Evidence that whey protein concentrate (Immunocal) can reduce tumor size

By Patricia A.L. Kongshavn, Ph.D

Former Professor: Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

Earlier studies in laboratory animals.

Bounous et al. (1) showed that mice fed the carcinogen DMH (dimethylhydrazine-dichloride) to
induce colon cancer developed a significantly lower tumor burden (both in terms of the number
and size of the tumors) when fed whey protein concentrate (WPC), as compared to mice fed
casein or Purina mouse chow. Furthermore, when the Purina-fed mice bearing tumors were
switched to the WPC diet, a decrease in tumor burden was observed. Almost identical results
were obtained subsequently by Australian investigators using DMH-induced intestinal cancers in
rats. More recently, another study from Arkansas showed that diets formulated with whey
protein provided significantly more protection than casein or soy-based diets against chemically
induced mammary cancer in rats. These findings are summarized in a recent article by
Bounous (2).

It is noteworthy that the DMH-induced colon tumors are regarded as being similar to those found
in humans [see Figure 1 caption in article by Bounous (2)].

Phase I-II clinical trial in patients with metastatic carcinoma.

A small number of patients with metastatic cancer were placed on 30g/day Immunocal for 6
months and their progress followed. Two of seven patients exhibited signs of tumor regression
and two showed stabilization of the tumor. The findings were published in 1995 in an article by
Kennedy et al. (3).

Case reports on patients with urogenital cancers.

A number of case reports are documented in the article by Bounous, showing the effect of WPC
(Immunocal) on urogenital malignancies. They strongly suggest that an anti-tumor effect is
seen. For example, in case #2 (renal carcinoma) metastatic lesions diminished. In patients with
prostate cancer, PSA values fell, indicating reduction of tumor.

Immunocal® is a specially prepared WPC enriched for cysteine in a bioavailable form, which
enables the body to make glutathione. Found in every cell, glutathione has multiple functions,
as the major antioxidant and detoxifying agent, as well as being vital for normal functioning of
the immune system. For these reasons, glutathione plays a central role in body defense.

References:

1. Bounous G, Papenburg R, Kongshavn P et al. Dietary whey protein inhibits the development of DMH-induced
malignancy. Clin Invest Med 11:213-17, 1988

2. Bounous G. Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and glutathione modulation in cancer treatment. Anticancer Res
20: 4785-92,2000

3. Kennedy RS, Konok GP, Bounous GB et al.. The use of a whey protein concentrate in the treatment of patients
with metastatic carcinoma: a phase I-II clinical study. Anticancer Res 15:2643-2650, 1995