Despite remarkable breakthroughs in advanced sciences and integrative cancer treatments, many patients still face a troubling lack of support from the traditional medical system. Too often, innovative therapies that can significantly improve outcomes, resilience, and quality of life—both before and after chemotherapy—are overlooked, underutilized, or dismissed altogether. This gap leaves patients without access to comprehensive care that addresses healing beyond standard protocols, including recovery, immune support, and long-term wellness. As cancer care continues to evolve, greater openness, education, and collaboration are urgently needed to ensure patients benefit from the full spectrum of science-backed options available to support their health at every stage of their journey.
By: Lauren Keating
Modern cancer treatment is no longer simply about survival. Increasingly, the focus has expanded to include longevity, resilience, and quality of life throughout the cancer journey. As this shift continues, a new generation of integrative treatment modalities is emerging—moving cancer care away from a one-dimensional framework toward a more comprehensive, biologically informed model. At the center of this evolution is Dr. Philip DeFina, who operates two of the only facilities in the world where these advanced therapies are available together under one roof.
As Chief Scientific Officer and Clinical and Research Director at the International Brain Research Foundation in New York, the International Institute for Brain Enhancement (IIBE) in Florida, and Advanced Brain Centers of Virginia, Dr. DeFina has developed an integrated cancer treatment model designed to work alongside conventional oncology. This approach enhances immune surveillance, improves metabolic balance, reduces inflammatory mechanisms, mitigates traditional treatment toxicity, and supports cellular energy and mitochondrial function. Rather than focusing solely on cancer cells, his model targets the underlying biological conditions that allow cancer to thrive.
His clinical philosophy is rooted in brain-behavioral and neuro-immune science, with a deep understanding of the gut microbiome and cellular energy systems. He emphasizes that effective cancer care must support the nervous, immune, and metabolic systems—attacking malignant cells isn’t enough.
“We’re not just treating tumors—we’re changing the environment that allows cancer to exist in the first place,” said
Dr. DeFina. “These therapies are not a cure on their own—but when used in a controlled, integrative way alongside conventional oncology, we’re seeing incredible effectiveness and, in some cases, even reversals, particularly when combined with targeted immunotherapies.”
By integrating complementary cancer treatment protocols—including ozone therapy, photodynamic therapy, and other emerging oxygen-based approaches—patients are often better able to tolerate treatment while maintaining strength and quality of life. These therapies are designed to support immune function, reduce treatment-related toxicity, and enhance cellular energy while working alongside conventional oncology. While some of these modalities are well established, others continue to be studied as part of an evolving, research-driven approach to cancer care.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all protocol, Dr. DeFina’s approach is highly individualized and guided by advanced imaging, genetic testing, blood work, immune profiling, and gut microbiome assessment.
"Every patient is different, and every cancer presents its own set of variables," Dr. DeFina explains. "Treatment decisions have to take into account the type and stage of the disease, the individual's overall health and immune responsiveness, and how their body is likely to tolerate therapy. That evaluation has to be thoughtful and precise."
By combining targeted peptides, oxygen-based therapies, high-dose intravenous vitamins and nutrients, and immune-modulating treatments, the goal is to shift the body from a cancer-supportive state to one that promotes resilience, cellular repair, and long-term health. This approach is not a replacement for conventional cancer treatment. Dr. DeFina collaborates closely with oncologists and specialists to ensure a comprehensive, integrated care plan.
“These therapies are used more as adjunctive, complementary support,” he explains. “We see very strong effectiveness—especially when combined with targeted immunotherapy.”
While adjunct cancer treatments are often used alongside traditional oncology, some patients pursue integrative care independently or preventatively, particularly when genetic risk factors are present.
“These adjunct treatments can augment the effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy while simultaneously mitigating the deleterious side effects,” he said.
From a neuro-immune science perspective, cancer is not simply a collection of malignant cells but a systemic breakdown involving immune suppression, impaired cellular energy production, toxicity, and disrupted signaling between the brain and body. These electrochemical signals—modulated through neurotransmitters and neural pathways—play a critical role in how the body responds to disease. Chronic inflammation is a central driver in this process.
“Many disease processes share a powerful contributor: chronic inflammation,” Dr. DeFina says. “When inflammation becomes chronic, it can impair cellular energy production and immune function, creating conditions in which cancer can develop and thrive.”
To address this, Dr. DeFina’s interdisciplinary team incorporates adjunctive therapies intended to work alongside conventional treatment. These include oxygen-based approaches such as ozone therapy, explored in clinical and preclinical settings, as well as other investigational modalities. Mistletoe therapy—widely used in Europe and recently evaluated in a U.S. Phase I trial at Johns Hopkins—has shown early signals of improved quality of life in advanced cancer patients.
The approach also incorporates strategies aimed at supporting immune balance and reducing microbial burden.
Peptide therapy represents another promising frontier, with peptides designed for targeted anticancer activity, immune modulation, and drug delivery. Multiple peptide-based therapies have already been approved for specific cancers, with many more in active development.
High-dose intravenous vitamin C addresses factors often overlooked in conventional treatment, including tumor hypoxia, impaired cellular energy production, and toxicity from radiation and chemotherapy. Clinical trials have demonstrated its safety and potential to enhance conventional treatment while reducing side effects.
IV Peptide Therapies:
Targeting Cellular Aging and Inflammation
Peptide therapy plays a central role in Dr. DeFina’s cancer protocols. These short chains of amino acids act as biological signaling molecules designed to target cancer cells while dismantling the inflammatory and metabolic conditions that allow tumors to grow.
The peptide FOXO4 serves as a foundational therapy. It targets senescent cells—aging, dysfunctional cells that contribute to inflammation and immune suppression.
“Senescent cells contribute to chronic inflammation, suppress immune function, and create an environment that supports tumor growth,” Dr. DeFina said. “When you reduce and eliminate these old senescent cells, you reduce the conditions that allow cancer to develop in the first place.”
FOXO4 is administered intravenously and is often the first step in peptide-based cancer intervention.
Dr. DeFina explained that while used to rejuvenate cells, complementary peptides such as Epitalon also stimulate DNA repair, improve sleep, enhance cellular vitality, and restore immune balance. PNC-27 is another peptide used in cancer protocols, used to offset chemotherapy induced damage. “PNC-27 works in a very unique way—it disrupts the cancer cell membrane itself, causing rapid cell death,” Dr. DeFina said.
Then there is LL-37, which helps neutralize viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens linked to chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. “Many cancers are linked to microbial processes—viruses, bacteria, parasites—and LL-37 helps regulate that immune response.” According to Dr. DeFina, LL-37 has shown promise in colon, gastric, squamous cell carcinomas, and certain leukemias.
“Cancer treatment isn’t just about killing cancer cells—it’s about restoring immune function so the body can do its job.” For this reason, Thymosin Alpha-1 is frequently included in his treatment plan to reverse immune exhaustion caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or chronic inflammation. “Thymosin Alpha-1 helps re-educate the immune system so it can recognize abnormal cells and respond appropriately,” Dr. DeFina said.
Peptide therapy is never used as a standalone intervention but is integrated with oxygen-based therapies, immune modulation, and metabolic support.
“There’s a synergy between immune-based therapies and metabolic therapies. When combined, they improve cellular health and reduce the abnormal signaling that supports tumors.”
High-Dose Vitamin C IV: A Cancer Killer
High-dose intravenous vitamin C (100–150 grams) is used to directly target cancer cells while reducing the toxic side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
“High-dose vitamin C creates hydrogen peroxide in abnormal cells only—filling the cancer cells and causing them to burst.” Dr. DeFina said. “The abnormal cells cannot survive that oxidative stress.”
Administered two to three times per week in cycles, vitamin C IV is often combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and photodynamic therapy.
“It enhances the effectiveness of other therapies while supporting immune resilience and tissue repair,” he said. “Our goal is to attack cancer while improving quality of life, energy, and resilience at the same time.”
Patients undergoing high-dose vitamin C therapy often report improvements in fatigue, inflammation, nausea, and overall functional status, helping them better tolerate traditional oncology treatments that are often aggressive.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Changing Cancer Environments
Therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy fundamentally alter the tumor microenvironment—making it inhospitable to cancer cells while restoring oxygen, circulation, and healing to healthy tissue.
“Cancer cells are anaerobic—they do not thrive in an oxygen-rich environment. When you change those conditions, you fundamentally change how the disease behaves,” Dr. DeFina said. “When you increase oxygenation in tissue, you counteract tumor hypoxia. That reduces immune evasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to therapy. Oxygen is very detrimental to cancer cells.”
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves delivering 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber for 60–90 minutes per session.
“Tumor hypoxia is a major driver of cancer aggressiveness, immune evasion, and resistance to therapy, and enhances chemotherapy and radiation sensitivity.” Dr. DeFina said.
Beyond cancer prevention and treatment, HBOT provides neurological benefits that includes improving cognitive function, reducing brain fog, enhancing sleep, and increasing energy levels. By restoring oxygen delivery and reducing inflammation, HBOT helps patients regain strength and resilience during prolonged cancer treatment protocols.
Administered five days per week over approximately three months, HBOT is often used in conjunction with other therapies. “Hyperbaric oxygen is one of the most important complementary therapies we use in cancer treatment,” Dr. DeFina added.
Ozone Therapy & Photodynamic Therapy (PDT with Methylene Blue)
Dr. DeFina frequently combines ozone-based therapies with photodynamic therapy (PDT) to selectively destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
“These therapies basically reduce oxidative stress in your body and essentially improve your immune function,” he said. “They enhance the power of the mitochondrion in the cell, which gives you energy and improves oxygen delivery in your microcirculation.”
PDT involves removing a small amount of blood and treating it with methylene blue and full-spectrum light to activate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that target cancer cells.
“The photodynamic therapy damages tumor cells —inducing localized oxidative cytotoxicity while sparing healthy tissue,” Dr. DeFina said. “This treatment gets rid of toxins, reduces systemic inflammation, promotes cellular repair, and at the same time eliminates damaged and cancer cells. This whole process boosts your energy, enhances mitochondrial function, strengthens your immune system, and improves blood flow and oxygenation.”
Phosphatidylcholine IV: Enhances Therapies
Phosphatidylcholine IV is used to complement ozone therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), hyperbaric oxygen, high-dose vitamin C, and peptide therapies.
Administered intravenously, phosphatidylcholine is designed to repair damaged cell membranes, improve circulation, enhance mitochondrial function, and support detoxification and liver function, which are often compromised during chemotherapy. It also supports neurotransmitter functions for a healthy nervous system, which is important in cancer patients.
Ivermectin, Mebendazole, & Fenbendazole: Targeting Cancer Through Parasite and Microbe Treatment
Dr. DeFina’s protocol incorporates Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, and Mebendazole as off-label adjunctive therapies. Research increasingly suggests that certain cancers may be influenced or triggered by parasites, viruses or other microbial pathogens.
It is believed they share cellular targets with cancer drugs which can interfere with cancer metabolism and can induce cancer cell death (apoptosis and autophagy) which potentially boost immune system responses to tumors. Mebendazole penetrates the blood brain barrier, which is important for brain cancer research.
“Ivermectin and Fenbendazole reduce the glucose uptake; they go after the different pathways of viruses and parasites which may be responsible for a number of these cancers,” said Dr. DeFina, adding that research is emerging to look to document the efficacy of killing cancer cells.
By addressing parasite- and virus-related links to disease, these medications offer a unique, targeted approach to integrative cancer care that can complement conventional therapies. While not standard oncology treatments, Dr. DeFina reported positive outcomes when these medications are used alongside metabolic, immune, and oxygen-based therapies.
Mistletoe Therapy:
Alternative Treatment That Aids in Side Effects
Popularly used in Europe, mistletoe therapy is a complementary cancer treatment known for stimulating immune function. Extracted from the plant Viscum album, it is administered subcutaneously, intravenously, or orally depending on the cancer type and patient protocol.
“Mistletoe supports conventional care by boosting immune function, reducing fatigue, nausea, and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation—and it also kills cancer cells,” said Dr. DeFina. “It creates an environment where healthy cells thrive and abnormal cells are more easily eliminated.”
Research studies indicate mistletoe improves longer disease-free survival rates in breast and colorectal cancer. Combining mistletoe with certain immunotherapies has been shown to double overall survival rates in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. There is also limited evidence of longer survival rates with advanced metastatic pancreatic cancer when combined with additional therapeutic interventions. It has also been suggested in research literature that it can block the growth of and potential prevention of bladder cancer cells.
Dr. DeFina added that while mistletoe is commonly used as an adjunct therapy in Europe, some patients in the U.S. who wish to avoid traditional cancer treatments may explore it as an alternative option.
Neurotherapeutic Interventions
In addition to traditional supportive psychotherapeutic interventions for cancer patients, Dr. DeFina’s group is using various neurotherapies.
Neurotherapeutic interventions—including qEEG-directed neurofeedback, Trimodal Cranio-Electrical Stimulation (T-CES), Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (T-DCS), photobiomodulation, and VEMI biostacking methods—are used to reduce stress, alleviate depression and anxiety, and promote emotional stability.
The person’s mental state is extremely important in battling aggressive diseases such as cancer. “The mental health status of the patient plays an important role in their physical wellbeing,” he said.
Diet also plays a major role. The best recommendations in diet for cancer patients include plant-based, high-fiber, whole grains, fruits and lean protein—limiting red meat and processed foods. A proper cancer diet will help repair cells and maintain muscle mass while reducing inflammation and flushing out toxins. Hydration is also vital in cancer patients who are at a risk of dehydration related to chemotherapy and radiation. Alkaline water may be recommended, although its advantages are inconclusive based on available scientific evidence. Electrolyte drinks can reduce the risk of dehydration to prevent hospitalization.
Advancing Cancer Care Through Holistic, Integrative Therapies
In the world of cancer treatment, many of these therapies are only slowly becoming adapted to maintain stream recommendations. It’s important that patients are made aware of these alternative options and find reputable centers that are experienced in utilizing and properly combining these alternative therapies for maximal effectiveness and safety.
By incorporating these therapies into his integrative cancer care model, Dr. DeFina advances a more holistic approach to treating and preventing cancer.
“We've reversed a lot of stage three and stage four cancers using these augmentative therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, combined with high-dose vitamin C,” he said.
Immunotherapy plays a central role in Dr. DeFina’s protocols, particularly for cancers with high mutation rates such as melanoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and certain lymphomas.
By combining complementary treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen and high-dose vitamin C with traditional oncology, Dr. DeFina not only targets cancer cells but also strengthens patients’ resilience—helping them better heal, recover, and maintain quality of life throughout the cancer journey.
To explore advanced cancer treatment options and schedule a consultation with leading specialist
Dr. Philip DeFina, please visit:
US Brain Enhancement
usbrainenhancement.com
Palm Beach Hyperbarics
pbhyperbarics.com
Advanced Brain Centers of Virginia