Cancell/Cantron/Protocel was developed in the 1950s by a chemist who called it Entelev and provided it free of charge to patients with terminal cancer. Reviewed in [1,2] In 1984, production was taken over by a second manufacturer who distributed the mixture free of charge under the trademarked name Cancell to individuals with cancer, AIDS, and other conditions. Reviewed in [1,2]

The two principal manufacturers of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel have offered somewhat different explanations for cancer development, but their theories about how the mixture works are quite similar. According to the original manufacturer, human cells can be normal, cancerous, or primitive.[3] Each of these cellular forms is distinguished by the degree of oxygen utilization in cellular metabolism. Normal cells use aerobic metabolism (glycolysis plus additional biochemical reactions that require oxygen) to produce the energy needed for growth and maintenance. Primitive cells, in contrast, use only glycolysis, which is a much less efficient way to produce energy. It was proposed that normal cells become cancerous when in response to certain damaging conditions such as chronic energy stress (a demand for energy greater than the cell’s ability to produce it), they reach a critical point and begin to rely mainly on glycolysis to produce energy. According to this theory, cancerous cells still maintain many of the features of normal cells and cannot be recognized by the body as foreign. According to the original manufacturer, Cancell/Cantron/Protocel causes cancer cells to become completely primitive, i.e., their residual aerobic metabolism is inhibited and they produce energy solely by glycolysis. The resulting primitive cells are then seen by the body as foreign and destroyed.[3] While the aerobic metabolism of normal cells is also inhibited by Cancell/Cantron/Protocel, they are too far removed from the critical point to become cancerous or completely primitive. Reviewed in [1]

The second manufacturer suggested that a bacterium called Progenitor cryptocides is involved in cancer development. Reviewed in [1] According to this theory, P. cryptocides becomes activated in individuals whose bodies are damaged by an improper diet. Once activated, this bacterium helps cause damaged normal cells to shift their energy production from aerobic metabolism to glycolysis. When the demand for energy exceeds the damaged normal cell’s ability to produce it, the cell mutates and becomes cancerous. Once again, Cancell/Cantron/Protocel forces cancerous cells into a completely primitive state where they self-digest and are replaced by normal cells. The waste material produced by this self-digestion process is discarded by the body in a variety of ways: in urine, stool, vaginal discharge, or perspiration; it may also be vomited or coughed up. Reviewed in [1]

The idea that cancer cells show increased levels of glycolysis compared with normal cells is widely accepted, but this change in metabolism is not believed to be a fundamental cause of cancer development. Reviewed in [4-6] In addition, there is no scientific evidence that Cancell/Cantron/Protocel or any of its components can cause cells to produce energy solely by glycolysis or is able to treat cancer effectively. Reviewed in [1,7] Furthermore, there is no evidence to date to support the existence of the bacterium P. cryptocides.[8]

References

1. Questionable methods of cancer management: Cancell/Entelev. CA Cancer J Clin 43 (1): 57-62, 1993 Jan-Feb.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Cancell Alternative Cancer Treatment. Available online ¹. Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   
3. Sheridan JV, Sheridan JE: How Entelev/Cancell Works. 1992. Available online ². Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   
4. Mathupala SP, Rempel A, Pedersen PL: Aberrant glycolytic metabolism of cancer cells: a remarkable coordination of genetic, transcriptional, post-translational, and mutational events that lead to a critical role for type II hexokinase. J Bioenerg Biomembr 29 (4): 339-43, 1997.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
5. Dang CV, Semenza GL: Oncogenic alterations of metabolism. Trends Biochem Sci 24 (2): 68-72, 1999.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
6. Dills WL Jr: Nutritional and physiological consequences of tumour glycolysis. Parasitology 107 (Suppl): S177-86, 1993.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
7. Cassileth BR, ed.: The Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to Alternative and Complementary Therapies. New York, NY: WW Norton & Company, 1998. 
   
   
8. Unproven methods of cancer management. Livingston-Wheeler therapy. CA Cancer J Clin 41 (3): A7-12, 1991 May-Jun.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   

Glossary Terms

A chemical process in which oxygen is used to make energy from carbohydrates (sugars). Also called aerobic respiration, oxidative metabolism, and cell respiration.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People with AIDS are at an increased risk for developing certain cancers and for infections that usually occur only in individuals with a weak immune system. Also called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

A large group of single-cell microorganisms. Some cause infections and disease in animals and humans. The singular of bacteria is bacterium.

In living cells, chemical reactions that help sustain life and allow cells to grow.

A liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer. The ingredients thought to be in Cancell have been tested, and none of them has been shown to be effective in treating any form of cancer. Cancell is not available in the United States. Also called Protocel, Sheridan’s Formula, Jim’s Juice, Crocinic Acid, JS–114, JS–101, 126–F, and Cantron.

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

The sum of all chemical changes that take place in a cell through which energy and basic components are provided for essential processes, including the synthesis of new molecules and the breakdown and removal of others.

The things a person eats and drinks.

A process in which glucose (sugar) is partially broken down by cells in enzyme reactions that do not need oxygen. Glycolysis is one method that cells use to produce energy. When glycolysis is linked with other enzyme reactions that use oxygen, more complete breakdown of glucose is possible and more energy is produced.

The total of all chemical changes that take place in a cell or an organism. These changes produce energy and basic materials needed for important life processes.

To change the genetic material of a cell. The changes (mutations) can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect.

The material in a bowel movement. Stool is made up of food that was not digested, bacteria, mucus, and cells from the intestines. Also called feces.

Disease that cannot be cured and will cause death.

Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.

Having to do with the vagina (the birth canal).

To eject some or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.