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The Trophoblast and the Origins of Cancer

Nicholas J. Gonzalez and Linda L. Isaacs
New Spring Press (2009)
ISBN 9780982196502
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (04/10)


This is a fascinating book about the history of cancer and more specifically about Dr. John Beard’s trophoblastic theory of cancer. Dr. Beard, a Scottish doctor, who practiced hundred years ago, noticed a crucial correlation between trophoblasts, which are placenta cells, and cancer cells. He noticed that when the placenta implants into the uterus, its invasion of the mother’s tissue is analogous to that of cancer, since trophoblasts are unspecialized, young, and dynamic. Dr. Beard also noticed that the placenta stops its “attack” exactly at a time, when fetus’ pancreas starts producing enzymes. Therefore, he hypothesized that further take over by trophoblasts was prevented by the enzymes. Since then, cancer therapies involving orally ingested pancreatic proteolytic enzymes had been developed and shown to be effective.

One of the authors, Dr. Gonzalez, is extremely interested in such treatments and had done lots of research and case studies on the topic. There is a lot of controversy around the treatment, with many doctors not believing in nutritional therapies curing cancer.

The book is well-written and has an excellent introduction. Even though there is a lot of science presented, it is very clear and easy to understand, supplied with helpful color illustrations from medical textbooks. The first part discusses trophoblasts, embryology, stem cells, and cancer. And the second part goes into the enzyme treatment aspect. In addition, there are a number of appendices, which describe Dr. Gonzalez’s experiences with cancer patients and administration of the enzyme treatments. There is a lot of information about Dr. William Donald Kelley, who cured himself of pancreatic cancer by mostly using Beard's theory. He later developed a nutritionally-based, do-it-yourself home cure for cancer, which had a fairly high success rate. Dr. Gonzalez reviewed thousands of Kelley’s patients and found very positive outcomes.

I would recommend reading this book to anyone interested in learning about a fascinating medical and scientific discovery, which was forgotten for some time, but then reemerged with fresh strength.