A growing number of people with cancer are not wurning to alternative means of cancer treatment. Some of the available alternative therapies provide help by strengthening the body and controlling the side effects of conventional treatments. Other approaches, because of their gentle, noninvasive nature may in some cases be preferred over , or used in tandem with, more orthodox treatment. Although there are a large number of different alternative therapies, most of them do have common themes. For instance, many of them are based on the belief that a truly healthy body is lessvulnerable to cancer. They emphasize that cancer develops as the result of a problem with the immune system or an imbalance in the body, either or both of which may allow the cancer to develp. Thus, the try to reduce or eliminate the underlaying problem that allowed the cancer to take hold, and to activate the body's own inherent healing processes so that the body can heal itself. Usually, alternative treatments are holistic in approach. This means that the goal is to treat the whole body, rather than just the area seemingly affected by the cancer. Cancer is seen as a systemic desease and treatment is individualized depending on the particular person. Many alternative approaches also aim to trat the individual on a number of different levels, including physical, mental, spirtual, and emotional.
TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Most of the alternative treatments used in canceer therapy fall into one of the following categories: biologic and pharmacologic therapies, immunologic therapies, herbal therapies, metabolic therapies, mind-body therapies, and nutritional therapies. Although there is a certain amount of overlaping between categories-an immunologic therapy, for instance, may have nutritional components-these categories do serve to highlight the central focus of the many treatments and regimens that fall within them. Be aware though, that the following discussion by no means mentions all of the individual therapies available. It is menat to familarize you with the various approaches that may be used.
1. Biologic and Pharmacologic Therapies.
These therapies use biologic substances or nontoxic pharmacologic agents-nontoxic medications usually derived form biological sources, such as plants or human cells. Each of these treatments works in a different way. Antineoplaston therapy, for instance, uses amino acid derivatives to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Dr Stanislaw Burzynski maintains that antineoplastons are part of the body's defense system and appear to be absent in people with cancer. He has been able to construct synthetic antineoplastons and administer them to cancer patients. Another such treatment, shark cartilage therapy is thought to work by blocking angiogenesis, the creation of new blood vessels required for tumor growth, and thus starve the tumor of needed nourishment. Russian immunologist Dr. Valentin Gavallo's VG-1000theory, developed in the 1960's, is based on the belief that cancer results when a tumor evades and suppressed the immune system. Dr. Govallo believes that placenta extracts allow the immune system to readjust and attack the tumor that had escaped its attention in the first place. This method of treatment is called immuno-placental therapy. The Revici method, developed by Dr. Emanuel Revici, is based on the premise that tumors oare a result of an imbalance of lipids in the cells. After analysis of the tumor, the proper balance within the cells. French physician Dr. Gaston Naessens developed a system of treatment known as 714-X treatment, witch consists of injections of nitrogen-rich comphor and organic salts directly into the lymphatic system. The theory behind this treatment is that cncer cells excrete a poisonous compound that shuts down the immune system. The 714-X allows the immune system to reestablish itself and fight the cancer.
Herbal Therapies
In these therapies, herbal remedies-probably the oldest form of treatment in the world are used to strengthen the body's ability to eliminate cancer cells. Hoxey therapy, for instance, first tested in the 1920's employs internal and external herbal preparations, and psychological counseling, to strengthen the body and fight the cancer. Hoxsey's treatment proved to be too controversial for America however, and the Hoxsley for5mula is now continuing in Mexico.
Immunologic Therapies
Immunologic therapies are based on the belief that cncer develops because of a breakdown of the immune system. The aim of these therapies is to bolster those parts of the immune system that combat and destroy cancer cells. An example of the treatments in the category is Dr. Joset Issels whole-body programs, which use detoxifying diets, uncontaminated water, and vitamins.
Metabolic Therapies
These therapies are based on the idea that many factors cause the occcurance of cancer and that a multifaceted healing approach is required to eliminate the disorder. Ther therapies use detoxification, including colon cleansing, to flush out toxins;anticancer diets based on whole foods; andvitamins, minerals, and enzymes, which further cleanse the body, repair damaged tissues, and stimulate immune function. Dr Max Gerson's therapy-which is based on a diet of organically grown fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nutritional supplements-is on such regimen. Gerson's treatment was developed in the 1040's and is based on a theory of detoxification. Willam B\. Coley developed Coley toxins in the 1890's. this treatment uses bacterial vaccines used today, but with some adaptations. It is normally used as an adjunct to conventional treatments.
Mind-Body Therapies
These treatments focus on the role that emotions, behavior, and faith play in recovery form illness. In the case of some therapies, counseling, hypnois, biofeedback, or other techniques are used to promote greater emotional and spirtual well-being. In other therapies, the aim is to use mid-body techniques to actually change the course of the illness, possibly bringing the person into remission. For instance, Dr. O. Carl Simonton and Stephanie Matthews Simonton, based in CA, have developed an imagery and visualization technique to help patients increase the effectiveness of their immune systems. Yoga has become popular as part of this type of treatment. Dr Barrie Cassileth designed a series of complementary treatments for cancer patients. These include massage therapy, meditation, music theerapy, imagery, and relaxation techniques.
Nutritional Therapies
Therapies that focus on nutrition are perhaps the most popular alternative approach to cncer, especially since research began showing the link between diet and health. Almost every alternative therapy includes an emphasis on diet as an important component of both prevention and possibly, cure. For instance, studies have indicated tha a high-fat diet increases the risk of cancer, while a low-fat diet that is rich in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains actually helps the body to fight cancer. Three of the therapies that fall into this category are wheatgrass thearpy, a diet based on wheatgrass and other raw food; the macrobiotic diet, a traditional Japanese diet high in whole grains and vegetables; and the Moerman regimen, a meat-less high-fiber diet that includes nutritional supplements.
CHOOSING AN ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
Unless you already have a specific therapy in mind, the first step in choosing one is to learn more about those that are available. By visiting libraries and bookstores, and contacting health organizations that focus on cancer, you should be able to find a number of comprehensive, up-to-date books that provide additional information about alternative treatments. Once you have a better idea of the therapy or therapies that would best serve your needs, contact educational organizations and patient-refferal services that provide info on these treatments. When researching a particular therapy, try to get info from other people who have used that treatment. Some information organizations and some alternative clinics will provide lists of recovered patients whom you can call or write to. Focus on those ppl who have the same kind of canceer you have, and ask them what specific treatments they found helpful. When screening alternative practitioners and clinics, ask what their success has been in treating your specific form of cancer. Keep in mind that a therapy that is effective against one type of cancer will not necessarily be effective against another. Ask to see supportive studies, documented cased, and patents testimonials, and view all information with a healthy dose of skepticism. As much as possible, pin the treatment-short term improvement or long-term survival, for instance. Finally, consider whether the therapy fits in with your lifestyle, personality, and belief system. Be honest with yourself. Some therapies require a degree of money to truly be feasible. However, if you have the fortitude to overcome an illness, the rewards are priceless. It is worth checking to see if your health insurance will cover alternative (or secondary) treatments may be used together-one method of treatment does not necessarily preclude the other.