Zinc and Copper in Cancer Therapy
Zinc and copper, both trace minerals, play an important role in the immune system. Cancer patients may need to supplement zinc and copper levels that have been depleted in their systems. Zinc and copper enhance T cell and Natural Killer (NK) cell activity necessary for optimum operation of the immune system. Low zinc levels have been linked to increased size of head or neck tumors, more advanced stages of disease, and a greater number of unplanned hospitalizations. Copper complexes have shown to have anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies. If zinc and copper are so essential to keeping immune cells healthy and smaller tumor size, more study is needed regarding these minerals as major cancer fighting agents.
Integrative oncologists routinely prescribe zinc and copper supplements as enhancers of the immune system which helps the body fight the cancer cells. A new strategy incorporating trace minerals, vitamins, nutrition, etc. into conventional cancer treatment is essential. I’m still collecting information on practicing integrative oncologists that readers are familiar with. Please pass on the information to: info@cancerchoices.org. Tomorrow: selenium.