Enzymes, Trophoblasts, and Cancer: The Afterlife of an Idea (1924-2008)

Abstract

In the early 20th century, advocacy of the enzyme therapy of cancer was primarily the work of one man, John Beard, DSc (1858-1924). He and his collaborators made a determined effort to establish this mode of therapy, especially in the years 1905 to 1911. Despite a brief flowering of international interest, Beard's efforts came to naught. During the 20th century, there was a succession of American researchers who continued to investigate this topic. This included Marshall William McDuffie, MD (1882-1945), Frank LeForest Morse, MD (1876-1953), Franklin Lloyd Shively, MD (1887-1971), and William Donald Kelley (1926-2005). In central Europe, India, and other parts of the globe, the use of pancreatic enzymes as an adjuvant treatment for cancer has become a fairly routine practice, at least among those doctors who utilize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It is also a well-established method for reducing inflammation and mitigating the adverse effects of cytotoxic treatment.

Pancreatic Proteolytic Enzymes and Cancer: New Support for an Old Theory

“…In 1964, the Food and Drug Administration outlawed intravenous and injectable enzymes, so Shively stopped his work, turned his research notes into a book, Multiple Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy of Cancer , and sent copies free of charge to medical libraries throughout the United States. 14 A brief summary of his results is available elsewhere. 15 Many of the cases in the book are difficult to assess because of the limited diagnostic tools in that era, short follow-up, and complicated treatment courses including other modalities such as radiation.…”

“…Reviews of other studies using Wobe-Mugos have been published elsewhere. 14 In a 2008 article, Wald 31 reported positive results in mouse experimental tumor models with rectally administered enzymes in composition and proportions similar to Wobe-Mugos.…”

“… 52 In the previously cited articles regarding the enzyme product Wobe-Mugos, it was taken orally. 14 , 30 This would suggest that orally administered pancreatic enzymes and proenzymes can have a systemic effect.…”

“…52 In the previously cited articles regarding the enzyme product Wobe-Mugos, it was taken orally. 14,30 This would suggest that orally administered pancreatic enzymes and proenzymes can have a systemic effect. Some investigators have theorized that digestive enzymes are secreted into the intestine, then absorbed and recycled through the pancreas to be reutilized.…”