Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT)
Utilizing specialized gene sequences to disrupt cell replication
SOT involves the injection of a molecule that is complementary to a specific gene sequence within viruses, bacteria, or pathogens
OverviewSOT is an experimental antisense molecule therapy | BenefitSOT has the potential to block genetic expression that controls replication within pathogens, viruses, and bacteria |
About
About Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT)
Harmful effects of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens are largely due to rampant growth and activity.
Virus, bacteria, or pathogen growth and activity requires specific genetic signalling that our body fails to restrict.
SOT utilizes short oligonucleotide sequences specific to you to target viruses, bacteria, and pathogens
Specific oligonucleotide molecules are complementary to genetic sequences within viruses, bacteria, and pathogens; these molecules may bind to these genetic sequences, blocking expression of genes required for growth
Our Approach
An Integrative Approach to Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT)
At Integrative, SOT is not provided alone. We build a safe and effective individualized treatment protocol using a variety of our treatment modalities in order to enhance overall health.
Prior to developing a plan for you, your Doctor will guide you through one or more investigative methods to determine if SOT may be a helpful addition to your plan. These may include:
- Conventional Lab Testing: Western Blot, ELISA
- Specialized Lab Testing: Armin Labs, Vibrant Labs
Applications
Applications of SOT Injections
Lyme Infection from Borrelia burgdorferi and other Borrelia species
Coinfections
- Bartonella
- Babesia
Viruses
- Herpes HSV 1/2
- EMV
- CMV
And others...
How It Works
How Does Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy Work?
Overview of SOT
SOT is an antisense therapy, meaning it is designed to act on a specific RNA sequence within a virus, bacteria, or pathogen
Targeted Area of the Body
Since SOT is complementary to a sequence specific for a virus, bacteria or pathogen, its effects are highly specific to that organism.
Health Benefits of SOT
The goal of SOT is to modify expression of specific genes within a virus, bacteria or pathogen, this modification alters protein synthesis which can alter the rate of pathogen replication. As the replication speed is slowed the immune system is given an opportunity to recover and appropriately begin controlling the infection.
SOT for Cancer
SOT is based on antisense technology that is established as a cancer treatment. In cancer cases SOT is best used as a treatment during remission and to prevent disease reoccurrence. It targets protein synthesis that re-engage apoptosis (cell death) to promote destruction of cancer tumour and cancer stem cells.Resource Centre
Explore Research Articles
First Visit
What does your first visit look like?
Your first visit is the opportunity for you to share your health goals, and for your Doctor to gather vital health information that will help them to determine the root cause of your health concerns and the best treatment plan for you.
One
Complete Medical and Lifestyle History
Your Doctor will take a complete history, gathering details regarding your current and past health concerns, lifestyle, as well as current supplements and medications. You will also discuss if you are already working with a primary care provider and are only looking for assistance with SOT.
Two
Testing
Your Doctor will review any testing you have already completed and determine your eligibility for SOT treatment. If needed they will recommend specific tests, either at Integrative or with your Medical Doctor these will include standard lab tests as well as specialized lab tests. If you've completed other tests or imaging investigations in the past, they may requisition these results for review.
Three
Physical Exam
Within your first visit, your Doctor may perform a physical exam. This may include basic vitals, applied kinesiology, or inspection and palpation of specific areas of concern.
Practitioners
Your Participating Practitioners
The Naturopathic Doctors at Integrative are primary care providers with expertise in a wide variety of functional medicine techniques including pharmacology, herbal medicine, nutritional science, and acupuncture. This knowledge allows them to apply a truly Integrative approach to their patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
View all FAQs 
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Can Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT) be used for all types of infections?
SOT may be indicated in cases of a wide variety of viruses, including various herpes viruses, Epstein Barr, cytomegalovirus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Lyme (Borrelia bacterium) and specific Lyme co-infections. A positive infectious test result within the last 6 months is required.
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Can Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT) be used in all types of cancer?
No, SOT cannot be utilized in every type of cancer. SOT is not used in cases of encapsulated cancers, such as tumors of the brain or central nervous system, due to a lack of circulating tumour cells in the blood. Additionally, SOT may not be used in the presence of very large or high-risk tumours (due to potential of tumour lysis syndrome).
For cases of cancer where SOT may be applicable, recent imaging results, as well as specific blood tests are required to confirm eligibility.
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Is Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT) provided alone?
No, SOT is typically used alongside other treatment methods. Additionally, dexamethasone and Pepcid are typically prescribed prior to the injections to aid in the effects of the injections. Your Doctor will review these prescriptions with you, along with any other supportive treatments they recommend.
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Do I need to complete testing before Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT)?
Specific diagnostic tests are required prior to receiving SOT. Testing requirements vary depending on current health conditions. At your initial visit, your Doctor will review diagnostic testing you have already completed, and determine further bloodwork or imaging they require.
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Is Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT) covered by MSP or Extended Health Plans?
An SOT injection is provided during a visit with your Naturopathic Doctor, and will be billed as such. If you qualify for Premium Assistance through MSP, you may qualify for a small percentage of your visit cost to be covered by MSP.
Most Extended Health plans have coverage that can be applied to naturopathic visits; however, most plans have a limit to their coverage per year. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly prior to your visit to determine your coverage.
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Am I a candidate for Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT)?
Only a practitioner trained in SOT can determine if it is applicable to your health concerns. Within your initial visit, Dr Alex Chan will review your medical history, including test results and imaging reports, and will order additional testing to determine if you are a good candidate for SOT.
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How much does Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT) cost?
The cost of SOT will vary depending on how many injections are provided. Our Patient Care Coordinators can provide a quote prior to booking an appointment.
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What are the side effects of Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT)?
Patients may experience mild side effects such as bruising, swelling, or tenderness at the site of treatment. Side effects following an injection can vary greatly depending on the severity of your health concerns and response to the injection. Your Doctor will do a full review of all potential side effects prior to your treatment.
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How many Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT) injections are typically required?
The response to SOT varies, depending on the overall health of the patient, severity and chronicity of health concerns. Once you begin treatment, your Doctor will be able to monitor how you respond and provide a better estimate of how many treatments may be required. However, no more than 3 full-dose injections or 6 half-dose injections will be provided within a year.
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Do I need to see a Naturopathic Doctor to receive Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT)?
Yes, currently SOT is only provided by Dr. Alex Chan, ND, within Integrative. A consultation with Dr. Alex Chan, as well as specific testing, is required to determine eligibility for the use of SOT.
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When is Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT) used?
SOT may be a helpful component of your treatment plan if you have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer or specific infections. Learn more.