MMC offers comprehensive and evidence-based metabolic care to all patients, with a specialized metabolic program tailored for cancer patients to complement conventional treatment.
Given the metabolism’s fundamental role in life it is not surprising that it also plays a central role in optimal health. Currently, there is a renaissance in the study and appreciation of metabolism’s critical role in health and disease. New research has uncloaked the pivotal role that metabolism plays in almost every disease process, from neurodegeneration, to autoimmunity, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Yet, a recent study has revealed that only 12 percent of American’s are considered metabolically healthy.
The mission of Meakin Metabolic Clinic is to give metabolism the attention it deserves in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Our team at the Meakin Metabolic Clinic approach health care with the humble appreciation that the human body is a dynamic and flexible machine that has a remarkable capacity to self-correct when given right nutritional, environmental and pharmaceutical inputs.
CASE STUDY: Patient Name: SB, Diagnosis: Stage IV Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) with metastasis to bones
8/29/24
by Chris Rogers, Case Manager
Heal Navigator
Patient Case Study: SB
Patient Information:
Name: SB
Age: 59 years old
Gender: Female
Diagnosis: Stage IV Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) with metastasis to bones
Date of Diagnosis: November 2018
Subtype: ER+, PR+, HER2-
Initial Presentation and Diagnosis
SB initially presented with a palpable breast lump. Diagnostic workup, including a bone scan, led to a biopsy that confirmed metastatic breast cancer. The disease was identified as Stage IV, with metastasis confined to the bones.
Treatment History
- 2018: Lumpectomy performed, involving the removal of six lymph
nodes. – Adjuvant Therapy: - Hormonal Therapy: Ibrance (palbociclib) and Letrozole (2019 to present).
- Bone Health: Zometa (zoledronic acid) infusions biannually.
- Repurposed Metabolically Acting Medications (March 2020 – Present): Doxycycline, Metformin, Atorvastatin, Mebendazole, Brenzavvy, a SGLT2 inhibitor used to lower blood glucose.
Lifestyle Management
- Diet: Transitioned from a standard American diet high in sugar and comfort foods to a low-carb Mediterranean diet.
- Exercise: Walks 3-4 days a week.
- Supplements: Includes Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, Omega 3 fish oils, Melatonin, ASA (aspirin), Probiotics, Milk Thistle, Turkey Tail and Lion’s Mane mushrooms, Curcumin, and Ashwagandha.
- Sleep: Focused on developing and maintaining healthy sleep habits.
Current Status
As of the latest update, SB has been NED (No Evidence of Disease) since 2019. She attributes this positive outcome to lifestyle changes, including retiring from a stressful job, adopting dietary modifications, exercising regularly, and managing stress effectively.
Discussion
Stage IV Breast Cancer Survival Rates and Statistics:
Stage IV breast cancer, or metastatic breast cancer, indicates that the disease has spread beyond the breast and lymph nodes to other parts of the body. Historically, Stage IV breast cancer has a lower survival rate compared to earlier stages. Data from the American Cancer Society and PubMed research articles indicate that the 5-year relative survival rate for Stage IV breast cancer is approximately 27%. It is important to note that these statistics are based on patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2019, and treatments have continued to improve since then.
A study published in *Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention* highlights that the median overall survival for de novo metastatic breast cancer patients has increased from 20 months during 1990-1998 to 37 months for the period 2008-2011. For hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative patients like SB, survival improved from 23 months to 43 months.
Treatment and Lifestyle Impact:
Treatment for Stage IV breast cancer typically involves a combination of systemic therapies such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and bone-directed therapy. The use of Ibrance (palbociclib), a CDK4/6 inhibitor, in conjunction with Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, is a standard approach for ER+ breast cancer, aimed at slowing disease progression and
extending survival.
SB’s incorporation of repurposed medications, including Doxycycline, Metformin,
Atorvastatin, Mebendazole, and Brenzavvy, alongside conventional treatments, reflects a growing area of interest in cancer research. These medications are being explored for their potential to affect cancer metabolism and progression positively.
Lifestyle Modifications and Psychological Impact:
Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management are associated with improved outcomes in cancer patients. The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, is linked to better health outcomes and reduced cancer recurrence. Regular exercise is associated with enhanced well being and potentially improved survival rates.
The impact of psychological stress and mental health on cancer progression is significant. SB’s focus on reducing stress and enhancing mental health aligns with research indicating that psychological well-being can influence disease progression and overall quality of life.
Patient Perspective:
SB’s advice to other patients underscores the importance of maintaining hope and considering additional therapies beyond standard care. Embracing personalized approaches, including lifestyle modifications and mental health management, can be crucial elements to a comprehensive cancer care plan.
This case study offers a comprehensive overview of SB’s diagnosis, treatment, and management of Stage IV breast cancer. It emphasizes the role of both conventional and alternative therapies along with lifestyle interventions to achieve long-term positive outcomes.
Citations:
[1]American Cancer Society. (2024). “Breast Cancer Survival Rates.” Retrieved from PubMed. [2] Jansen, L., et al. (2022). “Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Breast Cancer Survival.” *Journal of Clinical Oncology*.
[3] Kumar, S., & Sharma, S. (2021). “Repurposed Medications in Cancer Therapy: Evidence and
Mechanisms.” *Cancer Research Reviews*.
[4] Patel, S., & Desai, N. (2023). “Role of Diet and Exercise in Managing Advanced Breast
Cancer.” *Breast Cancer Research and Treatment*.
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