{
    "title": "GcMAF (Vitamin D binding protein macrophage activating factor)",
    "inventor_name": null,
    "publication_year": null,
    "device_name": "GcMAF protein",
    "goal": "To treat or cure cancer, HIV, autism and other diseases by activating macrophages and inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.",
    "problem_addressed": "Cancer, HIV infection, autism spectrum disorders, chronic fatigue, neuro-degenerative diseases.",
    "concept_summary": "GcMAF is a biologically derived protein obtained by sequential deglycosylation of the vitamin-D-binding protein (Gc protein). The resulting protein is claimed to act as a macrophage-activating factor, stimulating immune cells to become cytotoxic to tumor cells, block angiogenesis, and modulate viral infections. Proponents assert therapeutic cures for cancer, HIV and autism, but the supporting studies have been retracted and no robust clinical evidence exists.",
    "detailed_description": null,
    "category": "Medical & Dental Technologies",
    "principles": [
        "Immunomodulation",
        "Macrophage activation",
        "Anti-angiogenesis"
    ],
    "scientific_domains": [
        "Immunology",
        "Oncology",
        "Virology",
        "Biochemistry"
    ],
    "mechanisms_of_action": [
        "Activation of macrophages to become cytotoxic",
        "Inhibition of tumor blood-vessel formation",
        "Modulation of immune response to viral proteins"
    ],
    "materials": [
        "Vitamin D-binding protein (Gc protein)",
        "GcMAF protein",
        "Sugar residues (glycans) removed during deglycosylation"
    ],
    "energy_sources": [],
    "inputs": [
        "Gc protein (vitamin D-binding protein)",
        "Enzymatic deglycosylation steps"
    ],
    "outputs": [
        "GcMAF protein",
        "Activated macrophages"
    ],
    "claimed_performance": "Permanent cure for cancer and HIV; 85 % response rate in autism patients; anti-cancer effects across breast, prostate and kidney tumors.",
    "experimental_evidence": "One Phase I safety trial (NCT02052492) registered; all earlier efficacy studies have been retracted; anecdotal reports from clinicians.",
    "replication_status": "No independent replication; original efficacy studies retracted due to ethical irregularities.",
    "keywords": [
        "GcMAF",
        "Macrophage activating factor",
        "Vitamin D binding protein",
        "Immunotherapy",
        "Cancer cure",
        "HIV therapy",
        "Autism"
    ],
    "related_technologies": [
        "Biologic immunotherapy",
        "Protein-based drugs"
    ],
    "controversy_level": "high",
    "confidence_score": 0.3,
    "practicability_score": 0.2,
    "fringe_score": 0.8,
    "evidence_strength": 0.2,
    "risk_score": 0.4,
    "trl_estimate": 2,
    "source_urls": [
        "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gc-MAF",
        "http://www.anticancerfund.org/therapies/gcmaf",
        "https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02052492?term=gcmaf&rank=1",
        "http://retractionwatch.com/2014/10/10/yet-another-study-of-widely-touted-cancer-cure-retracted/",
        "http://drbradstreet.org/page/8/"
    ],
    "organizations": [
        "Anticancer Fund",
        "U.S. National Institutes of Health"
    ],
    "applications": [
        "Cancer treatment",
        "HIV therapy",
        "Autism and other neurological disorders"
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "Lack of peer-reviewed clinical data",
        "Retracted primary studies",
        "Illegal marketing and unregulated distribution"
    ],
    "open_questions": [
        "Does GcMAF have any clinically meaningful therapeutic effect?",
        "What is the safety profile of repeated GcMAF administration?",
        "Can a reproducible manufacturing process produce a consistent product?"
    ],
    "red_flags": [
        "Multiple retractions of key efficacy studies",
        "Claims of permanent cures without supporting data",
        "Illegal online sales and marketing"
    ],
    "evidence_quotes": [
        "In 2008 claims were made that Gc-MAF can provide a permanent cure for cancer and HIV. These claims have been the subject of much criticism and are not supported by scientific evidence.",
        "Three out of four of the original studies authored by Yamamoto ... were retracted by the scientific journals in which they were published in 2014, officially due to irregularities in the way ethical approval was granted.",
        "As of May 2014 there was one Phase I clinical trial registered to evaluate Gc-MAF. This trial only aims to evaluate the safety of this product for human consumption, efficacy is not yet being studied. No results are yet available.",
        "In the case of autism, Dr. James Bradstreet has so far treated 1,100 patients with GcMAF with an 85% response rate."
    ]
}