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One Sizeable Step for Immunology,
One Giant Leap for Cancer Patients
by Mamdooh Ghoneum, PhD
Associate Professor and Chief of Research, Department of Otolaryngology, Charles D. Drew University;
Research Associate, Department of Neurobiology, UCLA School of Medicine
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Background
Although cynicism and disillusionment with the failed "war against cancer" are widespread, I remain very
optimistic that we will triumph over this seemingly invincible killer. Given the disappointing results and many
drawbacks of cytotoxic therapies, it seems clear that our best hope for a decisive victory against cancer lies
in immuno-augmentive therapies - those that enhance the body's innate immune response to cancer cells.
As a research immunologist, I have spent 18 years studying immuno-modulating substances -- natural compounds derived
from mushrooms, herbs, fungi, and, bacteria, as well as synthetic drugs like Interleukin-2 and interferon. Approximately
six years ago, I stumbled across a natural substance that was so promising, so profoundly superior to everything
else I had ever evaluated, that I abandoned all other projects, including NIH-funded research, in order to focus
entirely on this substance.
The product, MGN-3 (an arabinoxylane compound), is a polysaccharide composed of the hemicellose-B extract of rice
bran, modified by enzymes from Shiitake mushrooms. As we have detailed in 7 previously published studies, involving
a total of 72 human subjects, the efficacy of MGN-3 equals or surpasses the very best immune-modulating drugs available
but, in stark contrast to these, exhibits a complete lack of toxicity. (Copies of complete research papers and
data on MGN-3 can be obtained from Lane Labs at 201-236-9090.)
Much of the data regarding MGN-3 has been previously published in technical journals and presented at international
research conferences, but the information remains largely unknown to oncologists and other health professionals
dealing directly with the cancer patient. The aim of this article is to bring this research to the attention of
the practicing clinician, to summarize what is known about the actions of MGN-3, and explore its present role in
the treatment of cancer patients.
Anti-viral activity:
In addition to very encouraging results using MGN-3 in the treatment of malignancies, other research suggests a
promising role for MGN-3 as a therapy for HIV, Hepatitis C, and other viral infections. MGN-3 has antiviral activity
and also enhances the body's immune response against virally infected cells. In vitro research shows that MGN-3
inhibits replication of the HIV virus without cytotoxicity in a dose dependent manner.1 Human studies suggest that
MGN-3 may also be extremely useful in the treatment of hepatitis C. In these patients liver enzymes return to normal
levels within 1-8 weeks of treatment with MGN-3. The results of our ongoing clinical research into the antiviral
applications of MGN-3 will be the subject of future reports.
The role of NK cells in the treatment of cancer
Over 150 different types of white blood cells have been identified and, of these, NK cells are one of the most
common, representing up to 15% of total white blood cells. They are important because, unlike other white blood
cells, they are able to work more or less independently, not requiring special instructions from the immune system
in order to recognize or attack a foreign cell. For this reason, they are often considered to be the body's first
line of defense against cancer and viral infected cells.
Circulating through the body by way of the blood and lymph systems, the majority of NK cells present in the body
are in a resting state. NK cells become more active in response to immunoregulatory proteins called cytokines.
Once activated, the NK cells become quite rapacious in their search and-destroy activities. Upon encountering
a tumor cell, the activated NK cell attaches to the membrane of the cancer cell and injects cytoplasmic granules
that quickly dissolve (lyse) the target cell. In less than five minutes, the cancer cell is dead and the NK moves
on to its next victim. A single NK cell can destroy up to 27 cancer cells before it dies. Although quite small
in comparison to tumor or virus cells, a single NK cell can often bind to two or more cancer cells at once.
The absolute number of NK cells present in the blood gives little indication of the efficiency of immune function.
Instead, it is the activity of the NK cells - the avidity with which they recognize and bind to tumor cells -
that is important. Most immuno-modulators, including MGN-3, do not increase the number or percentage of NK cells,
but instead increase their level of activation. NK cell activity can be tested by means of a 4-hour radioactive-Chromium
release assay. NK cells are isolated from a blood sample and are incubated in vitro with a fixed number of chromium
labeled tumor cells. After 4 hours, the percentage of tumor cells that have been killed by the NK cells is determined,
and this percentage can be used to describe NK cell activity.
In a healthy immuno-competent individual, when NK cell activity is examined at an effector:target ratio of 100:1,
we would expect to see NK cell activity ranging from 60-75%. However, in cancer patients, NK cell activity typically
ranges from near 0% to 30%. Although it is not entirely clear whether this is a cause or result of the disease
process, there is evidence suggesting that low NK cell activity may be a risk factor for malignancy or metastases,
as well as a negative prognostic indicator.2 Therefore, agents that stimulate NK cell function are being sought
as possible cancer therapeutic agents.
Proven human efficacy.
We have previously presented data on 32 cancer patients, with different types of advanced malignancies.3-5 These
patients had received and completed conventional therapy such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or hormonal therapy
prior to participation in the study. The baseline NK cell activity was found to be low in all patients (10.8-49%).
Oral ingestion of MGN-3 at 45 mg/kg/day led to a significant increase in NK cell activity after only 1-2 weeks.
The increase in baseline NK cell activity after two weeks of administration ranged from 145%-332% in breast cancer
patients, 174%-385% in prostate cancer patients, 100%-240% in leukemia patients, and 100%-537% in multiple myeloma
patients.
Longevity of response:
One of the great and constant frustrations of the immunologist is the phenomenon of hyporesponsiveness. Science
has identified many biological response modifiers (BRMS) that can substantially increase NK cell activity. However,
the effect frequently attenuates over time, despite continued administration of the immunomodulator.6 One of the
most exciting and distinguishing characteristics of MGN-3 is that it appears to maintain its immunomodulatory effect
over time. In long-term follow-up of our patients (up to 5 years), we have observed that the enhancing effect
of MGN-3 on NK cell activity is maintained indefinitely with continued administration.
Lack of toxicity:
Another disappointment regarding synthetic immune boosters such as IL-2 and interferon is that these therapies,
while variously effective in boosting the immune response against tumors and viruses, are exceedingly toxic and
accompanied by numerous side effects, the most serious of which is kidney failure. By contrast, MGN-3 appears
to be exceptionally non-toxic and well-tolerated.
In acute oral toxicity trials in rats, MGN-3 was found to be without toxic effects at dosages up to 36 g/kg. In
addition, human trials using up to 45mg/kg/day of MGN-3 for six months have noted no abnormalities in blood chemistry
or liver enzymes (SGOT and SGPT).7
Moreover, in 4 years of use with hundreds of patients, we have had no reports of side effects or interactions of
any kind. In fact, our clinical experience suggests that MGN-3 can be safely and advantageously used in conjunction
with conventional treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation, both to increase the cytotoxic effect of the
therapy and to decrease adverse side effects.
Clinical results:
Enhanced immune function is, however, only a theoretical victory if it does not lead to clinical improvement.
But in fact, the documented increase in NK cell activity in cancer patients taking MGN-3 has been correlated to
dramatic reductions in corresponding tumor markers and other pathology indicators, and, most importantly. to long-term
stabilization or remission of disease in the large majority of cases (>85%). The complete clinical data for
a total of 106 patients treated since 1995, including hematology and pathology reports, as well as incidence of
remission and length of survival, are in the process of being collected and analyzed. It can be stated, however,
that very few have been lost to follow up and virtually all continue to be in good health.
Discussion
Mechanisms of action: In addition to direct cytotoxic activity against tumor cells, activated NK cells also produce
a variety of cytokines, including the interferons, interleukins, tumor necrotic factors and other growth factors.
These cytokines, in turn, have direct antiviral and anti-cancer activities, as well as further immunomodulatory
effects, such as upregulation of T- and B- cells, and further activation of NK cells. Our research suggests that
MGN-3 works by simulating the body's natural production of interferon-y and tumornecrosis factor-a.8 These chemicals
not only have direct anti-tumor activity themselves, but also directly and indirectly activate NK cell, B-cell
and T-cells.
Synthetic cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) have
all been investigated as possible cancer-therapeutic agents, and have shown varying success. The most success
has been seen with interleukin-2; however, the dosages needed to achieve positive results are associated with extreme
toxicity.
MGN-3 may offer a novel solution to this dilemma. In vitro studies suggest that MGN-3 used in combination with
low levels of IL-2 may significantly potentize the effect of IL-2. Figure 1 shows the effect on NK cell activity
of MGN-3 and low doses of IL-2, separately and in combination. The combined, synergistic effect of the two substances
is significantly greater than either alone. This suggests that the immunomodulatory effect of low concentrations
of IL-2 on NK cell activity could be greatly augmented with the adjuvant use of MGN-3.9
Clinical applications:
Conventional medicine has excellent anti-tumor therapies that can significantly reduce the number of cancer cells.
Unfortunately, we have seen that it is difficult to achieve a 100% kill rate without killing the patient in the
process. At best, we can hope to kill 95-98% of the cancer cells with these therapies. At this point, a patient
may be considered to be "in remission." Therapy is discontinued and the patient is closely monitored.
However, as most oncologists are painfully aware, these remissions are frequently short-lived.
Most cytotoxic therapies are themselves immunosuppressive, lowering the activity of anti-cancer effector cells.
Following chemotherapy or radiation, the few hardy cancer cells that survive the therapy are left to replicate
largely unchallenged by a damaged immune system. When the cancer eventually resurfaces, it does so with increased
ferocity and often with increased drug resistance.
In my opinion, the practice of watchful waiting wastes a golden opportunity to administer the coup de grce.
At the very early stages of detection, or, in more advanced stages, when the tumor load has been reduced as far
as possible by surgery and/or conservative cytotoxic therapies, boosting the immune system with biological response
modifiers allows the body to eradicate the remaining cells that have escaped the chemicals, radiation, or surgeon.
However, MGN-3 cannot and should not replace debulking therapy, especially in the case of advanced malignancies.
In these cases, even an extremely active immune response is easily overwhelmed by the huge numbers of cancer cells
present. Instead, we recommend that cancer patients with solid tumors begin MGN-3 immunotherapy concurrent with
or immediately following debulking therapies. With this strategy we have the best chance of winning what essentially
becomes a war of numbers.
In addition, we have found that cancers of the blood, such as leukemia and multiple myeloma, have been particularly
responsive to MGN-3 therapy, presumably because the activated natural killer cells have even better access to these
cancer cells than to those forming solid tumors.
MGN-3 can also be used to advantage as a preventive in high-risk populations. Unfortunately, the realities of
our high-stress modern lifestyle, which include increasing exposure to mutagenic environmental toxins, the numbers
of people who might be considered 'high-risk' are increasing. In one particularly disturbing study, researchers
found persistently depressed NK cell activity in 14% of 'healthy' young adults.10
Dosage considerations:
As figure 2 illustrates, MGN-3 at 30 mg/kg/day caused a steep (3l0%) increase in NK cell activity after only one
week. NK cell activity continued to increase at a slower rate, to a peak activity of 500% over baseline by week
8 of this particular study, which involved 24 healthy subjects.11 This study also illustrates the interesting dose-dependent
nature of MGN-3. Lower doses (15 mg/kg/day) yield a much slower initial increase, however all dosage levels achieve
maximum activity by week 8. Within one month of cessation of treatment, NK cell activity returned to baseline.
Clinical experience indicates that once maximum levels of NK cell activity have been attained, they can in most
cases be maintained indefinitely at the lower dosage level of 15 m/kg/day.
In the fight against cancer, time is of the essence. At the very early stages or immediately following debulking
therapy, the numbers of cancer cells are relatively low and more susceptible to eradication by an aggressive immune
system. Therefore, it is important to increase NK cell activity as quickly as possible in these patients. For
these reasons, we recommend a loading dose of 30-45 mg/kg/day for cancer patients. After two to three months,
the dosage may be reduced to 15 mg/kg/day. In some individuals, the higher dose needs to be continued for a longer
period of time. Sustained clinical improvement (for example, normal tumor markers and 'negative imaging) is an
indication that dosages can safely be reduced to a maintenance level. For general prevention, 15mg/kg/day is appropriate.
The product is typically administered in 2-3 divided doses, accompanied by a meal.
Conclusion
Those involved with alternative and holistic medicine may be tempted to dismiss the introduction of yet another
natural "immune booster" as hype. Many products are promoted to cancer patients on the strength of "scientific
proof" of enhanced immune function. In most cases, however, the only research has been conducted in test
tubes, or at most, in animals. But as many have noted, most recently apropos the work of Dr. Judah Folkman, (antiangiogenesis
therapy), if curing cancer in mice were equivalent to curing cancer in humans, this dread disease would already
be a relic of a bygone era, rather than accompanying us into the new millennium.
Unlike most natural preparations, MGN-3 offers solid data collected from human clinical trials. This data offers
compelling evidence that MGN-3 is a powerful biological response modifier that is free of toxicity or side effects.
As such, it has enormous promise as an immunotherapy in the treatment cancer and other diseases.
Correspondence:
Mamdooh Ghoneum, PhD
Charles D. Drew University of
Medicine arid Science
Department of Otolaryngology
1621 East 120th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90059 USA
323-563-5953 / Fax 310-668-4554
References
1. Ghoneum, M, Anti-HIV activity in vitro of MGN-3, an activated Arabinoxylane from rice bran, Biochemical Research
Communications 1998, 243:25-29.
2. Whiteside T, Herberman, R, Human Natural Killer Cells in Health and Disease, Clinical Immunotherapeutics 1994,
l(l):56-66.
3. Ghoneum, M, Manatalla, G, NK immunomodulatory function in 27 patients by MGN-3, a modified arabinoxylane from
rice bran, Abstract, 87th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, April, 1996, Washington,
DC
4. Ghoneum, M, Immunomodulatory and Anticancer properties ofMGN-3, a modified xylose from rice bran, in 5 patients
with breast cancer, Abstract, American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference: The Interface between
basic and applied research. November, 1995, Baltimore, MD.
5. Ghoneum, M, NK Immunorestoration of Cancer Patients by MGN-3, a modified arabinoxylane rice bran (study of 32
patients up to 4 years), Abstract, 6th International Congress on Anti-Aging and Bio-medical Technologies (American
Academy of Antiaging Medicine), December, 1998, Las Vegas, Nevada.
6. Sait 0, Ruffman R, Development of hyporesponsiveness of natural killer cells to augmentation of activity after
multiple treatments with biological response modifiers, Cancer Immunol immunother 1985;19: 130-135 .
7. Ghoneum M, Enhancement of Human Natural Killer Cell Activity by modified Arabinooxylane from rice bran, Int.
J. Immunotherapy 1998; 14(2):89-99.
8. Ghoneum M, Effect of MGN-3 on Human natural killer cell activity and interferon-y synthesis in vitro, FASEB
1996, 10(6):26-32.
9. Manuscript in preparation
10. Levy SM, Persistently low natural killer cell activity in normal adults, Nat Immun Cell Growth Regul 1989;
8:173-86.
11. Op cit. #7.
Health Solutions Now!
Emmy McAllister
P.O. Box 1177
(425) 334-9644
Snohomish, WA 98291
Fax (425) 334-9834
DR. GHONEUM'S INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDY PARTICIPANTS WITH CANCER FOR USING MGN-3
Dr. Ghoneum has always recommended that people with cancer take three grams a day of MGN-3 until their cancer is
completely gone, and then reduce their dosage to one gram a day, (either quickly or slowly, depending on their
type of cancer). He has suggested that it would be wise for them to continue their maintenance dosage indefinitely.
MGN-3 is to be taken with food, toward the end of a meal. The instructions on the label say "For best results,
take 2 hours before or after taking other supplements." Dr. G. requested that Lane Labs include this statement
on their label, because he has no way of knowing which supplements might block the action of the MGN-3. There
are four products he is sure have blocked the action of MGN-3 in a small percentage of cases. They are bee pollen,
bee propolis, Vitamin C (in megadoses), and Tylenol.
In the past he has told study participants that since he doesn't know which other supplements might block MGN-3,
they might do well to temporarily discontinue their use until they could determine, via NK cell testing or their
own blood tests and scans, that MGN-3 was, indeed, increasing the activity level of their NK cells. Understandably,
many have been reluctant to do this. That is why he has suggested separating MGN-3 from other supplements by at
least two hours.
Here are a couple of ideas for putting Dr. Ghoneum's suggestion into practice:
1) Since MGN-3 should be taken at the end of a meal, perhaps those who take one gram a day could take it all at
one meal, leaving the other two meals for taking other supplements.
2) Having a snack after dinner, or in the middle of the afternoon, or both, would provide additional opportunities
for taking either MGN-3 or other supplements.
MGN-3: PERSONAL STORIES
OF HEALING
By Emmalyn McAllister
Copyright 2000 All rights reserved
In this article, I present 17 stories of healing in which MGN-3 played an active role. There are many other stories
I could have chosen from, as there are over 225 people who have participated in MGN-3 immunotherapy. However, of
those 225, the great majority have participated for less than two years. Only about thirty-five have been part
of MGN-3 research for 3-6 years; and, for the most part, it is on them that I have chosen to focus, because their
remissions have stood the test of time.
Many more such stories of inspiration and hope are unfolding daily, both with regard to those who are part of MGN-3
research, and those who are not. Hopefully, the future will present additional opportunities to share them as they
unfold.
Several of the study participants whose stories are told here, mention how their NK cell activity level rose as
a result of taking MGN-3. They give their activity level as a percentage, with 0% being the lowest, and 100% the
highest. The higher the number, the more active someone's immune system is; in these particular cases, the number
also translates to the percentage of tumor cells that the person's NK cells killed in a four hour period. (For
further explanation of the way NK cell activity is tested, see the companion article in this issue of the Well
Being Journal, entitled, "MGN-3 Cure or Curiosity - The Question Persists!")
Multiple Myeloma
In 1989, Dr. F. S., a pathologist now in his late sixties, suffered collapse of a lumbar vertebrae. Testing finally
determined that he had "light chain", Stage I multiple myeloma, a rare form of cancer for which the medical
profession does not presently offer a cure. The collapse of the vertebrae had been caused by a tumor. At the time
of diagnosis, Dr. S.'s cancer marker, the Bence Jones protein level, was 1100 mg; and a bone marrow biopsy revealed
50% myeloma cells.
Dr. S. began radiation therapy to shrink the tumor by his vertebrae, and started chemotherapy as well. After completing
these therapies, he joined an immunotherapy study being conducted by Dr. Ghoneum, who was trying to find out whether
or not a mushroom product called A.H.C.C. would activate Natural Killer cells to kill cancer cells. For several
months Dr. S. took A.H.C.C. along with small doses of chemotherapy. He says it seemed that he went into remission,
but then the myeloma came back, even while he was concurrently taking A.H.C.C. and chemotherapy.
By that time, Dr. Ghoneum had already recognized MGN-3's superiority to A.H.C.C. "The MGN-3 is superior because
it has more power to activate the immune system. First, it maintains its ability to enhance the effectiveness of
the immune system as time passes. Second, it activates other white blood cell populations, such as T cells and
B cells; and third, it increases the level of many cytokines."
Shortly after Dr. S. began taking MGN-3, his cancer markers began to fall. They kept falling in a straight line
for about a year without any periods of stability or relapse until testing showed, "No cancer". That
was over six years ago. Dr. S.'s Bence Jones markers disappeared completely; a bone marrow biopsy done a year ago
showed the percentage of myeloma cells to be just slightly above the normal range.
Dr. S. emphasized to me that he never considered MGN-3 his primary therapy - that it was chemotherapy and radiation
that put him into remission and probably MGN-3 that kept him there. He cautions others that MGN-3 should never
take the place of any conventional therapy for cancer. "A cancer patient should get all the conventional therapy
that is available, and, after debulking, if any residual cancer is left, they can hope that MGN-3 will maintain
the remission."
Leukemia
Karl is a 45-year-old college English instructor. He was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, (A.M.L.), in
January of 1994. Within six months he got all the treatments the conventional medical community had to offer: chemotherapy,
radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. When his protocol was completed and he was released from the hospital,
"My doctors told me to go home, and basically, I would either make it or I wouldn't."
At that point in time, Karl began MGN-3 therapy because he felt it was just one more way to help himself. Since
then, he has had no other therapy. The local leukemia clinic has monitored him regularly, and he has never relapsed.
It has been six years since his transplant. This past May the doctors at the leukemia clinic told him he didn't
need to come back any more.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Two Cases
Case One: Mr. E. L., now 51, was diagnosed with low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma early in 1992. Cancer was in his
lymph nodes all over his body. For almost two years, his oncologist tried different chemotherapies on him - five
in all - but none of them worked. According to his wife, they just made him weaker and weaker, and as they devastated
his immune system, he was exhausted and caught cold frequently. He spent most of his days sleeping, waking up just
long enough to eat.
In November of 1993, after the fifth chemo attempt, Mr. E. L.'s doctors told him they had nothing more to offer
him, and sent him home. On his own, E. L. tried using Chinese herbs and vitamins for his condition, but they didn't
seem to help much.
A little over two years later, in March of 1996, Mr. E. L. was introduced to MGN-3 therapy and he began to feel
better. After a year or so on MGN-3, he was sleeping much less; but what really impressed his wife most was that
he wasn't getting sick nearly as often.
It has now been five years since Mr. L. had his last chemo. He still has cancer in the lymph nodes all over his
body, and his cancer markers never fell; however, in those five years the cancer has neither grown nor has it spread;
and it doesn't keep him from
working, or leading a normal life. "Whenever he feels like he might be getting sick, he just takes a double
dose of MGN-3," says his wife.
Case Two: Another man, 73, with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma had a similar experience with chemotherapies. None of them
worked for him either. "I had been getting weaker and weaker," he said. Finally, his doctor put him
on an intravenous course of a drug called trioxine.
For the two weeks he was on it, he concurrently took 4 grams a day of MGN-3. (He wasn't part of Dr. Ghoneum's research
group, but had read about MGN-3, and was eager to try it.) After the first two weeks, he lowered his daily dosage
to half a gram. To this day he isn't sure what put him into remission, but the CAT scans have picked up no sign
of cancer since then. "The doctor had no explanation of how or why this happened, and there's nothing I can
prove; but I'm going to continue taking this for the rest of my life."
Breast Cancer - Six Cases
Case One: Ms. Z. is a vibrant, attractive middle-aged woman with a zest for life. She has been free of cancer for
over four years now, but back in 1995 when she was diagnosed with stage II ductile invasive carcinoma, she was
a very frightened lady. She refused chemotherapy, but did radiation. "I had always been full of energy, but
I was so weak from radiation, I could hardly walk. Right afterwards I went to the Optimum Health Center of San
Diego for a total cleansing to get it out of my body….I didn't know what to do. I prayed for guidance."
Ms. Z. had always had a healthy lifestyle by most people's standards, but after her diagnosis, she became even
more health-conscious. She meditated, ate very well, emphasizing fresh, whole foods, took supplements, and exercised.
A few months later, Ms. Z. heard about Dr.Ghoneum's research and felt certain it was the answer to her prayer.
Her baseline Natural Killer cell activity level was in the low teens. It didn't increase for two months, but by
the third month of 3 grams of MGN-3 a day, it had gone up dramatically. "From that point on I believed I
was cancer-free, and I never questioned it….I think MGN-3 saved my life, and I totally endorse it!"
Testing confirms that sometime during Ms. Z's first year on MGN-3, the cancer disappeared. So far, it hasn't returned.
Her Natural Killer cell activity level has hovered around 75% for the last 4 ½ years. She knows her immune
system is in great shape because she feels great, has lots of energy, all her tests are negative, and she is never
sick. "I used to get sore throats probably 36 times a year - any little breeze would do it - and I live on
the beach. But in the last 4 ½ years, since I've been taking MGN-3, I haven't had a cold!"
Case Two: Ms. S. M., 52, is an elementary school teacher, a position she finds very stressful. The results of her
natural killer cell testing reflect the stress she feels, because they correlate perfectly with the school year
- high in the summer, and low when school is in session.
S. M. was diagnosed in March of 1997 with stage II breast cancer. Her doctor said that her prognosis would be very
good if she would have a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation; S. M. agreed to the protocol. After
she completed it, all her tests indicated that she had no cancer remaining in her body. That's when she started
taking 3 grams a day of MGN-3. She is greatly relieved that cancer has not returned in the three years since that
time. She says, "MGN-3 has really enhanced my immunity. Working with the children, I used to get sick all
the time, but I didn't miss a day of work this whole school year!"
Case Three: Mrs. M. O. is 47, and a working mother of two. Like Ms. S. M., she was also diagnosed with stage II
breast cancer. The lumpectomy took place within a week of diagnosis, five and a half years ago. After four rounds
of chemo and seven weeks of radiation therapy, she, too, was cancer-free.
M. O. heard about MGN-3 at a cancer support group meeting, and, upon Dr. Ghoneum's suggestion, she began taking
it even before she completed her chemotherapy. "It was so exciting to see my immune system pick up!"
she said.
For the last five and a half years her only prevention therapies have been tamoxifen, which she took for a year
and a half, and three grams a day of MGN-3. During that time, her bone scans, CAT scans, and chest X rays have
all been negative. "I feel MGN-3 has increased my odds of survival these past years - given me an edge I wouldn't
have had."
Case Four: Mrs. N. A., is also 47 and a working mother of two, but she had a different experience. She was first
diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 1992. The biopsy of her lump was negative, but after the lump was removed,
it was found to be malignant. A mastectomy followed.
In July, N. A. began chemotherapy. The tests that monitored her detected no cancer, but she felt low energy and
she tired easily. She thought she might have a thyroid problem. Then, in 1995, the cancer came back, located in
the left clavicle area. Why did it come back? N. A. feels it was because she went through a period of great stress.
This time, her doctor told her that the cancer was inoperable, and suggested a very strong chemotherapy. Mrs. A.
went through that protocol, but refused the radiation therapy her doctor subsequently advised. "The second
time, he said there was no cure."
N. A. met Dr. Ghoneum before she started chemotherapy the second time, and started on MGN-3. In one week, on three
grams a day of MGN-3, her Natural Killer cell activity level jumped from 32% to 68%!
N. A's immune system has stayed at a high level of activity over the past five years. "Most of the time, my
Natural Killer cell activity level is over 80%; occasionally, it goes down to 55%, but it never goes below 50%",
Mrs. A. said. "I have been very happy with MGN-3 treatment, and I want the public to know about it. I don't
think there is anything that will work for everyone, but MGN-3 is working for me."
Case Five: MGN-3 is also working for E. C., a writer of children's books. It has been over five years since E.
C. has had breast cancer. She never had chemotherapy, only a lumpectomy, radiation and tamoxifen. She began MGN-3
therapy while she was still doing radiation therapy. "During radiation, my white blood count never went down
badly," she said.
E. C.'s baseline Natural Killer cell activity level was only 25%, but it jumped to 54% after only two weeks on
three grams a day of MGN-3. For the last year it has been around 64%". After she finished tamoxifen, E. C.
took no prescription medications or any nutritional supplements other than MGN-3. "I know it's good for my
immune system," she says. "I never get a cold. My whole family can be sick, and I don't worry."
Case Six: "My Natural Killer cell activity level went from12% to 50.6%," says Mrs. S. R., who is 78 years
young. "But unlike most of the other participants, it took me a long time to move up." Mrs. S. R. never
took chemotherapy. She began taking MGN-3 about a year and a half after the radiation therapy that followed her
lumpectomy. There was no sign of cancer in her body at that time, and there has been none since.
Prostate Cancer - Two Cases
Case One: Mr. F. D., a 70 year-old businessman, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1993. His PSA was 7. His
doctor told him that unless he had prostate surgery, he had only three years to live.
For the next three years, Mr. D. did nothing - he ignored the cancer. He did no debulking therapy. He did not change
his stressful lifestyle in any way. He drank alcohol in moderation; he lived on meat and potatoes, starches and
sweets. He didn't meditate; he didn't exercise.
Mr. D. began MGN-3 therapy about four years ago. Like most people who have cancer, his immune function was very
low at that point. It wasn't until the third month that it started improving. A few months after that, his PSA
began dropping. Within a few months, his PSA had dropped to 0.1 and remained there. He had never changed any aspect
of his life style, except for the ingestion of 3 grams a day of MGN-3, and he credits MGN-3 for his recovery.
Case Two: Mr. E. J. is "a lover of Jesus Christ." The man is a force to be reckoned with, with a passion
that belies his 80 years. When E. J. was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July of last year, his doctor told him
it had already spread to the bones all over his body, and gave him 3 to 6 months to live. The doctor recommended
surgery; but E. J. declined the operation, and prayed for guidance. "Guidance came in the form of Dr. Williams'
newsletter, sent to me by a friend."
E. J.'s baseline NK cell activity level was 27%. It slowly climbed: 39%, 66.9%, 73.9%, as the months passed. As
his NK cell activity climbed, his PSA began to fall. It fell all the way to .11. "By the time it got down
to 4 or 5, I forgot about it," he told me. "I had lots of energy and no pain."
It has been a year since E. J.'s diagnosis. His medicines have been the love of Jesus Christ, fresh vegetable juices,
and MGN-3. E. J. feels that all the metastases to his bones are gone. When I asked him if a diagnostic method had
been used to determine his remission, he responded, "He that is in me is greater than that which is in the
world….I know I'm healed; I don't need X-rays to tell me!"
Colon Cancer, with Metastases to the Liver
"My oncologist has no idea how to manage my case," chuckles Dr. F., a physician. "Very few people
improve like I did."
Dr. F., 58, was diagnosed in April of last year with Stage IV colon cancer, which had spread to his liver. When
I interviewed him, he glibly rattled off the statistics regarding the survival rates in cases like his: "Fifty
percent survive less than a year; after two years, only 20% remain and they still have cancer. The 5% that survive
more than 5 years probably don't have cancer any more."
Dr. F. had surgery almost immediately to remove the primary tumor from his colon, but his surgeons could do nothing
about the small tumors that covered his liver. After the surgery, which was successful, his oncologist put him
on 5-FU chemotherapy. "He told me that 5-FU is not curative for colon cancer," said Dr. F., "but
that perhaps it would gain me some time."
Dr. F. returned to his hectic job six weeks later with an implanted infusion pump and several inches less colon.
He began taking 3 grams a day of MGN-3. "My Natural Killer cell activity level was only 15% before I started
taking MGN-3," he said, "and three weeks later it had already jumped to 53%!…My oncologist monitored
me every two months. There was progressive improvement, with no steps backwards. Finally, last December, the tumors
disappeared….My oncologist was very surprised! There has been no sign of cancer in me for the last six months….Two
others who began the chemotherapy the same time I did, but without the MGN-3, are no longer with us."
Melanoma
Ms. F. U., 64, was diagnosed with melanoma in 1996, and had surgery to remove it. Her doctor had said that surgery
was the only known cure for melanoma, but he had also told her that there was a one in five chance that the melanoma
would come back. Ms. U. didn't like those odds; she began taking 3 grams of MGN-3 a day, only two weeks after her
surgery. So far, melanoma hasn't returned. Ms. U. has also enjoyed good health since 1996 - mostly. Two summers
ago, she ran out of MGN-3. "I got a horrendous case of the flu….It was so bad that friends came and stayed
with me."
Cervical Dysplasia - Three Cases
Case One: Ms.Y. S. was diagnosed with Stage III cervical dysplasia in 1997, when she was 49. (Stage IV is cancer.)
Her doctor wanted to operate, but Y. S. didn't feel comfortable with that. Instead, she went to visit a friend
who had gotten rid of cervical dysplasia. Her friend had been taking MGN-3.
Y. S. began taking MGN-3 along with her friend in August of 1997. The follow-up appointment with her doctor was
scheduled for January. When he checked her out, the test showed no cervical dysplasia. "He told me everything
was normal", she said happily, "and it's never come back! I keep taking my MGN-3!"
Case Two: Ms.Y. S.'s friend was Y. Y., now age 49, who had been taking MGN-3 ever since she was diagnosed with
cervical dysplasia in 1995. Her baseline NK cell activity level was only 8% -- lower even than most of the cancer
patients' baselines!
Y. Y. comes from a family where most of the adult women have cancer, and many women of the previous generation
died of it. She was shocked at her low level, but was relieved when, after only a month on MGN-3, her NK cell activity
level rose significantly.
In three months, it rose to 35% -- out of the "Poor" range and into the "Fair" range.
It was at that point in time that she went back to her doctor for a follow-up. Her test showed that she no longer
had cervical dysplasia. Y. Y. has continued on MGN-3; cervical dysplasia has never returned in five years, and
her NK cell activity level has sometimes hit 100%.
Case Three: Mrs. L. H. is a 53 year old elementary school teacher. Three years ago she knew that her immune system
was in really bad shape. She was run down and tired all the time; her sinus infections were chronic, and she had
to take antibiotics. She would get flu and laryngitis; she was always sick with one thing or another.
"My condition came to the attention of the parents of a girl in my class - the Ghoneums.
They strongly advised that I get a complete physical exam. The exam discovered that I had cysts in my breasts and
that I had Stage I cervical dysplasia."
When she entered the immunotherapy study, her Natural Killer cell activity was in the teens. "Dr. Ghoneum
started me out on a mushroom product called A.H.C.C, and I was on it about 6 months, but it didn't improve my immune
system. In the summer of 1997, he switched me to MGN-3."
L.H. also changed her diet: she ate much less meat, and ate lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain
products. But her NK scores still did not go up. At the time, she was taking a lot of different supplements; Dr.
Ghoneum thought that perhaps some of her supplements might be "blocking" the MGN-3, so he asked her to
discontinue them for a while. Finally, three months after she discontinued all her supplements, her scores began
to go up. "It took me a year to get rid of the cervical dysplasia and the cysts. Now I am rarely sick, and
if I catch a cold, it's minor. I believe MGN-3 saved my life."
For further information about Dr. Ghoneum's research, or to purchase videos, books, or copies of research papers,
contact the author, Emmalyn McAllister, at Health Solutions Now, 425-334-9644. The author is a heath researcher
and educator specializing in little-known solutions for widely-spread
INTERVIEW WITH DR. MAMDOOH GHONEUM
Department of Immunology
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
Los Angeles, CA
Q. Dr. Ghoneum, how long have you been researching MGN-3?
A. I have been studying MGN-3 almost seven years now.
Q. And tell me a little about your background.
A. I am an immunologist and have been working in the field of immunology since I started my Masters Degree in 1973.
Q. What exactly is MGN-3?
A. MGN-3 is a natural product isolated from rice bran. This rice bran has been shown to be very effective and to
have chemical effects that promote well-being. We have known about it for 20 years. What is important here is that
we have slightly modified the rice bran base and the resulting effects of this product are extremely high.
Q. What is its effect on the body?
A. This product causes overall stimulation of the immune system, like T-cell function, B-cell function and - in
particular, the area in which most of my research in the last ten years has concentrated - the production of natural
killer activity. NK cells constitute about 15% of your white blood cells, and they have been defined as the first
line of defense against abnormal cells. These NK cells were discovered at least 50 years ago and attracted the
interest of many scientists all over the world. Last year alone, over 2,000 doctors were published worldwide in
this regard.
Q. In your opinion is there anything available on the market today, whether by prescription or over-the-counter,
that is in any way comparable to MGN-3?
A. Well, I think the problem with most of the products on the market in general is that they have not been examined
scientifically in a laboratory. They have great publicity and marketing people behind them and are heavily advertised
by the media, so the public believes they are effective. In actuality, most of these products are not the subjects
of peer-reviewed articles or presentations of any kind. And if there have been some studies, they have been in
vitro studies or animal studies, which do not prove, necessarily, an applicability to humans.
Q. What are the major advantages of using MGN-3?
A. The advantages to MGN-3 are many. One is that it is a natural product, as I mentioned earlier. It has no immutable
side effects. Liver and kidney function are examined and blood tests are done prior to the patients taking the
product and then several months after beginning treatment, and there have been no changes in the blood enzyme levels.
So we know this is a very safe product. This cannot be said about most medications designed to boost the immune
system. Interferon or Interleukin 2, for example, have severe side effects ranging from nausea and vomiting to
kidney failure. There have been many patients who have died as a result of these side effects. So you can see that
the side effects of Cytokines like these are enormous, and these are the ones which have been designed to boost
the immune system.
MGN-3 is a biological response modifier, or BRM, which is the definition that we use to define any material entering
your body that boosts the immune system, does not cause any toxic side effects and is completely safe. This is
a real breakthrough in the area of immunology.
Q. What about vitamin supplementation in addition to the MGN-3?
A. I don't think there is a clear study connecting the use of vitamins in the treatment of abnormal cell activity.
There have been hundreds of articles written specifically about vitamin C and there is a lot of controversy about
this vitamin and its effect on the immune system. In fact, we have found that 60% of patients taking vitamin C
may have some benefit from taking it, whereas 40% show no effect on their immune system and, in some cases, even
lowered immune functions.
Q. What effect can MGN-3 have on patients who have been exposed to adjuvant therapies?
A. For those who have had surgery and then been exposed for only a short time to adjuvant therapies, the MGN-3
will boost the natural killer cell activity so that the small amount of cells that escaped the surgeon or those
treatments can be destroyed.
Q. What about a patient who comes to you after surgery, who has no other treatment?
A. As I mentioned, MGN-3 will boost natural killer cell activity to destroy any remaining abnormal cells after
surgery or adjuvant treatments. Patients should give their natural immune systems a chance to accomplish that with
the MGN-3.
Q. Have you done research with MGN-3 on patients with a variety of abnormal cells?
A. In vitro studies have shown beautiful results with MGN-3 and its effect on different types of abnormalities,
because it boosts the T-cell and B-cell function, as well as the Natural Killer cell activity.
Q. Is your product available worldwide to the general public?
A. It has been available for the past 7 years in Japan, where it is manufactured, and some other eastern countries
like Korea. Now it has been introduced to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, several European countries
and in Venezuela, as well as in the U.S. of course.
Q. I understand that you are considered a "hero" in Japan.
A. Yes, I have published 10 books about MGN-3 in Japanese and they know this product very well there. There are
several thousand patients taking this treatment in Japan.
Q. Have you found the effects of stress to play an important part in achieving and maintaining good health?
A. We examined the effects of stress using the brain as a model, and we were able to make a very interesting observation.
During a stressful condition, natural killer cells migrate back to their original site, which is bone marrow. Of
course, that lowers the immune function. The problem here is very individual; what is stressful for one may not
be stressful to another. Stress, whether it be work-related, family-related or due to financial problems or loss
of a loved one, always suppresses immune function. Stress can therefore be a major cause in the deterioration of
good health.
Q. What has your success rate been with the many patients that have been in your research program over the last
seven years?
A. Our success rate with MGN-3 has been excellent. With the exception of very terminal cases, all of the other
patients have shown dramatic results.
Q. What benefit, if any, was MGN-3 able to provide for these very terminal cases?
A. It seemed to extend their lives beyond their doctors' expectations. Where their doctors sentenced them to one
or two months, we were about to give them a year or a year and a half.
Q. How important do you think diet, exercise and lifestyle are to the success of your program with MGN-3?
A. The first thing an immune-suppressed patient must realize is that, no matter how gifted the health practitioner,
no matter how effective the treatment, nothing and no one can eliminate serious health problems 100% unless the
patient is willing to make the necessary changes in their life to correct the underlying problem. Be it their stress
level, their diet, or general lifestyle, they need to remember that it took more than 15 or 20 years for the abnormality
to develop in the body and it will require a great effort to eliminate it. The patient has to take more than a
little responsibility in the healing process. They must have a healthy diet that includes at least 5 servings of
different fresh vegetables and fruits every day. They need to work on stress management and reduction using yoga,
meditation, mind-body connection therapy, etc. If your job is extremely stressful, maybe you should have to change
it. If patients continue to be very stressed, their immune system cannot be boosted and no amount of any product
or treatment is going to help them. The need for regular, moderate exercise is also very important. Your doctor
cannot be with you 24 hours a day to monitor your lifestyle you have to do it for yourself.
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