Dr. Mitchell Gaynor

Mitchell Gaynor, M.D. is founder and president of Gaynor Integrative Oncology and Asst. Clinical Professor of Medicine at Weill College, affiliated with Cornell University and New York Hospital. He has served on the Executive Review Panel at the Department of Defense – Alternative Medicine for Breast Cancer Sector and the Smithsonian Institute's Symposium on New Frontier in Breast Cancer and the Environment. He is a frequent speaker and lecturer at hospitals, conferences, and universities throughout America and abroad.

Dr. Gaynor has been listed consecutively in The Best Doctors in New York since 1997 and serves on the Board of Advisors for The Sass Foundation for Medical Research, The Center for Environmental Oncology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Healthy Living Magazine as well as the Editorial board at the Journal of Cancer Integrative Medicine. He is also the senior health advocate for the Carriage House Foundation. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, he was a clinical fellow in hematology-oncology at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical of Oncology and the American College of Physicians.

Questions & Responses:

Question Three:

 Do you know of any evidence that shows that melatonin lowers estrogen levels and may have an anti-cancer effect?

Dr. Gaynor:

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, located at the base of the brain and quite possibly by breast epithelial cells as well. There are many exciting research studies on melatonin – all at the basic stages. However, these studies have shown that melatonin can decrease breast cancer cell proliferation and acts as an anti- estrogen compound as well. Melatonin has been found to accomplish these amazing feats by blocking the effects of estrogens as well as interfering with the enzyme that control the synthesis of the most potent estrogens in the human body. While there are nutrients found in broccoli and Brussels sprouts such as indole-3 carbinol and diindolemethane which can also decrease the production of potent estrogens in humans, melatonin is made in the body as well. It has also been discovered that the anti-proliferative effects of melatonin are blocked by tamoxifen, suggesting that these effects are mediated by binding to the estrogen receptor in a manner similar to tamoxifen.

Other studies have found that women with breast cancer whose tumors contain the most melatonin have less aggressive types of cancer. Higher melatonin levels were also correlated with the tumor being estrogen receptor positive – another good prognostic factor. Animal studies suggest that being exposed to light at night as well as electromagnetic fields reduces melatonin production. I believe more research is needed to determine whether EMF exposure is partly related to the increased incidence of breast cancer (1 in 22 women in 1960 and 1 in 8 today). Melatonin will be an important compound in the research of breast cancer prevention to be sure.

Question Two:

What you think is the most important complementary/integrative component for someone who is dealing with my recent Stage IV (one met to rib) breast cancer diagnosis? 

Dr. Gaynor:

A diagnosis of metastasis breast cancer can initially be a frightening experience. Take advantage of several oncology opinions to make sure you are receiving the best medical treatment options available. In addition there are several things you can do for yourself:
 
1. Reduce stress - A 1998 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed that women recovering from breast cancer surgery who had the most stress also had a significant decline in the parts of the immune system responsible for preventing a recurrence of cancer. Stress causes increased levels of a stress hormone called cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, which interferes with proper immune function. Yoga, meditation, exercise and music therapy have all been found to reduce stress and enhance immune function.. I would encourage you to learn more about these on my website www.drgaynor.com.
 
2. Support your immune system with smart nutrition. Your immune system is dependent upon a variety of plant-based phytonutrients to function optimally. These include basic vitamins such as A, C and E as well as minerals like zinc and selenium. A major part of the immune system is located in the gut (GALT or gut associated lymphoid tissue) and thus a healthy digestive tract is critical. Consume probiotic bacteria in yogurt or supplement forms as well as foods that nourish these bacteria such as oat bran and flax meal. The probiotic bacteria such as acodophilus and lactobacillus support digestion and help keep GALT optimally functioning.
 
Bioflavonoids found in wheat germ blueberries and grapes are key for both immune system support and recovery.
 
Omega-3 fatty acids found in cold deep water fish and fish oil supplements are also important for immune function. Plant-based omega-3 fatty acids are found on flaxseed oil.
 
Two other nutrients important for both immunity and detoxification are alpha-lipoic acid and NAC (N-acetylcysteine) which keep our bodies supplied with glutathione. Glutathione is a key nutrient which can easily become depleted by toxic overload, inflammation and oxidative stress. Adequate intake of selenium, NAC, and alpha lipoic acid are essential to maintain glutathione levels.
 
3. Minimize inflammation as this depresses immunity. Natural anti-inflammatory nutrients are found in foods such as rosemary, green tea, curcumin, shitake mushroom and flaxseed. In addition avoid foods which promote inflammation such as alcohol, refined sugars, hydrogenated fats, and white flours.

Question One:

I have heard that Iscador (mistletoe) is used sometimes as a complementary breast cancer treatment. I met with a doctor who was not impressed with the Iscador results. What is your take?

Dr. Gaynor:

Mistletoe or viscum album is an herb which grows on oaks and other trees predominantly in Asia and Europe. Mistletoe has been used for many years as a medicinal herb and was first proposed as a treatment for cancer almost ninety years ago by Rudolph Steiner, the founder of anthroposophical medicine. While animal studies show some immune stimulating effect, studies in humans are far from definitive. I believe that despite some claims that cancer patients treated with mistletoe may survive longer, the supporting data for this claim are questionable. Mistletoe treatment is generally given by subcutaneous injection, but may be taken orally. Mistletoe contains a class of compounds called lectins which may improve immune function and have some tumor cell inhibition. Rare allergic reactions have been reported. The leaves and berries of mistletoe can cause harmful and even fatal effects. Therefore carefully prepared mistletoe extracts should only be prescribed by a physician and monitored closely. I do not recommend this therapy for my patients but I think further research into possible efficacy should continue.