CIC-DUX4 Sarcoma (CDS)
I’ve had a number of people asking about Amanda’s type of cancer, so I thought I’d put down what is known about it here. Her type of cancer is a sarcoma called CIC-DUX4 Sarcoma, commonly abbreviated as CDS. This particular cancer is an aggressive and rare form of sarcoma, affecting mainly young adults and children. This article will explore what CDS is, why it is such an aggressive cancer, current treatment protocols, clinical trials available, new research, alternative methods of treating cancer that might help fight CDS, and resources available for people including Facebook groups.
What is CDS?
CIC-DUX4 Sarcoma, or CDS, is a rare form of cancer that affects the soft tissue and bone of young adults and children. However, it has been known to affect even older adults. It is a type of sarcoma, which is a cancer that arises in the body’s connective tissues, including fat, muscle, and bone. CDS is characterized by the presence of a specific genetic mutation, which causes the abnormal growth of cancerous cells. The mutation involves the fusion of two genes, CIC and DUX4, which results in the formation of a new gene that triggers the growth of cancerous cells.
Why is CDS so aggressive?
CDS is an aggressive form of cancer because it is highly resistant to traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This resistance is due to the unique genetic makeup of the cancer cells, which makes them difficult to target with conventional treatments. Additionally, CDS tends to grow and spread rapidly, making it difficult to diagnose and treat in its early stages. Further, the rapid growth means that the tumor cannot establish adequate blood supplies, which is how traditional chemo and radiation reaches cancer cells.
Current treatment protocols for CDS
Currently, there are no standard treatment protocols specifically designed for CDS. Since it is typically classified as a “Ewing-Like Sarcoma,” most hospitals will follow the Ewing Sarcoma protocol, which involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Surgery is used to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible, while chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to kill any remaining cancer cells. Unfortunately, these treatments have limited success in treating CDS, as the cancer is highly resistant to them.
Clinical trials for CDS
Despite the limited success of traditional treatments for CDS, there are several clinical trials underway to test new therapies. One such trial is testing a drug called trabectedin, which has shown promising results in treating soft tissue sarcomas. Another trial is testing a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, which has shown success in treating other types of cancer. Clinical trials are essential in finding new and more effective treatments for CDS, and those who are interested in participating in a clinical trial should speak with their healthcare provider.
New research in CDS
New research into CDS is ongoing, with the aim of developing more effective treatments for this aggressive cancer. One area of research is focused on understanding the genetic mutations that cause CDS, with the hope of developing targeted therapies that can effectively target the cancerous cells. Additionally, researchers are investigating new immunotherapies that can help the body’s immune system to fight off the cancerous cells.
Alternative methods of treating cancer that might help fight CDS
In addition to traditional treatments and clinical trials, there are several alternative methods of treating cancer that might help fight CDS. These include dietary changes (some recommend the keto diet specifically), exercise, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture and massage. While these methods have not been proven to cure cancer, they can help to improve overall health and wellbeing, and may have a positive impact on cancer treatment outcomes.
One additional alternative treatment that some have used in conjunction with chemo and radiation is Vitamin C infusions. The Riordan Clinic has an IVC Protocol designed specifically to help fight cancer. The protocol involves high-dose intravenous vitamin C therapy, which has shown promising results in fighting cancer cells by increasing oxidative stress levels within the tumor. The Riordan Clinic, a non-profit organization dedicated to integrative health, offers this protocol as part of its cancer treatment program.
While the Riordan Clinic IVC Protocol is not a guaranteed cure for CDS, it may provide an effective complementary treatment to traditional methods. In fact, a case study published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine documented the successful use of the protocol in a patient with metastatic breast cancer.
It’s essential to note that patients interested in exploring alternative treatments such as the Riordan Clinic IVC Protocol should consult with their healthcare provider before making any changes to their treatment plan. It’s also important to continue to seek out current research and clinical trials, which can offer the latest treatment options and insights.
Resources available for people with CDS
For those who are living with CDS, there are several resources available to provide support and guidance. Facebook groups such as the CIC-DUX4 Sarcoma Support Group offer a community of individuals who are going through similar experiences, as well as information on the latest research and treatment options. Additionally, organizations such as the Sarcoma Foundation of America and the American Cancer Society provide information and resources on