Dogs & Cancer – New Theory of Cancer

Molecular Hydrogen Therapy: Do Dogs With Lung Cancer Have Hope After All?

bioelectric — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 02:16:30 +0000

The Smallest Molecule, The Biggest Hope?

There’s a joke that goes like this…

“What do you call the person who graduated last in their medical school class?”

Doctor.

It always gets a laugh—but behind it is something real: even the most well-meaning professionals aren’t always up to speed on the newest or more unconventional treatments. Especially when those treatments haven’t passed through every FDA checkpoint.

Most vets are doing their best with the knowledge they have. But sometimes—especially when the stakes are high, and the options are limited—it’s up to you, the dog’s person, to dig deeper.

That’s what this piece is about. Not miracle cures. Not wishful thinking. But one simple, safe therapy that might just help: inhaled molecular hydrogen.

The Hardest Question Dog Owners Face

Can you really put your dog on chemo or radiation? Ugh, the thought of it. If only there was something effective and safe.

Which brings us to hydrogen.

What Is Hydrogen Therapy?

Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is the smallest, lightest molecule in the universe. But its effects inside the body are surprisingly potent—especially when it comes to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Unlike traditional antioxidants that wipe out everything in their path, hydrogen targets the worst free radicals—like hydroxyl radicals—while leaving beneficial ones alone. That makes it remarkably intelligent, in a molecular sort of way.

In animal studies, especially murine models of lung cancer, inhaled hydrogen has been shown to:

Reduce tumor progression
Protect against chemo-induced lung damage
Improve body weight and energy
Modulate gene expression linked to cancer metabolism

And because of its size, hydrogen crosses membranes quickly. It reaches deep into cells, even the mitochondria. And when inhaled, it reaches the lungs first—right where it’s needed.

Why Inhalation Beats Every Other Method

Yes, you can buy hydrogen-rich water machines. Yes, they’re popular in wellness circles. And yes, they’re safe.

But if your dog has lung cancer, water isn’t enough.

Inhalation is the gold standard when it comes to targeting the lungs directly. That’s how you get hydrogen gas into the alveoli, where it can interact with tissues affected by tumors, inflammation, or fibrosis. Drinking water can help systemically, but it simply can’t deliver the same local concentration.

This is where hydrogen therapy shifts from “alternative wellness” into strategic biophysics.

Why It Matters for Dogs

Here’s the thing about dogs: they live in the moment. They don’t plan. They don’t worry about test results. What they care about is today—how they feel, how you smell, whether the sunbeam hits the couch just right.

Hydrogen therapy offers something rare: a way to support their body without adding confusion, fear, or discomfort.

It doesn’t sting. It doesn’t taste strange. There’s no nausea, no bloodwork, no sedation. Just a soft flow of air that feels like nothing—yet might be doing something profound inside.

For owners, that’s a powerful thing. It means you’re not choosing between doing nothing and doing something cruel. You’re choosing a third option: doing something kind.

Efficacy, Response, and What Studies Show

In early studies with patients suffering from advanced lung cancer, hydrogen inhalation therapy has shown a Disease Control Rate (DCR) of 57.5%, with modest but real tumor regression in some cases. Quality of life—as measured by appetite, physical activity, and mood—also improved dramatically in many patients.

By comparison, traditional chemotherapy offers a 20–40% Objective Response Rate (ORR) and a DCR of about 50–70% in NSCLC patients, but often at the cost of severe fatigue, nausea, immune suppression, and diminished quality of life.

Hydrogen isn’t a replacement—but it’s beginning to look like a viable complement, or at the very least, a compassionate option.

Comparative Tables

Table 1: Comparative Efficacy – Hydrogen vs. Standard Therapy

Metric	Standard Therapy (Chemo/Radiation)	Hydrogen Inhalation Therapy
Objective Response Rate (ORR)	~20\u201340% (depending on regimen)	~10\u201315% (preliminary)
Disease Control Rate (DCR)	~50\u201370%	~57.5% (in one human NSCLC study)
Mechanism of Action	Direct cytotoxicity (DNA damage, apoptosis)	Redox modulation, immune restoration, anti-inflammatory
Common Side Effects	Fatigue, nausea, immunosuppression, organ toxicity	Minimal to none reported; improves energy and appetite

Table 2: Gap Analysis – Real-World Considerations (HTML with inline styles)

Consideration	Standard Therapy	Hydrogen Therapy
Treatment Cost (Initial + Ongoing)	High (thousands per round of chemo or radiation)	Moderate – ~$1,000–$3,000 device, low ongoing cost
Ease of At-Home Use	Low – requires clinic administration	High – can be administered safely at home
Veterinary/Medical Familiarity	High – well understood and widely used	Low – many vets unfamiliar with hydrogen therapy
Impact on Quality of Life	Often reduced during treatment	Often improved – appetite, mood, stamina
Toxicity and Side Effects	Moderate to high; can be severe	Minimal or none reported
Need for Sedation or Hospital Visits	Frequent clinic visits required	None – non-invasive and calming
Compatibility with Other Therapies	Sometimes limited due to overlapping toxicity	High – can support chemo or palliative care

What If My Vet Hasn’t Heard of This?

That’s normal.

Most veterinarians rely on therapies that are FDA-approved, insurance-recognized, and deeply vetted through traditional channels. Hydrogen therapy isn’t quite there yet—not because it doesn’t work, but because there’s no economical incentive to pay for double blind, randomized phase III clinical trial studies.

But if your vet is open-minded, there’s no harm in asking. Bring the studies. Show the safety data. Ask if they’d be willing to support a trial. And if they’re not familiar with it? That doesn’t make them a bad vet. It just makes you an engaged pet owner.

Sources:
Meng J et al. “Hydrogen gas represses the progression of lung cancer via down-regulating CD47.” PubMed
Ichihara M et al. “Hydrogen Gas in Cancer Treatment: A Review.” Frontiers in Oncology
Chen JB et al. “Hydrogen therapy can be used to control tumor progression…”. ResearchGate

First Ever Blood-Filtration Cancer Therapy Found Safe & Effective in Dog Melanoma Study

bioelectric — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 03:42:52 +0000

(Dog owners – see survey form at end of article if this interests you)

Cancer cells can shield themselves from the immune system by secreting what are called decoy proteins or receptors. These proteins circulate in a patient’s bloodstream and block the capacity of the immune system to operate against the cancer. As such, even if existing immunotherapy drugs are administered, they cannot work at full capacity and their effectiveness is limited.

“The only way to neutralize these proteins is to get rid of them or filter them out of the blood stream, which would eliminate their effect and then the immune system can exude its anti-cancer effect and can be harnessed with existing drugs,” explained Prof. Gal Markel, director of the Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology at Sheba Medical Center.

“Immunicom’s novel methodology represents a sea change from traditional standards-of-care and offers the potential for achieving much better clinical outcomes with fewer treatment side effects,” Markel said.

“How it Works” animation shows the science behind the filter.

Immunicom of San Diego developed the technology to filter out these proteins, recently receiving a “Breakthrough” designation from the FDA for its system.

The company’s LW-02 plasma filtration system is a disposable device that is coated with a highly selective compound that binds only to these decoy receptors. When plasma is run through the device, it comes out without these decoy receptors. The immunophoresis process can be equated to dialysis, which is used to draw a patient’s blood outside the body, filter out the toxins, and then return the blood back to the patient in a closed circle.

He noted that the existence of these proteins has been known since the 1990s, but until now, no one has managed to get rid of them.

“…these proteins has been known since the 1990s, but until now, no one has managed to get rid of them.” Dr. Markel

Immunicom’s Therapy Concluded Two Dog Studies (Melanoma)

Immunicom has had two dog studies to date. The first (below) in California, reportedly eliminated melanoma tumors in dogs within six week. The nonpharmaceutical therapy was found to be safe and effective. The second study was done at UPenn Veterinary, led by Dr. JD Foster, and the study found Immunopheresis to be a safe and effective therapy.

In the video below, the study’s lead veterinarian reviews the results.

The footage below is unedited and was provided for the purpose of showing what the therapy looks like. The video begins at the beginning of the study and records the veterinarian inspecting the dogs at the end of the study. The tumor elimination is visually evident, and a lab tech can be heard saying, “this is supposed to be impossible!”.

More information on Immunicom’s therapy:

Dog Owners – Please Take Survey!

We’re surveying dog owners about their thoughts and interest level in Immunicom’s treatment.

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Neospora caninum, a Protozoan Killing Dogs, “Might Be Key” to “Total Regression of Tumors”

bioelectric — Fri, 17 May 2024 19:54:02 +0000

Neosporosis causes paralysis and death in canines. This dog’s symptoms began in the hind legs, requiring a wheelchair for mobility.

Neosporosis, caused by the intracellular parasite Neospora caninum, presents a significant challenge in veterinary medicine, leading to serious and life-threatening neurological issues in dogs, and costing the industrial cattle industry billions each year. N. caninum does not infect humans, making it a potentially safe therapeutic agent.

The study, “Neospora caninum: a new class of biopharmaceuticals in the therapeutic arsenal against cancer“, published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer in 2020, brought to light the game-changing potential of N. caninum in cancer therapy.

The study reported N. caninum effectively destroyed cancer cells and stimulated the immune system to fight tumors. In experiments using a mouse model of thymoma (a type of cancer that affects the thymus gland), researchers observed that injections of live N. caninum tachyzoites, either directly into the tumor or at a distant site, led to significant tumor regression and, in many cases, complete eradication.

Unleashing the Power of the Immune System

The study’s findings point to several key mechanisms by which N. caninum exerts its anti-cancer effects:

Direct Cytotoxic Activity: The researchers observed that N. caninum tachyzoites can directly infect and kill cancer cells.
Immune System Activation: N. caninum effectively stimulates the immune system, prompting the recruitment of immune cells to the tumor site, effectively transforming what would normally be “cold” tumors (tumors that are not infiltrated by immune cells) into “hot” tumors (tumors that are heavily infiltrated by immune cells).
Reprogramming the Tumor Microenvironment: N. caninum alters the tumor’s microenvironment, reducing the presence of immunosuppressive factors that can hinder the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.

The study also highlights the critical role of natural killer (NK) cells, CD8+ T cells, and macrophages in the N. caninum-mediated anti-tumor response. Depleting these immune cell populations through specific antibodies completely abolished N. caninum‘s antitumor activity, underscoring their importance in the process.

NC = Neospora caninum (included a “distant” test)

Advantages Over Existing Therapies

The researchers contrasted N. caninum‘s potential as a cancer therapeutic with the limitations of currently available agents, such as viruses and bacteria, which are sometimes associated with toxicity and safety concerns.

The study authors emphasized these advantages of N. caninum:

Safety: Unlike viruses and bacteria that can persist in the body and potentially cause harm, N. caninum is naturally cleared from the system after initiating an immune response, making it a safer alternative.
Targeting Efficiency: N. caninum exhibits a remarkable ability to penetrate tumors and cancer cells. This is attributed to its unique apical complex, a specialized structure that allows it to effectively invade a wide range of cell types.
Genetic Engineering Potential: N. caninum has a large genome capacity, meaning it can be genetically engineered to carry therapeutic payloads. This opens up possibilities for creating “armed” strains that can deliver additional anti-cancer agents directly to tumor cells.

Promising Results with Human Tumor Model

To further explore the potential of N. caninum for treating human cancers, researchers conducted experiments using a mouse model of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. The results were highly encouraging, demonstrating that treatment with N. caninum led to a significant regression of MCC tumors.

Engineering an Enhanced Strain: NC1-IL15hRec

Recognizing the need for even more potent anti-tumor responses, particularly in advanced or refractory cancers, the researchers engineered a strain of N. caninum called NC1-IL15hRec. This strain secretes a human form of interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine that plays a crucial role in stimulating the immune system, particularly NK cells and CD8+ T cells.

Experiments showed that NC1-IL15hRec induced a robust increase in the proliferation and activity of human immune cells. When tested in the mouse model of thymoma, NC1-IL15hRec exhibited superior anti-tumor efficacy compared to the unmodified strain, demonstrating the potential of enhancing N. caninum‘s therapeutic properties through genetic engineering.

A New Frontier in Cancer Immunotherapy

This study represents a significant step forward in the development of novel cancer treatments that harness the power of the immune system. The findings suggest that N. caninum holds immense promise as a new weapon in the fight against cancer. Further research is ongoing to fully unlock its therapeutic potential and bring this innovative approach to the clinic.

Hydrogen Therapy: A Promising New Treatment for Lung Cancer

bioelectric — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 03:51:36 +0000

Recent veterinary & human studies are promising

Sources: “A Systematic Review of Molecular Hydrogen Therapy in Cancer Management“, Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2023; 24(1): 37–47
“Second era of molecular-targeted cancer therapies in dogs“, J Vet Med Sci. 2023 Aug; 85(8): 790–798

Lung cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, but recent research has shown that hydrogen therapy may be a promising new treatment. Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless gas that is found in small amounts in the air we breathe. It has been shown to have several benefits for lung cancer patients, including:

Reducing tumor growth
Improving survival rates
Alleviating side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy

How Does Hydrogen Therapy Work?

Hydrogen gas is thought to work by reducing oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to cancer development. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize them. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA, leading to cancer.

Hydrogen gas has been shown to scavenge free radicals and protect cells from damage. It can also improve the function of the mitochondria, which are the energy-producing units of cells. This can help to slow the growth of cancer cells and improve the overall health of lung cancer patients.

What is the Evidence for Hydrogen Therapy in Lung Cancer?

There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of hydrogen therapy for lung cancer. A number of studies have shown that hydrogen gas can reduce tumor growth and improve survival rates in animal models of lung cancer.

One study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that hydrogen gas inhalation reduced tumor growth by 50% in mice with lung cancer. The study also found that hydrogen gas improved the survival rate of the mice by 30%.

Another study, published in the journal Cancer Research, found that hydrogen gas inhalation improved the survival rate of mice with lung cancer by 25%. The study also found that hydrogen gas reduced the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

Is Hydrogen Therapy Safe?

Hydrogen therapy is generally considered to be safe. It is a non-invasive treatment that does not require surgery or medication. There have been a few reports of side effects, such as headache and fatigue, but these side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Where Can I Get Hydrogen Therapy?

Hydrogen therapy is available at a number of clinics and hospitals around the world. It is typically administered through inhalation, but it can also be taken orally or topically.

The Future of Hydrogen Therapy for Lung Cancer

Hydrogen therapy is a promising new treatment for lung cancer. It is a safe and effective treatment that can reduce tumor growth, improve survival rates, and alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. As more research is conducted, hydrogen therapy is likely to become an increasingly important part of the treatment of lung cancer.