Hormesis in Anticancer Therapy: Enhancing Treatment with Balanced Therapy

Finding the right balance in cancer therapy is crucial. Many patients explore various interventions, hoping to enhance their treatment, but there's an important principle to remember: the economy of balance. Just like many aspects of life follow a U-shaped curve—where too little or too much of something can be harmful—cancer therapies require a measured approach.

Piling on too many strategies at once can overwhelm the body, leading to exhaustion rather than healing. Instead, patients should look for signs of stability, including good sleep, a healthy appetite, sustained energy for meaningful activities, and overall well-being. It's a sign to pull back when fatigue or imbalance begins to set in. This principle is directly tied to hormesis, the concept that low-dose stressors can strengthen the body's defenses, while excessive exposure becomes harmful. (Read the previous Hormesis Blog.) In cancer therapy, hormetic strategies like oxidative stress modulation, metabolic challenges, and some interesting emerging treatments are gaining attention. Unlike traditional high-dose treatments that often damage healthy tissues alongside cancer cells, hormetic interventions aim to boost the body's resilience and improve treatment outcomes. This (very long) blog overlaps with many previous blog topics and will explore some of the therapies that fall into this hormesis category, attempting to explain how, when used wisely, they could be beneficial in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Tumor hypoxia, a hallmark of many solid cancers, allows malignant cells to adapt and thrive in oxygen-deprived environments [1]. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) offers a potential way to counteract this by delivering 100% oxygen at high pressure, significantly increasing oxygen levels in both standard and cancerous tissues [1]. In a typical environment, red blood cells deliver oxygen through the body. During HBOT, the pressure allows the oxygen to be dissolved directly into the blood plasma, thus improving oxygenation in normal and cancerous tissue [1][2]. This improved oxygenation can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation by reversing hypoxia-induced resistance and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which sensitize tumors to treatment [1, 2]. A 2013 study demonstrates the power of synergy with a combination of HBOT with the ketogenic diet was able to significantly increase survival in a mouse model of metastatic cancer compared to either HBOT or the ketogenic diet alone.

Beyond oncology, HBOT is widely used for wound healing, reducing inflammation, and promoting new blood vessel growth [2]. However, its high cost and intensive treatment schedule (often 40–60 sessions) remain barriers to widespread adoption [3]. While HBOT is generally safe, risks such as oxygen toxicity and barotrauma can happen if it is taken too far [4].

Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)

Red Light Therapy, also known as Photobiomodulation (PBM), utilizes red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation [5]. The anti-inflammatory effect of PBM emanates from its ability to decrease LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) while increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in inflamed cells. In contrast, in normal cells, the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB is activated [6] [7]. This finding presents a notable contradiction, given that PBM is well-known to have impressive anti-inflammatory effects in both clinical and laboratory settings [6] [7].

Regarding cancer, PBM has demonstrated a unique ability to stimulate mitochondria and calcium ion channels, thereby increasing ATP production [8]. This impact increases cell survival, growth, and protein production [8]. The theory currently being explored is that in cancer cells, where the ATP supply is stretched thin, the ATP jump from the PBM could make the cancer cells more responsive to pro-apoptotic cytotoxic stimuli, leading to energy-dependent cell death programs [8]. So, it makes the cancer cells more susceptible to treatment that kills it, but what about the healthy cells? In normal cells, with sufficient ATP, the PBM triggers a surge in ROS that may serve as a protective mechanism to mitigate the damaging effects of cancer therapies [8]. In some controversial studies, high-dose PBM could increase tumor size and lead to a worse prognosis (there's that U-shaped curve we talked about) [8]. The studies that have observed this phenomenon have been criticized for various issues, underscoring the need for further research with PBM. While PBM is non-invasive and generally safe, its effectiveness depends on the dosage and penetration depth, making it less effective for treating deep tumors [5]. Depending on session frequency, monthly costs can range from $80 to $2,400 [9]. Ideally, the research will continue to address these lingering questions, allowing cancer teams to understand PBM's true potential.

Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy is an alternative treatment that generates controlled oxidative stress, upregulates antioxidant defenses, and modulates immune responses [10, 11]. There are multiple mechanisms at work here; ozone effectively reduces inflammation by downregulating proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1B and TNF-α) and upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 [10]. When administered, it generates controlled oxidative stress by breaking down into reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydrogen peroxide, superoxide ions, and hydroxyl radicals [11]. These highly reactive molecules oxidize lipids, disrupting proteins and breaking DNA strands [11]. Healthy cells can combat ROS with specific enzymes and catalase, but cancer cells lack or have weaker antioxidant properties [11]. In a similar vein, ozone disrupts mitochondrial function by weakening the mitochondrial membrane, causing the release of cytochrome c and triggering cell death in cancer cells, while sparing healthy cells that can recover more efficiently [11]. Clinical studies have demonstrated that ozone therapy is a beneficial adjunct to chemotherapy and radiation [12]. For example, a 2011 study on breast cancer patients showed ozone therapy to improve symptoms, local pain, and reduced swelling [12]. Another found that 73% of breast cancer participants experienced reduced fatigue levels without adverse side effects [12]. Unfortunately, the therapy remains controversial due to limited FDA approval and insufficient clinical validation [13]. The FDA warns of potential risks, including embolism and respiratory issues [13]. Despite these concerns, proponents of ozone therapy continue to explore its potential in oncology. Depending on session frequency and application version (rectal insufflation or transfusion), monthly costs typically range from $500 to $4,000 [13]. More research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness in mainstream cancer treatment.

High-Dose IV Vitamin C

High-dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C therapy is gaining attention as a potential adjunct to conventional cancer treatments [14]. At high concentrations, vitamin C can generate hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) that selectively damages cancer cells due to their low catalase levels - the enzyme that breaks down H₂O₂ - making them particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress [15]. This selectivity to cancer cells is partly due to cancer cells' high glucose demands, which makes the cells absorb significantly more vitamin C than healthy cells [15]. This mechanism is why, when used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation, high-dose IV vitamin C can improve the effectiveness of treatment [14]. On top of treatment enhancement, IV vitamin C has also been shown to reduce the adverse side effects of cancer treatments, leading to a better quality of life for the patients [16]. Research into high-dose IV vitamin C so far suggests it could potentially slow tumor growth, reduce inflammation, and inhibit cancer spread, particularly in cancers like glioblastoma, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer [14][15][16]. The risks of this include kidney stone formation and hemolysis in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency [15]. Depending on session frequency, costs range from $3,000 to $6,000 per month. Despite promising results, optimal dosage and treatment protocols remain under investigation. But, while research continues, IV vitamin C therapy offers a potential complementary approach to cancer care. (For a more extensive exploration of high-dose vitamin C therapy, read my blog High Dose Vitamin C: Where do we stand?)

Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas are gaining popularity for their potential health perks, from stress relief to better circulation and pain management. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use far-infrared light to warm your body directly [17]. Infrared delivery allows the heat to penetrate deeper into your muscles and joints—so you get that same sweaty experience but at a lower temperature [17]. That makes them an excellent option for people who can't handle the intense heat of a regular sauna but still want the benefits. Some research suggests that these benefits might include help with conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and even Alzheimer's [17]. Studies have even linked frequent sauna use to a lower risk of sudden cardiac death [18]. And if you're someone who deals with chronic pain, a 2009 study found that an infrared sauna is beneficial for relieving pain from rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis [18]. Now, how can an infrared sauna play a role in cancer treatment? Heat therapy, also known as medically induced hyperthermia, has been recommended by the American Cancer Society for its potential to enhance the effectiveness of radiation and chemotherapy [18]. More specifically, a 2007 study demonstrated that infrared radiation (FIR) can slow the growth of certain cancer cell lines, including those of lung, breast, and oral cancers, particularly those with low levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) [19]. This protein helps protect cells from heat stress, so when cancer cells don't have enough of it, they may be more vulnerable to FIR-induced damage [19]. While this study used FIR at much higher levels and targeted it more precisely than an infrared sauna, it still highlights the possible benefits for cancer patients. Of course, like anything, infrared saunas aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. Risks include dehydration and potential issues for people with heart conditions, so it's always best to check with your doctor before diving into a sauna routine [20]. If you're considering trying it, be prepared to spend anywhere from $200 to $500 a month, depending on membership plans and facilities [21].

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but decades of research have been dedicated to it [22]. To date, PEMF has been established as a non-invasive method to support healing and alleviate pain [22]. Instead of using heat or physical pressure, PEMF sends electromagnetic pulses into your body, influencing ion channels, calcium signaling, and mitochondrial activity [22][23]. Research on PEMF suggests that it may boost blood flow, increase oxygen levels, and stimulate tissue repair, making it a popular option for pain relief, bone healing, reducing inflammation, and even promoting tissue regeneration [22][23]. Although 30 years of research have already focused on PEMF, it continues to be studied. In a 2024 study, PEMF exposure appears to slow down the growth of breast cancer cells and even trigger apoptosis – all while leaving normal, healthy cells untouched [24]. Scientists believe this may be due to its ability to induce cellular senescence (the aging of cancer cells), reduce oxidative stress, and stimulate the immune system [24]. Even more intriguing? When paired with senolytic drugs, PEMF could potentially wipe out both cancerous and senescent cells, offering a new angle for cancer treatment [24]. However, before we proceed, it's essential to acknowledge that this research is still in its early stages, and further studies are required to determine the effectiveness of PEMF across various types of cancer. One of the biggest perks of PEMF therapy is that it's noninvasive and comes with very few side effects [23]. But here's the catch: not all PEMF devices are created equal, and the effectiveness of the therapy depends on factors like pulse frequency, waveform shape, intensity, and session duration [23]. Plus, results have been inconsistent across studies, so experts caution against expecting PEMF to be a magic cure-all. Sessions can last anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours, and depending on whether you rent, buy, or get treatments in a clinic, you could be looking anywhere between $500 and $1,500 per month [25].

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary strategy that alternates between fasting and eating, pushing your body to switch from burning glucose to burning fat for energy [26]. Doing this has been shown to have many benefits, including improved memory, improved heart health by lowering blood pressure, and weight loss [26]. This method is perfect for people struggling with type 2 diabetes, with research showing that IF can lower fasting glucose levels, reduce insulin resistance and leptin levels, and increase adiponectin levels [26]. In some studies, IF has gone as far as to reverse the need for insulin therapy altogether [26]. This shift to fat burning also triggers several beneficial changes in cancer. During fasting, your body enters autophagy— a process that clears out damaged or dysfunctional cells — lowering insulin and glucose levels, and boosting adiponectin, which can help slow down cancer growth and make cancer cells more susceptible to treatment [27].

Additionally, fasting causes cancer cells to switch from relying on glycolysis (their primary energy source) to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, creating oxidative stress that damages these cells and makes it more difficult for them to survive [27]. Meanwhile, normal cells are protected by metabolic changes, ensuring they remain healthy [27]. This means IF can help fight cancer by weakening tumor cells and enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy without harming healthy tissue – pretty impressive! But it's not all smooth sailing—there are some risks, such as malnutrition, muscle loss, or potential complications for people with metabolic disorders [27]. So, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before fasting, especially if you have any underlying health concerns.

Cost-wise, intermittent fasting is affordable if you're doing it on your own; however, if you're seeking more structured guidance, programs with dietitians can cost around $300 per month [28].

Exercise

Most people are aware that exercise is beneficial for overall health, but it can also be a powerful tool in combating cancer. When you work out, your body experiences controlled stress, triggering metabolic, vascular, and immune responses. The ROS and inflammatory mediators that can arise from this stress, once thought to cause harm, actually play a crucial role in muscle adaptation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and immune function—and, as we're still discovering, cancer.

One of the mechanisms at work here is tumor vascular normalization. Cancer thrives in low-oxygen environments (a state called hypoxia), which makes tumors more resistant to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation [29]. Exercise enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery, reducing hypoxia and improving treatment efficacy [29]. Studies on 4T1 breast cancer and MC38 colorectal cancer models show that when exercise is combined with radiotherapy, tumor growth and metastasis decrease by 40–60% [29]. Additionally, exercise increases the secretion of endothelin, which promotes the infiltration of natural killer (NK) cells into tumors [29]. Resistance training further upregulates NK cell receptors, such as Klrk1 and Il2rβ, thereby enhancing immune surveillance [29].

Essentially, exercise supercharges the immune system. Another mechanism of this is how exercise boosts CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity through CXCL9/11-CXCR3 signaling and IL-15 secretion, increasing the effectiveness of immunotherapy [29]. At the same time, it reduces immunosuppressive cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, and lowers the presence of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which tumors exploit to evade immune attacks [29]. These effects make exercise a valuable complement to immunotherapy, helping the body’s own defense system to fight cancer more effectively.

Beyond immune activation, exercise can, in a way, reprogram the metabolism, thus cutting off cancer’s energy supply. Most tumors rely on glucose and IGF-1 to fuel their growth, but exercise suppresses the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways that drive tumor proliferation [29][30]. Instead, it activates AMPK, shifting metabolism toward fat oxidation and enhancing mitochondrial function, making it more difficult for cancer cells to thrive [29][30]. This metabolic shift may help explain why breast cancer recurrence drops by 20–30% in physically active individuals [29].

The best part? Exercise is non-invasive, cost-effective, and offers numerous benefits—from reducing fatigue and cognitive decline to enhancing metabolic health [29][30]. A self-guided exercise routine is complimentary, while supervised programs (such as clinical exercise oncology sessions) typically cost $100–$500 per month. However, challenges remain, including protocol variability (optimal intensity and duration) and patient compliance, particularly for frail individuals who may need supervised programs [31].

Understanding the hormetic effects of exercise further reinforces its role as a powerful, natural enhancer of physiological resilience and cancer treatment outcomes. As science progresses, one thing remains clear: staying active is essential.

Methylene Blue

Methylene blue (MB) may sound like something from a chemistry lab, but this little blue dye has been around for over a century. MB has been used for a wide range of applications, from treating malaria to enhancing brain health, and researchers are now investigating its potential in cancer therapy.

MB is an organic compound with a chloride salt structure and a high light absorption at 665 nm [32][33]. This characteristic is utilized in one of MB's most exciting applications: photodynamic therapy (PDT). When administered at a low dose (0.5-2 mg/kg), MB produces singlet oxygen (¹O₂)—a ROS that can damage and kill cancer cells by oxidizing their cellular components without harming healthy ones [32][33]. To further enhance the effect and increase its targeting, researchers encapsulate MB into silica nanoparticles and liposomes, which can significantly improve cellular uptake of the MB [34]. These nanocarrier-based therapies have enhanced PDT's effectiveness by 50–90%, representing a significant improvement that could significantly impact real-world treatments [34]. Beyond that, MB also has some immune-boosting tricks up its sleeve that appear to reduce pancreatic cancer cell migration by increasing IL-10 and CCL4, two key immune signals that help slow the spread of tumors [35].

Research continues to show exciting results from MB. MB-PDT has progressed to phase II and phase III clinical trials for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, working in conjunction with chemotherapy [32]. In preclinical trials, MB is effective against ovarian cancer by reversing carboplatin resistance and even shrinking tumors by 35% [35].

Like any treatment, MB isn't perfect. Its effectiveness depends on precise light exposure and the proper formulation of nanoparticles, so it remains a work in progress. While low doses (≤2 mg/kg) are generally safe, going beyond that can lead to methemoglobinemia and neurotoxicity [36].

There's also the cost factor. Standard PDT treatments cost between $1,500 and $4,000 for 5–10 sessions, whereas nanocarrier-based MB therapies, still in experimental stages, could range from $5,000 to $10,000. So, while science is promising, we're still a way off from MB becoming a go-to cancer treatment.

Hydrogen Therapy

Hydrogen therapy, in a nutshell, involves the delivery of molecular hydrogen (H₂) through tablets, generators, or inhaled gas. The therapeutic potential of H₂ arises from its selective antioxidant activity, modulation of inflammatory responses, and influence on cellular signaling pathways [37]. Unlike non-selective antioxidants, molecular hydrogen neutralizes highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (-OH) while preserving beneficial reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which play crucial roles in cell signaling and immune function [37][38]. This selective approach helps maintain normal cellular processes while mitigating damage related to oxidative stress.

Beyond its antioxidant effects, multiple studies suggest that H₂ reduces oxidative stress and improves survival rates in chemotherapy patients [37]. One study from 2022 found that hydrogen therapy in the form of hydrogen-rich water enhanced chemotherapy efficacy, particularly in colorectal cancer models treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) – a widely used chemotherapy agent [39]. Moreover, H₂ therapy has been shown to promote apoptosis in cancer cells by activating caspase-3 and suppressing the PI3K/Akt pathway, which are key regulators of cell survival [40]. Hydrogen therapy also exhibits notable anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while upregulating antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase [38, 41]. These actions contribute to reduced systemic inflammation and better overall patient outcomes.

Hydrogen therapy stands out for its strong safety profile, earning GRAS status from the FDA with minimal side effects in early studies [42]. Unlike conventional treatments, it avoids toxicity and preserves healthy tissue, making it a well-tolerated option [42]. However, despite its promise, hydrogen therapy faces several challenges that clinicians must address before it can be widely adopted in clinical practice. One of the primary concerns is dosing. Hydrogen has a short biological half-life, ranging from minutes to hours, necessitating frequent administration to maintain therapeutic levels [38]. Efficacy also varies depending on the method of delivery. Hydrogen gas inhalation and HRW may produce different effects in cancer treatment, with studies suggesting that gas inhalation provides greater bioavailability [37, 41]. Another limitation is the relatively small body of human clinical data. While preclinical studies in animal models have consistently demonstrated hydrogen's anticancer properties, large-scale human trials are still lacking.

Patients can access hydrogen therapy through HRW tablets ($0.50–$2 per dose), home generators ($500–$2,000), or clinical inhalation sessions ($150–$400 per session), allowing flexibility in treatment.

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water is commonly marketed as a health-boosting alternative to regular drinking water. With a pH of 8-9, it is believed to influence the body's acid-base balance and support various physiological functions. While some proponents claim it can inhibit tumor growth and enhance overall health, scientific evidence remains inconclusive.

One of the primary hypotheses behind the potential role of alkaline water in cancer treatment is its ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells often thrive in acidic conditions due to their high metabolic activity, leading some to believe that reducing extracellular acidity could slow tumor proliferation and metastasis [42]. Preclinical research suggests that alkaline water may help neutralize excess acidity, which, in turn, could hinder tumor growth and spread [42][43]. However, the body's pH regulation mechanisms are highly complex, and there is little clinical evidence to support the idea that drinking alkaline water significantly alters systemic acidity.

Alkaline water can also exert anti-inflammatory effects. Studies on intestinal cells indicate that it can lower the expression of key inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) [43]. Chronic inflammation is often linked to cancer progression, making anti-inflammatory interventions an area of interest in oncology. By reducing these inflammatory responses, alkaline water may create a less favorable environment for tumor development.

Additionally, research suggests that alkaline water may offer vascular protection, particularly in cases of melanoma [42]. In a 2021 study, alkaline water was associated with improved endothelial function and reduced metastatic spread of mouse models [42]. Mice exposed to alkaline water demonstrated better-preserved blood vessel integrity, with a lower incidence of lung metastases compared to controls [42]. Overall, the results suggest that alkaline water may have protective effects on vascular function, reduce inflammation, and lower the incidence of metastasis in tumor development [42]. However intriguing, the impact of alkaline water on cancer remains theoretical, primarily due to the lack of strong human evidence. While laboratory studies have suggested certain benefits, no clinical trials have conclusively demonstrated its ability to prevent or treat human cancer. The body tightly regulates its pH through various physiological mechanisms, making it unlikely that simply drinking alkaline water would result in significant systemic changes.

Alkaline water might have one advantage over the other therapies discussed: its accessibility. H2 is acquired through various means, ranging from low-cost filter pitchers priced between $50 and $200 to premium ionization machines that cost between $300 and $1,500.

Summary

While there are many considerations for adjunctive cancer therapies, the goal is to achieve a hormetic balance that is right for everyone. Listen to your body. It's okay to go for a walk rather than doing more intense exercise on some days, and it's OK to eat rather than fast if you're feeling depleted. More is not always better; synergy can be more powerful than the sum of its parts. At Meakin Metabolic, we strive to achieve synergistic therapeutic effects while maintaining the optimal hormetic balance. One additional important consideration: although there is less clinical validation for the therapies discussed compared to standard-of-care therapies, the lens through which to evaluate these therapies is risk versus potential reward. We would all like more data, but if your physician considers therapy safe and shows some anticancer evidence, the math is simple: low risk with potential reward. Lastly, in the table below, please note that the clinical validation rating does not imply that one therapy is superior; it is simply a ranking of the clinical evidence to date. A therapy with weak evidence may prove to be better than a therapy with a strong rating at this moment in time. For example, future clinical trials may demonstrate that one therapy is superior to another for two therapies that currently show equal promise in preclinical studies. Until clinical trials are executed, we do not know, and that is why the risk/potential reward calculation is critical for any adjunctive cancer therapy.

Intervention	Mechanism of Action	Clinical Validation Rating	Estimated Price per Month
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)	Increases tissue oxygenation, reverses hypoxia-induced radiation resistance, and enhances reactive oxygen species (ROS) to sensitize tumors to chemotherapy/radiation	moderate	~$10,000–$25,000 for 20–40 sessions at a hospital-based center or $4-6000 at a wellness center with a lower pressure machine
Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)	Stimulates mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, enhancing ATP production and reducing inflammation via NRF2/NF-κB pathways	Weak	~$800–$2,400 (10–30 sessions at $80–$150/session)
Ozone Therapy	Generates controlled oxidative stress, upregulating antioxidants (e.g., glutathione) and modulating immune responses (↑ IL-10, ↓ TNF-α)	Weak	~$1,500–$4,000 (10–20 sessions at $150–$200/session)
High-Dose IV Vitamin C	Pro-oxidant at high doses, generating H₂O₂ to kill cancer cells via oxidative stress selectively	Moderate	~$3,000–$6,000 (2–3 sessions/week at $300–$500/session)
Infrared Sauna	Induces hyperthermia, promoting HSP70 expression and tumor sensitization to radiation/chemotherapy	Weak	~$200–$500 (unlimited access or 10–20 sessions)
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) Therapy	Modulates ion channels and calcium signaling to reduce inflammation and enhance tissue repair	Weak	~$500–$1,500 (rental or clinic sessions)
Intermittent Fasting	Activates autophagy, ketosis, and metabolic switching to enhance chemotherapy selectivity	Moderate	$0 (self-managed) to $300 (dietitian-guided)
Exercise	Promotes tumor vascular normalization, enhancing CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity via CXCL9/11-CXCR3 signaling and IL-15 secretion, increasing natural killer (NK) cell infiltration, and suppressing tumor-promoting pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR while activating AMPK to shift metabolism toward oxidative phosphorylation	Strong	$0 (self-guided) or $100-$500 (e.g., clinical exercise oncology sessions)
Methylene Blue (MB)	Produces singlet oxygen (¹O₂), boosts IL-10 and CCL4 immune signaling, reverses carboplating resistance in ovarian cancer	Moderate	$1,500–$4,000 (5–10 sessions at $300–400/session) $5,000–$10,000 (experimental protocols)- non-PDF use with nanoparticle is $200 to $400 per week
Hydrogen-Based Interventions	Neutralizes harmful ROS, boosts 5-FU efficacy in colorectal cancer, reduces inflammation by downregulating TNF-α and IL-6, upregulates glutathione peroxidase, induces apoptosis by activating caspase-3 and inhibiting P13K/Akt pathways	Weak	Tablets: $30–$100 (60–120 tablets) Home Generators: $500–$2,000 (one-time) + $50–$100/year maintenance Clinical Sessions: $1,500–$4,000 (10 sessions)
Alkaline Water	Reduces extracellular acidity to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, lowers TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2 in intestinal cells, and improves endothelial function to reduce metastatic spread in melanoma models	Weak	Bottled Alkaline Water: $20–$100 Filter Pitchers: $5–$20 (replacement filters) Ionization Machines: $10–$30 (electricity/maintenance)

Stay strong and curious, and be your own best doctor,

Chuck Meakin MD

Meakin Metabolic Care - Meakin Metabolic Care

Life and Health Coach | Charlotte NC | Coach It Forward Chuck

Care@HealNavigator.com

Disclaimer: This information is not meant as direct medical advice. Readers should always review options with their local medical team. This is the sole opinion of Dr. Meakin based on a literature review at the time of the blog and may change as new evidence evolves.

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Charles J. Meakin III, MD, MS, MHA