Resveratrol and Cancer
Personalized cancer treatment has been empowering patients to fight cancer and live longer.
By artfully combining the most innovative developments in genetic testing, immunotherapy, functional medicine and biological medicine, our Swiss Cancer Protocol delivers personalized cancer care to patients from all over the world.
Conventional cancer treatments use a “brute force” approach, with most patients getting the same treatment, be it radiation, chemotherapy, or drugs.
Contrary to the conventional approach, personalized cancer care uses tumor marker testing and custom tailors a treatment to each patient.
Resveratrol and Cancer:
Resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes, berries, and peanuts, has drawn significant attention for its potential role in fighting cancer. This compound has shown promise in preclinical studies for slowing cancer growth, preventing the spread of cancer cells, and reducing inflammation, which contributes to tumor formation. While research is still ongoing, resveratrol is emerging as a supportive option in integrative cancer care, particularly when administered intravenously to achieve higher concentrations in the body.
Types of Cancer Most Responsive to Resveratrol
Research indicates that certain cancers may be more sensitive to resveratrol’s anticancer properties:
Colorectal Cancer: Resveratrol has demonstrated significant efficacy by targeting multiple pathways, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and cell cycle regulation. It also acts as a chemosensitizer, enhancing the response of colorectal cancer cells to chemotherapy and reducing drug resistance.
Breast Cancer: In breast cancer, resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation, reduces cell viability, and suppresses invasion and metastasis, making it a promising candidate for treatment.
Pancreatic Cancer: Studies suggest that resveratrol increases the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy, enhancing the efficacy of agents like gemcitabine by modulating critical pathways such as NAF-1 and Nrf2.
Resveratrol and Cell Cycle Regulation
Cancer cells proliferate uncontrollably, bypassing the natural checkpoints of the cell cycle. Resveratrol addresses this by:
Arresting the Cell Cycle: It halts cancer cell growth at critical stages (G1/S or G2/M) by upregulating proteins like p21 and p27 and suppressing Cyclin D1.
Activating Tumor Suppressors: Resveratrol activates p53, which detects DNA damage and halts cell division to prevent mutations.
Inducing Apoptosis: Resveratrol promotes programmed cell death via:
Mitochondrial Pathway: Alters mitochondrial membrane potential, releases cytochrome c, and activates caspases (e.g., caspase-3 and -9).
Death Receptor Pathway: Enhances death receptor signaling (e.g., Fas, TRAIL-R), activating caspase-8 and downstream apoptosis mechanisms.
Inhibition of Tumor Growth and Metastasis
Resveratrol combats tumor growth and the spread of cancer through:
Anti-Proliferative Effects: Suppresses oncogenic pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK, reducing cancer cell survival.
Angiogenesis Suppression: Inhibits VEGF, preventing blood vessel formation that supports tumor growth.
Reversing EMT: Restores epithelial characteristics (e.g., E-cadherin) and reduces mesenchymal markers (e.g., N-cadherin), preventing cancer cell invasion.
Inhibition of MMPs: Blocks enzymes like MMP-2 and MMP-9, which degrade the extracellular matrix and facilitate metastasis.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress drive cancer progression. Resveratrol addresses these issues by:
Reducing Pro-inflammatory Cytokines: Inhibits the production of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, and blocks activation of transcription factors like NF-κB and STAT3.
Suppressing COX-2 and iNOS: Lowers prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide levels, reducing tumor-supportive inflammation.
Enhancing Antioxidant Defense: Scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulates antioxidant enzymes like SOD and glutathione peroxidase.
Why Intravenous (IV) Administration is Superior
Resveratrol's bioavailability is significantly reduced when taken orally due to rapid metabolism in the liver and intestines. Intravenous (IV) administration bypasses these barriers, achieving higher plasma concentrations necessary for therapeutic efficacy. This method ensures that the compound reaches systemic circulation at levels sufficient to exert its anticancer effects.
Integrating RGCC Onconomics Testing
At Swissmed Health, we integrate RGCC Onconomics Extracts+ a diagnostic tool that evaluates the effectiveness of natural and conventional treatments, including resveratrol, on a patient’s specific cancer cells. This test can help determine:
The sensitivity of cancer cells to resveratrol.
Potential synergistic effects with other treatments.
Individualized therapeutic strategies for better outcomes.
Incorporating personalized diagnostics like RGCC Onconomics can optimize the use of resveratrol in cancer care, tailoring its application to each patient’s unique needs.
Measuring Resveratrol Levels in the Body
Resveratrol levels can be quantified using advanced techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This enables clinicians to monitor its absorption, distribution, and metabolism, ensuring optimal therapeutic dosing.