Because of the relentlessly increasing incidence of ASD, and the relative ineffectiveness of many of the present protocols, alternative therapies continue to appear on the horizon. Some are completely new, such as Bumetanide. Some are re-introductions of previous regimens, such as chelation. And, some are relatively new therapies that had previously been used in other relatively resistant conditions, such as cancer. Treatment with GcMAF is an example of that.
The following is an explanation of the theory of GcMAF therapy for autism:
Part 1 – GcMAF:
Gc stands for the Group specific component globulin (a blood protein, produced in the liver and also made by the immune system). One of it’s actions is to move vitamin D throughout the bloodstream. It also enhances the body’s resistance. MAF stands for macrophage activating factor. Macrophages are immune system cells that surround, and then eat, cellular debris and invaders (bacteria, viri, ?fungi). Click here to see how this works.
According to Japanese manufacturer Seisai Mirai, GcMAF “occurs naturally in our bodies and instructs macrophages to destroy cancerous cells and foreign invaders.”
Part 2 – Nagalase:
Another concept in understanding this treatment is the enzyme Nagalase (α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase). Nagalase breaks apart the Gc protein – the precursor for the major macrophage-activating factor (MAF), therefore lowering levels of GcMAF (so, there is a reduction in the body’s ability to fight and clean up).
According to Dr. Bradstreet, a well-known ASD practitioner, a majority of his patients have been found to have high levels of this enzyme, which he has attributed to “the presence of viruses and… a weakened immune system.” A Belgian GcMAF producer writes, “Our immune system is always under attack so, in a healthy body, normal levels are considered to < 0.9. Readings higher than 4 are regularly found in cancer patients. Readings > 0.9 and < 3 are commonly found in autistic children.”
Part 3 – Testing:
The ‘workup’ would start by a physician ordering routine labs, Vitamin D and nagalase levels. In the US, this can be performed at Health Diagnostics and Research Institute. The company sends a kit with information, and the $65 blood test is sent back to their lab in New Jersey.
Part 4 – Treatment:
There was a product, listed as ‘probiotic’ on ebay, which sold it as an oral supplement for $125 plus $47 shipping. The instructions were to mix it in 32 oz. yogurt, and take ~3 oz. daily, or ~$17/day – for ? days. Hmmm… well, you can’t get it any longer, anyway.
Seisei Mirai describes the production process here.
The length of therapy? One site claimed, “Autism children can improve at five weeks with substantial improvements at 8 weeks… But everyone is different.” Another, “Allow 24 weeks plus of GcMAF for: Autism (85% improve, 15% eradication)… Remember everyone responds differently. We can’t say how you will respond.”
Costs of subcutaneous or IV injections, according to one producer are, “One vial contains 2.5ml of gcmaf that is enough for 8 weekly injections of 0.25ml and cost 600 euros plus 60 euros delivery…” Starting at a half of a dose for a month or so, that would come to ~$3,000-$5,000 for ~ 6 months, plus doctor visits and followup blood testing.
Part 5 – Risks:
There are always risks when treating pediatric patients with blood products, and when there are no long-term studies. Almost all of the clinical work has been performed on HIV, hepatitis B and cancer patients, which may or may not have anything to do with ASD affected children. The only ‘published paper‘ is basically a chart review, which is not unimportant, but not well accepted by the scientific community. Claims that GcMAF has cured cancers and HIV have been brought into serious questioning. Most of the positive information comes from companies selling the product.
Temperature elevation has been reported in some patients, which means that febrile seizures could be possible in young children. Hyperactivity, increase of stimming, agitation and aggressiveness (even with low dosage), which disappeared after discontinuing GcMAF has been reported - a common finding in many of our present protocols.
To date, only a few professionals are reporting on this treatment for ASD. There ought to be some more definitive information available – especially on those patients who were getting this therapy a decade ago.
Part 6 – Benefits:
So far, there are anecdotal reports of improvements in most signs and symptoms that are usually ascribed to autism; including cognitive abilities, attention and focus, learning and understanding, receptiveness and awareness of the environment, receptive language, expressive language, social skills, hyperactivity, fewer stereotypies, more cooperative and compliant.
That this may benefit even older patients is very encouraging.
Final word (so far):
The use of this compound that may help symptoms in selected ASD patients helps our understanding of the importance of 1) Vitamin D and 2) the disrupted immune response. Both have been implicated as important findings in autism. Present protocols which utilize energy enhancement, promote G-I health and traditional therapies can prove to be less expensive and invasive with more expected results, especially when an early diagnosis is made and treated.
There is just so much more to do before doctors can recommend such a non-proven treatment, and so much that parents need to understand if/when they decide on such a course. As opposed to one press release’s title, GcMAF represents only the beginning of the beginning in autism treatment.
Addendum:
At a recent organizational meeting, it was overheard that the dose is significantly lower than previously reported. This requires further investigation, explanation, and experience.
There were lots of reports about celebrities endorsing research, early brain 
Patient’s families, acquaintances and colleagues frequently supply autism stories and ask my opinion about them. Focusing on treatment, I have found the recent research, A randomized controlled trial of bumetanide in the treatment of autism in children, in 
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