Cancer cells harbor gene mutations that drive uncontrolled cellular replication. These mutations can be either inherited or acquired during a person's lifetime.
Dysregulation of more than 700 genes at multiple steps in cell signaling pathways.
Can cancer metabolism be targeted to stop cancer proliferation?
According to the prevailing somatic mutation theory, cancer arises from accumulated genetic mutations. However, recent research suggests that mutagenesis influences broader biological processes including epigenetic modifications, metabolic shifts, and tumor microenvironment alterations.
Cancer cells favor anaerobic respiration, converting glucose to lactic acid instead of CO₂ {ref}. Elevated lactate and inflammation promote each other in a destructive cycle.
Chronic inflammation increases HIF1α expression {ref}, further stimulating glycolysis and lactate production, contributing to persistent sub-toxic ammonia levels.
Before the Great Oxygenation Event, Earth's atmosphere contained minimal oxygen but high ammonia levels, serving as energy sources for primitive organisms. Cancer cells thrive in similar low-oxygen environments where ammonia acts as a signaling molecule triggering cellular growth and division {ref}.
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Increased tissue ammonia + decreased excretion capacity → elevated lactic acid → impaired oxygen uptake {ref} → hypoxia → glycolytic shift → perpetuation of the cycle.
Cancer tumors can survive with minimal oxygen, supporting the hypothesis that cancer emerged when atmospheric oxygen levels were extremely low during early life on Earth.
The cancer stem cell hypothesis proposes that tumors comprise a heterogeneous cell population, with only a subset responsible for disease initiation, maintenance, and progression.
Chronic irritation theory suggests cancer develops from persistent tissue damage and failed healing responses.
Historical and modern research examining the connection between depression, immune dysfunction, and cancer development.
Proposes cancer as primarily a deficiency disease caused by lack of protective agents found in food and soil.
Bacteria-Origin Cancer Cells hypothesis suggests cancer cells may arise from bacterial transformation.
Cancer as consequence of acidic body pH and impaired lymphatic drainage affecting cellular environment.
Proposes cancer as a severe immune disorder resulting from accumulated immune responses creating a "molecular immune tsunami" in responsive tissues. {Reference}
Carcinogens deplete vital substances inducing metabolic deficiency that ends in cachexia. The organism grows a protective organ (tumor) to replenish missing substances. {Reference}
Oxygen-starved tumor cells have survival advantages promoting cancer spread. Stem-like cancer cells grow more rapidly under hypoxic conditions. {Reference}
Tumors disrupt liver urea cycle, hoarding nitrogen for DNA/RNA synthesis.
Cancer as breakdown in delicate balance between cell growth and death.
Tumors work to alleviate problems caused by sulfate deficiency in cellular function.
Cancer cells outcompete normal cells through elevated fitness from mutations. {Reference}
"Lifestyle is the main cause of liver cancer in Belgium and the rest of the Western world. Obesity and alcohol consumption are clearly linked to the risk of liver cancer, as well as to other types of cancer. If we make sure not to be overweight and not to drink alcohol, we reduce the chance of developing cancer. The safe lower limit is zero." - Prof. dr. Hans Van Vlierberghe (UZ Gent)
Disclaimer: This analysis presents various cancer theories for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. The genetic paradigm remains the dominant framework in oncology, supported by extensive clinical evidence. Patients should always consult healthcare providers before making treatment decisions. Alternative theories require further research and validation.
Last updated: September 2025
