I have a 14-year-old miniature dachshund who recently developed melanoma in their mouth. The attending veterinarian has given me three options: 1. Surgery, 2. Radiation therapy, and 3. Chemotherapy. However, given the dog's age, I don't want to make them suffer too much. On the other hand, it's also painful to just watch and do nothing. Is there a better option?

Generally, the primary treatments for tumors are the aggressive treatments suggested by your veterinarian: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, when the patient is frail, such aggressive treatments can sometimes lead to a 'can't see the forest for the trees' situation, with the tumor being removed but the patient's life becoming endangered. While melanoma is a highly malignant tumor, if the body's immune cells can work properly, they may help prevent tumor growth. Although completely eliminating the tumor is challenging, aiming for a state of coexistence where the tumor does not cause harm might be a viable option. Cordy is designed to suppress tumor cell activity by restoring immune regulation capabilities. It can be safely used even in elderly and frail pets, as it stimulates continuous immune response. If there are no respiratory issues, heart diseases, or epileptic seizures, Cordy with organic germanium is ideal. For pets with unstable bowel movements, such as loose stools or constipation, using 'Cordy with Probiotics' or 'Cordy cultured in azuki bean medium' can improve gut health while stabilizing immunity. Note: Cordy cultured in azuki bean or liquid medium does not pose a risk of grain allergies. Incorporating organic germanium helps alleviate pain, promotes blood circulation, and assists in detoxifying the body.

My dog has been diagnosed with mast cell tumor and is currently taking a drug called Palladia, but I think his appetite has been slightly decreasing recently. I'm wondering if I should continue the medication. Is it safe to try Cordy?

Palladia is a drug that targets specific molecules unique to cancer cells, and compared to traditional chemotherapy, it is expected to have fewer side effects. It is often used in the treatment of mast cell tumors, but even though it has fewer side effects, it is still a type of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and targeted molecular therapies are intended to prevent the decline in the quality of life (QOL) caused by tumors. If using these drugs results in a decrease in energy or appetite, it could further lower QOL and even potentially endanger life. Is the decrease in appetite happening since you began using Palladia? A decrease in food intake may indicate that the protein levels in the body are lower than the standard range. If the body lacks adequate protein, the drug cannot be effectively transported, which could lead to more severe side effects. Please check the protein content in the food you are currently providing and aim for a 'low carb, high protein diet' to limit carbohydrates (strictly speaking, sugars) that nourish cancer cells. Detailed dietary recommendations are available on our website, so please refer to those. Cordy can be used in conjunction with Palladia or other chemotherapy drugs, and we have received reports that it can help reduce side effects when used together. One option is to take a break from Palladia and monitor the situation with Cordy alone. If you are hesitant to stop the medication, we recommend increasing the dose of Cordy to help mitigate side effects. Cordy with organic germanium is optimal unless there are issues with breathing at rest, severe heart disease, or epilepsy seizures. Organic germanium can help alleviate pain, promote blood flow, and facilitate the detoxification process within the body. For concerns about soft stools, constipation, or gut health, Cordy that has been dual-cultured with lactobacillus is ideal to help establish immunocompetence and improve gut health at the same time.

Dog Cancer – ＜Cordy Research Laboratory＞

【Offered by Shiota Animal Hospital】Case Study on the Combined Use of Coriolus Versicolor (Corti) and NMN for Canine Maxillary Fibrosarcoma

Sat, 22 Jun 2019 08:55:34 +0000

Pet Information

Name: Kokoro-chan
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Gender: Spayed Female
Weight: 7.45kg at initial consultation
Date of Birth: January 20, 2007
Disease: Fibrosarcoma in the right maxilla

Progress and Current Condition

January 28, 2019

Diagnosed with malignant non-epithelial tumor in the right maxilla at another clinic. Started taking Cordy and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide).
Dosage: 0.4g/kg/day

February 2

Tumor removal surgery performed, diagnosed as fibrosarcoma through pathological examination. Continued taking Cordy and NMN.

February 16

Weight remains almost the same at 7.55kg. Exhibits no issues with energy or appetite.

March 2

Tumor recurred at the same site as in January, prompting another removal surgery. Continued taking Cordy and NMN.

March 6

Appetite present but difficulty swallowing, with drooling from the right side. Inflammation in the surgical site’s oral mucosa and bad breath present, so Interdog is administered every other day.

March 19

Weight 7.65kg. Bad breath persists, but oral condition is favorable. Appears to be in good health.

March 23

Weight 7.75kg. Continued bad breath, but oral condition and overall health are good. No tumor growth observed.

April 8

Weight 8.1kg. Bad breath persists, but oral condition and overall health are good. No tumor growth observed, no issues with energy or appetite. Continued taking Cordy, NMN, and Interdog.

April 27

Weight 7.9kg. Oral condition is good, but nasal discharge is present.

May 9

Weight 7.8kg. Slight bleeding from the oral cavity observed.

May 14

Tumor removal from the oral cavity.

May 24

Weight 8.0kg. Condition is stable. Continued taking Cordy and NMN.

June 7

Weight 7.5kg. Appetite present but difficulty eating due to pain. Pain relief prescribed.

June 10

Weight 7.8kg. Began subcutaneous injections of liquid-cultured Cordy and NMN (4ml once a day) and oral sprays. Appetite present.

June 15

Weight 7.9kg. Condition is good, bad breath has disappeared, and drooling has decreased.

June 29

Weight 7.85kg. Appetite present, but oral tumor slightly increased in size, and minor bad breath observed. Continued with subcutaneous injections of liquid-cultured Cordy and NMN (4ml once a day), oral sprays, and oral administration.

From the Hospital

1.5 months have passed since the third tumor removal, and the condition remains stable.

Our laboratory is conducting research on the synergistic effects, immune modulation capabilities, and potential anti-cancer properties of Cordy and NMN (β-nicotinamide mononucleotide).

High-Dose Vitamin C Drip Therapy: Cancer Treatment for Dogs and Cats

moro — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 09:39:16 +0000

High-Dose Vitamin C: A Natural Anticancer Agent

It might be hard to believe for those hearing it for the first time, but vitamin C does have anticancer properties. The anticancer effects of large amounts of vitamin C are by no means weak.

The treatment itself does not require particularly advanced technology and can be performed in hospitals with reasonably equipped facilities. (Of course, training and study are necessary.)

Although there aren’t many veterinary hospitals nationwide that offer high-dose vitamin C drip therapy, why not search to see if there is one near you?

What is High-Dose Vitamin C Drip Therapy?

It’s a revolutionary and straightforward treatment method where large amounts of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are administered via drip to selectively target and attack cancer cells. This new cancer treatment has started to be introduced in human clinics and is being adopted by some veterinary hospitals for the treatment of cancer in dogs and cats.

Features of High-Dose Vitamin C Drip Therapy

In high-dose vitamin C therapy, vitamin C is used like an anticancer agent. However, it is markedly different from conventional anticancer drugs and, when used correctly, is a treatment method with very few side effects and extremely low risk.

Expected to have anticancer effects.
No toxicity to normal cells, hence no worries about side effects.
Can be combined with other treatment methods without compromising safety.
Expected to prevent aging due to its antioxidant effects (anti-aging).
Oral administration does not yield similar results.
Uses a specialized vitamin C, making it relatively expensive.
Short duration of effect.

To understand the differences from anticancer drugs, we have compiled articles on anticancer drugs for your reference.

Mechanism of Action

Many people are aware that Vitamin C has antioxidant properties, but understanding the anticancer effects of Vitamin C requires some knowledge.

Here’s a simplified summary to make it easier to understand (although there are other mechanisms as well):

When Vitamin C prevents oxidation in the body, it gets oxidized itself.
Oxidized Vitamin C generates hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a powerful oxidizing agent.
Normal cells produce an enzyme called catalase, which instantly detoxifies hydrogen peroxide.
In contrast, cancer cells cannot produce catalase and are attacked by hydrogen peroxide.
Cancer cells suffer significant oxidative damage to their cell membranes and DNA, eventually leading to their death.

*Hydrogen peroxide is a potent oxidizing agent that is harmful to the body. It is also an ingredient in disinfectants (e.g., hydrogen peroxide solution).
*Catalase is an enzyme that breaks down harmful hydrogen peroxide into harmless water and oxygen.

Practical Application of High-Dose Vitamin C IV Therapy

Unfortunately, it is not effective against all cancers. It is currently positioned as an adjunctive therapy to standard treatments (surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy).

However, it can be said that even chemotherapy is not effective against all cancers. Furthermore, chemotherapeutic agents are highly toxic, and there are many cases where their use is not feasible despite their high antitumor effects. Forcing the use of chemotherapy can not only increase costs but also potentially shorten the lifespan of the patient.

While it is positioned as an adjunctive therapy, high-dose Vitamin C IV therapy may be administered alone in cases where the patient is too weak to endure standard treatments, is elderly, or if the pet owner has a strong aversion to chemotherapy.

Future of High-Dose Vitamin C IV Therapy

Treatments like high-dose Vitamin C therapy, which are highly safe and cause minimal harm to the body, are desired for animals to regain true health. If research advances and treatment outcomes improve, there is a strong possibility that it may become a mainstream and widely adopted treatment.

However, there are challenges. To achieve sufficient effects, more than two IV sessions per week are necessary. The required frequency makes the treatment costly.

One reason for the high cost is the lack of domestically produced Vitamin C suitable for IV use due to issues with additives. Currently, imported products must be used, which drives up the cost.

Moreover, it is believed that dogs do not benefit as much from this treatment as humans do. This may be related to the fact that dogs can synthesize Vitamin C within their bodies.
However, at the very least, it may be beneficial in improving the quality of life (QOL).

Rather than treating solely with high-dose vitamin C IV therapy, incorporating other alternative therapies, such as Cordy which has immune-activating properties, to enhance the effects can lead to synergistic benefits.

Synergistic Effects with High-Dose Vitamin C IV Therapy

At Cordy Laboratory, we have received multiple reports from veterinarians in clinical settings about the synergistic effects of combining Cordy with high-dose vitamin C IV therapy.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

監修獣医師：林美彩　　所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所

代替療法と西洋医学、両方の動物病院での勤務経験と多数のコルディの臨床経験をもつ。　モノリス在籍時には、一般的な動物医療（西洋医学）だけでは対応が困難な症例に対して多くの相談を受け、免疫の大切さを痛烈に実感する。
ペットたちの健康維持・改善のためには薬に頼った対処療法だけではなく、「普段の生活環境や食事を見直し、自宅でさまざまなケアを取り入れることで免疫力を維持し、病気にならない体づくりを目指していくことが大切である」という考えを提唱し普及活動に従事している。

所属：

獣医保健ソーシャルワーク協会

著書：

What is malignant melanoma in dogs and cats?

moro — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 06:36:48 +0000

Malignant melanoma, also known as “melanoma,” is a type of malignant tumor (cancer) that is not effectively treatable with chemotherapy, thus making surgery a priority. However, it is a highly aggressive cancer with a high recurrence rate post-surgery and rapid progression. Nonetheless, combining immune strategies and dietary therapy can potentially improve prognoses.

Malignant Melanoma: Skin Cancer

Malignant melanoma is a condition where melanin-producing cells (melanocytes, pigment cells) become tumorous.

Melanin produced by these melanocytes absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thereby reducing cellular damage caused by UV exposure and preventing the development of malignant tumors, among other effects. The darkening of the skin from sun exposure is a result of melanocytes working to protect the skin from UV radiation.

However, when these melanocytes abnormally proliferate, it leads to malignant melanoma, also known as melanoma.

Among tumors, it is highly malignant and prone to metastasis.

Melanocytes are distributed in the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and malignant melanomas often develop in these areas. They are especially dense in parts that get a lot of sun exposure, like the face, or areas with physiological pigmentation, such as the external genitals.

Amelanotic Melanoma

As the name suggests, malignant melanoma is typically discovered as a “black tumor,” but there are variants that lack pigmentation—these are called amelanotic melanomas.
Amelanotic melanoma refers to a type of malignant melanoma that does not produce melanin, and it is considered more malignant and has a poorer prognosis compared to typical malignant melanoma.

Malignant melanomas are more frequently observed in dogs (while relatively rare in cats), and like other tumors, the risk of occurrence increases with age. Breeds with a higher predisposition include Miniature Dachshunds and Labrador Retrievers.
Among tumors, it is highly malignant and prone to metastasis.

When surgery is feasible, it is the first treatment option.
However, depending on the location of the occurrence, complete removal may be difficult, leading to palliative surgery aimed at reducing volume, or it might require more extensive procedures such as jaw removal or limb amputation. Consequently, surgery might not be suitable for older pets, those in poor health, or those with metastatic sites.

Additionally, chemotherapy often yields limited results, and radiation therapy facilities are limited. Each session also necessitates anesthesia, raising concerns about its impact on the pet’s body.

In our laboratory, we are conducting research to determine whether administering Cordyceps can modulate the immune system and if it can be effective against cancer and melanoma.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

監修獣医師：林美彩　　所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所

所属：

獣医保健ソーシャルワーク協会

著書：

Melanoma Case Reports

Case of Long-term Control of Oral Melanoma in Dogs Without Surgery

Usage Example of Dog Oral Melanoma Tumor – Report from Shiota Animal Hospital

Case of Long-term Control of Oral Melanoma in Dogs

Case of Controlling Oral Melanoma in Dogs Using Alternative Therapy

Administering Cordy to Elderly Dogs with Oral Melanoma: Consultation with the Laboratory

moro — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 07:00:52 +0000

Expected Effects on Oral Melanoma

Melanoma commonly occurs in both dogs and cats.

Here, we introduce the expected effects of administering Cordy for oral melanoma.

14-year-old Miniature Dachshund. Developed melanoma in the mouth. The veterinarian offered three options: 1. Surgery 2. Radiation Therapy 3. Chemotherapy. Due to the dog’s advanced age, we do not want to cause unnecessary suffering. However, it is also hard to just watch without doing anything. Is there any good alternative?

Typically, as your vet mentioned, aggressive treatments such as options 1-3 are the main approach for tumor treatment. However, aggressive treatment in a weakened state can often result in a ‘can’t see the forest for the trees’ scenario, leading to a condition where ‘although the tumor is gone, the life might also fade away.’ While melanoma is a highly malignant tumor, if your immune cells can function properly, you can expect to prevent tumor growth.

Though it is challenging to eliminate the tumor, you may aim to suppress its adverse effects and achieve a positive coexistence with the tumor.

Cordy aims to suppress tumor cell activity by restoring the immune regulation to its original state.

Because it imposes almost no burden on the body, it can be safely administered even to elderly dogs with low vitality. There have been clinical reports of administering Cordy to aged dogs with melanoma.

Additionally, if the dog has no issues with respiration, heart disease, or epilepsy, administering organic germanium can promote blood circulation, eliminate body toxins, and alleviate pain.
*Warning: If your pet is a brachycephalic breed with rapid breathing during normal times, or if they have lung or heart disease, or epilepsy, refrain from using supplements containing organic germanium.

Moreover, for dogs suffering from frequent soft stools or constipation, it is recommended to give supplements containing lactic acid bacteria to improve intestinal health.

Reviewing daily diet is also crucial.
Tumor cells absorb carbohydrates (specifically glucose) faster than normal cells and use it exclusively as their nutritional source, thus promoting growth.

By providing a low-carb diet, the tumor cells are deprived of their nutrients and thus grow less aggressively. Switching to a low-carb, high-protein diet is recommended.

Additionally, since it is an oral tumor, try to provide as soft a diet as possible to avoid stimulating the tumor.

Our laboratory is researching if administering Cordy can facilitate immune regulation and have a beneficial effect on cancer.
If you have any questions, please contact us here.

監修獣医師：林美彩　　所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所

所属：

獣医保健ソーシャルワーク協会

著書：

Case Reports on Melanoma

Considerations on the Concurrent Use of Palladia and Cordy in Dogs with Mast Cell Tumors: Consultation with the Laboratory

moro — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 06:17:43 +0000

Consideration on the Combined Use of Cordy and Palladia for Dogs with Mast Cell Tumors

My beloved dog has been diagnosed with a mast cell tumor and is currently taking a medication called Palladia. Recently, I have noticed a slight decrease in appetite.

I am unsure whether to continue the medication as it is.

Palladia is a medication that targets specific molecules unique to cancer cells and is expected to minimize side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy.

Although it is commonly used for treating mast cell tumors, it remains a type of chemotherapy drug. These drugs and targeted therapies are meant to prevent the decrease of quality of life (QOL) caused by tumors. However, if these treatments result in decreased energy levels or appetite, it could further degrade QOL and potentially pose life-threatening risks.

Has the decrease in appetite been observed since starting Palladia?

If the amount of food intake is decreasing, it is possible that the levels of proteins in the body are lower than normal.

When the body lacks adequate protein, it can hinder the effective transport of medications, potentially exacerbating side effects.

Please check the amount of protein in the food currently being fed, and aim for a diet that is low in carbohydrates (specifically sugars) and high in protein, such as a low-carb, high-protein diet that limits nutrients for cancer cells.

If you have any questions regarding the diet, please feel free to contact us.

At the Cordy Laboratory, we are researching the interactions when combining the immune-modulating component Cordy with chemotherapy drugs like Palladia.

Unless there are issues with breathing at rest, severe heart conditions, or seizures (epileptic fits), it may be appropriate to provide supplements containing organic germanium.
Organic germanium is expected to alleviate pain and promote blood flow, which helps in the elimination of toxins from the body.

If your pet frequently experiences soft stools or constipation and you are concerned about their intestinal environment, consider giving them a supplement containing lactic acid bacteria. This can help stabilize their immune function and improve their gut health.

Our laboratory is conducting research on whether administering Cordy can modulate the immune system and if it can be effective against cancer.

If you have any questions, please contact us here.

監修獣医師：林美彩　　所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所

所属：

獣医保健ソーシャルワーク協会

著書：

The Effect of Cordyceps on Benign Mammary Tumors in Dogs: Consultation with a Laboratory

moro — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 05:40:44 +0000

Is it effective for benign mammary tumors?

We often receive inquiries from pet owners whose dogs or cats have been diagnosed with benign mammary tumors. Cordy can be expected to have an effect on benign tumors as well, so please consider this as a reference.

I have an 8-year-old Toy Poodle. During a grooming session, I was told there is a lump in the mammary gland, and after a cytology test at our local vet, it was diagnosed as a benign tumor. However, since the tumor is still small, it was recommended to perform surgery sooner rather than later.

Although my dog is healthy and has a good appetite, I am honestly scared of subjecting my beloved dog to anesthesia. While researching other options besides surgery, I came across the Cordy Laboratory.

There is a 50% chance that mammary tumors in dogs are malignant. While the current tumor is benign, benign tumors can grow larger over time and exhibit similar behaviors to malignant tumors. If the tumor grows larger, the surgery would require longer anesthesia and the incision would be bigger.

Since your dog is still relatively young at 8 years old and has a good appetite, the risk associated with anesthesia is not considered very high. However, as your dog enters the senior phase of life, the immune system will gradually weaken, which can lead to tumor growth.

Before any anesthesia procedure, a blood test is always conducted. If there are no issues with the blood test, surgery might be worth considering.

However, if you are particularly fearful of surgery, maintaining and boosting your dog’s immune system can help suppress tumor cell activity.

Cordy is being researched to see if it can suppress tumor cell activity by restoring the regulatory function of the immune system.

It’s generally very safe and can be administered even to dogs with lower energy levels. There are clinical reports of Cordy being administered to dogs and cats with benign and malignant mammary tumors.

Additionally, unless your dog has respiratory issues, heart disease, or epilepsy, you can use organic germanium to promote blood flow, eliminate toxins from the body, and alleviate pain.

As dogs enter the senior phase, circulation can become sluggish. Enhancing circulation and detoxifying the body with organic germanium can stabilize the immune system.

*We recommend avoiding supplements containing organic germanium if your dog is a brachycephalic breed with rapid breathing at rest, or has pulmonary diseases, heart diseases, or epilepsy.

For dogs with frequent loose stools or constipation, giving supplements containing probiotics to improve gut health is also recommended.

Switching to a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet can help prevent the activation of tumor cells and potentially suppress tumor growth.

At our laboratory, we are conducting research to ascertain whether Cordy can modulate the immune system and demonstrate efficacy against cancer. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

監修獣医師：林美彩　　所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所

所属：

獣医保健ソーシャルワーク協会

著書：

Case Reports on Mammary Tumors

### Precautionary Note on Trace Exposure to Anticancer Drugs During Pet Cancer Treatment

moro — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 03:16:42 +0000

When using chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of cancer in dogs, cats, and other pets, trace amounts of these drugs are excreted through their feces and urine.

In households with small children, special attention should be given to the risk of minor exposure to these chemotherapy drugs.

Unknown Risks of Chemotherapy Drugs

Did you know that when you give your pet chemotherapy treatment, you and your family might also be exposed to potential dangers?

This page addresses the issue of “minor exposure” to chemotherapy drugs. This problem occurs when the chemotherapy drugs excreted by your pet lead to the pet owner being exposed.

Minor exposure to chemotherapy drugs can result in physical discomfort and, in some cases, severe problems.

Despite being a significant issue, most pet owners are not sufficiently informed about to chemotherapy drugs.

Unlike common side effects, minor exposure does not cause immediate major harm.

Symptoms may appear years or even decades later.

Given such a long timeframe, pursuing the facts is extremely challenging.

The full extent of the damage is mostly unknown.

Most people may not experience actual harm from minor amounts of chemotherapy drugs, measured in micrograms, but it is possible that some may have already been affected.

When your beloved dog or cat receives chemotherapy treatment, you and your family living with the pet are potentially subject to minor exposure.
Currently, it seems difficult to obtain sufficient information from animal hospitals.

Therefore, we urge you to carefully review this page and consider protective measures for yourself.

Ways Chemotherapy Drugs Enter Your Body

How do chemotherapy drugs administered to animals affect our bodies?

Chemotherapy drugs given to animals are excreted through various pathways.

Almost 100% of the administered dosage is eventually expelled from the body.

Most are excreted through feces and urine, but chemotherapy drugs can also be found in saliva, breath, sweat, and shedding hair.

Chemotherapy drugs secreted through sebaceous glands volatilize from the body surface.

When living with a pet undergoing chemotherapy treatment, almost invariably, you will come into contact with these substances if you do not take precautions.

At the very least, you will breathe the air exhaled by your pet.

You may be absorbing chemotherapy drugs through your skin and lungs.
Chemotherapeutic agents are compounds that decompose poorly in the natural environment, so even there is a risk of minor exposure to these agents from aged excreta.

While some chemotherapeutic agents are broken down and detoxified within the animal’s body, the majority are excreted either unchanged or as even more toxic active metabolites.

It may be hard to believe that chemotherapeutic agents can volatilize, but it is known that some are highly volatile. Others can become aerosolized and disperse into the air. Naturally, in a closed room, the concentration of chemotherapeutic agents will increase.

Chemotherapeutic agents easily vaporize

Cyclophosphamide (Endoxan), used in the treatment of malignant lymphoma, is particularly well-known for its high volatility. Knowing that mustard gas (a toxic gas) was the origin of its development may make it easier to imagine.

Behavior of Chemotherapeutic Agents in the Body

Typical chemotherapeutic agents (cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents) cause severe impacts on chromosomes within cells.

They bind strongly with DNA in chromosomes or cut the DNA. As a result, cell division fails, leading to cell death.

Even if you are exposed to small amounts of chemotherapeutic agents, you might not immediately feel any abnormalities. Any issues that do arise are often mild, like headaches or dizziness, making it hard to identify the cause as exposure.

The real damage may be felt years or even decades later.

Some cells may survive despite DNA damage due to insufficient attack by the chemotherapeutic agents.

From these cells, “undying cells” akin to zombies, meaning cancer cells, may emerge. If the immune system fails to function, these cancerous cells may proliferate and eventually form a large cancerous mass.

Comparing Chemotherapeutic Agents to a Gun

Chemotherapeutic agents are not drugs that precisely target only cancer cells. They are more like a machine gun fired blindly. As such, they indiscriminately attack normal cells as well. Most people are aware that chemotherapeutic agents have many side effects, and understanding this characteristic helps make sense of that. Incidentally, the gun that accurately targets cancer cells is our body’s immune system.

People Susceptible to Impact

As mentioned above, there is a possibility that healthy cells could become cancerous due to minor exposure to chemotherapeutic agents.

Chemotherapeutic agents particularly affect cells that are actively dividing.
For example, because reproductive cells are susceptible to damage, I think that couples who wish to conceive and families with infants and toddlers in their growth stages should take special care.

Additionally, if you are raising multiple dogs or cats, take caution as these pets tend to lie on the floor or lick surfaces.

Are Medications a Risk?

From the perspective of a healthy person, all medications are essentially poisons.

The most extreme of these poisons is chemotherapy drugs. Even exposure in microgram quantities might have an impact on future health.

There is a common joke that “kusuri (medicine) backwards is risuku (risk),” but chemotherapy is no joking matter. It is normal for the side effect occurrence rate to be 80% or 90%. While the risk decreases the more diluted the chemotherapy is, it is believed that even if diluted 1000 times, the risk will not be zero.
For reference, 1/1000 of 1 mg is 1 microgram.

About Safe Amounts

No safe amount exists for chemotherapy drugs.

Side effects can occur even at amounts too low to be effective.

Please also refer to this: Reasons Why 90% of Chemotherapy Patients Experience Side Effects (with Illustration)

Of course, the less the amount of chemotherapy drugs, the lower the danger. However, such tests cannot be conducted on the human body.

Even at extremely low microgram levels, it is possible that future health issues may occur.

You have to protect yourselves.

“Not in past literatures” or “No comment from the veterinarian” are not very helpful when it comes to the issue of minimal exposure to chemotherapy drugs.

On Detoxification

There is no antidote for chemotherapy drugs. Procedures aiming to promote excretion through fluid therapy or diuretics are unlikely to be effective for minimal exposure.

There are drugs that neutralize spilled chemotherapy drugs, but they are not for use on the human body.

Although not a detoxification method, I recommend activities such as improving your diet to boost immunity as a future cancer prevention measure.

A Life-Threatening Profession

Recently, even in Japan, the exposure of healthcare workers to chemotherapy drugs is becoming a recognized issue. Administering chemotherapy is the job of nurses, but due to the pressures of their daily tasks, safety measures are often insufficient.

Overseas studies have pointed out a high rate of chromosomal abnormalities among nurses handling chemotherapy drugs. In fact, when examining the floors around IV setups, trace amounts of chemotherapy drugs are found, even without spills. Nurses are exposed to invisible droplets and fumes of chemotherapy drugs and work with anxiety about their future.
Pharmacists responsible for higher-risk tasks, namely “chemotherapy preparation,” have nearly comprehensive safety measures in place. They wear protective clothing, gloves, masks, and goggles to safeguard themselves from chemotherapy splashes. Additionally, to avoid inhaling volatile chemotherapy gases, they prepare the drugs by inserting only their hands into a safety cabinet. The scene resembles a chemical weapons factory.

Incidentally, within the safety cabinet, there is a significant amount of spillage of chemotherapy drugs.

Reference Article

Japan Nursing Association – Exposure Prevention Measures Against Chemotherapy Agents

Expected Health Hazards, Dangerous Acts, Precautions

Below, I have listed what I believe is essential.
Of course, what I have written is not exhaustive. Please make your own decisions.

It is also crucial to consider not only protecting yourself but also your family, acquaintances, others, other animals, plantings, and the surrounding environment.
Please act based on morality, assuming the worst-case scenario.

Examples of Health Hazards (Predicted)

The side effects of chemotherapy drugs disclosed by manufacturers are those observed when a sufficient dose is administered. However, this does not mean that “a small amount is safe.”

The drug-induced damages of chemotherapy can sometimes be life-threatening, so please be cautious.

Examples of Commonly Affected Dog Breeds

An increased rate of cancer occurrence such as lymphoma.
An increased rate of severe immune diseases.
A decrease in pregnancy rates.
An increase in fetal malformations and disabilities.
Worsening of dermatitis, allergies, liver disorders, and kidney disorders.
A decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Be Aware of These Actions

When spending time with your pet, the following actions and habits may increase the risk of minor exposure to chemotherapy drugs for you or your cohabiting family members.

Actions to Be Careful of When Spending Time with Your Pet

Your pet licking you.
Being sneezed on by your pet.
Contact with infants.
Contact with pregnant women.
Handling your pet’s vomit without gloves.
Cleaning the litter box without gloves.
Coming into contact with blood.
Spending time in poorly ventilated rooms.
Bathing together.
Sleeping in the same bed.
Carrying your pet for long walks.

Other Precautions

Even when not in direct contact with your pet, precautions are necessary. To reduce exposure for you and your cohabiting family members, it is recommended to keep the following in mind.

Additional Precautionary Measures

Wear slippers indoors.
Open windows and wear a disposable mask when cleaning.
Do not leave mopping cloths on the floor.
Seal used litter sheets or sand before disposal.
Wash pet laundry separately.
Do not put items dropped on the floor in your mouth.

Consider Others

To protect others and the general public from minor exposure to chemotherapy drugs, it is essential for pet owners to practice certain considerations, situational awareness, and empathy.

Considerate Actions

Do not take your pet for grooming immediately after chemotherapy administration.
Ask the groomer to wear gloves and a mask.
Inform other veterinary clinics if your pet is undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Avoid outdoor toileting for a few days following chemotherapy administration.
Use a yellow ribbon on the leash during walks to prevent contact with others.
In upstream areas (such as mountain campsites), bring back feces and urine.

Protect Other Animals

Consideration for your cohabiting pets as well as animals encountered during walks is necessary. Avoid situations that may lead to grooming or fights.

Examples of Behavior that Does Not Involve Other Animals

If you have multiple pets, isolate them.
In a veterinary hospital, wait in the car, etc.
Do not let cats out of the house.

Strengthen Immunity to Reduce Exposure Damage

In Japan, which has a small land area and is one of the world’s leading users of anticancer drugs, it is strictly speaking impossible to completely prevent even minimal exposure to anticancer drugs.

This is because anticancer drugs released into the environment are believed to already contaminate the air, tap water, agricultural products, livestock, and fish.

However, the risk when administering anticancer drugs to pets is significantly higher compared to these natural exposures.

Exposure to anticancer drugs can damage genes, potentially causing various diseases. Therefore, it is important to minimize exposure to anticancer drugs as much as possible.

Moreover, ensuring a robust immune system can help reduce the risk of damaged genes becoming cancerous, even if there is minimal exposure.

Improving liver function to enhance detoxification is also beneficial. It is expected that quality of life (QOL) can be further improved through liver measures using domestic SPF pork-derived placenta powder.

For households with multiple pets, small children, or pregnant women, it is especially advised to proactively undertake immune and liver health measures.

At the Cordy Research Laboratory, we also study the human applications of Cordy and domestic SPF pork-derived placenta powder, which are expected to modulate immunity. If you have any questions about Cordy or domestic SPF pork-derived placenta powder, please contact us.

監修獣医師：林美彩　　所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所

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獣医保健ソーシャルワーク協会

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Articles on Anti-Cancer Drugs

Suppressing Cancer Stem Cells to Overcome Cancer in Dogs, Cats, and Pets

moro — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 02:47:17 +0000

Cancer stem cells are the ringleaders of cancer in dogs, cats, and other pets. In this article, we will explain the characteristics of cancer stem cells and methods to effectively address their power. While it is difficult to attack cancer stem cells with chemotherapy and other treatments, consider implementing immune defenses to prevent cancer stem cells from endlessly producing cancer.

What You Will Learn in This Article

Why can’t we defeat cancer? Why does it recur even after treatment? Recently, there has been an important discovery that unravels this mystery—the discovery of cancer stem cells.

Cancer stem cells cannot be defeated by conventional cancer treatments. They tenaciously survive throughout the animal’s body and promote cancer growth.

Overview of Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer stem cells are special cells that exist in small numbers within a cancerous mass.

Cancer stem cells have the ability to produce cancer cells indefinitely, serving as the source of cancer cells—the primary cells behind cancer proliferation. They can migrate throughout the body and are deeply involved in the mechanisms of recurrence and metastasis. The true culprit behind cancer growth can be said to be “cancer stem cells.”

Additionally, unlike general cancer cells, they possess several mechanisms that neutralize cancer treatments.

Many studies have been initiated worldwide to target these cancer stem cells. Practical treatment methods are anticipated to emerge, but it may still take some time.

Below is an illustration of cancer cells. The red spheres represent cancer stem cells, while the blue spheres represent general cancer cells.
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If we consider cancer as a hierarchical society, the cancer stem cells are the ones reigning at the top. Imagine them as the queen ants continuously producing worker ants.

Cancer stem cells produce cancer cells infinitely and show no signs of weakening. They withstand various cancer treatments and demonstrate particularly high resistance to anti-cancer drugs.

The image below illustrates the situation after administering anti-cancer drugs. Only the common cancer cells are destroyed, while the cancer stem cells remain intact.

Future cancer treatments will need to focus on either eliminating or pacifying cancer stem cells.

So far, no effective treatment methods have been established. Since the existence of cancer stem cells was only recently proven, this is somewhat unavoidable. Even the latest anti-cancer drugs and molecular targeted therapies show little effectiveness against cancer stem cells.

It should be noted that these studies target humans. Research on dogs and cats is virtually nonexistent.

The most practical approach is to utilize the immune strength of pets. In the latter part of this page, we will introduce two simple methods to improve immune function. We hope you find them useful.

Characteristics of Cancer Stem Cells

Characteristics: Two Reasons Why Cancer Grows Almost Perpetually

Cancer stem cells have several key characteristics. The first two points to understand are:

They can divide infinitely, continuously supplying young cancer cells, thus allowing the tumor to grow.
They have high environmental adaptability, enabling them to survive in metastatic sites and resume cell division to form new tumors.

If a malignant tumor (cancer mass) is left untreated, it continues to grow larger. This is because cancer stem cells continuously produce highly proliferative young cancer cells.

The produced cancer cells multiply rapidly. While it is believed that the division pace of regular cancer cells eventually slows down, cancer stem cells keep supplying young cells, causing the tumor to continue growing.

Cancer stem cells also possess high environmental adaptability, which is one reason why cancer can metastasize easily. Let’s use a typical example of a metastasizing cancer, mammary gland tumors.

Cancer stem cells accustomed to the mammary environment can survive in the lymph or blood after detaching from the mammary gland. Once they reach the lymph nodes, they adapt to the new environment and start proliferating again. Furthermore, they adjust to the environment of the lungs, create new cancer cells, and form tumors, leading to lung metastasis.

Due to these characteristics, cancer never stops growing and can suddenly metastasize to distant organs (lungs, liver, brain, etc.).

Characteristics: Two Reasons for Their Immortality

Cancer stem cells exhibit high resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy due to the following two features:

They have a slow cell division pace and can switch between dormancy and proliferation modes. Therefore, anti-cancer drugs that target cell division are mostly ineffective.
They can detoxify reactive oxygen species. Thus, anti-cancer drugs and radiation therapies that use reactive oxygen species as an attack mechanism are mostly ineffective.

Cancer stem cells are initially considered immortal, and they are often referred to as invincible because of their characteristics.

Standard cancer cells are typically destroyed by chemotherapy. Most chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells during their division process. Since standard cancer cells divide rapidly and have many vulnerabilities, they become prime targets.

In contrast, cancer stem cells do not divide as quickly. They can remain dormant, similar to hibernation, and not proliferate at all, making it rare for chemotherapy drugs to target them during this period.

Radiation therapy is also less effective against them. One of the mechanisms of radiation therapy is its indirect anti-cancer effect through reactive oxygen species. However, cancer stem cells can detoxify reactive oxygen species, rendering the treatment ineffective.

The Reasons for Recurrence After Surgery

Recurrence after surgery involves two characteristics: the unlimited proliferation ability and the high adaptability of cancer stem cells.

Recurrence after surgery is common, and it is due to the remnants of cancer stem cells. These cells may be hiding in blood or lymphatic vessels, around the tumor, or within distant organs, and they can be left behind after surgery.

This is not a surgical failure. It is fundamentally impossible to remove cancer stem cells scattered throughout the body through surgery alone.

You might have heard phrases like “only God knows” regarding recurrence, but you may now understand that recurrence is more common if no action is taken.

Considering these factors, postoperative care is crucial.

Basic measures like enhancing physical strength and immunity are essential. While large tumors are removed surgically, it’s the immune system’s role to suppress the residual, scattered cancer cells.

Why Chemotherapy Isn’t Effective

Most cancers are not cured by chemotherapy. This is a well-known fact and is almost common knowledge among doctors and veterinarians.

This can be easily explained by the characteristics of cancer stem cells, specifically their slow cell division pace and detoxification ability against reactive oxygen species.

Let’s explain briefly about cell division. Cell division is the process by which a single cell divides into two (or more) cells. Normal cells also divide, but this process occurs frequently within tumors. During cell division, DNA is replicated. As the DNA unfolds from its compact structure to replicate, it becomes more susceptible to drug effects.

Most chemotherapy drugs attack during this cell division timing. Since cell division occurs repeatedly within tumors, chemotherapy drugs often show a good response. Temporarily, chemotherapy can sometimes reduce the size of the tumor.
Cancer stem cells present within tumors are less affected by anticancer drugs. This is due to their slow cell division pace. The temporary shrinkage of the tumor occurs because general cancer cells are destroyed. However, the cancer stem cells remain.

Additionally, cancer stem cells can switch between a proliferation mode and a hibernation mode, where they do not undergo cell division. Anticancer drugs are considered nearly powerless against cancer stem cells in hibernation mode.

Some anticancer drugs attack cancer cells using reactive oxygen species (ROS), but cancer stem cells resist this attack as well. They produce a substance called glutathione inside the cells, which removes ROS and weakens the attack from these drugs.

The high adaptability of cancer stem cells allows them to adapt even to the harsh environment during chemotherapy. Once adapted, they can regrow even during treatment, leading to drug resistance. It is believed that young cancer cells derived from cancer stem cells also possess resistance to anticancer drugs, indicating an increased malignancy of the cancer.

Even with highly malignant cancer, changing the anticancer drugs might temporarily reduce the tumor size. However, continuous use of anticancer drugs may eventually overwhelm the body and mind. Forcing it too much can severely compromise the immune system, counteracting the treatment’s effectiveness and essentially giving free rein to the cancer.

Why Radiation Therapy is Ineffective

The ability of cancer stem cells to detoxify reactive oxygen species weakens the effectiveness of radiation therapy.

While radiation therapy might be perceived as a method to burn and kill cancer cells, it slightly differs. Radiation therapy aims to damage the DNA of cancer cells and cause their cell division to fail.

There are two mechanisms for damaging DNA: the first is direct DNA fragmentation by radiation, and the second is the indirect DNA fragmentation caused by energizing water within the cell, which then produces ROS to attack the DNA. The combination of these two mechanisms exhibits anticancer effects.

As mentioned earlier, cancer stem cells can detoxify reactive oxygen species, demonstrating strong resistance to the second mechanism.

Suggestions to Implement Immediately

You may already understand that conventional cancer treatments find it very difficult to suppress cancer stem cells. Therefore, fundamentally curing cancer with chemotherapy or radiation therapy is also extremely challenging.

To provide better cancer treatment for your dogs and cats, owners need to adopt some thoughtful strategies. Here, we’ll introduce two methods. Both are simple and safe, and they are worth trying immediately.

Improving diet
Supplements administration

Improving diet aims to boost physical strength while reducing the supply of nutrients to cancer cells. By increasing protein intake and decreasing carbohydrates, the goal is to cut off the nutrients essential for cancer growth. Specifically, you should provide proteins from meat or fish in their regular meals and reduce grain (carbohydrates) and potato-based foods. Also, ensure to include quality fats.

You might wonder, “Can this really improve the condition?” Since diet is a daily matter, ensuring sufficient intake of necessary nutrients while limiting the nutrients that feed cancer cells forms the basis of cancer treatment.

Believing that commercial dog food or cat food is the ultimate diet will prevent you from aiming for better treatment. The advantage of commercial food is its “convenience,” but it does not contribute to cancer treatment or prevention.

Many might think that feeding human food to dogs and cats is not advisable. However, it is crucial for everyone to know that much of the ingredients used in pet food are those not eaten or not fit for human consumption.

Human food has certain standards. Meat from cattle, pigs, or chickens that die from diseases, for instance, is not discarded but is often bought cheaply, or taken for a fee, by pet food manufacturers who then use such meat in pet food. This practice is legally acceptable.

Of course, there are companies that set and maintain strict voluntary standards for the food quality they produce, but in many cases, the quality of ingredients used is as above described.

When a cherished family member falls ill, why not use higher safety standards with human-grade ingredients for their health recovery? It may be daunting to change all parts of their diet, so starting with about half might be a good initial step.

With the aforementioned dietary improvements bolstering physical strength, the immune response gradually improves. However, if time is of the essence, proactively supporting the immune system can help achieve a better condition quickly.

The immune system is a natural defense mechanism that animals possess, providing an incredibly efficient countermeasure against cancer. Immune function is a superior self-treatment system beyond any other treatment available.

While immune system research against cancer stem cells is ongoing, the fundamental role of the immune system in identifying and attacking foreign bodies in the body should not be underestimated.

Immune function can easily decline due to trivial factors such as stress, pain, emotional sorrow, improper diet, and poor-quality sleep. If there are aspects that can be improved, please address them immediately.

Immune Modulating Functions Expected from Cordy

Experiments have shown that administering Cordy helps to regulate the entire immune system.
Our laboratory is currently conducting research to determine whether administering Cordy to dogs and cats actually enhances their immunity.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

監修獣医師：林美彩　　所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所

所属：

獣医保健ソーシャルワーク協会

著書：