Cancer Advisor

Medically Reviewed by: Dr Frank Yap, MD | Written by: OneDayMD Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 15, 2026 Key takeaway: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are not necessarily a tiny, fixed population representing “1% of a tumor.” Their frequency varies dramatically between cancer types and experimental definitions. Modern research increasingly views CSCs as a dynamic cellular state that cancer cells can enter and exit. This plasticity may be as important therapeutically as the CSC population itself. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cancer-cell populations or cellular states characterized by properties such as self-renewal, tumor initiation, differentiation capacity, metabolic adaptation and resistance to therapy. CSC biology has become increasingly important in research on cancer recurrence, metastasis and treatment resistance. However, the traditional model of CSCs as a rare, permanently defined population is being revised. Contemporary evidence supports a more dynamic mo...

Authors:  Ilyes Baghli 1 , William Makis 2 , Paul E. Marik 3 , Michael J. Gonzalez 4,5,6 , William B. Grant 7 , Ron Hunninghake 8 , Thomas E. Levy 8 , Homer Lim 9 , Richard Z. Cheng 10 , Igor Bondarenko 11 , Paul Bousquet 12 , Roberto Ortiz 13 , Mignonne Mary 14 , Dominic P. D’Agostino 15 , Pierrick Martinez 16 1  International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada 2  Alberta Health Services, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada 3  Frontline COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, Washington, DC, USA 4  University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, School of Public Health, San Juan, PR 5  Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Chiropractic, Bayamon, Puerto Rico 6  EDP University, Naturopathic Sciences Program, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 7  Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center, San Francisco, CA, USA 8  Riordan Clinic, 3100 North Hillside, Wichita, KS, USA 9  Akesis Holistic Health, Manila, Philippines 1...

Abstract: Therapeutic resistance remains the primary cause of cancer-related mortality, driven by cancer cells' extraordinary metabolic plasticity and ability to remodel the tumor microenvironment. While traditional precision oncology focuses on genomic drivers, emerging evidence suggests that a multidimensional approach—integrating metabolism, immunity, and evolutionary selection pressures—is required for durable control. This article explores the Personalized Metabolic Oncology (PMO) framework and the Hybrid Orthomolecular Protocol, which utilize repurposed antiparasitic agents like ivermectin, fenbendazole, and mebendazole to target the mitochondrial-stem cell connection and metabolic vulnerabilities. By "stacking" evidence-based interventions including dietary modulation, orthomolecules, and repurposed drugs, clinicians can address cancer as a dynamic adaptive ecosystem. Keywords: Personalized Metabolic Oncology, Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, Therapeutic Resistance, Can...

Abstract Cancer research is increasingly shifting beyond purely genetic explanations toward models centered on metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction. Two emerging frameworks are gaining attention: the metabolic therapy approach associated with Thomas Seyfried and the mitochondrial stem cell targeting strategy developed within integrative oncology. This review critically compares both approaches across biological rationale, therapeutic strategy, and available evidence. It also proposes a unified model that may better reflect the complexity of cancer biology while maintaining clinical realism and safety. 1. Introduction Despite major advances in oncology, outcomes for advanced cancers remain limited. Conventional treatments—surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy—primarily target tumor burden but often fail to prevent recurrence or metastasis. Two alternative but increasingly discussed frameworks attempt to address these gaps: Metabolic cancer therapy , which reframes c...