Glutathione’s Role in the Battle Against Cancer

When it comes to our health, there’s nothing more daunting than the word “cancer.” It’s a battle that touches countless lives, leaving us searching for ways to help bolster our defenses and those of our loved ones. But what if I told you that your body already holds a secret weapon that might help in this battle? Let’s dive into the world of glutathione – a powerful molecule that’s been quietly working within us, offering potential support against cancer.

Okay, so what’s glutathione?

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced by our body. It’s often referred to as the “master antioxidant” because of its central role in maintaining overall well-being and defending against the effects of aging, pollution, and stress. Glutathione supports various bodily functions, including immune system health, detoxification, and maintaining cellular energy.

As conventional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation, wage war against malignant cells, they often inadvertently impact healthy cells, causing collateral damage and inducing adverse effects. The potential of glutathione to assuage treatment-related toxicity is a subject of growing interest. Research posits that elevated glutathione levels could potentially bolster cellular resilience, rendering cells more equipped to withstand the onslaught of therapeutic interventions.

Cancer treatments, while targeted, can disrupt cellular integrity. Glutathione’s role in cellular repair mechanisms holds implications for post-treatment recovery. Studies suggest that optimal glutathione levels may expedite cellular healing, potentially leading to improved recovery periods and reduced treatment-related morbidity.

The potential for glutathione to serve as a complementary facet in the intricate mosaic of cancer treatments is a testament to the unending quest for innovative solutions in the battle against cancer. The pursuit of knowledge, collaboration, and evidence-based practice serve as the cornerstones in harnessing glutathione’s potential as an ally in the realm of cancer treatment.

The augmentation of glutathione levels necessitates a conscientious approach to lifestyle. Prudent nutritional choices, consistent physical activity, and an emphasis on restorative sleep collectively contribute to nurturing an environment conducive to optimal glutathione levels. Further, the advent of specialized products, such as Immunocal, introduces a nuanced dimension to the discourse by offering a targeted approach to help elevate glutathione levels.

Here are two abstracts from publications written by Dr. Gustavo Bounous, M.D., creator of Immunocal, and Dr. Wulf Droge, creator of Immunocal Platinum on the subject of cancer.

1 ) ANTICANCER RESEARCH 20, 4785-4792, 2000Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) and Glutathione Modulation in Cancer Treatment Gustavo Bounous, M.D., F.R.C.S. (C) Research and Development Department Immunotec Research Ltd., Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada + https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34658941/  

The glutathione (GSH) antioxidant system is foremost among the cellular protective mechanisms. Depletion of this small molecule is a common consequence of increased formation of reactive oxygen species during increased cellular activities. This phenomenon can occur in the lymphocytes during the development of the immune response and in the muscular cells during strenuous exercise. It is not surprising that so much research has been done, and is still being done on this small tripeptide molecule. Whey protein concentrate has been shown to represent an effective and safe cysteine donor for GSH replenishment during GSH depletion in immune deficiency states.

Cysteine is the crucial limiting amino acid for intracellular GSH synthesis. Experiments showed that the concentrates of whey proteins also exhibit anti-carcinogenesis and anticancer activity. They do this via their effect on increasing GSH concentration in relevant tissues, and may have antitumor effect on low volume of tumor via stimulation of immunity through the GSH pathway.

It is considered that oxygen radical generation is frequently a critical step in carcinogenesis, hence the effect of GSH on free radicals as well as carcinogen detoxification, could be important in inhibiting carcinogenesis induced by a number of different mechanisms. Case reports are presented which strongly suggest an anti-tumor effect of a whey protein dietary supplement in some urogenital cancers. This non toxic dietary intervention, which is not based on the principles of current cancer chemotherapy, will hopefully attract the attention of laboratory and clinical oncologists.

“Dr. Gustavo Bounous discovered Immunocal. Here he reviews the glutathione antioxidant system and revisits some earlier work with Immunocal in immune deficiency and cancer. He also reports the benefits of Immunocal for cancer patients. He calls for further and larger studies, which were later completed.” Jimmy Gutman MD (SAB Chairman and World’s Leading Authority on Glutathione). 

2) ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING, 10:395-402, (2008) Cysteine-Rich Protein Reverses Weight Loss in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy R. Tozera, P. Taib, W. Falconerc, T. Ducruetd, A. Karabadjiane, G. Bounousf, J. Molsonf, and W. Drögef + https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18158761/

a)Hamilton Regional Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
b)Radiation Oncology, Allan Blair Cancer Center, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
c)Cancer Nutrition & Rehabilitation Program, Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec. Canada dBoreal Primum Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada eMedscope Communications Inc., St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada fImmunotec Research Ltd. Vaudreuil, Quebec, Canada

Oxidative stress plays a role in the tumor-cytotoxic effect of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy and in certain adverse events. In view of these conflicting aspects, a double-blind trial over a 6-month period was performed to determine whether a cysteine-rich protein (IMN1207) may have a positive or negative effect on the clinical outcome if compared with casein, a widely used protein supplement low in cysteine. Sixty-six patients with stage IIIB-IV non-small cell lung cancer were randomly assigned to IMN1207 or casein. Included were patients with a previous involuntary weight loss of > or =3%, Karnofsky status > or =70, and an estimated survival of >3 months. Thirty-five lung cancer patients remained on study at 6 weeks. Overall compliance was not different between treatment arms (42-44% or 13 g/day). The patients treated with the cysteine-rich protein had a mean increase of 2.5% body weight, whereas casein-treated patients lost 2.6% (p = 0.049). Differences in secondary endpoints included an increase in survival, hand-grip force, and quality of life. Adverse events were mild or moderate. Further studies will have to show whether the positive clinical effects can be confirmed and related to specific parameters of oxidative stress in the host.

“This landmark study was the first to directly tackle the question, “Does raising glutathione protect cancer cells from chemotherapy?” Laboratory studies had shown that cancer cells may use glutathione to resist chemotherapy. However, this had been demonstrated in test-tube studies only—not in living bodies. Only a definitive study in humans would reveal whether this translated into a real-life situation. Led by eminent immunologist Wulf Droge, a team of Canadian researchers initiated a double-blind, placebo-controlled, gold-standard study in major cancer-treatment centers across the country. Lung cancer patients on chemotherapy or radiotherapy were fed Immunocal or placebo. The patients selected already showed significant muscle wasting (cachexia), signifying advanced disease. All were estimated to survive no more than 3 months. In contrast to the test-tube experiments, the Immunocal did not “protect” the cancer. On the contrary, Immunocal-fed patients actually increased their muscle mass (reversal of cachexia)—a very rare result of nutritional intervention. In addition, their quality- of-life measurements improved significantly. Finally, survival statistics were equally impressive. After one year, 80% of the Immunocal-fed patients survived, whereas fewer than half the placebo group was still alive.” Jimmy Gutman MD (SAB Chairman and World’s Leading Authority on Glutathione). 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Immunotec does not guarantee that anyone will make a specific amount of money. This post is intended for the US market.