Kenmore, Wash. (April 19, 2011) — A new program at the Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center (BIORC) will allow late-stage breast cancer patients to have an improved quality of life while increasing their chances of survival.

The innovative program was created thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from Cleavage Creek Cellars of Pope Valley, CA, and will introduce patients to such non-toxic treatments as intravenous ascorbic acid (IVAA) — which has a pro-oxidant effect attacking cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed — as well as targeted botanical therapies, nutritional therapy, acupuncture and massage.

Patients with late-stage cancer have historically had few effective or tolerable treatment options.  Because of this funding, BIORC will be able to help up to five patients who might not otherwise be able to afford complementary cancer care. Medicaid and Medicare do not pay for these types of treatments.

“This program is a welcome addition to the cancer research we are currently conducting,” said BIORC Medical Director Leanna J. Standish, PhD, ND, LAc. “It is truly heartwarming to know we are giving a potentially life-saving opportunity to patients who otherwise could not afford the treatments.”

This is the latest in a recent stream of funding for BIORC. Last July and September, Bastyr University’s cancer research center received federal grants totaling nearly $8 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct studies on both complementary and integrative medicine, and the healing power of Asian medicinal mushrooms on breast cancer.

ABOUT BASTYR UNIVERSITY
Bastyr University, located north of Seattle, Washington, is an accredited institution, internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. Bastyr is the largest university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., combining a multidisciplinary curriculum with leading-edge research and clinical training to educate future leaders in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and whole food nutrition. Founded in 1978 as the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University now offers more than 15 accredited degree and certificate programs. Bastyr was the nation’s first natural health arts and sciences university to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Bastyr University Research Institute plays a key role in the growth of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research. The University’s teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, offers quality natural health care to the greater Seattle community while providing essential clinical training for students. The Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center (BIORC) opened in 2009 to study integrative, complementary and alternative medicine for cancer patients.  More information on BIORC can be found at www.bastyr.edu/research/BIORC. For additional information about Bastyr University and its teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, visit www.bastyr.edu or www.BastyrCenter.org.