Dr.Passero. In February I was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer, stage lllA or B, depending on which day the oncologist fills out papers. In March and April, I underwent radiation and Chemo, not knowing any better. I had a complete response. My oncologists now speculate that my cancer is returning, though I feel well except for 2 blood clots I developed behind the clavicle and one almost dissolved in the neck area. The reason one of my oncologists thinks cancer is present. I had Trussauds syndrome clotting due to cancer. I have come to the conclusion that I am going to help myself and change doctors when possible. I have seen a CAM practitioner, but even he cannot treat cancer or he would be run out of the area. He does have me on a variety of vitamin supplements , having found a number of deficiencies through lab testing. One of these is a megavitamin/mineral supplement which contains some CoQ10. I also take Vitae Elixxir, which is various cancer fighting Chinese herbs, and eat organic. I do the Flax oil/cottage cheese per Johanna Budwig. I know this seems a complicated question, but if you were me, would you consider taking Paw Paw?

I think you have made a good decision to incorporate CAM therapies into your treatment program.  It sounds as if the practitioner you selected is helping you make wise decisions about your health.  If you are looking for other treatment models I suggest you investigate the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (www.cancercenter.com)  They specialize in combing the best of oncology care with the best of holistic care all in the same place.

Dr. Jerry McLaughlin of Purdue University has been investigating compounds found in the bark and leaves of the pawpaw trees for their anti-cancer properties.  Specifically they are interested in the chemicals’ effect on cell metabolism.  Currently there is little evidence suggesting that consuming extracts of the bark and leaves can have a significant impact on caner.  The goal of the investigation is to isolate compounds that can later be developed for more potent drug therapy.  On the other side of the issues is the fact there is little evidence suggesting that consuming paw paw is dangerous or hazardous to your health and there is always the possibility that the extracts from the leaves and bark do contain some properties that affect cell metabolism in a positive way.  Unfortunately, because most research is funded by pharmaceutical companies’ good research on natural substances is often lacking.  This makes it difficult when trying to make an informed decision about taking something specifically in the context of cancer care.  Some other natural products are better studied and may be worth looking into, such as green tea extracts, turmeric and melatonin.