Dr. Ahmad Nasri, MD, HMD, discusses several modalities for the treatment and support of cancer, including palladium lipoic complexes (LAPd), and how to combine those into integrative protocols for the individual. Case studies are also presented. LAPd is the complex available commercially as Poly-MVA, a unique nutritional supplement that assists in boosting immune response, healing damaged cells and providing energy for compromised body systems.

Dr. Ahmad Nasri, MD, HMD, utilizes integrative medicine in his clinics in Canada, treating the whole person individually, observing that treating from a holistic point of view provides patients a unique benefit and a higher cure rate. He is an internationally renowned speaker and author.

Poly-MVA is a promising new, non-toxic dietary supplement that may assist in boosting immune response, and healing damaged cells. It is a uniquely formulated nutritional supplement containing a proprietary blend of Palladium and Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamins B1, B2 and B12, Formylmethionine, Acetyl Cystiene, and trace amounts of Molybdinum, Rhodium, and Ruthenium. While definitive studies on it’s effect in human nutrition and health are under way, early studies and anecdotal information indicate that the active ingredients in palladium lipoic complex may be beneficial in protecting cell DNA and RNA, assisting the body produce energy, and provide support to the liver in removing harmful substances from the body. Some studies indicate that ingredients of Poly-MVA can assist in preventing cell damage, and removing heavy metals from the bloodstream. As a powerful antioxidant, it can help to neutralize the free radicals within the body that are thought to influence the aging processes and convert them into energy. Other ingredients are involved in DNA synthesis, production of the myelin sheath that protects nerves, and red blood cell production, and playing an important role in immune and nerve function.

Dr. Shari Lieberman discusses published case studies on the use of palladium lipoic complexes (LAPd) in multiple myeloma and non-small cell lung cancer. LAPd is the complex available commercially as Poly-MVA, a unique nutritional supplement that assists in boosting immune response, healing damaged cells and providing energy for compromised body systems.

Shari Lieberman, Ph.D., C.N.S., F.A.C.N., is a research scientist and industry consultant based in New York City and Pompano Beach, Florida. She is also the Founding Dean of New York Chiropractic College’s (Seneca Falls, New York) MS Degree Program in Clinical Nutrition.

Poly-MVA is a promising new, non-toxic dietary supplement that may assist in boosting immune response, and healing damaged cells. It is a uniquely formulated nutritional supplement containing a proprietary blend of Palladium and Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamins B1, B2 and B12, Formylmethionine, Acetyl Cystiene, and trace amounts of Molybdinum, Rhodium, and Ruthenium. While definitive studies on it’s effect in human nutrition and health are under way, early studies and anecdotal information indicate that the active ingredients in palladium lipoic complex may be beneficial in protecting cell DNA and RNA, assisting the body produce energy, and provide support to the liver in removing harmful substances from the body. Some studies indicate that ingredients of Poly-MVA can assist in preventing cell damage, and removing heavy metals from the bloodstream. As a powerful antioxidant, it can help to neutralize the free radicals within the body that are thought to influence the aging processes and convert them into energy. Other ingredients are involved in DNA synthesis, production of the myelin sheath that protects nerves, and red blood cell production, and playing an important role in immune and nerve function.

Discussion by Dr. Frank Antonawich on how palladium lipoic complexes (LAPd) work inside our cells in relation to its ability to protect cells from oxidative stress. LAPd is the complex available commercially as Poly-MVA, a unique nutritional supplement that assists in boosting immune response, healing damaged cells and providing energy for compromised body systems.

Frank Antonawich, PhD, is the Senior Scientist and Clinical Research Administrator at Garnett McKeen Laboratory, Inc. He is also an Associate Professor of Biology and Chairman St. Joseph’s College, New York as well as an Adjunct Professor of Neurology at a separate research university.

Poly-MVA is a promising new, non-toxic dietary supplement that may assist in boosting immune response, and healing damaged cells. It is a uniquely formulated nutritional supplement containing a proprietary blend of Palladium and Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamins B1, B2 and B12, Formylmethionine, Acetyl Cystiene, and trace amounts of Molybdinum, Rhodium, and Ruthenium. While definitive studies on its effect in human nutrition and health are under way, early studies and anecdotal information indicate that the active ingredients in palladium lipoic complex may be beneficial in protecting cell DNA and RNA, assisting the body produce energy, and provide support to the liver in removing harmful substances from the body. Some studies indicate that ingredients of Poly-MVA can assist in preventing cell damage, and removing heavy metals from the bloodstream. As a powerful antioxidant, it can help to neutralize the free radicals within the body that are thought to influence the aging processes and convert them into energy. Other ingredients are involved in DNA synthesis, production of the myelin sheath that protects nerves, and red blood cell production, and playing an important role in immune and nerve function.

Dr. Frank Antonawich joins a panel of experts at a workshop at a recent American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine International Congress to discuss the positive results observed in his research over the years with palladium lipoic complexes (Poly-MVA) in the areas of energy, mitochondrial function, cancer and stroke.  LAPd is the complex available commercially as Poly-MVA, a unique nutritional supplement that assists in boosting immune response, healing damaged cells and providing energy for compromised body systems.

Frank Antonawich, PhD, is the Senior Scientist and Clinical Research Administrator at Garnett McKeen Laboratory, Inc. He is also an Associate Professor of Biology and Chairman St. Joseph’s College, New York as well as an Adjunct Professor of Neurology at a separate research university.

Poly-MVA is a promising new, non-toxic dietary supplement that may assist in boosting immune response, and healing damaged cells. It is a uniquely formulated nutritional supplement containing a proprietary blend of Palladium and Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamins B1, B2 and B12, Formylmethionine, Acetyl Cystiene, and trace amounts of Molybdinum, Rhodium, and Ruthenium. While definitive studies on it’s effect in human nutrition and health are under way, early studies and anecdotal information indicate that the active ingredients in palladium lipoic complex may be beneficial in protecting cell DNA and RNA, assisting the body produce energy, and provide support to the liver in removing harmful substances from the body. Some studies indicate that ingredients of Poly-MVA can assist in preventing cell damage, and removing heavy metals from the bloodstream. As a powerful antioxidant, it can help to neutralize the free radicals within the body that are thought to influence the aging processes and convert them into energy. Other ingredients are involved in DNA synthesis, production of the myelin sheath that protects nerves, and red blood cell production, and playing an important role in immune and nerve function.

 Dr. Frank Antonawich, in conjunction with Dr. Shari Lieberman and Dr. Al Sanchez, discuss palladium lipoic complexes (LAPd) and results seen in specific cases where it was able to provide energy and nutritional support, especially in patients dealing with health challenges such as cancer. LAPd is the complex available commercially as Poly-MVA, a unique nutritional supplement that assists in boosting immune response, healing damaged cells and providing energy for compromised body systems.

Frank Antonawich, PhD, is the Senior Scientist and Clinical Research Administrator at Garnett McKeen Laboratory, Inc. He is also an Associate Professor of Biology and Chairman St. Joseph’s College, New York as well as an Adjunct Professor of Neurology at a separate research university.

Poly-MVA is a promising new, non-toxic dietary supplement that may assist in boosting immune response, and healing damaged cells. It is a uniquely formulated nutritional supplement containing a proprietary blend of Palladium and Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamins B1, B2 and B12, Formylmethionine, Acetyl Cystiene, and trace amounts of Molybdinum, Rhodium, and Ruthenium. While definitive studies on it’s effect in human nutrition and health are under way, early studies and anecdotal information indicate that the active ingredients in palladium lipoic complex may be beneficial in protecting cell DNA and RNA, assisting the body produce energy, and provide support to the liver in removing harmful substances from the body. Some studies indicate that ingredients of Poly-MVA can assist in preventing cell damage, and removing heavy metals from the bloodstream. As a powerful antioxidant, it can help to neutralize the free radicals within the body that are thought to influence the aging processes and convert them into energy. Other ingredients are involved in DNA synthesis, production of the myelin sheath that protects nerves, and red blood cell production, and playing an important role in immune and nerve function.

Board Certified Oncologist Dr. James W. Forsythe M.D., H.M.D., joins a panel of other experts for a group discussion on the validation of alternative and integrative approaches to wellness and disease management through the use of clinical outcome-based investigation. One such study was headed up by Dr. Forsythe over a 2-year period with the use of palladium lipoic complexes (Poly-MVA), in which he found that Poly-MVA appears to be a safe and effective natural food supplement for optimum support in compromised body states, especially as palliative assistance in Stage IV cancer patients either with or without concomitant chemotherapy. The safety profile for palladium lipoic complex is excellent and there were no treatment related deaths or any significant adverse reactions or negative interactions with chemotherapy or hormonal treatments.

Dr. Forsythe is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Homeopathy. He has been a pioneer in integrative therapies and wellness medicine for more than thirty years. His Century Wellness Clinic and Cancer Screening and Treatment Center of Nevada have drawn thousands of patients from all over the world and have also turned Forsythe into an educator in his own profession.

Dr. Forsythe was recently vindicated in a 30-month investigation by the FDA into his use of integrative therapies. Not only was justice served, but for the first time in the history of the FDA a doctor in private practice has been asked to work with the FDA on integrative and alternative treatments.

Poly-MVA is a promising new, non-toxic dietary supplement that may assist in boosting immune response, and healing damaged cells. It is a uniquely formulated nutritional supplement containing a proprietary blend of Palladium and Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamins B1, B2 and B12, Formylmethionine, Acetyl Cystiene, and trace amounts of Molybdinum, Rhodium, and Ruthenium. While definitive studies on it’s effect in human nutrition and health are under way, early studies and anecdotal information indicate that the active ingredients in palladium lipoic complex may be beneficial in protecting cell DNA and RNA, assisting the body produce energy, and provide support to the liver in removing harmful substances from the body. Some studies indicate that ingredients of Poly-MVA can assist in preventing cell damage, and removing heavy metals from the bloodstream. As a powerful antioxidant, it can help to neutralize the free radicals within the body that are thought to influence the aging processes and convert them into energy. Other ingredients are involved in DNA synthesis, production of the myelin sheath that protects nerves, and red blood cell production, and playing an important role in immune and nerve function.

Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., F.A.C.C., C.N.S., C.B.T., speaks at a recent American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine International Congress about taking an integrative approach to degenerative disease, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. He speaks on his personal and professional use of Poly-MVA, sharing cases of patients with heart disease and cancer and the integration of Poly-MVA and CoQ10 into his treatments.

Board Certified Oncologist, Dr. James W. Forsythe M.D., H.M.D., at the Cancer Screening & Treatment Center of Nevada, has recently completed an outcome-based investigation on various (18 types) Stage IV Cancers with 212 patients over a 3-year period, observing a 56 % overall positive response rate with palladium lipoic complex (available as the dietary supplement Poly-MVA). Dr. Forsythe found that Poly-MVA appears to be a safe and effective natural food supplement for palliative assistance in Stage IV cancer patients either with or without concomitant chemotherapy. The safety profile for palladium lipoic complex is excellent and there were no treatment related deaths or any significant adverse reactions or negative interactions with chemotherapy or hormonal treatments.

Dr. Forsythe is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Homeopathy. He has been a pioneer in integrative therapies and wellness medicine for more than thirty years. His Century Wellness Clinic and Cancer Screening and Treatment Center of Nevada have drawn thousands of patients from all over the world and have also turned Forsythe into an educator in his own profession.

Dr. Forsythe was recently vindicated in a 30-month investigation by the FDA into his use of integrative therapies. Not only was justice served, but for the first time in the history of the FDA a doctor in private practice has been asked to work with the FDA on integrative and alternative treatments.

Poly-MVA is a promising new, non-toxic dietary supplement that may assist in boosting immune response, and healing damaged cells. It is a uniquely formulated nutritional supplement containing a proprietary blend of Palladium and Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamins B1, B2 and B12, Formylmethionine, Acetyl Cystiene, and trace amounts of Molybdinum, Rhodium, and Ruthenium. While definitive studies on it’s effect in human nutrition and health are under way, early studies and anecdotal information indicate that the active ingredients in palladium lipoic complex may be beneficial in protecting cell DNA and RNA, assisting the body produce energy, and provide support to the liver in removing harmful substances from the body. Some studies indicate that ingredients of Poly-MVA can assist in preventing cell damage, and removing heavy metals from the bloodstream. As a powerful antioxidant, it can help to neutralize the free radicals within the body that are thought to influence the aging processes and convert them into energy. Other ingredients are involved in DNA synthesis, production of the myelin sheath that protects nerves, and red blood cell production, and playing an important role in immune and nerve function.

What makes Poly-MVA unique is the special, proprietary manufacturing process by which Lipoic Acid is bonded to Palladium. No other company produces any product similar to Poly-MVA because of the patented preparation and bonding process through which LAPd is manufactured. The proprietary formulation of LAPd with other vitamins, minerals, and amino acids provides considerable nutritional support, helping to enable optimum functioning of essential body systems.

Shari Lieberman, Ph.D., C.N.S., F.A.C.N.,
and James W. Forsythe, M.D., H.M.D.

According to The Prostate Cancer Institute in (Eden Prairie, MN) (1) an organization that maintains one of the leading websites on prostate cancer information and treatment, this disease:

• Is the single most common form of solid tumor in humans
• Is newly diagnosed every 2.6 minutes
• Is present in more than 9 million men
• Kills 1 man every 13 minutes
• Afflicts 1 in 6 men in their lifetimes
• Is second only to lung cancer in annual cancer deaths of U.S. men
• Is high risk for black men (they have incidence and mortality rates as much as 50 percent higher than other racial or ethnic groups)
• Strikes as many men (and causes almost as many deaths annually) as breast cancer does in women but lacks the national awareness and research funding breast cancer currently has
• Is nearly 100 percent survivable if detected early.

Us TOO Inc. (Downers Grove, Illinois; www.ustoo.com), an independent network of support group chapters for men who have the disease, recommends annual testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examinations for all men 45+years old (and men at greater risk beginning at 40). And, while one can argue the accuracy of at least some of these statements, such as “is nearly 100% survivable if detected early,” any man reading this information would certainly be scared to death or at least scared into immediate treatment.

Cancer, in general, is rarely detected early because we simply do not have the technology to do so and is it generally asymptomatic. And there is little evidence to confirm that early prostate cancer detection will confer “100 percent” survival. This statement can give a false sense of security because it does not include the prognosis of hormone refractory prostate cancer, which is more difficult to treat and has a poorer prognosis. (2)

It is also misleading in that it could be argued that, because most prostate cancers are slow growing (as evidenced in autopsies of older men who did not die from prostate cancer and were untreated) that the progression time evidenced in 10, 12, or 15 years after treatment would be expected if left untreated.

While there are some limitations on the use of serum PSA to monitor patients after treatment for prostate cancer, this agent remains the “gold standard” for conventional treatment. (3)

Bio-chemical failure definitions in patients treated with radiation therapy appear to provide a 6–18 month lead time to clinical failure but there are only limited published data to suggest that early intervention of any type (androgen deprivation, radiation therapy, surgery, etc.) affects survival.

Conventional Treatments

What are men being told about the available treatments? A good deal of the information on the Prostate Cancer Institute’s website represents the conventional approach.

According to The Prostate Cancer Institute’s article on treatments, radical prostatectomy is said to have a “success rate” of 70–85 percent. (1) However, a very recent review revealed bio-chemical recurrence-free survival rates of 71 percent at 5 years and 63 percent at 7.5 years. (4) So, clearly, the survival rate decreases with years more distant from diagnosis.

What appeared most predictive of biochemical recurrence was a PSA level of > 10 ng/ml and the highest grades on biopsies, positive margins, perineural invasions, and Gleason score. But the side-effects of radical prostatectomy include incontinence (in about 10 percent of cases) and impotence in 79.6 percent of men reported at 2 years after the procedure. The Institute also reports that laparoscopic prostatectomy that is “less invasive” but still carries the risks of incontinence and impotence associated with the radical procedure. (1)

Watchful waiting is described on the Institute’s website (1) as the option for “a man who has chosen not to have immediate prostate cancer treatment. During the watchful waiting period, the physician keeps the cancer under close watch.” However, watchful waiting is appropriate for men who meet one or more of these criteria: short life expectancy; significant other illnesses; small tumors; low Gleason score; and low PSA level.

The article on the site goes on to say that “the major risk of watchful waiting is that without treatment, cancers can grow and spread quickly (metastatic cancer) so the cancer may escape the prostate capsule between doctor visits.” Finally, this section of the article concludes: “Even slow-growing tumors may suddenly become rapidly growing tumors if left untreated.” This message is clear treat the prostate cancer early regardless of the side-effects of treatment.

The site also describes cryotherapy for prostate cancer eradication. (1) This procedure was noted as conferring a major risk for impotence but the data show that 97.6 percent of patients are still cancer-free at 12 months.

There is also a section on the site on hormonal therapy that describes surgical castration, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone therapy, and combined androgen blockage. (1) All three types of therapy can cause the following side-effects: impotence; loss of sexual desire; hot flashes; weight gain; fatigue; reduced brain function; and loss of muscle mass.
External bean radiation therapy (EBRT) is also described. (1) The article states that “EBRT can be curative if the cancer has not gone beyond the prostate gland.” However, an actual study is quoted on the website that states that, “after 5 years 67% of men with a pre-procedure PSA of 4.1 to 10.0 were still disease free when treated with EBRT alone. To improve success rate EBRT is often used in conjunction with other therapies.” The “other therapies” referred to are often hormonal blockades. Once again, some of the information seems a bit inflated compared to the actual data. The website correctly discloses the potential side-effect: “If the radiation damages nerves that control erections, the patient may lose his ability to get or keep an erection. . . .the probability was about 45 percent.”

Finally, brachytherapy (1) is described as a minimally invasive procedure that implants small radioactive pellets. . . .into the prostate.” And, once again statistics are given: “Long term clinical data supporting the use of brachytherapy has shown that over 87% of men are still free of cancer 10 years after brachytherapy treatment.” However, what is omitted is that high-dose brachytherapy is often combined with EBRT (or hormonal blockade).

A more recent study (5) shows a lower survival rate of 79 percent and suggests using EBRT with brachytherapy. Impotence rates are listed as 6–30 percent on the website but it says that this is the case “although patients receiving brachytherapy often report similar levels of impotence before treatment.” (1) The risk of impotence increases with age; impotence after brachytherapy can often be treated with prescription drugs such as Viagra (Pfizer, New York City).

There does not appear to be any conventional therapy for prostate cancer that does not carry an increased risk of impotence. According to a study on minimizing destruction of vessels that govern erection, (6) what actually causes impotence is radiation to the corpus cavernosum and the internal pudendal artery causing some vessel destruction. This study demonstrated that using coronal, sagittal, and axial magnetic resonance imaging data allows superior definition of the prostate apex so the radiation dose to critical erectile structures can be limited. However, this is rarely if ever done because this approach is costly.

The reasons why prostate cancer treatment is often delayed are fear, anxiety, and depression. I was personally depressed after reading the Institute’s website. (1) Although the website has nurses that one can consult with and an oncologist referral base - and complies with the HON code (Health On the Net Foundation; www.hon.ch/HONcode ) - there is no mention on that site of the hazards and risks associated with any radiation therapy (e.g., a secondary cancer) or the fact that all radiation is cumulative.

Nor was there any link to, or mention of, any alternative or complementary prostate cancer treatment resources on this website although several reports confirm that the prevalence of alternative and complementary medicine use by patients with cancer range from as little as 7 percent to as much as 64 percent. (7,8) Most patients who have cancer combine some form of alternative or complementary therapy with their conventional treatment while only 37.5 percent of patients with cancer surveyed in two studies expected complementary and alternative therapies to cure their disease. (8)

Poly-MVA: An Alternative Treatment

However, because of the overwhelming side-effect of impotence, some men refuse conventional treatment and seek safer, nontoxic alternative treatments instead such as garlic (Alliumsativum), soy (Glycine soja), lycopene, Haelan 951 (Haelen Products Inc., Woodinville, Massachusetts), or Poly-MVA® (see section called About the Product). In 1990, Larry Clapp, Ph.D., J.D., was diagnosed with prostate cancer and refused conventional treatment. Instead he embarked on a lifestyle program of nutrition, natural products, spirituality and detoxification. (9) Heremains in remission today.

Large-scale human studies on many of these natural treatments for treating cancer are simply cost-prohibitive. It costs at least $300 million to bring any cancer drug to market. This makes the “gold standard” validation for many of these therapies as a sole treatment impossible. However, well-documented case studies can serve as an excellent vehicle to explore the potential cancer-ameliorating effect of a natural agent when used as the primary treatment.

Three cases of patients using a proprietary product called Poly-MVA indicate that it may be a good alternative treatment for prostate cancer. The remainder of this article focuses on these cases.

About the Product

Poly-MVA contains a lipoic acid/palladium complex (LAPd) developed by Merrill Garnett, D.D.S. (founder and chief executive officer of Garnett McKeen Laboratory, Inc. Islip, New York).The formulation is sold as a dietary supplement under the trade name Poly-MVA and is distributed by AMARC Enterprises, San Diego, California. The formulation’s main active ingredient LAPd is being considered by the pharmaceutical industry under several patents as “synthetic reductase.” (10)

The initials “MVA” stand for “minerals, vitamins and amino acids.” The product is a proprietary formulation that contains palladium, alpha-lipoic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and cyanocobalamin, formyl-methionine, and acetylcysteine. LAPd is the main active ingredient in both Poly-MVA and in synthetic reductase. 

LAPd complex has undergone extensive toxicologic study. (11) The study was conducted both intravenously and orally. Mice were given doses of 5000 mg/kg (a typical human dose is 20 mg/kg). No deaths or signs of organ damage occurred in the test animals. It was concluded that the LD50of LAPd exceeds 5000 mg/kg. The Ames Test was conducted by the same independent laboratory and yielded negative results. LAPd was also studied for its effectiveness in halting the growth of glioblastoma cells in vivo. (12) Tumors were allowed to grow in mice. The animals were then divided into 8 groups of 10 mice each. Four groups were given daily intravenous (IV) doses LAPd or placebo. Another four groups were given intraperitoneal doses of 0.05, 1.0, or 2.0 mg per mouse for a total of 4 weeks and tumor volume was measured throughout the study. Compared to the controls who received no LAPd, mice receiving the test material orally or IV at 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg had a significantly reduced growth of the glioblastoma (a 50 percent or greater reduction in tumor size).

Mechanisms of Action

There are two proposed mechanisms of action of Poly-MVA. (13)

The formulation is an irreversibly-bound trimer of lipoic acid and palladium with a thiamine core and thus exists as a polymer rather than a single molecule. The product can therefore provide a unified redox (accept charge and donate charge) reaction. When glucose enters a cell it is broken down, in the absence of oxygen, into pyruvate, which subsequently enters the mitochondria and is quickly oxidized to acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). In aerobic respiration, acetyl-CoA is then channeled into the Krebs/citric acid cycle to create nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). NADH is then oxidized to the electron transport chain. The electrons entering the chain are used to drive the phosphorylation of adenosinetriphosphate (ATP). The energy needs of the body are supplied by splitting ATP into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and a free phosphate molecule.

Dr. Garnett created LAPd to shunt electron energy from itself to DNA and thus replace the electrons lost in normal cells as a result of the oxidative damage associated with radiation andchemotherapy. (10)

Further studies have demonstrated that the excess energy LAPd provides to the mitochondria, which travels down the electron transport chain, cannot be accepted by cancer cells. Because malignant cells function in a hypoxic environment, a local generation of free radicals occurs at the mitochondrial membrane. This activates apoptosis by facilitating cytochrome C release and activating caspase enzymes that destroy malignant cells. Given that healthy cells are richly oxygenated, LAPd is nontoxic to them and they actually benefit from the energy boost.

Another hypothesized mechanism of action is that LAPd can target tumor cells selectively by modulating pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). PDH is the bridge between anaerobic and aerobic metabolism. During anaerobic metabolism, glucose is broken down to pyruvate which nets 2 ATPs. The pyruvate molecule is then channeled into aerobic metabolism. Cellular metabolism results in the generation of 38 ATPs.

Because 2 ATPs are needed to initiate glycolysis, each glucose molecule will net 36 ATPs. Thus the vast majority of ATPs are generated during aerobic metabolism. Without PDH, aerobic metabolism cannot take place and the cells shift primarily to an aerobic metabolism. While PDH activity is altered in cancer cells, LAPd may also affect it. This would eliminate the primary means of ATP production in tumor cells (aerobic metabolism) and in doing so effectively kill cancer cells.

Data from Human Studies

Case reports have been cited by Milne and Block (14) appeared on the website www.polymvasurvivors.com and have been presented at several conferences. For example, a large case study was presented in 2004 at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.(15) This study followed patients who had Stage IV cancer with multiple origins, including breast, sarcoma, colon, lung, brain, bladder, stomach, and prostate, for 3–9 months.

In this large case study, there was a complete response rate of clinical remission in 14 of 66 patients (21 percent); a partial response rate of 39 of 66 patients (56 percent), and a progressive disease rate in 15 of 66 patients (23 percent) all of subjects who received conventional therapy together with LAPd. A partial response was defined as a 50 percent tumor mass or tumor maker reduction. The combined response rate (clinical remission + partial response) of patients who only received the formulation with other supportive nutrients was reported to be 10 of 24 (42 percent). I have colleagues who have also reported success using the formulation either alone or as an adjuvant to conventional cancer treatment. This product is sold for oral ingestion only. In order to give it IV, it must be filtered with a Millipore filter to remove any impurities such as parasites or bacteria.

Poly MVA in Three Case Studies

Patients gave written and verbal consent for the use of their medical records in the preparation of this report.

Case 1: R.Z.

R.Z. is a 73-year old man who was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the prostate in January 2001. His biopsy revealed a Gleason score of 6. Tumor involvement was 25 percent of the right lobe and 15 percent of the left lobe. His PSA at the time of diagnosis was 7.8. His bones can showed 7th rib bone metastasis. A computed tomography (CT) scan of his abdomen and pelvis showed possible liver metastasis and liver cysts. He also was diagnosed with a dilated left ureter with tumor nodules around his ureter. His urinalysis was negative. R.Z. was getting up to urinate at least 4–5 times each evening and had difficulty in urinating (dysuria) because he had a partially obstructed ureter.

R.Z. adamantly refused any conventional treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. He was started on multivitamins, multiminerals, and an herbal supplement (PC-RES) similar to PC-SPES, which is a Chinese herbal combination. He adhered to this regimen from February 2001 to May 2004. Initially, his PSA started to decrease and by June 2001 it was 5.

However, close monitoring revealed that his PSA levels were erratic, with the levels going up and down over the course of time. In 2004 his PSA rose steadily. His highest PSA level was 11 in May 2004. R.Z. was given LAPd to add to his regimen in May 2004. He took 2 teaspoons of the formulation, q.i.d., for 6 months and then decreased the dose to 2 teaspoons t.i.d. His PSA levels came down progressively, reaching 8.7 in February 2005. This was the first time he experienced a consistent decrease in his PSA levels.

This patient has stage IV prostate cancer and has been stabilized on LAPd for the past 11 months and he remains physically, mentally and sexually active. During the 11 months he has been taking the formulation, his sexual function and libido have been good. As oft his writing, he is now waking 2–3 times each evening to urinate and no longer experiences obstructed urine flow. His performance scale results have been 100 percent perfect. He is also being treated for hypertension, which is under control with Diovan and Lotrel. His comprehensive metabolic panel has shown normal results.

Case 2: J.C.

J.C. is a 59-year-old man who was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate with a Gleason score of 6 in September 2004. His left lobe was moderately differentiated and his right lobe was negative.

The lesion on his prostate was measured at 10 mm x5mm with a pelvic ultrasound and was palpable. A CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed no lesions and his virtual CT colonoscopy also showed no lesions. A bone scan and urinalysis also yielded negative results. His comprehensive metabolic panel results were also normal. His lymphocytes were very low at 3.9 (normal range is 24–44). He presented with dysuria and hematuria.

J.C. adamantly refused any conventional treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. He was started on IV LAPd initially, beginning on November 11, 2004. He then received the following treatment:

• Week 1—For 5 days, he received 20 mL of LAPd IV and took an additional 20 mL (two teaspoons b.i.d.) every day of the week including the non-IV days.
• Week 2—For 5 days, he received 30 mL of LAPd IV and took an additional 10 mL (2 teaspoons) every day of the week including the non-IV days.
• Week 3—For 3 of 5 days he received 40 mL of LAPd IV and took40 mL orally (2 teaspoons q.i.d.) on non-IV days.

He now remains on the oral dose he took during week 3. His PSA was 5.6 in November 2004 immediately after receiving the formulation. It is unknown whether this elevation was the result of the biopsy he had or the possible tumor killing effect of the product. His PSA level decreased to 4.01 by December 2004. His last PSA in March 2005 was 2.8 and his prostate nodules were no longer palpable. His dysuria and hematuria completely resolved after he took the formulation and he scored 100 percent on a performance scale. He was also diagnosed with chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and gastroesophageal reflux disease that has also improved during this time. Prior to starting the formulation, he was taking a multi-vitamin and multimineral supplement, fish oil, and a multiherbal supplement. None of these decreased his PSA level before starting the LAPd. His lymphocytes were 19.3 in January 2005. As of this writing, he remains mentally, physically, and sexually active.

Case 3: M.O.

M.O. is a 77-year-old man diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the prostate in October 1996. At the time of diagnosis, his PSA was 69.2 with a Gleason score of 3. His bone scan revealed multiple bone metastases to various sites and he complained of back pain.

M.O. adamantly refused chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery but agreed to hormonal blockade treatment. He took Lupron and Casodex for 18 months. His PSA level decreased to 15.3 by November 2001. It then went up to 27.9 by December 2003. M.O. Stopped the hormonal blockade because he developed gynecomastia and continued to have back pain.

He agreed to take Zoladex intermittently for approximately 1 year and, by January 2002, his PSA was 32 and he decided to stop all hormonal treatment. He then sought an alternative treatment.

His PSA on December 2003 was still high at 27.9 after he had stopped all hormonal treatments. He had been taking a multivitamin supplement, a multimineral supplement, fish oil, and an herbal supplement for at least one year before he was started on the LAPd formulation.

He began taking the product in February 2004 and took 2 teaspoons q.i.d. for 6 months and continued to take 2 teaspoons b.i.d. there after. His PSA level decreased to 0.4 in July 2004 and rose to 0.5 in September 2004.

He was last seen in February 2005 and his PSA had risen to 9. During this last visit, it was noted that, despite the rise in PSA level, his back pain had resolved and his performance scale was 100 percent. His comprehensive metabolic panel showed normal results. However, his gynecomastia did not resolve.

As of this writing, he has been instructed to reinstate his oral dose of 2 teaspoons of the formulation q.i.d. and is being treated for mild hypothyroidism with synthroid. He is mentally and physically active but has not been sexually active for some time. He refuses further bone scans and ultrasounds.

Discussion and Conclusions

Conventional prostate cancer treatment carries significant risks for impotence, incontinence, and loss of sexual desire. (1–6) While other side effects are associated with these treatments the aforementioned side effects appear to create the greatest fear and anxiety in men and cause them to refuse conventional treatment.

Toxicology studies of the LAPd formulation have demonstrated that it is extremely safe and an LD50 was not induced even at extremely high doses that are far above what any human could take in via oral or IV administration. (13,14) Poly MVA’s mechanism of action appears to be a result of a crystalline polymer structure that promotes a more powerful redox than alpha-lipoic acid alone and induces apoptosis in cancer cells only. (15,16) Therefore, the product does not affect normal healthy tissue the way that radiation, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, or cryotherapy would. The formulation also does not make an impact on the hormonal system as does hormonal blockade.

It appears unlikely that the use of this formulation would lead to the significant risks associated with conventional treatments. These three case studies indicate that the product may stabilize prostate cancer and mitigate the very side effects that may be caused by conventional treatments or that may present at the time of diagnosis.

Two of these patients continue to have no intention of combining any conventional treatment along with LAPd and one subject refused further hormonal blockade as well as any testing other than for PSA. All of these men appear to be completely satisfied with their treatment, continue to be closely monitored by their physicians, and are willing to continue treatment with the formulation.

M.O. (Case 3) has reinstated his initial loading dose of LAPd (2teaspoons q.i.d.) to see if he can reduce his PSA level. Two of these cases appear to be stable and one case appears to be in remission at this time.

The most compelling feature of the treatment appears to be that all men scored 100 percent on a performance scale. J.C. was initially diagnosed with EBV and also appeared to have improvement in this condition as evidenced by his performance scale rating.

What is more, these three men remain physically and mentally active. Two of the 3 men remain sexually active at ages 59 and 73. The third man (age 77) had not been sexually active for sometime. R.Z. (Case 1) had significant reductions in nocturia and dysuria while taking the formulation. J.C. (Case 2) had complete reversal of dysuria and hematuria while using LAPd. It is feasible that this is the result of the hormonal blockade that he had previously received. However, according to his physician, the prior treatment is not an issue at this time.

While these cases are moderate in duration (7–12 months) they provide compelling evidence that this formulation may be a worthwhile alternative treatment for men who refuse any conventional treatment.
 
Other case studies are presently being gathered on a number of patients with cancer who have used the formulation, including but not limited to breast cancer, non–small-cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, and sarcoma. The goals of these case studies are to provide a clear protocol for the best dosing of the product and best route of administration of (IV versus oral), to determine which types of cancer are the most responsive, and to develop a timeline for the length of remission or stabilization of disease.

These and other cases will continue to be followed. Updates to published cases will be reported as addendums in case studies to be published in the near future.

References:

1.Prostate Cancer Institute. Online document at: www.prostate-cancer-institute.com
2.Moore CN, George DJ. Update in the management of patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Curr Opin Urol 2005;15:157–162.
3.Vicini FA, Vargas C, Abner A et al. Limitations in the use of serum prostate specific antigen levels to monitor patients after treatment for prostate cancer. J Urol 2005;173:1456–1462. 4.Turpin-Wendling FN, Sahnoun A, Pariente A, et al. Oncological results of 117 consecutive radical prostatectomies. Prog Urol 2005;15:30–35.
5.Demanes DJ, Rodriguez RR, Schour L et al. High-dose-rate-intensity-modulated brachytherapy with external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer: California endocurietherapy’s 10-year results. Int J Radiat OncolBiol Phys 2005;61:1306–1316.
6.McLaughlin PW, Narayana V, Meriowitz A et al. Vessel-sparing prostate radiotherapy: Dose limitation to critical erectile vascular structures (internal pudendal artery and corpus cavernosum) defined by MRI. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2005;61:20–31.
7.Ernst E, Cassileth BR. The prevalence of complementary/alternative medicine in cancer: A systematic review. Cancer 1998;83:777–782.
8.Drisko JA, Chapman J, Hunter VJ. The use of antioxidants with first-line chemotherapy in two cases of ovarian cancer. J Am Coll Nutr 2003;22:118–123
9.Clapp L. Prostate Health in 90 Days without Drugs or Surgery. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House Inc, 1998.
10.Garnett M. Palladium complexes and methods for using the same in the treatment of tumors or psoriasis. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,463,093, October 31,1995; U.S. Patent, No. 5,679,697, October 21, 1997; and 5,776,973, July 7, 1998.
11.Pharmakon USA. Acute Oral Toxicity Study in Mice (14 Day) [pre-pared for Garnett McKeen Laboratories Inc.]. Waverly, PA: Pharmakon USA, May 16, 1995.
12.Pharmakon USA. Effect of a Test Article on the Growth of a Glioblastoma Tumor Cell Line in Nude Mice. [prepared for Garnett McKeen Lab-oratories Inc.]. Waverly, PA: Pharmakon USA, May 16, 1995.
13.Antonawich FJ, Fiore SM, Davis JN. The effects of a lipoic acid/palla-dium complex on hippocampal progenitor cells [abstr #857]. Society for Neuroscience 1998, Los Angeles CA.
14.Milne RD, Block ML. Poly-MVA: A New Supplement in the Fight Against Cancer. North Bergen, NJ: Basic Health Publications, Inc., 2004.
15.Forsythe J, Antonawich FJ. Poly-MVA clinical study. 12th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, December 2–4, 2004.

Shari Lieberman, Ph.D., C.N.S., F.A.C.N., is a research scientist and industry consultant based in New York City and Pompano Beach, Florida. She is also the Founding Dean of New York Chiropractic College’s (Seneca Falls, New York) MS Degree Program in Clinical Nutrition.

James W. Forsyth, M.D., H.M.D., is the medical director of the Century Wellness Clinic, Reno, Nevada, and an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pathology at the University of Nevada Medical School, also in Reno.
 

Poly MVA: Energy to Get the Job Done

Frank Antonawich, Ph.D.

Over fifty years ago, most scientific and medical therapeutic approaches focused on cellular metabolism.  With the advent of genetics a concentrated shift toward genomics, and subsequently proteomics (protein profiles), dominated the therapeutic stage.  The area of metabolism (metabolomics) is now being revisited as an attractive target. 

One such regulatory approach is via the manipulation of cellular energy.  Cellular energy is synonymous with metabolic power.  As we age there is a decrease in metabolism, furthermore, numerous disease states involve metabolic dysfunction (i.e. ischemia/stroke, cancer).  As we all know, the major power plant of the cell is the mitochondria.  It utilizes high energy intermediates (NADH and FADH) to donate electrons and drive the production of ATP, our functional energy source.  Can we alter metabolic fitness by providing an alternative electron source?

WHAT IS POLY-MVA?

Poly-MVA is a dietary supplement that contains a patented palladium lipoic acid complex (LAPd).  LAPd is a composed of the element palladium irreversibly bound to the antioxidant lipoic acid in a trimer about thiamine (B1).   The name Poly-MVA was coined by Dr. Albert Sanchez since Poly MVA is composed of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids (MVA).  In addition to the LAPd complex, the proprietary formulation contains riboflavin, cyanocobalamin, formyl-methionine and acetyl-cysteine.  Dr. Sanchez became its principle proponent in his search for non-invasive support/treatment for cancer patients, following his wife’s tragic battle with colon cancer.

The LAPd family of compounds was discovered by Dr. Merrill Garnett.  While Dr. Garnett was formally trained as a dentist, this was followed by substantial graduate work in biochemistry and electrochemistry, followed by over 40 years of scientific bench work.  His inquiry and screening into thousands of organo-metallic compounds, led to the discovery of the non-toxic LAPd chemotherapeutic agent.  The principles that led to this finding in the early 90s still drive Dr. Garnett’s principle laboratory interests today; that ultra-low frequency  electrical currents are at the heart of all physiological processes and determine such events as the polarization, charge and folding of enzymes, nucleic acids and membrane phospholipids.  He believes that the regulation of charge transfer may form the basis of several new methods of medicinal management.

Q & A

I am frequently contacted at my laboratory, on the radio, or approached at conferences with common questions regarding Poly MVA. 

• A number of people are under the impression that Poly MVA is merely a cocktail of palladium, alpha-lipoic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, cyanocobalamin, formyl-methionine and acetyl-cysteine.  There is no free lipoic acid or palladium in Poly MVA, it is bound irreversibly with thiamine.  Therefore, comparisons to free palladium or lipoic acid are irrelevant.  This was done by Dr. Garnett to create a metallic polymer that is both fat and water soluble.  Furthermore, it is prepared in a unique fashion so it does not metabolize, dissociate, and liberate the metal, which could accumulate in tissues and eventually become toxic like most chemotherapeutics.

• Is Poly MVA safe? LAPd complex has undergone extensive toxicology study (Calvert Laboratories, Inc; Pharmakon USA, Inc.). The toxicology was conducted both intravenously and orally with LAPd.  Mice were administered doses of 5,000 mg/kg (a typical human dose is 20 mg/kg).  No deaths or signs of organ damage occurred in the test animals.  It was concluded that the LD50 of LAPd exceeds 5,000 mg/kg. The Ames test was conducted by the same independent lab and demonstrated not to cause any mutations.  LAPd was also studied for its’ effectiveness in halting the growth of glioblastoma cells in vivo.  Tumors were allowed to establish and mice were divided into 8 groups of 10.  Four groups were given daily intravenous (IV) doses LAPd or placebo; four groups were given intraperitoneal doses of  .05, 1.0 or 2.0 mg per mouse for a total of four weeks and tumor volume was measured throughout the study.  Compared to the controls who received no LAPd, mice receiving the test material orally or intravenously at 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg had a significantly reduced growth of the glioblastoma (50% or greater reduction in tumor size).

• Palladium is a precious metal and quite expensive.  Why was it used?  Dr. Garnett discovered during his electrochemistry studies that DNA (and other biological cellular entities) has select electrical frequencies that it resonates at.  After testing thousands of chemicals, Dr. Garnett found that only a limited few metals shared the same resonance frequencies with DNA.  This characteristic facilitates electron flow between them.  This is analogous to the propulsive energy provided to a surfer by a wave.  If the surfer is in “sync” with the wave he can ride it all the way in to the beach.  However, if he or she isn’t, they will crown right over the top of the wave.  Palladium is important since this is the only one that Dr. Garnett could “cook” with the lipoic acid and thiamine to form this irreversible crystal polymer.

• Why are the other components added to the dietary supplement?  Most people feel the other components are added without regard to the LAPd complex, but this is not true.  Any molecule that transfers electrons has the ability to generate heat.  In very early studies, patient temperatures elevated.  The proprietary blend in Poly MVA is not inert, but plays a role in buffering the temperature alterations.
  
• Is Poly MVA just a super free radical scavenger?  This was my initial thought after my first transient global ischemia experiments with the LAPd complex in Poly MVA.  However, the LAPd complex is a liquid crystal polymer.  There is extensive data supporting the dramatic redox potential of polymers versus monomolecular structures, such as vitamins.  Any redox molecule can certainly absorb electrons, but it also donates them.  Dr. Garnett’s electrochemistry papers demonstrate LAPd’s significant redox potential versus its monomolecular competition.  After my initial ischemia research findings, I sent some Poly MVA to Brunswick Labs, Inc. (Wareham, MA) for an ORAC analysis.  An ORAC assay measures the oxygen radical absorbance capacity of a compound as compared to Trolox (vitamin E).  The table below demonstrates the potent anti-oxidant capacity of Poly MVA (expressed as Trolox equivalent per gram):

Vitamin A = 1.6 (2,800)
Vitamin C = 1.12 (1,890)
Vitamin E = 1.0 (1,700)
Melatonin = 2.04 (3,468)
Lipoic Acid = 1.4 (2,400)
Poly MVA = 5.65 (9,605)
 
• Why is this supplement often credited or associated with providing energy? While Poly MVA does indeed have the ability to be a highly effective free radical scavenger.  Its ability to donate electrons to the mitochondria of the cell is critical to explaining its dramatic benefits.  Anecdotal clinical evidence of the reports of additional energy, led to my early hypotheses regarding its possible benefits in stroke and ischemia.  Following an interruption of blood flow to any tissue, in my particular case it is the brain, there is deprivation of oxygen and glucose.  Providing an alternative energy source can maintain the integrity of the electron transport chain within the mitochondria.  The LAPd complex was demonstrated, by Dr. Garnett, to shuttle electrons to oxidized DNA, however, this energy flow does not appear to proceed directly to DNA.  By conducting a competition assay with lipoic acid, which works at complex I of the mitochondria as a cofactor as pyruvate is converted to acetyl CoA, one can attenuate the beneficial effects.  This is critical since mitochondrial health is a major concern during myocardial and cerebral ischemia.  By providing this alternative energy source, the electron transport chain components do not readily dissociate (coenzyme Q-10 = ubiquinone; cytochrome C).  In a normal cell this would obviously provide a boost, but serve as a supplement to an ischemic cell.
 
• Can Poly MVA be taken with other vitamins and free radical scavengers?  Since LAPd is a highly efficient redox molecule, normal daily recommended values of vitamins have not been of consequence in our laboratory studies.  However, excessive doses of anti-oxidants may attenuate Poly MVA’s benefits.  As mentioned above, administration of alpha lipoic acid in our competition assay hindered the redox benefits of Poly MVA.  However, alpha lipoic acid alone only offers a fraction of the ischemic protection offered by the polymer. 

MECHANISMS OF ACTION

Poly MVA’s proposed mechanisms of action directly related to its structural formulation.  Dr. Garnett’s complex is a liquid crystal polymer and provide a unified redox.  Redox polymers more efficiently accept charge, and therefore serve as potent anti-oxidants.  Furthermore, they can also donate charge and serve as alternative energy sources.  This electron transfer appears to be the key to its physiological effectiveness.

When glucose enters a cell it is broken down under anaerobic conditions (absence of oxygen) into pyruvate.  Pyruvate subsequently enters the mitochondria, via complex I, and is quickly oxidized, in the presence of alpha-lipoic acid, to acetyl-CoA.  In aerobic respiration, acetyl-CoA is then channeled into the Krebs/Citric Acid Cycle to create the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH).  NADH donates its electron to the electron transport chain to drive the phosphorylation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).  The energy needs of the body are supplied by splitting ATP into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and a free phosphate molecule. 

Studies have demonstrated that LAPd provides electrons to DNA (to replace the electrons lost in normal cells as a result of the oxidative damage associated with radiation and chemotherapy) via the mitochondria.  This electron transfer will provide an additional energy source to normal cells.  However, cancer cells are metabolically challenged, as well as, function in a hypoxic environment.  Since excess electrons have less oxygen to accept them in the cancer cell, a local generation of free radicals occurs at the mitochondrial membrane. This activates apoptosis by facilitating the release of cytochrome C from the inner mitochondrial membrane, allowing the formation of an apoptotic complex in the cytoplasm.  This complex, results in the subsequent activation of the caspase cascade of enzymes that destroy the malignant cells.  Given that healthy cells are richly oxygenated, LAPd is nontoxic to them and they actually benefit from the energy boost. 

Recent findings have focused on the role of Poly MVA and a malignant cell’s ability to physiologically adapt to a hypoxic environment.   These physiological changes are mediated by a molecule called HIF-1 (hypoxia inducible factor-1), which increases in hypoxic conditions to promote an increases in: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) - a promoter of angiogenesis; Glucose Transport 1 (GLUT1) and glycolytic enzymes – critical components in anaerobic respiration; and Erythropoietin (EPO) – responsible for the differentiation of red blood cells).   Poly MVA appears to decrease the production of HIF-1 thus restricting the ability of the cells to adapt to its environment and subsequently making it more vulnerable to the apoptotic cell death discussed above.