“We are absolutely committed to becoming Jacksonville’s preferred choice for the supportive treatment of cancer. Wherever you are in your cancer journey, we’re here to help!”
– Dr. Steve Rallis, Chief Medical Officer, The DRIPBar
While integrative cancer therapies such as high-dose Vitamin C or mistletoe therapy should never be considered as alternatives to chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, these therapies are playing an increasingly expanded role in whole-patient cancer care. Consequently, integrative therapies need to be implemented in a timely and safe manner. This is where our team comes in. Supportive cancer care is designed to be collaborative, and we are always happy to work with everyone on your healthcare team, including your oncologist, surgeon, family doctor, or nurse practitioner.
Cancer is a very complex disease with multiple potential triggers, including stem cell, epigenetic, immune, and metabolic irregularities. The key is to tailor integrative interventions in a targeted way that enhances, not interferes with, the efficacy of the standard of care, while improving survivorship. This metabolic approach to supportive cancer continues to gain momentum in integrative oncology.
A simple example of this is the intermittent use of a ketogenic diet as a supportive aid in glioblastoma. Because these cancers very aggressively consume mostly glucose for fuel, when carbohydrates are restricted, these tumor cells can experience difficulty compensating, which may inhibit their rate of growth. (1)
Certain nutrients, such as berberine, for example, can further disrupt energy production, while at the same time enhancing the efficacy of certain chemotherapies against this cancer. (2,3) A veritable win-win!
High-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) therapy is a cornerstone therapy in integrative oncology. IVs for immune support, cachexia, hydration, and neuropathies are also used if indicated.
High-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) therapy is a cornerstone therapy in integrative oncology. IVs for immune support, cachexia, hydration, and neuropathies are also used if indicated.
One of the most widely used alternative cancer therapies, mistletoe is a direct immune stimulator that seems to improve quality of life (QOL). This therapy is administered subcutaneously or by IV.
Targeting the right supplements at the right time is a key component in the metabolic approach to supportive cancer care.
From specific cancer markers to inflammatory markers to metabolic markers, frequent laboratory assessments (blood work) help us critically evaluate progress and efficacy.
Supportive medications such as low-dose naltrexone (LDN) are gaining momentum in integrative oncology. (4) If indicated, supportive meds may be prescribed by our Nurse Practitioner.
REFERENCES:
(1) van der Louw EJTM, Olieman JF, van den Bemt PMLA, Bromberg JEC, Oomen-de Hoop E, Neuteboom RF, Catsman-Berrevoets CE, Vincent AJPE. Ketogenic diet treatment as an adjuvant to standard treatment of glioblastoma multiforme: a feasibility and safety study. Ther Adv Med Oncol. 2019 Jun 21;11:1758835919853958. doi: 10.1177/1758835919853958. PMID: 31258628; PMCID: PMC6589986.
(2) Wang J, Qi Q, Feng Z, Zhang X, Huang B, Chen A, Prestegarden L, Li X, Wang J. Berberine induces autophagy in glioblastoma by targeting the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1-pathway. Oncotarget. 2016 Oct 11;7(41):66944-66958. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.11396. PMID: 27557493; PMCID: PMC5341849.
(3) Qu H, Song X, Song Z, Jiang X, Gao X, Bai L, Wu J, Na L, Yao Z. Berberine reduces temozolomide resistance by inducing autophagy via the ERK1/2 signaling pathway in glioblastoma. Cancer Cell Int. 2020 Dec 9;20(1):592. doi: 10.1186/s12935-020-01693-y. PMID: 33298057; PMCID: PMC7727240.
(4) Couto RD, Fernandes BJD. Low Dose Naltrexone: The Potential Benefits and Effects for its Use in Patients with Cancer. Curr Drug Res Rev. 2021;13(2):86-89. doi: 10.2174/2589977513666210127094222. PMID: 33504322.
At DRIPBaR Jacksonville, our leadership team brings unparalleled expertise in integrative and functional medicine to every infusion. Together, we’ve built a clinic that’s as much about patient empowerment and education as it is about delivering best-in-class IV therapies. From pioneering cancer-supportive research to hands-on franchise development, our collective passion ensures you’re in exceptionally capable hands.
Dr. Steve Rallis, DC, ND, guides our medical vision as Chief Medical Officer and industry consultant. An internationally recognized authority on IV vitamin C in cancer support, he’s a founding member of the American IV Association’s Scientific Advisory Board and co‐leads The DRIPBaR’s Research & Development Team. His dual role as adjunct faculty at Trinity Medical School and his Barrie, Ontario practice—one of the first to integrate student rotations with real-world research—underscores his commitment to advancing integrative oncology and primary care.
Michelle Rallis, BA, PGCE, brings 25+ years of building successful integrative medical practices to Jacksonville! A former high-school English teacher turned operational strategist, she’s the driving force behind staff training, patient-experience optimization, and The DRIPBaR Canada’s expansion. Michelle’s unique blend of educational leadership and business acumen ensures our clinic runs smoothly, so you receive seamless, patient-focused care from the moment you walk in.
Our Medical Director, Leslie Smith, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, and our team of highly skilled RNs deliver each infusion with compassion, precision, and safety. With over 22 years in nursing, a master’s degree from the University of Florida, and specialized expertise in functional medicine and IV vitamin therapies, Leslie ensures every treatment plan is personalized to optimize your health. Supported by our certified RNs—experts in IV protocols and patient education—you’ll experience the highest standard of integrative care at DRIPBaR Jacksonville.
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(904) 204-1541
12675 Beach Blvd #101, Jacksonville, FL 32246
