It seems that repurposed drugs in addition to standard of care drugs are very beneficial. I'm thinking about adding some repurposed drugs based on Jane McLelland's book, How To Starve Cancer. But I must say I am hesitant at the same time and not sure if any repurposed drugs could diminish the efficacy of the Ibr/Letr. Can anyone share their experience?
Anja
Hi Anja, I don't know what repurposed drugs means. I am guessing using drugs that were meant for something else. I would talk with my oncologist before I made any changes. Blessings, Hannah
Yes, you are right. They are drugs patented and developed for a condition other than cancer (for example aspirin, melatonin, turmeric, statins), and now proven successful in blocking different cancer growth pathways. By blocking a cancer pathway, you block the tumor's progression. They are already widely used (Care Oncology Clinic being one of them). The problem with Ibrance is that many of those repurposed drugs interact with Ibrance, by making it less efficient (I did a lot of research on it today after I posted my original post). I know some friends on here are patients of COC, and I thought they may have more information.
I tried the care oncology clinic drugs but felt unwell on them particularly the statins...also I didn’t like the clinic much..seemed more interested in taking my money!!... I’m being blunt here but as others have pointed out it’s just the same 4 drugs that are prescribed for everyone regardless of which cancer you have
I do take the fembendazole though as it has no side effects for me
There is a doctor in London who Sophie consults who sounds good and treats you as an individual and I’m dithering about whether to see him or not
We all want to do the best for ourselves and I did ask my oncologist about the repurposed drugs and she just said if they were that good then she would be prescribing them now....who do you believe ?
I have a doctor friend who is sceptical as well...he thinks that many doctors/writers etc are preying on our vulnerability for financial gain which if true is so awful
Also people like Jane McLelland have done really well on repurposed drugs but maybe she would have done as well without them?... she can’t prove it....there’s no mention either of people who have taken them without success
Sorry about my negativity here and I’m sure it’s not what you want to hear but I think caution is needed
After all..the drugs we now take have been through rigorous tests and trials for many years....just how I feel at the moment
I do take aspirin fembendazole and vitamin C E and D and iron for my anaemia
All the best
Barb xx
No Barb, I DO want to hear all sides and your experience is enormously important and more valid than a theory. So thank you! I'm researching all my options as that's all I can do really ❤️
Barb, I couldn't agree more. I'm 6 years out, still on Anastrozole, Faslodex and Xgeva. If I took any of the side drugs, would we say that's what kept me alive? It's really that my body responds to those drugs much better than most. As one doc once said, "If alternative medicine worked so miraculously, they wouldn't call it 'alternative,' they'd call it medicine."
Hi Barb,
You are not being negative. You are just sharing your personal experience and that is really important. As you know, I was seeing the COC doctors too. But when I started seeing Dr Callebout and saw that he prescribed the same drugs, and added extras, I asked if he could be my main private doctor, and I stopped seeing the COC doctors. He was agreeable to that and I find him brilliant. He always has an intelligent answer and is right at the cutting edge of medical developments. I can call or email with any questions and I will be answered quickly, mostly the same day, unless it's a weekend or holiday, and I don't have to pay if I have a question, only if I have a booked consultation. I feel like I matter, and my concerns and questions are taken seriously.
Like you, I believe in continuing with conventional treatment. When I first mentioned repurposed drugs to my oncologist she looked concerned and said she didn't want me to give up with my conventional treatment. I assured her that I would carry on with the treatment she had prescribed for me. I am not going to go completely "alternative" when I know that conventional treatment is helping me. But I also feel that an integrative approach can help on many different fronts in dealing with this disease. That may be the key for us at the metastatic stage. One single thing will not be enough, but trying different things can make a real difference. I am willing to give it a go.
Sophie x
I agree with you. I talked in-depth with my oncologist and he explained that some of these people that wrote books were actually “cured” of their cancer by surgery, radiation and chemo but they don’t tell readers that 😞. He is the same as your doctor, if these things have been proven to work he would be giving them to every patient. Each cancer is so different so meds that are given to everyone no matter the cancer makes me wonder.
Hi Anja,
I have been taking repurposed drugs since April 2019. I would suggest you talk to an integrative doctor before you decide to add anything new. I would not feel comfortable starting anything new without obtaining medical advice first, so what may be suitable for me might not be for you. I could share what I take if you like, but it may be different for you. I have had tests performed, along with consultations, to find what's right for me. I just think it's very important to see a doctor about this to get the best advice.
Let me know if you want any further advice and I shall send you a private message.
Sophie 💓
I would love be to hear from you Sophie, of course! Thank you ❤️
OK, great. I shall send you a private message, Anja.
Sophie x
Hi Spiffy!
This is my soap box topic! I have MBC with mets to the bones...was on Herceptin/Perjeta for 2 1/2 years and was stable with slight to little improvement each time. So I started taking Essiac Tea last December...May scan in May showed I was NED from my 14 bone mets! Awesome! Then last fall Essiac Tea was erased from my file as a supplement that I take...So when I hear that there is no proof these things work. What I hear is they don’t work because they don’t record it or erase it afterwards...😡
Wow!! Did you find out who erased it?? Can you ask to have it put back in your record?
I’ve been going through this for 3 1/2 years...I finally thought they were going to keep my records alone...then I got a NED scan last May and away they went again...not sure if there is a solution 🤷♀️
My oncologist mentioned the drugs being processed in the liver and had a man who passed away from liver failure due to the Chaga mushrooms he was ingesting. I don’t know if it was a large amount but to me it’s just not worth the risk.
I have a chum who is super fit...runs marathons etc...anyway she wasn’t feeling right...doc took her blood pressure and systolic was over 200...anyway it emerged that she’d started drinking liquorice tea from the health food shop but having 6 cups a day!!... she stopped and her blood pressure returned to normal
Just shows you though!!
Barb xx
Hi Barb,
Oh no! Your friend must have been so scared. I would have been scared too. Just because something is "natural" does not mean it is safe. That's why it is always best to get medical advice before starting anything new. A pharmacist, integrative doctor, GP, or oncologist can all offer help and advice. My oncologist admits to not knowing much about supplements, so I go elsewhere for advice. A pharmacist is a really good place to start, as he or she can look for possible interactions with conventional treatment that you are using.
Sophie x
Hi Sophie
There’s a pharmacist very close to where I live ...it’s a family run business and they’re very knowledgeable...not like in my local Boots where they haven’t a clue or any interest in you
Barb xx
Hi Barb,
The family run pharmacy sounds ideal. I bet they would be really helpful if you have any questions about supplements and possible drug interactions. I find my local Lloyds Pharmacy really good. I have had a few private consultations with them. I haven't tried Boots though. But one place I won't try again is my hospital pharmacy. They were so rude and judgemental the last time I asked for advice and told my oncologist to "have a word" with me.
Sophie x
Anja,
I would suggest you speak to your onc or specialty pharmacist about the repurposed drugs.
They are the experts on interactions of drugs.
Yes, I do and I am lucky to have a great Oncology Pharmacist available to me
Drug question?
Possible side effects of drugs
Drug repositioning - metformin
Has somebody \"steped back\" to a former drug? 
