While chemotherapy is an effective cancer treatment, the side effects are often severe. Immunology experts of an experimental treatment known as insulin potentiation therapy claim that this method allows for more efficient delivery to chemo medication to cancerous cells. A lower dose can be used as a result, which in turn, reduces the risk of side effects. Below is more information about this therapy.

How Does Insulin Potentiation Therapy Work?

This innovative treatment combines chemotherapy medication and insulin. It’s believed that insulin makes it easier for the medication to permeate cancerous cells, which makes for more targeted therapy. Insulin is also suspected of having an impact on the life cycle of cancerous cells. It’s thought that adding insulin to the treatment increases the phase of the cancer cell where it’s most likely to be damaged by chemotherapy drugs. 

Insulin potentiation therapy originated in Mexico during the 1930s. It has not been clinically tested in a formal setting, which means that all claims about its effectiveness are anecdotal. And while the medications used have approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this therapy is considered “off-label,” which means drugs are being used in a manner that they were not initially intended for. 

Can I Undergo This Treatment?

While many experimental cancer treatments are worth considering, not all patients will respond the same. Administering insulin means that anyone with an insulin allergy should seek another treatment option. Also, non-diabetic patients receiving insulin must understand the possible risk of low blood sugar. This can lead to headaches, sweating, dizziness, blurred vision, and changes in mood. If you’re considering an alternative therapy to your current one, the first step is to consult with your oncology team. They can help you determine whether this alternative cancer treatment is appropriate for your needs. 

Cancer can affect your quality of life, but you can rest assured that your oncology team will help you find the right treatment for you. Integrative Medicine of New York, PLLC is here to answer your questions about alternative cancer treatment. These skilled doctors believe that immunology can be effectively used to fight cancer on the cellular level. They also emphasize the important role a healthy lifestyle plays in fighting diseases, which is why they offer nutritional counseling along with their proven treatments. Visit the website for more information on insulin potentiation therapy. Call (516) 759-4200 to schedule an appointment.