What is Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT)?
Insulin potentiation therapy (IPT) is a low, targeted dose of chemotherapy that uses insulin as a biologic response modifier. At the Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine, our skilled team provides this innovative cancer treatment with chemotherapy drugs, which are delivered at a much lower dose. The effectiveness of the lower dose is based upon physiologic evidence and clinical experience to be enhanced by using insulin to transport the chemotherapy drugs across the cell membrane into cancer cells (which may be considered an off-label use). The insulin helps to target the chemotherapy drugs to the cancer cells only. (Note: Off-label use of approved drugs is addressed in the Physician’s Desk Reference. It is permissible under FDA law. Insulin has a very long history of safety.)
Our team also strongly suggests that this protocol helps to minimize the side effects associated with chemotherapy. The most notable impact reported by our IPT patients is the improvement in their quality of life. Prior to being accepted into our comprehensive cancer care program and beginning IPT therapy, potential patients must cooperate with an oncologist and a primary care physician. Our team gladly coordinates with that team of physicians. The Kotsanis Institute is located in Grapevine, TX – close to the DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) International Airport. Having been on staff at the Baylor Regional Medical Center in Grapevine, TX for more than 30 years, Dr. Kotsanis had access to almost every kind of specialist. Make an appointment to see our team for your IPT consultation.
What are the Benefits Of Insulin Potentiation Therapy?
Insulin potentiation therapy in Grapevine, TX at Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine offers a number of great benefits to enhance cancer treatments, including:
- Boosts the effectiveness of chemotherapy
- Provides more precise targeting of cancer cells
- Allows lower doses of chemotherapy to be administered
- Lessens side effects from chemotherapy
- Reduces damage to healthy cells
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What Types of Cancers does IPT Respond to?
When you select to have IPT treatments at the Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine, we will evaluate your medical history and the type of cancer you have to determine whether you're a candidate for this cancer treatment. While IPT has worked well with various types of cancers, we will look at your case to determine the best course of action. We will take into consideration the stage of cancer you have, the virulence of your individual cancer cells, and any other factors. We will also work with your current oncologist and primary care physician for guidance on providing you with IPT.
Who Benefits from IPT?
If you have cancer, your quality of life can be significantly improved with IPT. Gentle treatment combined with nutritional therapy may sometimes preclude the need for additional surgery or radiation. If surgery or radiation is required, IPT may be administered simultaneously.
How is IPT administered?
IPT is administered the same way as conventional chemotherapy. You'll relax in a reclining chair as the chemotherapy agent is delivered through an IV. Because insulin allows chemotherapy drugs easier access to the cancer cells, lower doses can be more effective. The treatment usually takes about 60 – 90 minutes to complete.
What Can I Expect After An IPT Treatment?
After an IPT treatment at the Kotsanis Institute, some patients experience nausea for a few hours. This can be typical after the first couple of appointments. Occasionally, white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets may drop. However, because of the lower chemotherapy doses, the risks for hair loss, bone marrow suppression, and other side effects are generally much lower. The number of IPT sessions you'll have will depend upon your medical profile and how well you respond to IPT. The frequency of treatments will also vary according to your health needs and your body's response to treatment.
Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT) FAQ
Is insulin potentiation therapy safe?
When administered by experienced physicians like Dr. Kotsanis and his experienced team at the Kotsanis Institute, IPT can be safe and effective. The most significant risk with IPT is the development of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This can be mediated by administering a glucose infusion at a specific dose to regulate blood sugar levels.
How does insulin potentiation therapy work?
Insulin potentiation therapy has the potential to improve the delivery of chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer while lessening the negative effects of chemotherapy like nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, etc. According to a 1986 paper, IPT was argued to make chemotherapy more effective because insulin works to make cell membranes more permeable and cancer cells have a higher number of insulin receptors. In IPT, insulin allows chemotherapy drugs to be administered at a lower dose to mitigate side effects without lowering their ability to treat cancer.
What conditions does IPT treat?
IPT can be used to treat various conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, and other chronic illnesses.
How long does an IPT session take?
A typical IPT session takes about 60 – 90 minutes. The number of IPT sessions needed will vary depending on a patient’s medical profile and their response to the IPT treatments.
Are there any known side effects of IPT?
Common side effects associated with IPT might include those related to chemotherapy and insulin therapy, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and low blood sugar. However, the specific side effects can vary based on the medications used and individual patient factors.
Is IPT a recognized treatment option?
IPT is not yet recognized as a standard or recommended treatment for cancer by mainstream medical organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, or the World Health Organization.
Should I consider IPT as a treatment option?
It's important to consult with medical professionals who specialize in oncology before considering any alternative treatments, including IPT.
Cancer Support When You Need It Most
If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of IPT at the Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine in Grapevine, TX, please reach out to us. If you are accepted into our comprehensive cancer care program, we'll discuss IPT therapy with your primary physician and oncologist as well. We want what is best for you! Call and schedule an appointment today.
Note: The preceding is for educational purposes only and is not meant to suggest any specific treatment nor is it meant to imply that we offer all of these treatments. They should not be considered as generally accepted alternatives to conventional medical treatment. All treatment decisions should be made by the patient in the context of trusted medical advice.