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A Guide To Alternative Treatments For Cancer
by CHARLOTTE HARDING, femail.Co.Uk
There is no scientific evidence yet that any alternative therapies can cure cancer.
But with so much at stake, thousands of people all over the world are willing to place their hopes in a variety of treatments backed by anecdotal claims of success.
Conventional medics warn that taking such untested medicines may be dangerous and abandoning traditional treatments in favour of alternative remedies potentially disasterous.
'The conventional advice is to never abandon a traditional treatment in favour of an alternative cure, because none of them are proven to work,' says Dr Michelle Kohn, a doctor who specialises in complementary therapies for the treatment of cancer and an advisor to Macmillan Cancer Relief. 'But we appreciate that patients have a choice.'
'If you are planning to try one of these treatments we would advise you to discuss it with your doctor.'
But anecdotal claims of success are seductive, particularly if patients feel they no longer have anything to lose and may extend their life in the process.
And although no clinical trials have yet uncovered any alternative remedy that can help cure cancer, respected scientists in America are now researching some of these treatments.
'I strongly believe that these alternative therapies should be further investigated with clinical trials in the UK too,' adds Dr Kohn.
So what is the evidence so far? Could taking such medicines do you more harm than good or could they help fight the disease?
Femail.Co.Uk has spoken to one of America's leading experts in this field Dr James S Gordon, who chaired the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Here is our guide to these treatments together with Dr Gordon's opinion on each one.
MISTLETOE THERAPY
The background
Herbalists have used mistletoe for centuries to treat high blood pressure and anxiety.
This particular therapy, brand name Iscador, is an extract of the common species of European mistletoe Viscum album. It was first proposed as a treatment for cancer in 1920 by Rudolph Steiner.
It is the most widely used unconventional pharmacological agent for the treatment of cancer in Europe. It is less widely used in the United States. This is now available on the NHS through a GP referral to a homeopathic practitioner and is increasingly used in conjunction with more traditional cancer therapies. It is thought that it may cause allergic reactions in some people.
The theory
Proponents claim active ingredients in mistletoe attack cancer cell membranes and reduce the cell divisions that cause cancers to grow. It is also thought to increase white blood cells which fight infection.
The research
There is considerable research literature on iscador and related mistletoe products, some of it demonstrating antitumour activities or immune boosting effects. But there have been no clinically controlled trials which have proved it works.
The expert's view
Dr James S Gordon, founder and director of the Center for Mind Body Medicine in Washington and the chairman of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine says:
'This is often used alongside other more conventional therapies. It seems to have significant immune stimulating effects so I think it may be useful when used alongside other treatments. It shows some promise and I would like to see more significant studies into it.
Could shark's cartilage or apricots cure cancer?
Could Chinese herbs and coffee cure cancer?
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(MENAFN- Costa Rica News) ocref&&(Object(document,"referrer",{get:function(){return litespeed_docref}}),sessionStorage("litespeed_docref")); What Are the Alternative Therapies for Fighting Cancer? ⋆ The Costa Rica News Facebook Instagram Linkedin Paypal Twitter Youtube
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They can play a valuable role in supporting patients on their journey to recovery
By TCRN STAFF March 17, 202420 ShareFacebook Twitter WhatsApp Email ul>li{margin-left:0!Important}.Td_block_template_2 .Td-block-title{font-size:17px;font-weight:500;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:31px;text-align:left}.Td_block_template_2 .Td-block-title>*{color:var(--td_text_header_color,#000)}.Td_block_template_2 .Td-related-title a{padding:0 20px 0 0}@media (max-width:767px){.Td_block_template_2 .Td-related-title a{font-size:15px}}.Td_block_template_2 .Td-related-title .Td-cur-simple-item{color:var(--td_theme_color,#4db2ec)}.Tdi_81{margin-top:90px!Important;margin-bottom:-10px!Important}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.Tdi_81{margin-top:20px!Important}}Must ReadTCRN TCRN STAFF - March 17, 2024Why It`s So Great to be an Expat Living in Costa Rica Culture & Lifestyle TCRN STAFF - March 17, 2024Cartago Takes Firm Steps to Become a Compassionate Province Environment TCRN STAFF - March 16, 2024The Ambitious Goal of Costa Rica Being a Carbon-Free Country by 2050 TCRN STAFF Creating a Conscious alternative news network that we feel the world needs. Pura Vida!Cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While traditional treatments such as chemotherapy , radiation therapy, and surgery are commonly used to combat cancer, many patients are also turning to alternative therapies to help in their fight against the disease.
AcupunctureOne such alternative therapy is acupuncture . Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies have shown that acupuncture can help alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments such as nausea, pain, fatigue, and anxiety. It is believed that acupuncture works by stimulating the body's natural healing processes and restoring balance to the body's energy flow. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of acupuncture in cancer treatment, many patients have reported positive results from incorporating acupuncture into their treatment regimens.
Massage therapyAnother alternative therapy that is gaining popularity in the fight against cancer is massage therapy. Massage therapy involves manipulating the body's soft tissues to reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. For cancer patients, massage therapy can help alleviate pain, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety. Studies have shown that massage therapy can also boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, which may help the body better fight off cancer cells. Many cancer patients find that regular massages not only help with physical symptoms but also provide emotional support and a sense of relaxation during a stressful time.
Nutritional therapyNutritional therapy is another alternative therapy that has shown promise in the fight against cancer. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation, both of which are important factors in fighting cancer. Some studies have suggested that certain foods and supplements, such as turmeric, green tea, and vitamin D, may have anti-cancer properties and help prevent the spread of cancer cells. Working with a registered dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan can help cancer patients maintain their strength and energy levels during treatment.
Mind-body therapiesMind-body therapies such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices are also being used as alternative therapies in cancer treatment. These practices can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are common side effects of cancer and its treatments. Studies have shown that mind-body therapies can improve quality of life, decrease pain, and enhance overall well-being in cancer patients. By incorporating these practices into their daily routines, cancer patients can improve their mental and emotional health while also supporting their physical health in the fight against cancer.
While traditional cancer treatments are essential in fighting the disease, alternative therapies can also play a valuable role in supporting cancer patients on their journey to recovery. From acupuncture and massage therapy to nutritional therapy and mind-body practices, there are a variety of alternative therapies available to help cancer patients manage their symptoms, strengthen their bodies, and improve their quality of life. By working with healthcare providers to integrate these alternative therapies into their treatment plans, cancer patients can empower themselves to take an active role in their healing process.
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Man's Best Friend Helps Man Develop Brain Cancer Treatments
The UMN's Canine Brain Tumor Clinical Trial Program offers cutting-edge treatment to pups, while also providing data to help people with brain tumors.
MINNEAPOLIS — Dogs have been man's best friend for thousands of years. They've evolved with us, eaten our food and herded our animals.
Now, they could help us treat cancer.
The Canine Brain Tumor Clinical Trial Program at the University of Minnesota started up 15 years ago with a goal of offering cancer therapy to dogs that will extend the life of the pet, while allowing them to also have a good quality of life.
The information gained from treating those dogs are then used to help people diagnosed with aggressive brain tumors.
Dr. Elizabeth Pluhar helped found the clinical trial program and is now the director for the program. Her team has been studying how a combination of immunotherapy and surgery impacts canine gliomas, a type of brain tumor that arises from the brain tissue itself.
"With high-grade gliomas, the prognosis is terrible if you don't do anything at all," said Pluhar. "Or if you do surgery alone, if it is a high-grade glioma in dogs, the dogs live, on average, two months."
But Pluhar said the therapies the university have shown promising results.
Many times her team manages to give the dog longer. If dogs have low-grade gliomas, they can even live out the rest of their lives without tumor recurrence. While this treatment doesn't cure dogs of the tumor, in many cases, they can control this with a good quality of life.
Most treatments associated with the studies are free to the owners.
"We're starting to push to get in longer times with high-grade glioma, but we're still looking for new things to combine together to try to get even longer survival times," said Pluhar.
Davis Hawn considers Dr. Pluhar an angel. Man's best friend is the simplest way to describe how he feels about his service dogs.
"They make my worst day feel like sometimes my best day," he said.
Hawn said his service dogs have saved him in many ways. But his previous pup, Booster, was the friend who needed saving at one point.
"He had two weeks to live and I was devastated," recalled Hawn, who was traveling with Booster. "The vet on a plane noticed the bulk of my dog's head — he had squamous cell carcinoma"
He sent Booster's MRI out to different veterinary centers around the country.
"I got a call one day from an angel," said Davis. "A Dr. Elizabeth Pluhar."
"We developed a vaccine and they treated Booster with the vaccines that we made, and Booster went on to stay cancer free for a very, very long time," said Pluhar.
Booster and Hawn went on to travel the world together, and Hawn said Booster inspired him to push through his own cancer diagnosis.
"I wouldn't be here today, if not for my dog, if not for the University of Minnesota," said Hawn.
Booster is just one of the hundreds of dogs who have contributed and benefited from the University of Minnesota's canine brain tumor program.
When Jessica Sigecan learned her dog, Bruce, had a brain tumor, her world stopped spinning.
"Bruce has given us so much over the past five years, and I'm certainly not ready to say goodbye," she said.
She was ecstatic when she learned the University of Minnesota was currently enrolling French bulldogs with high-grade gliomas for sonodynamic therapy or treatment involving ultrasounds. This breed in particular responds to immunotherapies differently.
At one point, she got the news that Bruce's tumor could no longer be detected.
"They have accomplished something, nothing short, I would consider a miracle," she said. "And I just cannot convey how grateful I am for more time with this dog that we love, from the bottom of our hearts."
But months after the interview, Bruce passed away.
Despite the outcome, Sigecan said Dr. Pluhar and her team gave her more time with Bruce who continued to be his usual self for most of the time after treatment.
"I just continue to thank them for everything they're doing," she said.
On the human side of the program is Dr. Elizabeth Neil, a neuro-oncologist and clinical researcher with the University of Minnesota and M Health Fairview.
"Dr. Pluhar is doing such amazing work in canines with brain cancer," said Neil. "She allows these pets to have access to cutting-edge treatment options and I'm able to take that data, translate it into trials that can potentially benefit people."
Neil said pups serve as an excellent model for the concept, as they're evolved with us for thousands of years.
"They've been breathing the same air, drinking the same water — sometimes eating our same food," she said.
Nine patients with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, were enrolled.
"We entered into the clinical trial, we had a profound sense of confidence knowing that our starting dose was going to be safe." said Neil.
One of those patients was Dustin Davey.
"He's probably the funniest person I will ever know," said Claire Davey, his wife. "His coworkers would call him smiley just because he was always just such an upbeat and easygoing person."
Davey said it was an easy decision for her husband to be part of the clinical trial.
"He wanted to contribute to the science," she said. "Dustin's quality of life was really great during the time he was in the trial, for a couple of reasons. First, the medication itself didn't have any side effects for Dustin, which was incredible, because a lot of the alternative treatments like chemo or radiation would have certainly had side effects that would have worn on his quality of life. And then secondly, it provided a lot of hope that we wouldn't have really had otherwise."
Dustin was 34 when he died.
"None of the patients who are enrolled in the study are currently alive," said Neil. "And so while it was a win, and the fact that we were safely able to introduce this new treatment, we still have a long ways to go to understand how we can make it more effective."
Neil said that eventually, they hope to restart another clinical trial.
Both Claire and Jessica said that despite losing friends and loved ones, they would encourage other families to trust in the University's research.
"He left a legacy contributing to science and hopefully a cure to this disease some day," said Davey.
Because one day, they believe man's best friend will save the man.
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