Re: Enhanced immune response??

[FIELDRW@aol.com]

Al,

In regard to your message below, from my perspective the issue was whether or 
not modern day homeopaths use low dose radiation as a therapy.  To my 
knowledge, they do not.  In my mind, the issue was not whether or not 
hormesis exists.  I think you misunderstood my previous statements.  I think 
we can end this line discussion since we are both talking about 2 different 
things.

However, I have been searching for articles that demonstrate LDR suppresses 
tumors or prevents cancer.  Thank-you for the references below to the 
Japanese literature. Maybe, they will shed some new light for me.  Do you 
know of any main stream American Journals reporting on this?  

I read the previous references ( I was not able to decipher the articles 
published in German) that were provided on this topic. The articles noted 
increased T cell or IL2 production, but statements concerning their 
beneficial health effects and mechanisms were lacking. My only point was that 
if you see an increased production of T cells or IL2, that does not mean it 
will prevent or eliminate cancer. 

I take issue with you saying my statements were disingenuous.  I was very 
sincere in my statements and had no mal intent.  I understand you spend a lot 
of your time promoting hormesis and trying to invalidate the LNTT. I admire 
your dedication to these issues.  I have no strong position one way or the 
other concerning the validity of the LNTT or radiation hormesis.  I think 
more information is needed on both issues before informed decisions can be 
made.  My only strong feeling on these issues is that ecologic radiation 
studies should not be used to test the validity of the LNTT.  Otherwise, I 
try to approach these issues with an open mind.

Most of us have other jobs outside the area of hormesis. My scientific 
research does not focus on maintaining files that support or challenge 
hormesis.  I asked you a simple question related to references that support 
suppression of tumors.  I thank you for your reply.  I will take the time to 
read them carefully.  I think we all should remember to try to be more 
considerate of others on the listserv, especially those that do not share the 
same views.  Often, listserv members are attacked if they offer any stance 
even suggesting the validity of the LNTT or a position against hormesis.  
Hopefully, we can learn from each other and exchange ideas in civilized 
fashion without ad hominem attacks.

I think the possibility of tumor suppression via LDR is very exciting.  I 
look forward to reviewing the papers citations which you provided.  

Respectfully, 

Bill Field
College of Public Health
University of Iowa
bill-field@uiowa.edu



In a message dated 1/31/00 8:46:08 AM Central Standard Time, 
muckerheide@mediaone.net writes:

<< Bill, 
 
 Disingenuous. The issue was whether homeo's use hormesis research to
 support homeopathy, not the reverse. They do. Hormesis is real.
 (Hormesis is a biological function, not limited to radiation.)
 
 Why do you not consider that the immune response indicates reduction
 of cancer? Almost weekly there are medical research reports of using
 immune system stimulation to treat cancer. (LDR is not the only
 stimulator of immune response - see the chemical hormesis and
 pharmocology literature.)
 
 How many times do you have to get refs on LDR/cancer?
 
 >>>>>
 Getting more specific to just a couple of examples, see, from Dr. Pollycove:
 
 "Low-dose stimulation of the immune system may not only prevent cancer
 by increasing removal of pre-malignant or malignant cells with
 persistent DNA damage, but may also destroy gross cancer growths with
 metastases (Figure 17) [ref] 35. 
 http://cnts.wpi.edu/rsh/Figures/Docs/MP98_fig17.gif
 
 Recently Sakamoto, et al at Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan have
 reported successfully treatment of non-Hodgkins lymphoma with total or
 half body low-dose radiation35. Half body irradiation (HBI) of the rib
 cage area (thorax from xyphoid process to suprasternal notch) was as
 effective as whole body irradiation (TBI). Fractionated doses of 10
 cGy 3x/week or 15 cGy 2x/week were given for 5 weeks for a cumulative
 dose of 150 cGy (Figure 18). 
 http://cnts.wpi.edu/rsh/Figures/Docs/MP98_fig18.gif
 
 In some patients tumors completely outside the HBI field disappeared
 after HBI alone (Figure 19) 36.
 http://cnts.wpi.edu/rsh/Figures/Docs/MP98_fig19.gif
 
 Analysis of peripheral lymphocytes demonstrated immune system
 stimulation. The 10 year survival of patients receiving only local
 high-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapy is 50% compared to 84% 9 year
 survival of patients (no deaths after 3.7 years) receiving additional
 low dose TBI or HBI. (P<0.05, Figure 20)."
 http://cnts.wpi.edu/rsh/Figures/Docs/MP98_Fig20.gif
 
 Refs:
 
 35. Sakamoto K, Myogin M. Hosoi Y, Ogawa Y, Nemoto K, Takai Y, Kakuto
 Y, Yamada S, Watabe M. Fundamental and clinical studies on cancer
 control with total or upper half body irradiation. J. Jpn. Soc. Ther.
 Radiol. Oncol. 9:161-175 (1997). 
 
 36. Takai Y, Yamada S., Nemoto K, Ogawa Y, Kakutou Y, Hosi A, Sakamoto
 K. Anti-tumor effect of low dose total (or half) body irradiation and
 changes in the functional subset of peripheral blood lymphocytes in
 non-Hodgkins lymphoma patients after TBI (HBI). In: Low Dose
 Irradiation and Biological Defense Mechanisms (Sugahara T, Sagan LA,
 Aoyama T, eds). Amsterdam, the Netherlands: Elsevier Science
 Publishers, 1992: 113-116. 
 >>>>>
 
 See also:
 http://cnts.wpi.edu/rsh/Data_Docs/1-2/3/3/12334ta91.html
 Takai, Y., Ogawa, Y. Nemoto, K., Yamada, S. and Sakamoto, K. (1991)
 Direct anti-tumor effect of low dose total (or half) body irradiation
 and changes of the functional subset of peripheral blood lymphocytes
 in non-Hodgkinís lymphoma patients after TBI (HBI), J. Jpn. Soc. Ther.
 Radiol. Oncol. 3: pp9-18.
 
  >>
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