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| 4. Invasion and metastasis. At this point, tumor cells cross tissue compartment boundaries and intermix with cells on the other side of the boundary. Tumor cells attach to basement membranes secreting enzymes that break down the membranes until the tumor cell is able to penetrate and migrate throughout the bloodstream. Helpful nutrients at this stage include modified citrus pectin, gotu kola, grape seed extract, omega-3 fatty acids, tangeretin (a flavone found in tangerines), and resveratrol, which is extracted from grape skins and leaves. |
| 5. Migration. Cancer cells leave the tumor mass and migrate through the blood vessels or the lymph system and spread to distant areas. Even at this late stage, omega-3 fatty acids and good nutritional choices, including proteins like yogurt, tempeh, and steamed fish, can help, while quick-fix weight-gain, sugar-laced drinks and foods can actually make matters worse. |
| 6. Blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). This is the point at which a cancerous mass forms blood vessels, allowing it to receive oxygen and nutrients. For a tumor to grow beyond a certain size, it must develop vasculature. Capillary blood vessels are needed for tumors to become larger than 2 centimeters. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one well-known angiogenesis inducer. It originates in the cell's own "intelligence." Cancer is an opportunistic disease whose mission is to take over. It seeks what it needs for survival. The strength of its course can be lessened by antiangiogenetic nutrients, such as flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins (found in foods with purple or blue pigments such as cherries, grapes, and plums). These nutrients, as well as most soy products, offer protection by strengthening vascular walls. |
| The Mechanisms of Metastasis |
| Cancer cells look different than normal cells or the benign tumor cells of the tissue in which they are found. Usually, the more abnormal the cell appears to be, the more malignant the cancer. The major difference between cancerous and benign tumor cells is that cancerous tumor cells have the ability to invade adjacent tissues and spread to distant sites. Cancer cells may eventually invade the bloodstream and establish colonies far from the original site. This is the process called metastasis. |
| Metastasis is one of the most devastating characteristics of a malignancy; indeed, most patients die as a result of metastases to distant organs (secondary tumor sites), not from damage done at the primary tumor site. Current evi- |
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