Alternative Medicine on Cancer (Workable Solutions)

It is difficult, if not impossible, for most readers to distinguish between reputable sources of information and promotions of unproven alternatives pushed by vested interests. CAM therapies may be categorized in a variety of ways. Currently popular therapies within each of these categories are discussed below. Many of these approaches are unproven methods promoted as alternatives to mainstream cancer treatment. Helpful complementary or adjunctive therapies are discussed in a following section. These complete systems of theory and practice were developed by ancient cultures and remain essentially intact.

A common feature across alternative medical systems is an emphasis on working with internal natural forces to achieve a harmonic state of mind and body. Although this concept has great appeal to many members of the general public, the underlying assumptions concerning human physiology and disease are outmoded and inconsistent with current scientific understanding. TCM views people as ecosystems in miniature. Any imbalance between opposing forces, such as yin-yang, heat-cold, dampness-dryness, or disruption in the circulation of Chi or Qi , meaning life energy or vital force, produces illness.

Diagnostic techniques include examination of complexion and tongue coating, detection of distinctive scents in bodily materials, and palpation of the radial pulse for its speed and tactile characteristics.

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This information is matched to specific patterns of signs and symptoms to provide a TCM diagnosis e. Treatment is then geared to correcting imbalances or disruptions, primarily with herbal formulas or acupuncture. Hundreds of botanical, animal, and mineral preparations were categorized in traditional Chinese pharmacopoeias starting millennia ago. Approximately biologically active compounds have been isolated from medicinal plants [ 24 ].

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Among anticancer agents, camptothecin, paclitaxel, vincristine, and indirubin are developed from Camptotheca acuminata, Taxus chinensis, Catharanthus roseus, and Baphicacanthus cusia, respectively, although the original plants were not used traditionally to treat cancer. The term ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words ayur life and veda knowledge.

There are specific remedies for disease, and regimens to promote health, for each body type. This medical system has a strong mind-body component, stressing the need to keep consciousness in balance. It uses techniques such as yoga and meditation to do so. Ayurveda also emphasizes regular detoxification and cleansing through all bodily orifices. Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, originated in 18th century Germany before the advent of modern medicine. Homeopathic remedies are available over the counter without prescriptions. If a claim were to state that a homeopathic remedy could treat a serious disease, such as cancer, by U.

However, efficacy is unlikely due to the extreme dilution of active ingredients in homeopathy, which eventuates in less than one molecule of the original substance, meaning that there is nothing in the solution [ 26 ]. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of homeopathy clinical trials show no definitive proof that homeopathic remedies are effective for any medical condition [ 27 — 29 ].

It is based on the belief that the body will repair itself and recover from illness spontaneously once a healthy internal environment is achieved. Many remedies in naturopathy, for example, mistletoe, saw palmetto, red clover, wheat grass, and flax seed oil, overlap with those in other categories of CAM; they are reviewed in their respective sections.

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Advocates of dietary cancer treatments typically extend mainstream assumptions about the protective effects of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and avoidance of excessive dietary fat in reducing cancer risk to the idea that foods or vitamins can cure cancer. Current examples include the no-dairy diet, the macrobiotic diet, fruit and vegetable cures, and metabolic therapies, offered in Tijuana, Mexico clinics.

One of the best known sites for this questionable practice is the Gerson Clinic, where liver damage is counteracted with a low-salt, high-potassium diet, coffee enemas, and a gallon of fruit and vegetable juice daily [ 30 ]. Its use of oral crude liver extract was associated with repeated cases of bacterial contamination [ 31 ], although the Gerson. Modern variations on the older approach to internal cleansing are drinkable cleansing formulas, said to detoxify and rejuvenate the body.

These products tend to function as major laxatives, potentially dangerous when taken over days or weeks or on a regular basis as recommended by promoters, especially for cancer patients. Neither the presence of toxins nor the benefit of eliminating them has been documented.

The macrobiotic diet was developed in the s by George Ohsawa , a Japanese philosopher who sought to integrate traditional oriental medicine, Christian teachings, and aspects of Western medicine [ 32 , 33 ]. This is essentially a vegetarian diet, with emphasis on whole grains, legumes, fresh vegetables, and the occasional intake of fish. The main macrobiotics web site is extremely persuasive and attractive, which probably contributes to an apparent resurgence of interest in this dietary fad http: The selection of foods is so limited that people on this diet may develop significant nutritional deficiencies.

Although healthful nutrition is important for patients and has value in cancer prevention, neither this nor any other diet alone has been shown to cure cancer. Some patients and alternative practitioners believe that large dosages of vitamins or intravenous infusions of high-dose vitamin C can cure disease. His claims that massive doses of vitamin C could cure cancer were not confirmed by clinical trials [ 34 , 35 ], but megavitamin and orthomolecular therapy, the latter adding minerals and other nutrients, remain popular.

Perhaps the simplicity of this approach and the fact that patients can prescribe and obtain their own over-the-counter therapy contribute to its appeal. However, megavitamin or orthomolecular therapy has not been proven to be an effective cancer treatment. Energy therapies are based on the theory that there are energy fields around the human body.

It is believed that by changing the purported energy field by manual manipulations, such as Qigong or therapeutic touch, or the application of electromagnetic fields, disease can be eliminated. The existence of such energy fields has not been scientifically proven. Therapeutic touch TT , despite its name, involves no direct contact. TT healers in many areas of the U. Bioelectromagnetic field therapies involve the use of pulsed, alternating or direct current and magnetic fields to treat medical conditions. Clinical trials have been conducted to test magnetic field therapies in managing pain [ 39 , 40 ], tremor [ 41 ], epilepsy [ 42 ], and migraine headaches [ 43 ].

No data support their role in any illness. Because this group of alternative treatments is invasive and biologically active, it is highly controversial. One such therapy is antineoplastons, developed by Stanislaw Burzynski in his clinic in Houston, Texas [ 44 ]. A joint research effort by the NIH Office of Alternative Medicine and the NCI failed to accrue sufficient numbers of patients, and none of the six patients assessable for response showed tumor regression [ 45 ].

Further research at the Burzynski Institute was permitted under an Investigational New Drug permit [ 46 ]. Immuno-augmentation therapy IAT , subcutaneous injections of sera derived from the blood of healthy donors, was developed by the late Lawrence Burton and offered in his clinic in the Bahamas. Burton claimed that IAT was particularly effective in treating mesothelioma [ 49 ]. Advocates of shark cartilage as a cancer therapy base their therapy on its putative antiangiogenic properties [ 51 ]. Neovastat, another cartilage extract, was associated with a survival benefit in renal cell carcinoma in higher versus lower doses [ 53 ].

However, that trial was not randomized. Many additional unproven methods, such as Laetrile [ 55 , 56 ], bioresonance therapy, oxygen and ozone therapies, insulin potentiation therapy, and many more [ 26 ], are promoted as literal alternatives to mainstream cancer treatment. Their popularities wax and wane over time. Cancer patients use over-the-counter dietary supplements in addition to or instead of other cancer treatments.

An important trend is the increased use of herbal products instead of other supplements in recent years [ 58 ]. Systematic, evidence-based information on popular dietary supplements used by cancer patients and herb-drug interactions in oncology is available to consumers and health care professionals [ 26 , 59 ]. The general public tends not to be aware that herbs are dilute natural drugs that contain scores of different chemicals, most of which have not been documented [ 60 ]. Their effects are not always predictable [ 61 ]. Neither the FDA nor any other agency examines herbal remedies for safety and effectiveness.

Few products have been formally tested for side effects or quality control. Patients undergoing active treatment should be told to stop using herbal remedies, because some herbs cause problematic interactions with chemotherapeutic agents, sensitization of the skin to radiation therapy, dangerous blood pressure swings, and other unwanted interactions with anesthetics during surgery [ 62 ]. Herbs such as feverfew, garlic, ginger, and ginkgo have anticoagulant effects and should be avoided by patients on coumadin, heparin, aspirin, and related agents.

Concerns have been raised recently even about dietary antioxidants, which may interact with radiation therapy or chemotherapeutic agents [ 63 ]. The risk of herb-drug interactions appears to be greatest for patients with kidney or liver problems [ 64 , 65 ]. Essiac, one of the most popular herbal alternative cancer medicines in North America, was developed initially by a Native healer from southwestern Canada.

It was popularized in the s by a Canadian nurse, and comprises four herbs: Evidence of anticancer activity has been limited to anecdotal reports [ 66 ]. No clinical studies support the use of essiac also sold as flor-essence. Iscador, a derivative of mistletoe, is a popular cancer remedy in Europe, where it is said to have been in continuous use as a folk treatment since the time of the Druids.

Iscador is available in many mainstream European cancer clinics. European governments have funded studies of the effectiveness of iscador against cancer. The results are mixed, with all studies suffering some methodological shortcomings [ 67 ]. None of the methodologically stronger trials showed efficacy in survival, according to another systematic review [ 68 ].

Several mushroom-derived compounds are approved for use as cancer treatments in Japan. Trials on polysaccharide Kureha PSK , an extract of the mushroom Coriolus versicolor , showed superior survival with PSK compared with controls in both gastrectomy [ 69 , 70 ] and esophagectomy patients [ 71 ]. Two randomized trials of PSK given after curative resection for colorectal cancer showed that both disease-free and overall survival rates were significantly higher in the PSK group [ 72 , 73 ]. Results were less encouraging in breast cancer [ 74 , 75 ] and leukemia [ 76 ].

The proposed mechanism was immune modulation. A combination of eight herbs, all but two from TCM, PC-SPES PC for prostate cancer; spes is the Latin word for hope reduced prostate-specific antigen levels in men with advanced prostate cancer regardless of whether their disease was androgen dependent [ 78 — 81 ]. Improvements in quality of life also have been reported [ 82 ].

Estrogenic side effects occurred with PC-SPES, and its mechanism of action, although uncertain, may relate to its phytoestrogenic effects. PC-SPES was suspended from the market in early when undisclosed contamination with anxiolytic and antithrombotic agents was uncovered [ 83 ]. Mind-body interventions aim to utilize the reciprocal relationship between body and mind to help patients relax, reduce stress, and relieve symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatments.

Hypnosis and relaxation techniques are often used by conventional practitioners, such as clinical psychologists. Several randomized trials have shown effects of hypnosis on both procedural and malignant pain [ 84 , 85 ] and on anxiety, depression, and mood in newly diagnosed cancer patients [ 86 — 88 ]. Trials also have generally found hypnosis and relaxation training to be beneficial against chemotherapy-induced nausea in adults [ 89 , 90 ], although some studies found no differences between groups [ 91 ]. Music therapy is provided by professional musicians who are also trained music therapists.

Typically they hold graduate degrees in music therapy and are trained to deal with the psychosocial as well as clinical issues faced by patients and family members. Music therapy is particularly effective in the palliative care setting, with randomized trials indicating benefit for reducing anxiety [ 92 — 96 ], depression [ 97 — 99 ], and pain [ , ]. The benefits of massage therapy are documented, especially for seriously ill and palliative care patients. Several randomized trials suggest that massage reduces anxiety, at least in the short-term, in groups as varied as adolescent psychiatric patients [ ] and elderly people in care homes [ ].

In a high-quality, if underpowered, trial, 35 patients were randomized to receive either up to nine minute massages during inpatient stays or standard care control. Massage was superior to the control treatment in reducing anxiety, nausea, and fatigue and improving general well-being [ ]. In the largest study to date, 87 hospitalized cancer patients were randomized to receive either foot massage or a control treatment.

Pain and anxiety scores were lower with massage, with differences between groups achieving both statistical and clinical significance [ ]. Modern versions include electrical pulses electro-acupuncture or laser laser acupuncture to provide extra stimulation [ ]. Stimulation is thought to regulate the flow of Qi. The biological basis of Qi or of meridian channels has not been found, but modern research suggests that the effect of acupuncture may be mediated by the release of neurotransmitters [ — ]. Data from clinical trials support the use of acupuncture for emesis [ — ] and pain [ — ].

The NIH issued a concensus statement in supporting the efficacy of acupuncture for adult postoperative and chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting, and for postoperative dental pain [ ]. Many cancer patients use complementary and alternative therapies [ 9 , — ]. Patients appear increasingly willing to discuss the use of these remedies, especially when asked by their oncologists. In order to encourage open communication of CAM use by their patients, oncologists should be knowledgeable about the most commonly used remedies, or at least be able to direct patients to reliable sources of information.

A few helpful web sites are listed in the reference section [ 26 , — ]. Patients should be advised to avoid questionable alternative therapies in a receptive, evidence-based atmosphere. Many unproven alternatives are promoted in a very appealing and convincing fashion. In some cases, patients feel that problems they perceive as important fail to receive sufficient attention. User Name Password Sign In. Accepted October 28, L earning O bjectives After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the differences between complementary and alternative therapies.

List common complementary and alternative therapies used by cancer patients. Know where to access reliable information. Previous Section Next Section. CAM Practitioners Major categories of CAM practitioners outside of mainstream medicine include chiropractors, naturopaths, and acupuncturists.

Traditional Medical Systems These complete systems of theory and practice were developed by ancient cultures and remain essentially intact. Ayurveda The term ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words ayur life and veda knowledge. Homeopathy Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, originated in 18th century Germany before the advent of modern medicine. Energy Therapies Energy therapies are based on the theory that there are energy fields around the human body. Biologic Treatments Because this group of alternative treatments is invasive and biologically active, it is highly controversial.

Dietary Supplements and Herbal Remedies Cancer patients use over-the-counter dietary supplements in addition to or instead of other cancer treatments. Helpful Complementary Therapies Mind-body interventions aim to utilize the reciprocal relationship between body and mind to help patients relax, reduce stress, and relieve symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatments.

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Advising patients who seek complementary and alternative medical therapies for cancer. Ann Intern Med ; CrossRef Medline Google Scholar. The profile of women who consult alternative health practitioners in Australia. Med J Aust ; NZ Med J ; Complementary and alternative medicine use among men with prostate cancer in 4 ethnic populations. Am J Public Health ; Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, — JAMA ; Complementary and alternative medicines in cancer therapy.

Ernst E, Cassileth BR. Cancer ; Utilization of complementary and alternative medicine by United States adults: Med Care ; Use of alternative medicine by women with early-stage breast cancer. N Engl J Med ; Quality of life in long-term, disease-free survivors of breast cancer: J Natl Cancer Inst ; Unconventional therapies for cancer and cancer-related symptoms.

Lancet Oncol ; 2: Roles of nonphysician clinicians as autonomous providers of patient care. Characteristics of visits to licensed acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and naturopathic physicians. J Am Board Fam Pract ; Med Clin North Am ; Credentialing complementary and alternative medical providers.

American Chiropractic Association, The sociopolitical status of U. Med Anthropol Q ; Leake R, Broderick JE. Current licensure for acupuncture in the United States. Altern Ther Health Med ; 5: Complementary and alternative medicine resources at NCI-designated cancer centers. Association between use of unconventional therapies and conventional medical services. Exploring complementary and alternative medicine. The Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Lectures The National Academies Press, The Alternative Medicine Handbook: New drugs derived from medicinal plants. Therapie ; Food and Drug Administration.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. About herbs, botanicals and other products. A systematic review of systematic reviews of homeopathy. Br J Clin Pharmacol ; Evidence of clinical efficacy of homeopathy. A meta-analysis of clinical trials. Homeopathic Medicines Research Advisory Group. Eur J Clin Pharmacol ; Are the clinical effects of homeopathy placebo effects?

A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials. Lancet ; A critique of the rationale for cancer treatment with coffee enemas and diet. Five-year survival rates of melanoma patients treated by diet therapy after the manner of Gerson: Altern Ther Health Med ; 1: Macrobiotic diets for the treatment of cancer. CA Cancer J Clin ; The macrobiotic diet in cancer. J Nutr ; suppl High-dose vitamin C versus placebo in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer who have had no prior chemotherapy.

A randomized double-blind comparison. Failure of high-dose vitamin C ascorbic acid therapy to benefit patients with advanced cancer. A close look at therapeutic touch. So after dividing patients into different categories based of their metabolic differences, genetic and physical make-up, here are the recommendations:.

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In addition, these physicians recommend taking 5 grams of proteolytic enzymes 3 times daily on an empty stomach between meals to reduce inflammation. These studies demonstrated that systemic enzyme therapy significantly decreased tumor-induced and therapy-induced side effects and complaints such as nausea, gastrointestinal complaints, fatigue, weight loss, and restlessness and obviously stabilized the quality of life. Chelation therapy uses chemicals or natural compounds to remove toxic metals from the body.

When it is employed in the medical system, however, it is most commonly used to remove calcium deposits from arteries. These pro-oxidant effects may also induce endogenous antioxidant systems in normal tissues that offer protection against carcinogenic insult! Along with vitamin C chelation, consuming more vitamin C-rich foods may also prevent and fight cancer. Budwig recommends frankincense essential oil especially when it comes to fighting brain tumors.

Baylor cancer scientists emphasize that this potency makes Boswellia serrata a viable candidate for both cancer prevention and treatment! The best way to include probiotics in your diet is in their most natural state, which includes raw milk products such as cheese, kefir and yogurt. Science continues to support the fact that high levels of heart healthy, fat-soluble vitamins and minerals are key to keeping your body free of cancer.

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And recently, there has been considerable progress regarding the role that fat-soluble vitamin D3 plays in cancer prevention. After just one year of vitamin D3-added supplementation, the risk of developing all cancer types was decreased by an astounding 77 percent! Compared to the 0 percent improvement in the placebo and calcium supplement only groups, this is truly remarkable!

A number of laboratory studies on cancer cells suggest that curcumin does have anticancer effects. Other laboratory studies have also shown that curcumin interferes with cancer development, growth and spread. And researchers have reported that curcumin blocked the formation of cancer-causing enzymes in rodents. All normal cells have an absolute requirement for oxygen, but cancer cells can live without oxygen — a rule without exception.

Deprive a cell 35 percent of its oxygen for 48 hours and it may become cancerous. Warburg made it clear that the root cause of cancer is oxygen deficiency, which creates an acidic state in the human body. But is eating blueberries enough to cure cancer? Because the air pressure inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is about 2.

In addition to the many research studies that have been conducted on the healing benefits of prayer , maintaining mental peace and a positive outlook are absolutely critical to cancer prevention and treatment.

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Some people utilize Eastern techniques like practicing tai chi or simply feeling gratitude, and these are highly effective in their own right. Whatever your preference, make sure your focus is on living a stress-free lifestyle filled with peace and joy! Mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine for over 4, years, and research regarding the cordycep and reishi species and cancer therapy has been pretty straightforward.

Some sources even suggest that supplementing with a complementary dose of vitamin C is also necessary. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world The Gerson Therapy and Juicing I see in him one of the most eminent geniuses in the history of medicine.

The Gerson Diet — Consisting of eating only organic fruits, vegetables and sprouted ancient grains, the Gerson Diet is exceptionally rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Also, the traditional Gerson Therapy recommends consuming raw beef liver since it is the most nutrient-dense food on the planet and extremely high in vitamin B This helps prevent denaturation — when vitamins, minerals and enzymes are destroyed. Detoxification — The Gerson Therapy utilizes coffee enemas as the primary method of detoxing the body by increasing the parasympathetic nervous system.

The importance of keeping the body free of toxins is stressed by Dr. Supplements — The Gerson Therapy recommends the following organic medicinal therapies: So after dividing patients into different categories based of their metabolic differences, genetic and physical make-up, here are the recommendations: People with blood or immune based tumors like leukemia, myeloma or lymphoma are put on a high-animal protein, high-fat diet with minimal-to-moderate plant foods.

Vitamin C Chelation Chelation therapy uses chemicals or natural compounds to remove toxic metals from the body. Frankincense Essential Oil Therapy Dr. Sunshine and Vitamin D3 Science continues to support the fact that high levels of heart healthy, fat-soluble vitamins and minerals are key to keeping your body free of cancer. Optimize vitamin D3 through 20 minutes of sun exposure everyday. This is best done by exposing 40 percent of your body to the sun between 10 am and 2 pm. Take an oral supplement containing around 5, to 10, IU of vitamin D3 daily.

Oxygen Therapy and Hyperbaric Chambers All normal cells have an absolute requirement for oxygen, but cancer cells can live without oxygen — a rule without exception. Prayer and Building Peace A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Immune-Boosting Mushrooms Mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine for over 4, years, and research regarding the cordycep and reishi species and cancer therapy has been pretty straightforward.

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