Graham Harvey
Publisher: Constable &
Robinson (2006)
256 pages
ISBN-10: 1845292677
ISBN-13: 978-1845292676
Within this book is the
perfect recipe for success:
An author who is one of the
world’s foremost experts in
the groundbreaking area
of how food chemistry can
fight cancer. A highly
accessible and practical
text. A beautifully designed
package accompanied by
full-colour
illustrations.
According
to
the
Canadian Cancer Society,
an estimated 149,000 new
cases of cancer occurred
in Canada in 2005. While
this statistic is alarming,
current research is showing
convincingly that elements
in particular foods may
significantly reduce the risk
of
cancer in
healthy
individuals and slow its
progress in those already
suffering from the disease.
We can help ourselves and
our families through healthy
eating. But the information
coming
through
the
popular media is confusing
and
often
hard
to
understand.
Just
what
should we be eating and in
what combinations? Do all
cancer-fighting foods work
the same way? Do they all
fight all kinds of cancers?
In Foods That Fight Cancer,
leading biochemist Richard
Béliveau teams up with
Denis Gingras to describe
the science of food and
which
properties
of
particular foods are the
active
cancer-fighting
elements.
They
deftly
explain how different foods
work to protect the body
against different cancers
and show which foods will
be most effective. By
understanding the science
behind these therapeutic
benefits, we come to
realize not only why it is so
critical to add these foods
to our diet, but how easily it
can
be
done.”
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE – FEBRUARY 07
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF
INTEGRAIVE MEDICINE
Recommended Books
E-mail
[email protected]
‘We Want Real Food’
Graham Harvey
Jamie Oliver's School Dinners,
Rick Stein's Food Heroes,
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's
field-to-table fare at River
Cottage - the message is all
around us that good food,
nutrition and health go hand
in hand, and we need to eat
more
fresh,
unprocessed
foods.
Graham Harvey won the BP
Natural World Book Prize for
his book, The Killing of the
Countryside in 1997. Now he
tells the story of how the food
we buy in supermarkets was
grown, why it is lacking in
nutrients and what we can
do about it - by mounting a
campaign for real food.
He tells the story of industrial
farming's huge growth in the
second half of the 20th
century and shows how the
widespread use of nitrate
fertilisers has depleted the soil
of minerals. Even organic
foods can be tasteless and
lacking in vitamins and,
particularly, in the essential
trace elements that keep us
healthy. The lack of minerals
in modern foods is a
contributing factor to the
chronic diseases of industrial
societies.
He
argues
eloquently and clearly that
the solution is an increase in
the nutrient-rich foods our
bodies need.
The campaign for real food
begins with us, whether we
shop at farmers' markets,
organic
suppliers or at
supermarkets.
About Our Organization
The National Institute of
Integrative Medicine (NIIM)
formed
as
a
natural
development
from
the
Graduate
School
of
Integrative
Medicine
(GSIM), formerly part of
Swinburne University. The
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
[email protected]
Visit our website at:
www.niim.com.au
GSIM was founded by
Professor Avni Sali in 1997 as
a reflection of the growing
number
of
general
practitioners who were
combining complementary
medicine and therapies
with conventional medical
5
practice.
The
NIIM
is
currently in the process of
establishing
a
unique
wellness clinic as well as
development to a position
where it can begin to
deliver
courses
and
conduct research.