#13 Dr. Jamie Waselenko MD: Is Your Gut Health Sabotaging Your Cancer Immunotherapy?

Show Notes

In episode #13 of The Cancer Doctor Podcast we sit down with Dr. Jamie Waselenko, an Integrative Oncologist and Functional Medicine Expert, who brings a powerful and often overlooked perspective to cancer care. With over 28 years of clinical experience as a conventionally trained medical oncologist and extensive functional medicine training, Dr. Jamie offers insights that your conventional oncologist may not know or address like the profound connection between your gut and your entire body, affecting not just digestion but also mood, hormones, skin, and even other diseases.

ℹ️ About This Episode

This episode profoundly explores the critical and often overlooked role of gut health and the microbiome in the success of cancer immunotherapy treatments. Robert and Dr. Jamie emphasize that a healthy, diverse gut microbiome is paramount for the effectiveness of therapies such as allogeneic bone marrow transplants, CAR T cells, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Conversely, an unhealthy gut can undermine these vital treatments.

⏰ Timestamps

[00:03:37] A Conventional Oncologist's Personal "Awakening" to Functional Medicine [00:06:42] What is the Gut Microbiome? And Why its Balance is "Critically Important" [00:08:39] The Shocking Truth: 70-80% of Your Immune System Surrounds Your GI Tract [00:16:10] Recapture Immunotherapy Responses in CAR T-cell Patients! [00:17:20] Discover the "Huge" Proof: The Gut is Paramount for Cancer Immunotherapy Success! [00:19:40] If Your Gut Microbiome Isn't Healthy, Immunotherapy May Fail [00:22:30] Uncover Why Your Oncologist Might Be Missing Crucial Factors for Your Treatment [00:24:18] How Certain Medicines Could Be Undermining Your Cancer Immunotherapy [00:24:49] Why a High PD-L1 Patient's Immunotherapy Failed Despite High Expectations [00:32:58] The Hidden Cause of Reflux [00:37:40] "Your GI Tract is Jacked Up": The Devastating Truth About Long-Term Acid Blocker Use [00:41:09] Your Chronic Conditions Could Be Coming Directly From Your Gut [00:42:59] Are We in a "Disease Management System, Not a Healthcare System"? [00:44:48] How Lifestyle and Toxins are Activating and Deactivating Genes [00:46:17] How to Avoid Cancer and Chronic Disease by Looking at Your Lifestyle and Medications [00:47:07] Identify the "Health of Your Gut" and Who to See for Comprehensive Care [00:53:15] The "Terrain" Concept

📚 Additional Resources Mentioned in this Episode

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📺 Episode Info

Podcast Name: The Cancer Doctor Podcast
Episode & Title Number: Season 1 Episode 13
Date: Recorded on May 30th, 2025

🏷️ Episode Tags

The Cancer Doctor Podcast, Robert Carrillo, Dr. Jamie Waselenko, Dr. Jamie, Cincinnati Integrative Oncology and Functional Medicine Facility, gut health, microbiome, dysbiosis, leaky gut syndrome, intestinal permeability, inflammation, immune dysfunction, beneficial bacteria, opportunistic pathogens, stomach acid, hypochlorhydria, pancreatic enzymes, gut-brain connection, gut-thyroid access, gut-skin access, gut-hormone access, food antigens, detoxification, nutrient absorption, neurotransmitters, healthy stool, fecal microbiota transplant, cancer patients, immunotherapy, allogeneic bone marrow transplant, CAR T cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, lung adenocarcinoma, PD-L1 status, driver mutations, molecular profiles, relapse, progression, cancer therapies, anti-cancer effect, tumor shrinkage, prolonged survival,Tylenol, antibiotics, acid blockers, integrative oncologist, functional medicine, naturopath, root cause, holistic standpoint, comprehensive stool test, GI Map, Doctors Data, Genova Diagnostics, natural supplements, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, magnesium, berberine, IgA supplement, IgG supplement, probiotics, fiber, healing protocol, aloe vera, lifestyle modifications, diet, whole foods, filtered water, sleep, exercise, lowering toxins, anti-aging medicine, diet, lifestyle, filtered water, sleep, exercise, toxins, epigenetics, mood, hormones, skin conditions, psoriasis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, constipation, obesity, disease management system, healthcare system, personal responsibility, self-sufficiency, organic eggs, home-cooked food, farmer's markets, patient advocate, conventional medicine limitations, education, gut-organ connections, low-hanging fruit, terrain concept

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.