Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Second Generation GcMAF has been clinically demonstrated to be largely free of any side effects in the great majority of patients.
Only low grade fever or eczema has been observed in only about 1 out of 100 patients using Second Generation GcMAF, but these were short-term effects that are significantly less than occur with most other immunotherapies.
In small numbers of patients local injection site skin reactions occur which can be easily treated with a local non-steroidal anti-inflammatory patch.

GcMAF is usually combination with about 5,000 IU vitamin D3 daily. Blood levels of vitamin D are often low in many kinds of diseases, such as cancer, HIV AIDS, etc.
Normal vitamin D levels are necessary in order for GcMAF to work fully.
Ask to have your blood 25 hydroxy-vitamin D as well as calcium levels tested.
If blood calcium levels become elevated, the dose of vitamin D3 may need to be reduced to achieve optimal balance.

Generally, yes. GcMAF can be safely used with a wide variety of other standard treatments and drugs to improve their effect. We refer to this as multimodality integrative medicine. Some therapies for cancer such as chemotherapy will reduce immune activity which will have some impact on GcMAF, however chemotherapy effectiveness can be increased in combination with GcMAF. Radiation for cancer has less negative impact on the immune system and the cancer killing effects helps macrophages to target the tumors and destroy it.

In combination with anti-cancer drugs and radiation therapy (radiotherapy) is possible. For maximum effect and benefit from GcMAF, administer a few days apart from chemotherapy. Radiation therapy does not have significant effects on Gc-MAF, so both can be used together at any time. In our clinical experience we have observed significant cancer killing effects from GcMAF combined with palliative radiotherapy in patients who have had significant prior treatment with chemotherapy. See our Case Reports for more details on this multimodality integrative treatment.

GcMAF administration is typically carried out through subcutaneous (SC) or intramuscular (IM) injections, with a recommended frequency of 2-3 times per week, as directed by the attending physician.  The preferred needle size for this procedure is either Size 26G x 1/2″ (0.45 x 13 mm) or Size 27G, along with a 2.5 ml or 1 ml syringe, which should be single-use and sterile disposable.  It’s important to highlight that the larger 2.5 ml syringe is often preferred because it reduces the distance the plunger needs to be pushed during the injection, thus improving user-friendliness.  In some cases, diabetes needles may also suffice for the administration of GcMAF, although these feature finer needles. Patients should always follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations and guidance regarding the specific administration method and equipment.

Treatment at our clinics often involves intratumoral (IT) injections, although intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) injections are the prevailing methods of administration for the majority of our patients. It is imperative to employ a rigorous aseptic technique, which includes the use of pharmaceutical ethanol (ethyl alcohol) for swabbing the vial tops prior to needle insertion when utilizing these vials.

Alternative Methods of Administration:

Oral Administration of Oral MAF via Enteric Capsules

Oral Administration of MAF Products for Enhanced Macrophage Activation

The oral administration of MAF (Macrophage Activation Factor) products, such as Oral MAF powder and MAF candies, presents a unique approach to harnessing the immune-boosting potential within the lymphoid tissue of the mouth and throat. This tissue is rich in macrophages, immune cells that play a pivotal role in defending the body against infections and foreign agents.

When we employ the use of Oral MAF powder and Oral MAF Capsules (by opening the capsules), the macrophages within the mouth and throat can be effectively activated.  This activation is achieved by allowing the powder to rest in the mouth for a period of 15-20 minutes or longer.  Alternatively, macrophage activation can also be stimulated by consuming MAF candies.

While there is the possibility of sublingual absorption of some GcMAF through the blood vessels in the mouth, the primary method of activation is believed to occur within the lymphoid tissue of the throat. This lymphoid tissue is a vital component of the immune system, crucial for mounting immune responses and safeguarding the body against infections and foreign invaders.

This method of administration holds particular promise for individuals with deficiencies in Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM), as it offers a targeted approach to bolstering their immune defenses. By leveraging the lymphoid tissue’s innate capacity for macrophage activation, Oral MAF products can contribute to improving immune function and overall health.

One course of High Dose GcMAF is usually expected to be 48 doses for 6 months. Additional courses may be required depending on stage and type of disease, and based on disease symptoms, pathology and progress of improvement. Treatment with GcMAF should be continued as long as necessary while disease is present. Long term maintenance doses of GcMAF may be required depending on the type of disease. Maintenance doses are usually once a week or every 2 weeks administration.

As a general note, macrophage activation is always necessary for the effective functioning of the immune system to stay well and disease-free. GcMAF therapy should continue while there is disease present and for a period after to reduce the chance of recurrence for prevention.

Nagalase testing is not required for GcMAF therapy because macrophage activation is always necessary for the effective functioning of the immune system to destroy cancer cells, bacteria and viruses. GcMAF therapy should continue while there is disease present, regardless of Nagalase status.

GcMAF and/or oral MAF immunotherapy are recommended for the management of conditions characterized by immune dysfunction or compromised immune systems, including but not limited to:

Cancer: For Second Generation GcMAF therapy we recommend 0.5 ml High Dose GcMAF (1500 ng/0.5 ml) 2-3 times a week in an integrative approach to treating cancer.

• More frequent dosing (daily or every second day) may be safely used with more advanced stage of disease, or initially in the treatment course.
• GcMAF may also be administered by intravenous (IV) injection, 0.5-1.0 ml 2-3 times per week in 20 ml or more saline, if deemed necessary, such as for advanced cases.
• We recommend IV GcMAF in addition to the usual IM/SC injections every week. These can be done on alternate days.

Other diseases (such as Autism, CFS, ME, Lyme disease): We recommend 0.25 ml High Dose GcMAF (1500 ng/0.5 ml) 2-3 times a week. Initial doses can start at 0.1 ml in the 1st week, 0.2 ml in the 2nd week, and 0.25 ml or 0.3 ml in the 3rd week. A higher dose of 0.5 ml 2-3 times per week may be required depending on the initial response. See our Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) page for more details on Autism.

GcMAF can be safely used with a wide variety of drugs and other treatments.

We recommend checking tumor markers and regular MRI, PET and CT scans.

Monocyte Count: A patients monocyte count will generally rise in the early stages of GcMAF treatment and indicates a response to GcMAF.

Increase in Monocyte percentage with High Dose GcMAF therapy

Increase in Monocyte number with High Dose GcMAF therapy

• Example of monocyte count of Stage 4 Breast Cancer patient taking 0.5 ml High Dose GcMAF (1500 ng/0.5 ml) twice weekly by intramuscular injection during cancer treatment at Saisei Mirai clinics in Japan.