Taking Away the Pain: Modern Treatments for Cancer Patients

There are amazing breakthroughs in medical technology every year in the area of cancer. New drugs, treatments and pain relievers are being released for use that give people hope, longer lives and ease pain. There are also unorthodox treatments, which have proven to be effective despite not being approved. Below are three treatments for cancer and cancer pain. Two of them have not been approved by the medical community, so always consult a doctor before engaging in unapproved methods.

The Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet is popular in various demographics now, and it is being used for several illnesses too. A restricted ketogenic diet is what is being used by cancer patients who have decided to employ its techniques. It has become more widely practiced, yet it is not a medically approved method to fight the deadly disease by itself. A basic ketogenic diet is comprised of an excessively low carbohydrate intake, moderate protein and high fat.

It completely changes the way cells get their nourishment, which is where its effectiveness against cancer comes into play. The types of ketones the body starts using for energy are beta-hydroxybutyric acid and acetoacetic acid. Cancer cells thrive on glucose and glutamine to metabolize, and they are unable to use ketones for energy. The diet starves cancer, and the cancer cells die. There are even personal accounts about this method working, including one on a brain cancer patient. This not considered medical advice. It is just information. A ketogenic diet combined with approved treatments is something to think about as well.

Troxyca ER

In August 2016, the FDA approved a new pain management drug that will help keep cancer patients far more comfortable. Troxyca ER was developed by Pfizer to combat pain around the clock for cancer patients and non-cancer patients. It also has a built-in abuse deterrent, which was also approved. It is a combination of oxycodone and naltrexone, and the ER in the medication stands for “extended release”. This breakout medication is something that will help ease the severe pain cancer causes in people. It will also be used to fight the pain caused by cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.

Cannabinoids

Cannabidiol, cannabis oil and other forms of cannabis have been talked about for quite some time in relation to pain relief and treatment for diseases, especially cancer. You may have heard it called “medical cannabis” and it can be gotten legally within certain states from providers like Origin Therapeutics. Cannabidiol is not an approved treatment for cancer, but it is quite popular. Thousands of tests have been done to prove it beats cancer, and cancer patients swear by the pain fighting ability. For example, there is a study that provides ample evidence proving cannabidiol kills breast cancer. Another even demonstrates that cancer cells can't survive in the presence of THC. There is overwhelming evidence in the form of studies, which is why more and more people are turning to it for relief from pain.

Cancer is a terrible disease that so many have to unfortunately go through. If you are going through this or know of anyone who can, then simply let them know that you’re there for them and that there are a multitude of options out there for them to pursue.