Real-World Case Studies: Integrative Metabolic Oncology in Cancer Treatment

Lynn Hughes

on

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Real-World Case Studies: Integrative Metabolic Oncology in Cancer Treatment

For over a century, cancer treatment has been guided by the Somatic Mutation Theory (SMT)—the idea that genetic mutations are the primary cause of cancer. While this theory has led to critical advancements in oncology, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and for many patients, survival outcomes remain poor.

Emerging research supports the Metabolic Theory of Cancer, which suggests that cancer is not just a genetic disease but also a metabolic disorder, driven by disruptions in how cells generate and use energy. This alternative perspective is shifting the way we think about treatment, highlighting new opportunities to target cancer’s metabolic vulnerabilities alongside standard therapies.

A case study poster presentation — presented by Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO, co-founder of the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health and expert in integrative oncology and metabolic therapies; Ahmed Elsakka, MD, Director of Clinical Research at the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health and specialist in metabolic oncology and precision medicine; and Abdul Slocum, MD, Oncologist and co-founder of the Chemothermia Oncology Center in Istanbul, Turkey — explored integrating metabolic therapies with conventional cancer treatment. Their work highlights real-world case studies demonstrating how metabolic therapies combined with standard of care (SOC) have led to remarkable clinical responses—even in advanced, aggressive cancers.👉

👉 View the poster presentation:
Is It Time to Consider Metabolic Oncology in Cancer Treatment?

Why Metabolic Oncology Matters

Unlike genetic mutations, which vary across cancer types, metabolic dysfunction is a shared feature of nearly all cancers. Tumor cells reprogram their metabolism to fuel rapid growth, heavily relying on glucose and glutamine for survival. This raises critical questions:

Are these metabolic shifts merely a consequence of tumor growth, or do they actively drive cancer progression?
Can targeting these metabolic pathways improve patient outcomes?

The case studies presented in the poster suggest that metabolic therapies, when combined with SOC, may enhance treatment effectiveness, reduce side effects, and improve long-term outcomes.

Case Study Highlights: Integrating Metabolic Therapies with Standard of Care

1. Glioblastoma (GBM) – A Novel Approach to an Aggressive Cancer

Patient Background:

A 38-year-old man diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) presented with chronic headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and upper limb weakness. MRI confirmed a solid cystic tumor in the right parietal lobe.

Treatment Approach:

Pre-Surgery Metabolic Preparation – The patient fasted for three days before tumor resection and began a 21-day vitamin/mineral-supported Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy (KMT).
Standard of Care (SOC): Surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide chemotherapy.
Metabolic Therapies:
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) (5x per week, 60-minute sessions).
- Supportive supplements and medications to enhance metabolic resilience.
- No steroid medications were administered during treatment.

Outcome:

After nine months, the patient’s seizures and limb weakness resolved. Given that rapid regression of GBM is rare with SOC alone, the metabolic approach may have played a key role in his recovery.

2. Stage IV Breast Cancer – Defying a Terminal Prognosis

Patient Background:

A 47-year-old woman with stage IV (T4N3M1) ER+, PR+, HER2- breast cancer was diagnosed with metastases to the brain, lungs, mediastinum, liver, abdomen, and bones. Due to the advanced stage and poor prognosis, she was deemed ineligible for standard treatment and given a life expectancy of less than one month.

Treatment Approach:

Metabolically Supported Chemotherapy (MSCT): A lower-dose chemotherapy protocol designed to enhance effectiveness while reducing toxicity.
Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy (KMT): A ketogenic diet to restrict cancer’s primary fuel source—glucose.
Hyperthermia (HT) and HBOT: Used alongside chemotherapy to increase treatment efficacy.
Supportive Medications & Supplements: Designed to optimize immune function and cellular metabolism.

Outcome:

The patient achieved a complete and durable response, remaining cancer-free for over two years (as of 2021). Given her initial prognosis, this case suggests that metabolic strategies, when combined with SOC, may significantly improve survival outcomes.

3. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) – A Complete Pathological Response

Patient Background:

A 29-year-old woman with stage IV (T4N3M1) triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma (TNBC) presented with a large observable breast mass in December 2015. By August 2016, imaging confirmed lymph node involvement and metastases to the liver and abdomen.

Treatment Approach:

MSCT, KMT, HT, and HBOT: A comprehensive metabolic-integrative treatment approach.
Cycle-Based Chemotherapy: The patient received 12 sessions of MSCT, followed by local hyperthermia and HBOT sessions over six months.
Nutritional Support: A strict ketogenic diet was emphasized throughout treatment.

Outcome:

A February 2017 PET scan revealed a complete therapeutic response. Following six additional treatment sessions, she underwent a mastectomy, which confirmed a complete pathological response.

This case highlights the potential role of metabolic therapies in achieving durable remissions, even in aggressive and late-stage cancers.

The Future of Metabolic Oncology

These cases illustrate that integrating metabolic therapies with standard cancer treatments can:

Target cancer’s metabolic vulnerabilities, making conventional treatments more effective
Reduce side effects and toxicity associated with chemotherapy
Improve overall patient outcomes, even in aggressive, late-stage cancers

With global cancer rates expected to double by 2030, it is time to expand the conversation around cancer treatment. While the Somatic Mutation Theory has driven important discoveries, incorporating the Metabolic Theory of Cancer into oncology care may offer new hope for patients facing difficult diagnoses.

👉 View the poster presentation:
Is It Time to Consider Metabolic Oncology in Cancer Treatment?

Support the Future of Metabolic Oncology

At the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health, we are committed to advancing research, education, and patient support in metabolic oncology. With your help, we can:

💖 Fund groundbreaking metabolic health research
🌱 Provide treatment grants for patients who need metabolic therapies
📚 Expand education for providers integrating metabolic strategies into cancer care

🔬 Donate Today

Cancer care is evolving. The question is: Are we ready to evolve with it?

Summarized by:

Lynn Hughes
Director of Development, Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health

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