Functional Cancer Doctor in New York City
At the Kellman Center in New York City, Dr. Raphael Kellman provides functional, integrative cancer support designed to strengthen the body, enhance treatment tolerance, and improve overall resilience. His approach works alongside conventional oncology so you never have to choose between the standard therapies your oncologist recommends and the additional support your body may need to heal.
Functional medicine recognizes that cancer doesn’t occur in isolation. It develops through a complex interplay of immune dysregulation, inflammation, microbiome imbalance, environmental stressors, metabolic dysfunction, and epigenetic triggers. Dr. Kellman’s goal is to identify these underlying factors and develop a personalized protocol that helps restore balance, strengthen the immune system, and create an internal environment less supportive of cancer growth.
The Benefits of Functional Medicine During Cancer
Functional medicine allows us to understand what is happening inside the body on a deeper level. Instead of only treating the disease, we look at patterns, connections, and root causes. This is especially important for cancer, which rarely develops out of the blue.
Key benefits of functional cancer support include:
Identifying and addressing underlying triggers such as chronic inflammation, toxic exposures, viral load, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic dysfunction.
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Strengthening immune function so the body is better equipped to respond to treatment.
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Supporting detox pathways that may be overwhelmed during chemotherapy or radiation.
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Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress that can worsen symptoms.
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Optimizing cellular repair, mitochondrial function, and energy production.
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Making targeted lifestyle, nutritional, and therapeutic recommendations that help the body recover and thrive.
When functional medicine is applied thoughtfully and individually—as it is by Dr. Kellman—patients often feel more grounded, more in control, and more capable of navigating the cancer journey.
Why the Microbiome Is Key to Immune Strength and Cancer Defense
Few physicians understand the microbiome like Dr. Kellman. He has spent decades researching how the ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms in and on the body shapes immunity, inflammation, metabolic health, and even cancer risk.
The microbiome is deeply intertwined with the immune system. Approximately 70 percent of the immune system lives in the gut, and the health of this microbiome determines how well your body can recognize abnormal cells, defend against infection, and manage inflammation. When the gut is imbalanced—or “dysbiotic”—the immune system becomes confused and overworked, weakening its ability to protect you.
Poor microbiome health can also influence:
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Treatment tolerance
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Nutrient absorption
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Mitochondrial function
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Inflammation levels
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Neurotransmitter and mood balance
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Detoxification pathways
For cancer patients, improving the microbiome can enhance resilience, improve recovery, reduce gastrointestinal side effects, and support clearer immune communication. Dr. Kellman uses advanced microbiome testing, targeted supplementation, nutrition plans, and microbiome-restoring therapeutics to strengthen this essential system.
IV Therapy for Cancer Support
Now, let’s go through the cancer services we offer at Kellman MD in New York City. IV therapy delivers high-impact nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system—something especially helpful for patients whose digestion has been affected by treatment or illness.
While IV therapy is not a cancer cure, it can powerfully support the body during treatment. Depending on your needs, your IV protocol may focus on:
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Vitamin C for antioxidant support and improved immune readiness
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Glutathione to assist detoxification pathways stressed by chemotherapy
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B-complex vitamins to support energy and neurological health
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Minerals such as magnesium and zinc essential for cellular repair
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Amino acids that support tissue restoration and mitochondria
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Hydration support to reduce fatigue, brain fog, and treatment-related dehydration
Dr. Kellman assesses your lab work, microbiome profile, treatment stage, and wellness goals to design an IV program tailored specifically to you. Many patients report improvements in energy, mood, immunity, and overall vitality with regular therapeutic IV support.
Peptides for Cancer Support
Peptide therapy is one of the most exciting areas of integrative oncology support. Peptides are small chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body, influencing healing, immunity, metabolism, inflammation, and cellular communication.
Certain peptides may help:
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Strengthen immune surveillance
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Improve cellular repair
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Support mitochondrial function
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Reduce systemic inflammation
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Regulate abnormal cell behavior
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Improve resilience during traditional treatment
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Each peptide works differently, and not all peptides are appropriate for all patients. Dr. Kellman carefully evaluates your diagnosis, treatment plan, lab results, and individual biology to determine which peptide protocols may safely support your healing.
Peptides are not replacements for conventional treatment, but they can help create a stronger internal environment that supports overall recovery and vitality.
We Support, Not Replace, Your Oncology Care
Many of our patients actively receive chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and other conventional cancer treatments. Functional cancer support is not an alternative; it is a complement. Dr. Kellman collaborates with your oncology team, focusing on improving your body’s response to treatment while reducing side effects that can diminish quality of life.
This supportive approach can help patients experience benefits like better energy, improved digestion, enhanced immunity, fewer treatment-related complications, and increased emotional resilience. When your body is stronger, you’re better able to tolerate what lies ahead.
Cancer Isn’t Random. We Search for the Root Cause
A central principle of the Kellman approach is that cancer is not purely genetic or a matter of fate. Genetics may increase susceptibility, but genes are not destiny. Environmental, metabolic, and lifestyle factors often play a larger role in determining which genes turn “on” or “off.”
Root causes may include:
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Chronic inflammation
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Toxin exposure
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Persistent infections
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Hormonal imbalances
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Poor metabolic health
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Chronic stress and nervous-system dysregulation
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Mitochondrial dysfunction
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Dysbiosis and immune confusion
By identifying and addressing these contributing factors, we work to support your whole system—not just the cancer—so you can move toward better health with clarity and confidence.
Get Started with Functional Medicine Cancer Care in New York City
You don’t have to go through cancer alone, and you don’t have to choose between conventional and functional care. You deserve a doctor who understands both the science of healing and the emotional reality of living with cancer.
Dr. Kellman offers a compassionate, research-driven, personalized approach that strengthens your body, supports your treatment, and helps you rebuild resilience from the inside out.
If you’re looking for integrative, functional cancer support in New York City, reach out today to schedule a consultation and begin your personalized path toward healing