"Essiac" TUMOR TIDBITS, A WEEKLY EMAIL NEWSLETTER FROM GULF COAST VETERINARY ONCOLOGY Number 104; August 15, 2003. ======================================================================= THIS WEEK'S ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM GULF COAST VETERINARY ONCOLOGY We have two ongoing clinical trials that provide support for dogs with cancer. Please visit our web site (www.gcvs.com) or call us for additional information. Register for the Annual Meeting of the Veterinary Cancer Society (www.vetcancersociety.org). ======================================================================= THIS WEEK'S TUMOR TIDBIT: Essiac ======================================================================= It is believed that over one-half of pet owners with pets diagnosed with cancer will at some point use an unconventional therapy. In light of this, veterinarians have a professional responsibility to learn about unconventional therapies so they can help their clients make informed choices. This Tumor Tidbit focuses on Essiac, an unconventional therapy that has historically and is presently being used by many pet owners and is available for purchase over the Internet and health food stores without prescription. While reasons clients might choose unconventional therapies are identified, the majority of this Tidbit focuses on the history of Essiac, where it stands today, and the need for sound scientific research. An analysis of a mixture of herbs in Essiac has shown it contains a variety of compounds which have antioxidant activity as well as the ability to block cell growth. The Essiac mixture contains burdock root, Indian rhubarb, sheep sorrel, inner bark of slippery elm, watercress, blessed thistle, red clover, and kelp. A review of human patients taking Essiac shows that there was no obvious toxicity. Essiac originated as an herbal formulation from the Ojibway Indians in Canada. After her discovery of Essiac in 1922, Rene Caisse reported treating and "curing" hundreds of people with cancer and other chronic diseases. There are a variety of sources for Essiac in the United States. Most reports describe that sheep's sorrel destroys cancer cells; the other three herbs are blood purifiers. Burdock root contains inulin, a powerful immune modulator, however, there has been no basic research done with these herbs to demonstrate their true mechanisms of action. In addition, only anecdotal reports provide information about results. Only laboratory and clinical studies will confirm the anti- tumor and immune-modulating effects of Essiac. Experimental studies with individual herbs have shown evidence of biological activity including antioxidant, antioestrogenic, immunostimulant, antitumour, and antiocholeretic actions. However, research that demonstrates these positive effects in the experimental setting has not been translated to the clinical arena (for example mannose sugars found in ManAloe). Currently, no clinical studies of Essiac are published, but a clinical study is being planned at the University of Texas-Center for Alternative Medicine (UT-CAM) and several veterinary centers are considering investigations. For additional information, go to: http://www.essiac-herbal.com/essiac_for_pets.htm ======================================================================= As always, we hope this info helps and don't hesitate to call or email us Gulf Coast Veterinary Oncology! Kevin A. Hahn, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology), drhahn@gcvs.com Janet K. Carreras, VMD, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology), drcarreras@gcvs.com Glen K. King, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVR (Radiology & Radiation Therapy), drking@gcvs.com Gulf Coast Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging & Oncology 1111 West Loop South, Suite 150, Houston, TX 77027 P: 713.693.1166 F: 713.693.1167 W: www.gcvs.com ======================================================================= Copyright © 2003, Gulf Coast Veterinary Oncology