Stem cell properties include self-renewal, capacity to differentiate into various lineages, rapid proliferation, and the ability to go dormant for extended periods. These are critical to wound healing and other normal functions. However, when cancer cells acquire “stemness”, they become extremely dangerous. The ability of cancer stem cells to go dormant allows them to survive cytotoxic therapies and are a primary cause of recurrences of cancer. This is a critical problem in oncology. Almost half of cancer cases are not cured by current therapeutics focused on dividing cells. The ability to eradicate stems cells that can regrow tumours holds great promise to save far more lives, without great cost or toxicity.
Learning Objectives
- Attendees will be able to define the properties of a stem cell
- To explain the impact of stem cell dormancy on the success of standard of care cytotoxic cancer therapies
- To define the integration of stem cell management at each stage of cancer from diagnosis, though active oncology therapy, to maintaining remissions or securing cures
- Participants will have a repertory of remedies to overcome cancerized stem cells
CE CREDITS
CONO: Category A: General -1.25 credit, Pharmacology -0.25 credit
British Columbia: Category C- General -1.50 credit
AANP: General -1.25 credit, Pharmacy-0.25 credit
OANP/OBNM: General -1.25 credit, Pharmacy-0.25 credit
Dr Neil McKinney, BSC, ND, NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN (NON-PRACTICING)
Dr McKinney graduated from Simon Fraser University with a degree in Biosciences and had a career in biophysical (radiation) cancer research. Studied kinesiology at the University of Waterloo. Graduated as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1985. Concurrently trained 3 years in TCM at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.
Dr McKinney has had many teaching roles, from lab instructor in microbiology at University of Victoria, and National College of Naturopathic Medicine (now NUNM), at schools of traditional Chinese medicine, massage therapy, and finally as a professor at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM). Served many roles in the regulation and advancement of the profession, including Registrar of the BC College of Naturopathic Physicians www.cnpbc.bc.ca and accreditation evaluator for the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education www.cnme.org Founded the BC Naturopathic Association www.bcna.ca and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine www.binm.org Founding professor of Naturopathic Oncology, now retired. Author of several editions of textbooks of naturopathic oncology, clinical handbooks, and research review articles. Mentors and lectures to doctors internationally; contributes to publication for professionals and the public. He has received a number of awards for contributions to advancing the scope and standards of the naturopathic profession.
Dr McKinney’s skills include nutrition as medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, botanical medicine, homeopathy, and therapeutic injections, but has now moved to non-practicing status. Dr McKinney had prescribing authority for common pharmaceutical medicines used in general practice and cancer care. Now retired from decades of practice with a focus on integrative oncology, he is actively engaged in cancer research, professional education, and publishing.
