Functional Medicine in Cancer Care

This podcast reviews Dr. Brian Lawenda's book, The Cancer Tightrope: A Whole-Person Guide to Strength, Balance, and Healing Through Cancer. A calm, steady voice in the storm of cancer—this is the book that walks with you. Whether you’re facing a new diagnosis, caring for someone you love, or navigating the disorienting terrain after treatment, cancer makes your whole life feel precarious. Not just your body—but your breath, your identity, your relationships, your sense of safety. The Cancer Tightrope is a clear, compassionate guidebook for anyone trying to stay upright through it all. Written by Dr. Brian Lawenda—a Harvard-trained radiation oncologist and nationally recognized expert in integrative and functional medicine—this is not a medical manual or a memoir. It’s a lifeline. Through short, powerful chapters and real-world tools, Dr. Lawenda introduces The Four Pillars of Stability—a trauma-informed, whole-person framework designed to help you feel more grounded, even when everything is shaking. Inside, you’ll find: Tools to navigate scanxiety, fear spirals, identity loss, and emotional overload Gentle strategies to support sleep, energy, and whole-body healing Functional medicine insights for rebuilding your body after treatment Guidance for life beyond cancer, when the world assumes you’re “fine” Deep support for caregivers—the often invisible heroes on the wire Scripts for hard conversations with family, doctors, and children Permission to be tired, afraid, emotional—and still healing This book doesn’t ask you to be positive all the time. It doesn’t pretend there’s one right way to do this. It meets you where you are—with clarity, compassion, and just enough structure to help you take your next step. Cancer is a tightrope. No one should have to walk it alone.

Metabolic therapy as a promising complementary cancer treatment. This approach focuses on depriving cancer cells of essential energy sources like glucose, glutamine, and fatty acids, using a combination of drugs, supplements, dietary changes, and integrative therapies. The "press-pulse" method involves consistent metabolic stress and intermittent, higher-intensity interventions. While showing promise, the article emphasizes the critical need for more robust clinical research to validate the effectiveness and safety of this approach when combined with conventional cancer treatments. Dr. Brian Lawenda calls for greater collaboration between researchers, physicians, and patients to advance research in this area of cancer care.

This podcast details low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) as a treatment for osteoarthritis. LDRT uses low doses of X-ray radiation to reduce inflammation and pain, offering a non-invasive, long-lasting alternative to NSAIDs, steroid injections, and surgery. Studies show significant pain relief in 60-72% of patients for 2-3 years or more, with minimal side effects and a low cancer risk. It's widely used in Europe and is gaining popularity in the U.S. due to its effectiveness and improved insurance coverage. The procedure is painless, requires minimal recovery time, and may delay or prevent the need for joint replacement surgery.

The podcast reviews Dr. Brian Lawenda's article on the crucial role of gut health in overall well-being, arguing that imbalances like dysbiosis and leaky gut significantly impact energy, mood, and immunity, often manifesting as subtle symptoms. He highlights the importance of stool testing to identify these hidden issues early, even in seemingly healthy individuals. The article details how stress negatively affects gut health and proposes solutions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and stress management techniques to restore gut balance. A case study illustrates how a seemingly healthy patient, upon testing, revealed significant underlying gut problems. Ultimately, the article advocates for proactive gut health monitoring through stool testing to prevent the development of chronic conditions.

This podcast discussed Dr. Brian Lawenda's article on the pervasive presence and severe health risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals." These man-made chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and the human body, accumulating over time and causing a wide range of health problems, including cancers, immune system dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. Dr. Lawenda's article details how PFAS contaminate various products and water sources, stressing the urgent need for increased awareness, testing, and preventative measures. It also explores functional medicine approaches to address the health impacts of PFAS exposure. Finally, he offers practical steps individuals can take to minimize their exposure and support their body's detoxification processes.

This podcast reviews Dr. Brian Lawenda's article examining semaglutide and tirzepatide, medications for insulin resistance and obesity and their role in cancer prevention. The podcast details the mechanisms of these drugs, focusing on their potent appetite-suppressing effects and resultant weight loss. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive monitoring, including DEXA scans, to track body composition changes and prevent muscle loss. Lifestyle modifications, such as resistance training and high-protein diets, are presented as crucial components for optimal results. Finally, the podcast highlights the potential of these medications to reduce cancer risk by improving metabolic health and reducing inflammation.

Dr. Brian Lawenda's article argues that cancer is a metabolic disease fueled by high blood sugar and insulin resistance. He explains the Warburg Effect, where cancer cells preferentially use glucose for energy, and how insulin resistance, often undiagnosed, creates a perfect environment for cancer growth. The article emphasizes the importance of achieving optimal metabolic health, including maintaining low blood sugar levels, which can be monitored using Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs). Lawenda details lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, to reverse insulin resistance and reduce cancer risk. Ultimately, the piece stresses proactive health choices to prevent cancer development.

Dr. Brian Lawenda (through podcasters) examines the significant decline in testosterone levels among men today compared to the 1980s. This decrease is attributed to poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, environmental toxins, stress, and insufficient sleep. The podcasters highlight the health consequences of low testosterone, including increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It emphasizes the importance of measuring free testosterone, not just total testosterone, for an accurate assessment of hormonal health. Finally, they discuss various medical interventions for low testosterone, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and other options, along with lifestyle changes that can improve testosterone levels.

Mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by mold, pose a significant health risk often overlooked because they are invisible and pervasive. These toxins impact nearly every organ system, exacerbating chronic conditions and increasing cancer risk. Testing for mycotoxins in both individuals and their environments is crucial for diagnosis and remediation, as early identification is vital to prevent long-term health consequences. Ignoring mycotoxin exposure can lead to years of suffering from unexplained symptoms and worsening illnesses.

Dr. Lawenda advocates for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), emphasizing its benefits beyond menopause symptom relief. The podcasters discuss his FaceBook post that highlights the early onset of hormonal changes in women's 30s and 40s, advocating for early intervention via targeted testing and personalized HRT. He details various FDA-approved and compounded HRT options, including estrogen and progesterone therapies, addressing the Women's Health Initiative controversy and emphasizing the importance of timing and individual needs. Finally, he discusses testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for women and outlines contraindications for HRT.

Several studies explore the relationship between moderate wine consumption and cancer risk, challenging the conventional view that all alcohol is carcinogenic. A large meta-analysis suggests moderate wine intake, particularly red wine, may not increase cancer risk and might even reduce it for certain cancers due to its unique bioactive compounds like resveratrol. Other research supports beneficial effects of moderate red wine consumption on various health outcomes, including mortality and dementia. We also discuss the Dietary Guildelines for Americans (DGA) 2025 on the health impacts of alcohol and the potential biases in the included studies. The overall consensus indicates the need for a nuanced approach, acknowledging both potential benefits and risks depending on consumption levels and individual factors.

Dr. Brian Lawenda describes a complementary cancer care approach integrating functional medicine, lifestyle modifications, and metabolic therapies. This system targets multiple cancer-promoting factors, including metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, immune deficiencies, toxic burden, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and gut dysbiosis. The approach uses biomarker testing to personalize interventions, aiming to create a less favorable environment for tumor growth. It complements, not replaces, traditional cancer treatments, offering patients evidence-based tools to improve their overall biological terrain. The goal is to optimize patient outcomes by addressing interconnected pathways driving cancer.

Dr. Brian Lawenda advocates for micronutrient testing to detect silent deficiencies and imbalances that increase the risk of cancer, accelerate aging, and weaken immunity. He highlights common deficiencies like low antioxidants, B vitamins, and minerals, emphasizing that these often go unnoticed despite seemingly healthy lifestyles. He stresses the long-term health consequences of these imbalances and proposes personalized solutions through targeted supplementation and dietary changes based on test results, promoting proactive healthcare. Ultimately, he promotes early intervention through testing to improve overall health and longevity.

Dr. Lawenda advocates for universal genetic testing for all cancer patients, arguing that current guidelines miss a significant number of individuals with actionable mutations. He highlights the substantial benefits of identifying these mutations, including personalized treatment options and early risk assessment for patients and their families. The argument emphasizes the improved care and equity achieved through universal testing, despite the relatively low cost, while acknowledging the need for discussion with healthcare professionals to weigh the pros and cons. Studies cited show a considerable portion of patients outside traditional testing criteria still harbor significant mutations. The ultimate goal is to save lives and empower patients through informed decision-making.

Creatine is one of the most well-studied and effective supplements available, and its benefits extend far beyond athletic performance. While it has long been associated with strength training and muscle growth, recent research highlights its potential as a supplement for nearly everyone, regardless of age, activity level, or health status. By enhancing cellular energy production, preserving muscle mass, and supporting cognitive and metabolic health, creatine has emerged as an indispensable tool for optimizing overall health.

Dr. Brian Lawenda's The Mitochondria Method explores the potential benefits of methylene blue, a compound showing promise in improving mitochondrial health. The book details methylene blue's mechanisms of action, focusing on its ability to enhance energy production, reduce oxidative stress, and protect against mitochondrial dysfunction. Applications discussed include treating chronic fatigue, improving cognitive function, slowing age-related decline, and assisting in cancer treatment and survivorship. Important safety information and dosing guidelines are provided, emphasizing the need for pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue and awareness of potential drug interactions. Ongoing research is highlighted, emphasizing the need for larger human trials to further validate methylene blue's therapeutic potential.

NAD+, a crucial coenzyme, plays a vital role in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and overall health. This podcast episode explores its multifaceted functions, including its involvement in glycolysis and mitochondrial health, and discusses the potential benefits and risks of NAD+ supplementation. While promising research suggests benefits in combating aging and boosting energy, concerns exist regarding its potential to fuel cancer growth. 

In this episode, we delve into the clinical synergy of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) in mitochondrial optimization. CoQ10 is a cornerstone molecule for ATP production and oxidative protection, critical for managing energy deficits and reducing oxidative stress, particularly in conditions like heart failure and neurodegeneration. PQQ complements by stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis and acting as a robust antioxidant, enhancing cellular resilience. Together, they offer evidence-based benefits for improving energy metabolism, cardiovascular function, cognitive health, and recovery. Join us as we discuss practical supplementation protocols and their integration into patient care to optimize energy and health outcomes.

In this episode of Functional Medicine in Cancer Care, we delve into the promising, though experimental, use of methylene blue as an anticancer therapy. Learn how this compound may restore mitochondrial respiration, induce oxidative stress in cancer cells, and enhance the effectiveness of integrative treatments like the ketogenic diet and supplements such as vitamin D and curcumin. While clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy, methylene blue is shaping up to be a fascinating tool in integrative oncology. Join us as we explore the science and potential applications of this compound in improving cancer care outcomes.

Dr. Lawenda's "Core 10" program promotes cellular vitality and longevity by focusing on mitochondrial health. The program combines ten specific supplements designed to boost mitochondrial function with a lifestyle plan emphasizing exercise, sleep, stress management, and minimizing toxic exposure. The supplements address various aspects of mitochondrial support, such as energy production, antioxidant defense, and reducing inflammation. Success relies on a synergistic approach integrating both the supplements and the healthy lifestyle practices.