Four primary pathways in the body have been identified for cancer metabolism. They are AMPK, IGF-1, mTOR, and the p53 gene pathways.

Biomarker trending with targeted nutrition, health and supplementation strategies are fundamental to the Precision Medical Care healthspan approach to longevity.

Age management medicine targets the pathways of cancer progression to offer optimal health practice recommendations.

A healthy immune system is vital to monitor and detect abnormal cancer cells and clear your body of cancer cells. Immune Health is optimized with stress reduction and optimal sleep architecture, too.

1. AMPK

AMPK (Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase) is an energy- regulating molecule that signals ATP production. Up-regulation of the AMPK pathway can help the body fight cancer.

As ATP is broken down for energy within cells, phosphate groups are removed to form ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) and AMP (Adenosine Monophosphate). When the ratio of AMP to ATP is increased, this is a sign that energy is getting low. AMPK is activated and signals the upregulation of ATP production. AMPK activity can be up-regulated with carbohydrate restriction. Upregulation of the AMPK pathway helps the body fight cancer by diverting sugar from cancer cells to healthy cells. This limits the fuel supply to cancer cells. Metformin has been proven to up regulate the AMPK pathway. Berbemycin is the supplement form of Metformin, recommended dose is 500 mg-1,000 mg twice daily.

2.   IGF-1

IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) is a growth-stimulating hormone that regulates the reproduction and regeneration of cells. It is normal for children in the rapid developmental stages of life to have high levels of IGF-1.

However, elevated IGF-1 can be a catalyst for cancer growth for those not in a rapid develop- mental stage of life. Protein restriction, fasting, exercise, curcumin, resveratrol, and many other plant-based compounds can inhibit the production of excess IGF-1. Healthy levels of IGF-1 are also important to maintain muscle mass and healthy cell synthesis, too. This is why we measure, trend and optimize IGF-1 levels in age management medicine.

3.   mTOR

mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) is a physiological pathway that regulates cell growth and replication. mTOR is necessary for a healthy body. However, cancerous tissues have an elevated activation of the mTOR pathway. This can contribute to the rapid cell division found in cancer.

Insulin is one of the primary activators of the mTOR pathway. A high-sugar diet leads to high levels of insulin which may contribute to cancer by elevating mTOR activity. Excessive protein consumption can also stimulate this pathway. A plant-based diet with limited amounts of protein can be a great strategy to prevent these pathways from contributing to cancer growth.

4.  The p53 Gene

The p53 gene regulates what happens to damaged DNA sequences before they lead to problems in cell development. When functioning properly, the p53 gene responds in two ways to disorderly cells. If the defective DNA can be repaired, the p53 gene allows the cell to go back into its normal cycle of growth and reproduction. If the defective DNA cannot be repaired, the p53 signals for cellular apoptosis (programmed cell death), halting the potential for cancerous growth. Some metals, such as zinc, are critical for stimulating p53 activity.

This critical gene is inactive in many cancers. A high-sugar diet and certain nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc deficiency, contribute to the inactivity or mutation of the p53 gene. There are numerous plant-based compounds that can help restore proper p53 function.

Damaged DNA is methylated DNA and this is how measuring levels of methylated DNA in the blood may be a screening marker for cancer. (The IvyGene lab test). Keeping folate and ferritin levels within optimal ranges may favorably regulate the activity of the p53 gene, too. Monitoring homocysteine and hs-CRP levels also help to identify cancer activity at earlier levels.