Are there alternative therapies that can support conventional medicine?
October 1, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Marie Hahn
Dear Doctor,
My name is Robert Tressel and I am suffering from advanced lung cancer. I have been undergoing treatment for some time now, including chemotherapy and radiation. Unfortunately, I feel that my symptoms are not improving and the side effects of the therapy are very burdensome. I am concerned about my health and wondering if there are alternative therapies that could complement conventional medicine.
I have heard a lot about alternative treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathy, or herbal remedies that are said to help in the treatment of cancer. I am wondering if these therapies are actually effective and if they could be a useful addition to my current treatment in my case. I want to make sure that I am considering all possible options to maximize my chances of healing or at least improving my condition.
Could you please provide me with more information about alternative therapies and advise me on whether they would be recommended in my case? I would like to know if there are evidence-based studies supporting their effectiveness and if there are any risks or interactions with my current treatment. I am willing to do whatever it takes to improve my health and would greatly appreciate your expert advice.
Thank you in advance for your time and support.
Best regards,
Robert Tressel
Dear Mr. Tressel,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise as an oncologist. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from advanced lung cancer and that the current treatments have not yielded the desired improvements. It is understandable that you are seeking alternatives to conventional therapy to maximize your chances of healing.
It is important to understand that alternative therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and herbal remedies can play a complementary role in cancer treatment, but should not be considered as a replacement for traditional medicine. There is evidence to suggest that certain alternative therapies can help alleviate the side effects of conventional treatment, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall well-being. However, there is not sufficient scientific evidence to support the idea that alternative therapies alone can cure cancer.
Regarding acupuncture, studies have shown that it can help relieve pain, nausea, and fatigue in cancer patients. Homeopathy is often used to support emotional and physical complaints, although its effectiveness is scientifically controversial. Herbal remedies such as mistletoe preparations are also commonly used in cancer treatment, but their effectiveness is not well-established.
It is important that you discuss possible alternative therapies with your oncologist before considering them. Some herbal remedies and supplements may interact with the medications of your conventional treatment or even interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Therefore, it is important that all therapies are coordinated and monitored.
I recommend consulting with your treating oncologist about alternative treatment options and deciding together which options are best for you. It is crucial that all therapies are coordinated and that you are under medical supervision to minimize potential risks.
I hope this information has been helpful, and I am available for further questions. I wish you all the best on your path to recovery.
Best regards,
Marie Hahn
