Medical Library
Oncology
Science • Diagnosis • Treatment • Infections • Nutrition • Exercise • Psychology • Healing
ESMO • ASCO • WHO • FDA • PubMed • 2024–2025
Contents (10 chapters)
Educational information. Does not replace individual medical consultation.
Chapter 1 — The Biology of Cancer
1.1 The Warburg Effect — 100 Years of Revolutionary Science
Exactly 100 years ago, the German biochemist Otto Warburg discovered something that transformed our understanding of cancer: cancer cells use glucose in a completely different way than healthy cells. Even in the presence of oxygen, they ferment sugar and produce lactic acid — aerobic glycolysis.
This discovery is the foundation of PET scanners: tumors light up because they absorb enormous amounts of glucose. 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Warburg Effect.
The Warburg Effect — Practical Implications
- • Cancer cells have a specific metabolic weakness — a target for new therapies
- • Tumor-derived lactate actively suppresses NK cells and T-lymphocytes in the microenvironment
- • Metformin, berberine and DCA are being studied as metabolic inhibitors
- • The ketogenic diet reduces glucose availability — studied as an adjunct
- • PET/CT works precisely based on the Warburg Effect
1.2 The Tumor Microenvironment
A tumor is not an isolated mass. Around it forms an entire ecosystem — the tumor microenvironment (TME). It is the main reason why immunotherapy does not work in every patient.
- • PD-L1 and CTLA-4 — the tumor uses them to switch off T-cells
- • Lactate lowers pH — suppresses immune cells, stimulates tumor growth
- • Regulatory T-cells and MDSCs — create an immunosuppressive environment
- • Angiogenesis — the tumor builds its own vascular network
The tumor microenvironment is the primary target of next-generation therapies — from checkpoint inhibitors to IL-15 agonists and CAR-NK cells.
1.3 Key Mutations — The Molecular Map
| Gene | Mutation in | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| TP53 | ~50% of all cancers | Inactivated guardian of the genome |
| KRAS G12C | Pancreas 90%, colon 40% | Now targeted with adagrasib |
| BRCA1/2 | Breast, ovaries | PARP inhibitors, vaccine potential |
| HER2 | Breast 15–20%, stomach 15% | ADC: T-DXd even for HER2-low |
| MSI-H | Colon 15%, endometrium 30% | 100% remission with dostarlimab |
| EGFR | Lung 10–15% | Osimertinib: 18+ months progression-free |
| BRAF V600E | Melanoma 50% | Dabrafenib + trametinib: standard |
Chapter 2 — Infections, Bacteria and Detoxification
Approximately 15–20% of all cancers are directly linked to infectious agents. Chronic infections create a constant inflammatory environment, ideal for tumor transformation.
2.1 Harmful Bacteria and Viruses
| Agent | Associated Cancer | Mechanism | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| H. pylori | Gastric cancer (3x risk) | Cytotoxins, chronic inflammation | Eradication with antibiotics |
| Fusobacterium | Colorectal cancer | Pro-oncogenic genes, resistance | Probiotics, oral hygiene |
| HPV (16, 18) | >99% cervical cancer | Direct viral oncogenesis | 9-valent vaccine, PAP test |
| HBV / HCV | Hepatocellular carcinoma | Chronic hepatitis damage | Vaccine (HBV), DAA (HCV) |
| EBV | Hodgkin, Burkitt lymphoma | Viral transformation | Monitoring when symptomatic |
2.2 Beneficial Bacteria — Protectors Against Cancer
- • Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium — strengthen immune response, reduce inflammation
- • Faecalibacterium prausnitzii — anti-inflammatory bacterium, reduced in colorectal cancer
- • Butyrate (from beneficial bacteria) — inhibits tumor growth, strengthens intestinal barrier
- • Fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) — in clinical trials in cancer
2.3 Toxins and Cancer
| Toxin | Sources | Detoxification |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy metals | Contaminated water, fish, cigarettes | Chlorella, spirulina, glutathione |
| Pesticides | Treated fruits and vegetables | Sulforaphane, green tea, organic food |
| BPA and phthalates | Plastic packaging | Omega-3, vitamin C, antioxidants |
2.4 Three-Step Detoxification Protocol
Phase 1: Antiparasitic Protocol (30 days)
- • Wormwood 500 mg — blocks parasites
- • Clove 500 mg — destroys eggs
- • Green walnut (tincture, 20 drops twice daily)
- • Pumpkin seeds (1–2 tbsp daily)
- • Turmeric + black pepper 1000 mg
- • Garlic (3–4 cloves daily)
Phase 2: Antiviral Therapy (30–60 days)
- • Black elderberry (syrup, twice daily)
- • Astragalus 1000 mg — increases interferons
- • Zinc 30 mg — suppresses viral replication
- • Echinacea 500 mg twice daily
- • Oregano oil (2 drops daily)
Phase 3: Microbiome Restoration (30 days)
- • Probiotics 50+ billion CFU
- • Prebiotics 5 g inulin
- • Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha)
- • Turmeric + omega-3 — inflammation control
Chapter 3 — Diagnosis: From Symptom to Molecular Profile
3.1 Early Signals
| Symptom | Potential Link |
|---|---|
| Unexplained weight loss >5% per month | Multiple cancer types |
| Fatigue not relieved by rest | Leukemia, lymphoma, solid tumors |
| Change in bowel habits >4 weeks | Colorectal cancer |
| Coughing blood or new wheezing | Lung cancer |
| Breast or axillary lump | Breast cancer |
| Blood in urine without pain | Bladder, kidney cancer |
| New mole with irregular borders/color | Melanoma — ABCDE rule |
| Enlarged lymph nodes >1 month | Lymphoma, metastatic cancer |
These symptoms do NOT automatically mean cancer. They require medical consultation — not Google.
3.2 Tumor Markers — The Three Rules
Mandatory to understand
- • Elevated marker does NOT mean cancer — benign diseases can raise them
- • Normal marker does NOT exclude cancer — many tumors do not elevate markers
- • Markers are MOST useful for FOLLOW-UP of already diagnosed cancer
| Marker | Application | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| PSA | Prostate | Elevated in benign hyperplasia |
| CA 125 | Ovaries | 20% of ovarian cancers are CA125-negative |
| CA 15-3 | Breast | For follow-up, not screening |
| CEA | Colon, breast, lung | Smoking elevates it |
| AFP | Liver, testes | Elevated in hepatitis and cirrhosis |
| CA 19-9 | Pancreas | Falsely elevated in jaundice |
| Beta-HCG | Testes, trophoblastic | One of the most specific markers |
3.3 Molecular Profiling
- • NGS — hundreds of mutations at once
- • MSI/MMR status — predicts response to checkpoint inhibitors
- • TMB — high = better immunotherapy response
- • Liquid biopsy (ctDNA) — blood test without invasive procedure
- • Organoids — drug testing on a patient's mini-tumor
Ask your oncologist: Is molecular profiling necessary? Especially in metastatic disease.
Chapter 4 — Treatment: From Standard to Breakthrough 2024–2025
2024: The FDA approved 17 new immunotherapies in a single year.
4.1 Immunotherapy — The Revolution
How Checkpoint Inhibitors Work
- • Tumors switch off immune T-cells via PD-L1 and CTLA-4 molecules
- • Checkpoint inhibitors block this — the immune system awakens
- • 20–30% of patients respond, but in responders the effect is long-lasting or permanent
- • MSI-H, high TMB and PD-L1 positive — predictors of good response
Breakthroughs from 2024–2025
- • TIL therapy — first FDA approval for solid tumors (lifileucel in melanoma)
- • mRNA-4157 + pembrolizumab in melanoma — 44% reduction in recurrence
- • Dostarlimab in MSI-high rectal cancer — 100% complete remission without surgery
- • IL-15 agonists — activate NK cells inside the tumor
- • SYNC-T in prostate cancer — 87% response in early data
4.2 Targeted Therapy
| Target | Drug | Results |
|---|---|---|
| EGFR mutation | Osimertinib | 18+ months progression-free in NSCLC |
| HER2+ | T-DXd (trastuzumab deruxtecan) | HER2-low — new concept, expanded indication |
| KRAS G12C | Adagrasib, sotorasib | Long considered untreatable — now targeted |
| BRAF V600E | Dabrafenib + trametinib | Melanoma, lung, thyroid |
| PARP | Olaparib, niraparib | BRCA-mutated breast, ovarian cancer |
| CDK4/6 | Palbociclib, ribociclib | HR+ breast cancer — standard |
Chapter 5 — Nutrition, Metabolism and 7-Day Program
5.1 Facts and Myths
Proven Facts (WCRF / ESMO / IARC)
- • Obesity is an independent risk factor for 13 types of cancer
- • Alcohol is a Group 1 IARC carcinogen — no safe threshold
- • Processed meats are Group 1 IARC for colorectal cancer
- • Physical activity reduces risk of breast, colorectal and endometrial cancer
- • A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains — associated with lower risk
Popular Myths
- • Sugar feeds cancer — all cells use glucose, not only tumor cells
- • The alkaline diet cures cancer — the body regulates pH independently of diet
- • The ketogenic diet cures cancer — studied as an ADJUNCT, not a replacement
- • Superfoods destroy cancer — no single substance is proven alone
5.2 The Three Nutritional Strategies
Ketogenic Diet
Restriction of carbohydrates below 20–50 g daily. Reduced glucose availability for the tumor, reduced insulin and IGF-1.
Allowed: avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, eggs, salmon, leafy greens, nuts
Avoided: sugar, white bread, rice, pasta, sweet fruits
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Mediterranean model: turmeric, ginger, omega-3, antioxidants. Reduces IL-6, TNF-alpha and CRP.
Intermittent Fasting and Autophagy
After 12+ hours of fasting, autophagy is activated — cellular self-cleaning. Nobel Prize 2016. 16:8 regimen: 16 hours fasting, 8 hours feeding.
Fasting should be discussed with an oncologist — not during active chemotherapy without medical supervision.
5.3 7-Day Anti-Cancer Detox Program
Principles: 16:8 fasting, complete elimination of sugar and processed foods, antioxidants, angiogenesis inhibitors, mitochondrial protection. Every day: 1 tsp turmeric + black pepper, D3+K2, magnesium, meditation or Wim Hof breathing.
| Day | Lunch | Dinner | Drink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 — Autophagy | Green salad: avocado, broccoli, flaxseed, lemon | Cream soup: celery, turmeric, coconut milk | Green tea + turmeric + black pepper |
| Day 2 — Ketogenic | Steamed cauliflower: coconut oil, spirulina, tahini | Salmon with garlic and lemon, steamed spinach | Matcha + reishi, chaga, cordyceps |
| Day 3 — Liver Support | Salad: arugula, dandelion, olives, artichoke | Boiled red lentils: turmeric, garlic, ginger | Water with lemon + apple cider vinegar + berberine |
| Day 4 — Anti-Angiogenic | Cabbage rolls with shiitake mushrooms and cauliflower | Broccoli and maca cream soup | Green tea with pomegranate |
| Day 5 — Brain Support | Salad: avocado, walnuts, flaxseed oil, red onion | Steamed salmon with asparagus and olive oil | Rosemary and ginkgo biloba tea |
| Day 6 — Probiotic | Sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented vegetables | Collagen broth with turmeric | Kombucha or ginger + mint |
| Day 7 — Reset | Mixed berries with chia and walnuts | Salad: arugula, hemp seeds, lemon, basil | Calendula, chamomile and astragalus tea |
5.4 Two Special Recipes
Antioxidant Shake
Ingredients: 200 ml coconut water, 1/2 avocado, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp chia seeds.
Preparation: Blend all ingredients and drink immediately. Curcumin inhibits NF-kB. Chia — omega-3. Avocado — glutathione.
Detoxifying Soup
Ingredients: 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp turmeric, 2 carrots, 1 zucchini, 1 cup spinach.
Preparation: Boil all ingredients, blend to a creamy texture.
Chapter 6 — Physical Activity: Evidence-Based Protocols
Physical activity is the only non-pharmacological intervention with proven impact on oncological outcomes.
6.1 Proven Benefits
- • Activates NK cells — natural tumor killers
- • Lymph relies on movement — it has no own pump
- • Reduces insulin and IGF-1 — direct stimulators of tumor growth
- • Reduces systemic inflammation — IL-6, TNF-alpha, CRP
- • Reduces risk of breast cancer (21–25%), colorectal (24%), endometrial (20%)
6.2 Four Types of Training
1. Cardio — Oxygenation and Lymphatic Drainage
Walking 30–60 min daily. Cycling 20–40 min (3–4 times/week). Swimming. Rebounder (mini trampoline) 10 min — powerful lymph flow activator.
2. Strength Exercises
2–3 times weekly. Improve insulin sensitivity. Squats, push-ups, lunges with adapted weight.
3. Yoga and Stretching
Reduces cortisol. Improves lymph flow and sleep. Recommended poses: cobra, child's pose, legs up the wall.
4. Breathing Practices
Deep diaphragmatic breathing 10 min daily. Buteyko method. Wim Hof breathing — enhances immune response. Rhythmic CO2 tolerance breathing — regulates cellular pH.
6.3 Programs by Stage
| Stage | Recommended Activity | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I–II (active) | Cardio + strength + yoga | 150+ min moderate activity/week |
| Stage III–IV | Walking, yoga, breathing | 20–30 min daily, adapted |
| During chemotherapy | Light walks, stretching | Daily as tolerated |
| Severe condition | Breathing exercises, physiotherapy | Adapted with assistance |
Minimum 150 minutes moderate activity weekly — ESMO 2023 recommendation.
Chapter 7 — Psychology, Stress and Quality of Life
7.1 Cortisol and Cancer — Molecular Mechanisms
| Mechanism | Consequence for the Tumor |
|---|---|
| Cortisol suppresses NK cells and CD8+ T-lymphocytes | Reduced immune surveillance over tumor cells |
| Catecholamines (adrenaline) stimulate VEGF | Angiogenesis — tumor blood supply |
| NF-kB activation during chronic stress | Pro-inflammatory cytokines — tumor-favorable environment |
| Cortisol increases blood sugar | Increased glucose — primary fuel for the tumor |
| Epigenetic changes in chronic stress | Altered gene expression, risk of new mutations |
Stress does not directly cause cancer. It modifies immune and hormonal balance.
7.2 Evidence-Based Interventions
Techniques with scientific support
- • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) — reduces anxiety, fatigue and pain
- • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — management of fear of recurrence
- • Aerobic physical activity — antidepressant with proven effectiveness
- • Support groups — loneliness is an independent risk factor
- • Quality sleep 7–9 hours — melatonin, NK activity, regeneration
- • Meditation 5–10 minutes daily — reduces cortisol with regular practice
7.3 Practical Techniques
Breathing
- • 4-7-8 for sleep: inhale 4 sec, hold 7 sec, exhale 8 sec
- • Coherent breathing 5:5 — synchronizes mind and body
- • Wim Hof — enhances immune response
Visualization
Every morning 10 minutes: see yourself healthy. See immune cells attacking the tumor. Feel the disease leaving your body. The brain reacts to imagery almost as strongly as to reality.
Vagus Nerve
- • Diaphragmatic breathing — direct activation of the parasympathetic nervous system
- • Singing and humming — vibrations activate the vagus nerve
- • Cold shower — powerful vagal stimulant and mitochondrial hormesis
Emotional Detoxification
- • Journal — write your feelings daily
- • Forgiveness — releasing negative emotions reduces stress
- • EFT tapping and EMDR — trauma release techniques
Chapter 8 — 27 Healing Formulas
The body follows the mind. Positive affirmations are a tool for reducing cortisol and activating healing mechanisms. Repeat them every morning and evening, write them in a journal, meditate with them.
Formulas for Physical Healing
“My body heals with every breath I take.”
“My cells renew and fully restore themselves.”
“I am strong, healthy and full of energy.”
“My pain disappears and my health strengthens.”
“My body knows how to heal — and it is doing so now.”
“Every organ and every cell vibrates in perfect harmony.”
“I am filled with light and healing.”
“I am grateful for my body and its strength.”
“Every drop of blood carries health, vitality and renewal.”
“Love and peace within me accelerate my healing.”
Formulas for Emotional Healing
“I release all negative emotions and fill myself with love.”
“I forgive myself and others — this frees me.”
“Calmness and joy fill my heart.”
“Every day I become stronger and more confident.”
“I deserve love, happiness and inner peace.”
“I let go of worries and embrace serenity.”
“Love heals me from within outward.”
“I am completely protected and at peace.”
“Every thought of mine is filled with positive energy.”
“My heart heals and my soul shines.”
Formulas for Spiritual Healing
“I am in harmony with the Universe and its healing power.”
“Divine light fills me and makes me whole.”
“I am connected to the infinite source of health and well-being.”
“My prayer brings peace, balance and healing.”
“The power of the Universe works in my favor.”
“I am pure, positive energy — healing is already mine.”
“My life is filled with miracles, and I receive them with gratitude.”
Chapter 9 — 27 Inspirational Messages
The body heals, but willpower leads the battle. These messages are for everyone fighting — for themselves or for a loved one.
1
You are stronger than you think. Never underestimate the power of your spirit!
2
Every battle makes you wiser, braver and stronger. You will win!
3
Even in the darkest moments there is light. Hold on to it!
4
Your body heals, but your will is what leads the battle. Believe in yourself!
5
Every small progress is a victory. Today you are better than yesterday!
6
Even storms pass. This pain will be only a memory!
7
You are not your illness. You are strong, loved and worthy of everything good!
8
Never lose hope — it is the strongest medicine!
9
Let the love and support around you give you strength to keep moving forward!
10
Pain is temporary, but your determination is eternal!
11
Never stop dreaming — life always finds a way to surprise you!
12
Every smile is another step toward healing!
13
You are an inspiration to so many people — even if you don't know it!
14
Courage is not the absence of fear, but continuing despite it!
15
Today may be hard, but tomorrow brings new possibilities!
16
You are not alone — so many people support and love you!
17
Believe that the best days are ahead!
18
Every sunrise brings new hope — never stop believing!
19
Allow yourself to be vulnerable, but never give up!
20
Even the longest journey begins with a single step — keep moving forward!
21
The body has an incredible ability to heal — give it time and love!
22
Laughter is the best medicine — find joy in the little things!
23
Every day you choose to continue is a day of victory!
24
No one knows how strong you are until you are tested — and you prove it every day!
25
Be patient with yourself — healing takes time!
26
You deserve to be healthy, happy and loved — and you will be!
27
Today is another day you are here, living and fighting — that is the greatest victory!
Chapter 10 — The Horizon: The Oncology of Tomorrow
mRNA Vaccines Against Cancer
Personalized mRNA vaccine (mRNA-4157/V940) tailored individually for each patient. In melanoma: 44% reduction in recurrence. Phase 3 trials ongoing for lung, kidney and bladder cancer.
Liquid Biopsy — Cancer in the Blood
ctDNA in blood allows early diagnosis, monitoring of minimal residual disease and early detection of resistance. GRAIL Galleri tests simultaneously for 50+ cancer types.
AI in Oncology
Algorithms read CT scans, mammograms and histology with specialist-level accuracy. AI predicts therapy response. DeepMind AlphaFold solved the 50-year-old protein structure problem.
Next-Generation CAR-T
Allogeneic CAR-T (from donor) will make therapy accessible to more patients. CAR-NK cells without risk of graft-versus-host reaction. CRISPR enhances CAR-T cells in clinical trials.
Oncolytic Viruses
Genetically modified viruses attack tumor cells and simultaneously activate the immune system. T-VEC is approved for melanoma.
Follow-up, Remission and Red Flags
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Complete Remission (CR) | No detectable signs of disease with current methods |
| Partial Remission (PR) | Tumor reduced by >30–50% |
| 5-year survival | Standard metric — does NOT mean cured after 5 years |
| Minimal Residual Disease | Cancer cells below imaging detection threshold |
RED FLAGS — Immediate Consultation
- • Fever >38°C during chemotherapy — may be neutropenic fever (emergency!)
- • New bone pain — rule out metastases
- • Neurological symptoms: headache, double vision, weakness
- • Shortness of breath at rest or minimal exertion
Questions for the Oncologist — Mandatory
What is the exact histological type, stage and molecular profile?
Is the treatment goal curative or palliative?
Are there clinical trials I qualify for?
Is molecular profiling (NGS) necessary?
Which biomarkers determine whether immunotherapy will work for me?
When should I seek emergency care?