List of unproven and disproven cancer treatments

1688: 307: 1198: 415: 1269: 1463: 1006: 1783: 1601:(also called Protocel, Sheridan's Formula, Jim's Juice, Crocinic Acid, JS–114, JS–101, 126–F and Entelev) – a formula that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer. The American Cancer Society and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center recommend against the use of CanCell, as there is no evidence that it is effective in treating any disease, and its proposed method of action is not consistent with modern science. 405:– therapy based around a large electromagnetic device that emitted a weak field which, it was claimed, could kill cancer cells. Patients were charged US$ 15,000 up-front for treatment in Mexican clinics. In 2005 criminal charges were brought against the owners of the company making the device for their claims of its worth. Quackwatch says: "there is no scientific evidence or reason to believe that exposure to weak magnetic fields will kill any cells". 896: 346:– an electronic device promoted as being capable of diagnosing and treating cancer and a host of other ailments. However, according to Quackwatch: "The Quantum Xrroid device is claimed to balance 'bio-energetic' forces that the scientific community does not recognize as real. It mainly reflects skin resistance (how easily low-voltage electric currents from the device pass through the skin), which is not related to the body's health." 1973: 212:– not eating or drinking for a period – a practice which has been claimed by some alternative medicine practitioners to help fight cancer, perhaps by "starving" tumors. However, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that fasting is effective for preventing or treating cancer in humans". Professional societies in France and the United Kingdom reached similar conclusions. 1264:(or cat's claw) – a woody vine found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America, which is promoted as a remedy for cancer and other disease. The American Cancer Society state: "Available scientific evidence also does not support cat's claw's effectiveness in preventing or treating cancer or any other disease. Cat's claw is linked to some serious side effects, although the extent of those effects is not known". 122:– a general term for an approach to medicine which encompasses mental and spiritual aspects, and which is manifested in sundry complementary and alternative methods. According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that these complementary and alternative methods, when used without mainstream or conventional medicine, are effective in treating cancer or any other disease". 1865:– in alternative medicine, the practice of injecting hydrogen peroxide, oxygenating blood, or administering oxygen under pressure to the rectum, vagina, or other bodily opening. According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that putting oxygen-releasing chemicals into a person's body is effective in treating cancer", and some of these treatments can be dangerous. 927:– commonly known as chaga mushroom. Chaga has been used as a folk remedy in Russia and Siberia since the 16th century. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, "no clinical trials have been conducted to assess chaga's safety and efficacy for disease prevention or for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes". They caution that the mushroom extract can interact with other drugs. 1350: 1395:(or CST) – a treatment devised by John Upledger in the 1970s. A CST practitioner will massage a patient's scalp in the belief that the precise positioning of their cranial bones can have a profound impact on their health. However, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that craniosacral therapy helps in treating cancer or any other disease". 1379:– the practice of diagnosing and treating illness by touching and observing patients to detect meaningful signs in the muscles. Claims have been made that in a session, "spontaneous remission" of cancer can be observed. However, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support the claim that applied kinesiology can diagnose or treat cancer or other illness". 1373:, acupuncture attempts to regulate the flow of a supposed energy within the body by means of inserting needles through the skin at certain pre-designated points. Although there is some evidence that suggests acupuncture may help relieve some symptoms associated with cancer, such as treatment side effects, there is no evidence to support claims that acupuncture is an effective treatment for cancer. 840: 1447:– a procedure in which the practitioner might look at, blow on, tap and touch a patient in an attempt to affect the "energy" in their body. Although there is some evidence that reiki sessions are relaxing and so might improve general well-being, Cancer Research UK say that "there is no scientific evidence to prove that Reiki can prevent, treat or cure cancer or any other disease". 2016:. According to the American Cancer Society: "evidence also does not support the idea that sodium bicarbonate works as a treatment for any form of cancer. There is substantial evidence, however, that these claims are false." Edzard Ernst has called the promotion of sodium bicarbonate as a cancer cure "one of the more sickening alternative cancer scams I have seen for a long time". 953: 1735:(1912–2003) and promoted as a cancer treatment. According to the American Cancer Society: "Available scientific evidence does not support claims that Di Bella therapy is effective in treating cancer. It can cause serious and harmful side effects. ... may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased blood sugar levels, low blood pressure, sleepiness and neurological symptoms." 698: 1895:– A chemical manufactured in Brazil by Gilberto Chierice and distributed with claims it could cure cancer. In 2015, after courts initially upheld people's rights to try phosphorylethanolamine, subsequent opposition from scientific and medical bodies led to a reversal in the law. Subsequent testing has found phosphorylethanolamine to be of no therapeutic benefit. 376:(1897–1957) which he claimed could be harnessed to cure diseases, including cancer, perhaps by sitting inside an "orgone accumulator"—a cupboard-like box with metal and organic linings. Quackwatch comments that scientists investigating Reich's ideas have been "unable to find the slightest evidence in Reich's data or elsewhere that such a thing as orgone exists". 721:. A number of capsicum-based products, including teas and capsules, are promoted for their health benefits, including as a claimed cancer treatment. However, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific research does not support claims for the effectiveness of capsicum or whole pepper supplements in preventing or curing cancer at this time". 1901:– a dietary supplement created by Merrill Garnett (1931–), a former dentist turned biochemist. Poly-MVA is promoted as a treatment for a number of diseases including HIV/AIDS and cancer, but there is no medical evidence to support such claims and some concern that the use of Poly-MVA can interfere with the functioning of conventional cancer treatments. 116:– a whole-body approach to promoting health, in which substances are derived from entire plants so as not to disturb what herbalists believe is the delicate chemistry of the plant as a whole. According to Cancer Research UK, "there is currently no strong evidence from studies in people that herbal remedies can treat, prevent or cure cancer". 1535:– the practice of maintaining a meditative state while making gentle and fluid bodily movements, in an attempt to balance internal life energy. A systematic review of the effect of qigong exercises on cancer treatment concluded "the effectiveness of qigong in cancer care is not yet supported by the evidence from rigorous clinical trials." 1820:-based liquid sold as an alternative cancer treatment. According to the American Cancer Society: "Available scientific evidence does not support claims that Krebiozen is effective in treating cancer or any other disease. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), creatine has been linked to several dangerous side effects." 145:– a system of alternative medicine based on a belief in energy forces in the body and an avoidance of conventional medicine; it is promoted as a treatment for cancer and other ailments. According to the American Cancer Society, "scientific evidence does not support claims that naturopathic medicine can cure cancer or any other disease". 1607:– the practice of injecting cellular material from animals in an attempt to prevent or treat cancer. Although the use of human-to-human cell therapy has some established medical uses, the injection of animal material is, according to the American Cancer Society, not backed by any evidence of effectiveness, and "may in fact be lethal". 1151:(or snakeroot) – a plant used as the basis of a herbal remedy that some believe may treat cancer. According to the American Cancer Society: "Available scientific evidence does not support claims that Indian snakeroot is effective in treating cancer It also has many dangerous side effects and is likely to increase the risk of cancer." 1810:– the practice of injecting insulin, usually alongside a low dose of conventional chemotherapy drugs, in the belief that this improves the overall effect of the treatment. Although it may cause a temporary reduction in tumor size for some patients, there is no evidence that it improves survival time or any other main outcomes. 1500:) – mind-body practices in which patients attempt master their own mental processes. According to the American Cancer Society while meditation "may help to improve the quality of life for people with cancer", "available scientific evidence does not suggest that meditation is effective in treating cancer or any other disease." 399:(or TT) – contrary to its name, a technique that does not usually involve touching; rather, a practitioner holds their hands close to a patient to affect the "energy" in their body. According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support any claims that TT can cure cancer or other diseases". 948:(or juice therapy) – the practice of consuming juice made from raw fruit and vegetables. This has been claimed to bring many benefits such as slowing aging or curing cancer; however, according to the American Cancer Society, "there is no convincing scientific evidence that extracted juices are healthier than whole foods". 1193:– an expensive dietary supplement made mostly from plant extracts and promoted by two U.S. companies. Extravagant claims for its curative powers led to the prosecution and fining of the companies' owners. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, "no studies have shown the efficacy of this costly product". 1401:– the practice of cleansing the colon using laxatives and enemas to "detoxify" the body. Coffee enemas in particular are promoted as a cancer therapy. According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that colon therapy is effective in treating cancer or any other disease". 1486:– the induction of a deeply relaxed and yet alert mental state. Some practitioners have claimed hypnosis might help boost the immune system. However, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support the idea that hypnosis can influence the development or progression of cancer.". 868:– a species of perennial plant, the root of which is promoted for its therapeutic value, including a claimed ability to help fight cancer. However, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that ginseng is effective in preventing or treating cancer in humans". 885:) – an herb from the buttercup family promoted for treating many conditions, including cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, "evidence does not support claims that goldenseal is effective in treating cancer or other diseases. Goldenseal can have toxic side effects, and high doses can cause death." 1083:(or oleander) – one of the most poisonous of commonly grown garden plants, is the basis of an extract which is promoted to treat cancer and other ailments. According to the American Cancer Society, "even a small amount of oleander can cause death", and "the effectiveness of oleander has not been proven". 1703:– liquid containing a suspension of silver particles, marketed as a treatment for cancer and other ailments. Quackwatch states that colloidal silver dietary supplements have not been found safe or effective for the treatment of any condition. Ingestion of ionic silver can cause a rare condition called 1418:

self-esteem and reducing stress. As a form of exercise, dance therapy can be useful for both physical and emotional aspects of quality of life." A Cochrane review found too few studies to draw any conclusions about what effects dance therapy has on psychological or physical outcomes in cancer patients.

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alcohol and various metals) is given by mouth or injection, supposedly to cure cancer. The practice was devised by Emanuel Revici (1896–1997) and differs from modern chemotherapy despite being named with the same term. According to the American Cancer Society: "Available scientific evidence does not

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Kombucha has been associated with illnesses and death. A tea made from Kombucha is said to be a tonic, but several people have been hospitalised and at least one woman died after taking this product. The cause could not be directly linked to Kombucha, but several theories were offered, e.g. The tea

580:– a genus of flowering succulent plants native to Africa. According to Cancer Research UK, a potentially deadly product called T-UP is made of concentrated aloe, and promoted as a cancer cure. They say "there is currently no evidence that aloe products can help to prevent or treat cancer in humans". 386:

based on the idea that the positive or negative charge of a person's electromagnetic field affects their health. Although it is promoted as effective for curing a number of human ailments, including cancer, the American Cancer Society says "available scientific evidence does not support claims that

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forms of medicine traditionally practiced by some indigenous American peoples and which have been claimed as being capable of curing human diseases, including cancer. The American Cancer Society say that while its supportive, community aspects might improve general well-being, "available scientific

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poisoning, but it has also been promoted as an alternative treatment for diseases including cancer. The American Cancer Society says: "Available scientific evidence does not support claims that it is effective for treating other conditions such as cancer. Chelation therapy can be toxic and has the

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at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, cautioned that while Juice Plus is being "aggressively promoted to cancer patients based on claims of antioxidant effects", the supplement should not be taken by patients because it can interfere with chemotherapy, nor should it be considered a substitute

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and heavily promoted on the internet, alongside other products from Rath's company under the "Cellular Health" brand, as a claimed treatment for cancer and other human disease; these claims have led to Rath's prosecution. According to Cancer Research UK, "there is no scientific evidence at all to

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or physical movement to improve physical or mental well-being. The American Cancer Society states, "Few scientific studies have been done to evaluate the effects of dance therapy on health, prevention and recovery from illness. Clinical reports suggest dance therapy may be effective in improving

1778:– a chemical compound promoted (sometimes as "rocket fuel treatment") for its supposed ability to treat cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, although there is some evidence Hydrazine sulfate might help some people with cancer gain weight, "there is no evidence that it helps to treat cancer". 533:'s 10-step program – a regime devised by Lorraine Day based on a restrictive diet and behavioral changes, such as giving up work and ceasing to watch television. Stephen Barrett wrote on Quackwatch, "In my opinion, her advice is untrustworthy and is particularly dangerous to people with cancer". 296:

term applied to certain foods with supposed health-giving properties. Cancer Research UK note that superfoods are often promoted as having an ability to prevent or cure diseases, including cancer; they caution, "a healthy, balanced and varied diet can help to reduce the risk of cancer but it is

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has been promoted as a cancer cure on the basis it kills a "parasite" responsible for the disease. However, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that hulls from black walnuts remove parasites from the intestinal tract or that they are

1545: 48: 1761:(Gc protein-derived macrophage activating factor) – a type of protein that affects the immune system, and which has been promoted as a "miracle cure" for cancer and HIV. According to Cancer Research UK, "there is no solid scientific evidence to show that the treatment is safe or effective". 1326:, the roots of which are made into creams and dietary supplements that are promoted for a variety of medicinal purposes, including cancer prevention. The American Cancer Society says of these products, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that they are safe or effective." 891:– a swamp plant native to parts of Asia and Africa. Supplements made from it are promoted as cancer treatment; however, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims of its effectiveness for treating cancer or any other disease in humans". 6116:

Loprinzi, Charles L.; Levitt, Ralph; Barton, Debra L.; Sloan, Jeff A.; Atherton, Pam J.; Smith, Denise J.; Dakhil, Shaker R.; Moore Jr, Dennis F.; Krook, James E.; Rowland Jr, Kendrith M.; Mazurczak, Miroslaw A.; Berg, Alan R.; Kim, George P.; North Central Cancer Treatment Group (2005).

493:– a regime recommended to be used alongside conventional treatment. It requires removal of metal fillings from the patient's mouth, and adherence to a restrictive diet. Cancer Research UK state: "There is no scientific or medical evidence to back up the claims made by the Issels website". 527:– a therapeutic regime that included a restricted diet, various drugs, therapy and the use of enemas. According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that Livingston-Wheeler therapy was effective in treating cancer or any other disease". 572:(or black cohosh) – a flowering plant from which dietary supplements are made that are promoted for their health-giving properties. According to Cancer Research UK, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that black cohosh is effective in treating or preventing cancer". 1165:, promoted as a treatment for a variety of health conditions, including cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, "available clinical evidence does not show that red clover is effective in treating or preventing cancer, menopausal symptoms, or any other medical conditions." 1033:(1861–1925), who believed it needed to be harvested when planetary alignment most influenced its potency. According to the American Cancer Society, "available evidence from well-designed clinical trials does not support claims that mistletoe can improve length or quality of life". 1256:, a plant in the poppy family. The drug is promoted for its health giving powers and its ability to treat cancer; however, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that celandine is effective in treating cancer in humans". 1312:– a food made from grains of wheat. According to the American Cancer Society, although some wheatgrass champions claim it can "shrink" cancer tumors, "available scientific evidence does not support the idea that wheatgrass or the wheatgrass diet can cure or prevent disease". 875:. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, these products have been "promoted aggressively to cancer patients" on the basis that they can help cellular health and boost the immune system, but "strong scientific evidence to support these claims is lacking". 128:– a pseudoscientific system of medicine based on ultra-diluted substances. Some proponents promote homeopathy as a cancer cure; however, according to the American Cancer Society "there is no reliable evidence showing that homeopathic remedies can treat cancer in humans". 1595:, as a therapy. Apitherapy has been promoted for its anti-cancer effects; however, according to the American Cancer Society, "there have been no clinical studies in humans showing that bee venom or other honeybee products are effective in preventing or treating cancer." 1407:– a procedure in which cups are used to create areas of suction on the body. Although claimed by proponents as an alternative cancer treatment, the American Cancer Society say "available scientific evidence does not support claims that cupping has any health benefits". 1935:– a plant pigment used in dietary supplements that have been promoted for their ability to prevent and treat cancer; however, according to the American Cancer society, "there is no reliable clinical evidence that quercetin can prevent or treat cancer in humans". 1453:– a type of alternative medicine consisting of finger and palm pressure, stretches and other massage techniques. According to Cancer Research UK, "there is no scientific evidence to prove that shiatsu can cure or prevent any type of disease, including cancer." 778:

promoted for its health-giving properties, including a claimed ability to treat cancer. However, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific studies do not support its effectiveness for preventing or treating cancer or any other disease in

340:(or Mattei cancer cure) – a treatment devised by Count Cesare Mattei (1809–1896), who proposed that different "colors" of electricity could be used to treat cancer. Popular in the late nineteenth century, electrohomeopathy has been described as "utter idiocy". 366:– the practice of placing magnets on and around the body in order to treat illness. Although this has been promoted as a treatment for cancer and other diseases, the American Cancer Society says, "available scientific evidence does not support these claims". 1830:

available as a dietary supplement and claimed by proponents to be capable of slowing cancer progression. According to the American Cancer Society, "there is no reliable scientific evidence at this time that lipoic acid prevents the development or spread of

1480:– the attempt to cure disease by spiritual means, often by prayer or participation in religious ritual. According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that faith healing can actually cure physical ailments". 635:. According to Cancer Research UK, flower remedies are sometimes promoted as being capable of boosting the immune system, but "there is no scientific evidence to prove that flower remedies can control, cure or prevent any type of disease, including cancer". 1117:" tea) is promoted as a treatment for many ailments, including cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, "available evidence from well-designed, controlled studies does not support this substance as an effective treatment for cancer in humans". 759:. The claim has been made that applying it to the skin can help cure cancer. However, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that castor oil on the skin cures cancer or any other disease." 557:(1928–1998) which was based on taking a variety of substances, including amygdalin and vitamins, and which Nieper claimed could treat a variety of serious ailments, including cancer. His methods were discredited as both ineffective and unsafe. 2879:

The electrohomeopathic system is an invention of Count Mattei who prates of 'red,' 'blue,' and 'green' electricity, a theory that, in spite of its utter idiocy, has attracted a considerable following and earned a large fortune for its chief

1474:– the practice of attempting to treat cancer in oneself by imagining it away. According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that imagery can influence the development or progress of cancer". 1613:– a toxic salt, promoted as a cancer cure (sometimes as "high pH therapy"), on the basis that it targets cancer cells. However, there is no evidence to support these claims, while serious adverse reactions have been reported. These include 749:-rich foodstuff. Cassava root has been promoted as treatment for cancer. However, according to the American Cancer Society, "there is no convincing scientific evidence that cassava or tapioca is effective in preventing or treating cancer". 1559:– sometimes called "trimethylbicyclonitramineoheptane chloride", is a mixture of chemicals marketed commercially as a cure for many human ailments, including cancer. There is no scientific evidence for any anti-cancer effect from 714-X. 453:, Mexico which includes a number of ineffective treatments including the use of amygdalin and metabolic therapy. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center lists "Contreras Therapy" alongside others which "show no evidence of efficacy". 2996: 620:

is promoted as a cancer treatment; however, according to the American Cancer Society, studies suggest that "aveloz sap may actually suppress the immune system, promote tumor growth, and lead to the development of certain types of

919:(GSE). According to the American Cancer Society, "there is very little reliable scientific evidence available at this time that drinking red wine, eating grapes, or following the grape diet can prevent or treat cancer in people". 1107:. Noni juice has been promoted as a cure for cancer. However, The American Cancer Society say "there is no reliable clinical evidence that noni juice is effective in preventing or treating cancer or any other disease in humans". 109:

concluded that "there is no evidence that any aspect of the diagnostic test nor the treatment... are effective in the treatment of cancer." In addition they state "Nor is there any evidence that.. the intravenous injections are

2026:, or by making and taking some derivative substance from it. According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that urine or urea given in any form is helpful for cancer patients". 1755:, and promoted in dietary supplement form with the claimed ability to treat a wide range of diseases, including cancer. These products have been cited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a prime example of a "rip-off". 1000:

that grows in many locations over the world. Cancer Research UK say that milk thistle is promoted on the internet for its claimed ability to slow certain kinds of cancer, but that there is no good evidence in support of these

5364: 63:, in the belief that smelling them will positively affect health. There is some evidence that aromatherapy improves general well-being, but it has also been promoted for its ability to fight diseases, including cancer. The 459:– a predominantly diet regime, generally based on: limiting salt, protein and other foods; ingesting large quantities of fruit and vegetables through juicing; augmenting the intake of potassium and iodine; and the use of 2267: 1424:– an alternative medical technique in which lighted candles are placed in the ears for supposed therapeutic effect. The practice has been promoted with extravagant claims it can "purify the blood" or "cure" cancer, but 431:(1928–2009), who (before her death from cancer) claimed it could cure all human diseases, including all cancers. The regime was based on the belief that disease was caused by "parasites", and included herbal remedies, 1771:

which has been sold in supplement form with the claim that it is capable of treating leukemia and lung cancer. There is, however, no evidence of benefit, and instead some evidence that such supplements are actively

261:– a restrictive diet based on grains and unrefined foods, and promoted by some as a preventative and cure for cancer. Cancer Research UK states "we don't support the use of macrobiotic diets for people with cancer". 3423: 26:

in humans but which lack scientific and medical evidence of effectiveness. In many cases, there is scientific evidence that the alleged treatments are not effective, and in some cases, may even be harmful. Unlike

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that has been promoted as a treatment for cancer since the 1960s. According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not suggest that DMSO is effective in treating cancer in humans".

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juice for treating a variety of human ailments. According to the American Cancer Society, "there is no reliable evidence that mangosteen juice, puree, or bark is effective as a treatment for cancer in humans".

964:– a kind of fermented tea claimed to cure a variety of human illnesses including AIDS and cancer; however, these purported uses are not backed by evidence. The consumption of kombucha has been associated with 279:

and contains no cholesterol. McDougall has promoted the diet as an alternative treatment for a number of chronic disorders, including cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence that McDougall's diet is

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stated "Consumers should be aware that claims that coral calcium can treat or cure cancer, multiple sclerosis, lupus, heart disease, or high blood pressure are not supported by existing scientific evidence".

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to treat many human ailments. According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that chiropractic treatment cures cancer or any other life-threatening illness".

1287:. According to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that extract from the Venus flytrap plant is effective in treating skin cancer or any other type of cancer". 3730: 2241: 3748: 3570: 2559: 1441:

in which the practitioner pretends to remove a lump of tissue (typically raw animal entrails bought from a butcher) from a person. No evidence of objective benefit for any medical condition has been found.

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family, marketed as a herbal supplement that can help combat cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, "there is no scientific evidence to show that echinacea can help treat, prevent or cure cancer in any

3672: 2088: 862:. Ginger has been promoted as a cancer treatment for its supposed ability to halt tumor growth; however, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support this". 3614: 1075:– promoted on the internet as useful for cancer treatment. According to Cancer Research UK, "there is currently no evidence that any type of mushroom or mushroom extract can prevent or cure cancer". 671:

for potential anti-cancer effect and while there has been much laboratory work, claims that cannabis has been proven to cure cancer are—according to Cancer Research UK—"highly misleading". The U.S.

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in distilled water, is promoted for treating cancer and other ailments. Quackwatch states, "the product, when used as directed, produces an industrial bleach that can cause serious harm to health".

517:– in alternative medicine, the practice of examining blood samples under a high-powered microscope, claiming this can detect and predict cancer and other illnesses, so leading to a prescription of 1069:

near the patient. The American Cancer Society comments, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that moxibustion is effective in preventing or treating cancer or any other disease".

547:, promoted to cure cancer and other disease. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center states: "Retrospective reviews of the Gerson, Kelley and Contreras therapies show no evidence of efficacy." 3766: 1964:

and a number of medical organisations have written to the Latvian government about the dubious science used to promote it. Its promotion has been described as likely being an instance of cancer

1340:, that he claimed was also effective in treating cancerous tumors. No trials conducted according to modern scientific standards have ever shown that this solution is successful in curing cancer. 393:– an electronic device purported to cure cancer by transmitting radio waves. Cancer Research UK states, "there is no evidence to show that the Rife machine does what its supporters say it does". 5990: 3198: 768:) – a plant used to make a herbal remedy which is sold as cancer treatment. Cancer Research UK state that: "We don't recommend that you take chaparral to treat or prevent any type of cancer." 5459: 3102: 1714: 3000: 811:, and which has been marketed as having the ability to prevent and treat a number of human maladies, including cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, such claims are not proven. 606:, and promoted as a dietary supplement for cancer prevention and cure. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has stated that there is no evidence that it helps prevent or cure cancer. 248:. Advocates assume the diet avoids "fuelling" cancer tumours and say the diet can be used as a substitute for convention treatment, but their claims are not supported by medical evidence. 3596: 511:

used it for three months before his death. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Kelley treatment is a type of metabolic therapy that shows "no evidence of efficacy".

2110: 5250: 463:. According to Cancer Research UK, "available scientific evidence does not support any claims that Gerson therapy can treat cancer Gerson therapy can be very harmful to your health." 5512: 4010: 3978:

might have reacted with other medications that the woman was taking, or bacteria might grow in the Kombucha liquid and, in patients with suppressed immunity, might prove to be fatal.

3391: 2423: 2227: 5808: 5387: 3176: 487:, vitamin supplements and dietary changes. A review by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found no evidence that the Hoxsey Therapy was effective as a treatment for cancer. 1187:

medicine; however, according to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific studies do not support claims that saw palmetto can prevent or treat prostate cancer in humans".

5167: 4534: 5740: 4506: 2660: 6216: 5072: 2271: 5726: 3556: 3014: 2362: 286:– a highly restrictive diet devised by Cornelis Moerman (1893–1988). Its effectiveness is supported by anecdote only – there is no evidence of its worth as a cancer treatment. 5669: 5316: 5010: 4548: 3427: 1713:– a dietary supplement supposedly made from crushed coral and promoted with claims it could treat a number of diseases including cancer. A consumer advisory issued by the 180:(1899–1990), who claimed it could cure cancer. Physicians have said that, in common with other "cancer diets", there is no evidence of effectiveness and some risk of harm. 5526: 4520: 4201: 4066: 2932: 2292: 3534: 2318: 255:(1904–1992) which emphasized fruit, vegetables, grains, pulses and the use of vitamin supplements. There is no evidence that the diet is an effective cancer treatment. 4373: 4094: 3032: 2914: 4562: 4395: 4237: 1988:– a dietary supplement made from ground shark skeleton, and promoted as a cancer treatment perhaps because of the mistaken notion that sharks do not get cancer. The 1577:

has found no evidence that antineoplastons have any beneficial effects in cancer, and it has recommended that people do not spend money on antineoplaston treatments.

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In the long run, the best diet to follow is one that promotes an alkaline pH using the 80/20 rule. The diet that best epitomizes this rule is the Edgar Cayce diet.

2245: 653:. Many claims are made for the therapeutic benefit of cannabidiol that are not backed by sound evidence. Some claims—for example that cannabidiol be used to treat 4359: 4345: 4038: 3752: 3574: 1506:(NLP) – a series of behavioral techniques based on various supposed relationships between language and mental processes. NLP has been promoted as a treatment for 326:– diagnosis and therapy delivered by attaching an electrical device to the patient, on the basis that cancer cells emit certain electromagnetic oscillations. The 4423: 3445: 3690: 2049: 4775: 4584: 3676: 3340: 2096: 3618: 4811: 2472: 1855:, claimed by proponents to help cure cancer. The view of the medical community is that there is no evidence that these therapies are effective for treating 4409: 4108: 1946:

support claims that Revici's guided chemotherapy is effective in treating cancer or any other disease. It may also cause potentially serious side effects."

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soursop extract is among those products for which there is "no credible scientific evidence" of an ability to "prevent, cure, or treat cancer of any kind".

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has written on Quackwatch: "Although low-fat, high-fiber diets can be healthful, the Hallelujah Diet is unbalanced and can lead to serious deficiencies."

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hormone that has been promoted in supplement form for its claimed cancer prevention properties; there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

594:; its promotion has been described as "the slickest, most sophisticated, and certainly the most remunerative cancer quack promotion in medical history." 3770: 3241: 1521:– a technique claiming that a "cancer personality" caused cancer, which could be cured through talk therapy (e.g. that of the Simonton Cancer Center, 1804:. The therapy has also been promoted as a cure-all for a wide range of conditions, including cancer, for which there is no evidence of effectiveness. 3255: 3106: 4052: 4739: 4024: 1992:

conducted research and were "unable to demonstrate any suggestion of efficacy for this shark cartilage product in patients with advanced cancer".

5193: 5146: 4725: 4282: 3898: 3326: 3147: 3129: 3088: 2833: 327: 3600: 1687: 972:, poisoning and infection. At least one person has died after consuming kombucha, but the death could not be specifically linked to the drink. 5789: 3970: 3923: 3632: 2727: 2644: 2619: 540: 483:– a treatment consisting of a caustic herbal paste for external cancers or a herbal mixture for "internal" cancers, combined with laxatives, 343: 5962: 3395: 5633: 4080: 3184: 2691:

A Consumer's Guide to "Alternative Medicine": A Close Look at Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Faith-healing, and Other Unconventional Treatments

5584: 6202: 2022:(or urotherapy) – the practice of attempting to treat cancer—or other illnesses—by drinking, injecting or taking an enema of one's own 1929:– a herbal supplement fraudulently marketed with claims it can cure or prevent a number of serious health conditions, including cancer. 831:

sold with the brand names Avemar and Awge. FWGE is marketed with a number of misleading medical claims, including that it supports the

6301: 5677: 689:

often promoted as a cancer cure, especially for skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there is no evidence that this

5412: 6258: 6230: 6185: 5945: 5914: 5861: 5617: 5561: 5496: 4844: 4490: 4329: 2980: 2752: 2698: 2456: 2427: 2343: 1957: 818: 105:

Hariton-Tzannis Alivizatos. It consisted of intravenous injections of a fluid for which Aliviatos would not reveal the formula. The

5455: 198:, and emphasizes meals high in fruit, vegetables and fiber; it avoids sugar, animal fats, salad oil, meats, butter and especially 5320: 1139:, the African Cherry. Following excitement at the end of the Twentieth Century about Pygeum's therapeutic potential for treating 5549: 2128:

Cassileth, BR; Yarett, IR (2012). "Cancer quackery: The persistent popularity of useless, irrational 'alternative' treatments".

2069:

Green S (1997). "Pseudoscience in Alternative Medicine: Chelation Therapy, Antineoplastons, The Gerson Diet and Coffee Enemas".

871:

Glyconutrients – types of sugar extracted from plants; they are mostly marketed in a product with the brand name "Ambrotose" by

4446: 1938: 67:

states "available scientific evidence does not support claims that aromatherapy is effective in preventing or treating cancer".

1796:– the use of a pressurized oxygen environment as therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has a number of accepted uses—for example 6306: 3161: 1123: – a herbal supplement marketed (alongside similar supplements PC-CARE, PC-HOPE and PC-PLUS) as a treatment for 3784:

Youn, Myung-Ja; Kim, JK; Park, SY; Kim, Y; Kim, SJ; Lee, JS; Chai, KY; Kim, HJ; Cui, MX; So, HS; Kim, KY; Park, R (2008).

470: 19: 352:– the use of light to treat medical conditions. According to the American Cancer Society, alternative approaches—such as 4655: 1807: 1503: 1370: 1140: 824: 331: 1283:– a carnivorous plant, the extract of which has been promoted as a treatment for a variety of human ailments including 6006: 306: 5829: 2473:"Réseau NACRe - Réseau National Alimentation Cancer Recherche - Rapport NACRe jeûne regimes restrictifs cancer 2017" 933:– a branded line of dietary supplements containing concentrated fruit and vegetable juice extract. In October 2009, 87:(1935–2017), in which all disease is seen as deriving from emotional shock and mainstream medicine is regarded as a 6291: 1834: 1176: 521:

that are supposed to function as treatment. The practice has been dismissed as quackery by the medical profession.

5294: 1904: 1793: 1493: 1026: 1022: 1010: 672: 668: 202:. Cancer Research UK say, "there is no reliable evidence to show that the Budwig diet helps people with cancer". 5881: 6095:"Ty Bollinger's "The Truth About Cancer" and the unethical marketing of the unproven cancer virotherapy Rigvir" 5342: 5319:[Dr. Klehr – Institute for Immunology and Cell Biology] (in German). Europe Health GmbH. Archived from 2333: 2044: 1885:(1911–1996) with the claim it could cure cancer and various other serious diseases. Sometimes called "vitamin B 1213: 2380:

Hübner, J; Marienfeld, S; Abbenhardt, C; Ulrich, CM; Löser, C (2012). "How useful are diets against cancer?".

5272: 1051:. According to Cancer Research UK, it has "not been shown to have any activity in fighting cancer in people". 679:

is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of any cancer-related symptom or side effect of cancer therapy."

2366: 2092: 1844: 1636: 1574: 598: 245: 167: 131: 106: 73:– a 2,200-year-old system of traditional medicine which originated on the Indian subcontinent. According to 64: 5699:

Wider, Barbara (17 May 2013). "What cancer care providers need to know about CAM: the CAM-Cancer project".

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in which silver is reduced to elemental form inside tissues, causing an irreversible blue/gray complexion.

1130: 1036: 446: 442: 231: 3894: 2789: 1742: 1471: 1268: 500: 496: 5430: 3070: 2896: 2573:

Grimes DR, O'Riordan E (November 2023). "Starving cancer and other dangerous dietary misconceptions".

2156: 6235: 5796:

There is no evidence that megavitamin or orthomolecular therapy is effective in treating any disease.

5762: 3786:"Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells" 3055: 2637:

The macrobiotic approach to cancer: towards preventing and controlling cancer with diet and lifestyle

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countries. Klehr is reported as claiming that his treatment leads to extended lifespan. According to

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might be thought of as a cancer treatment because of a mistaken belief that sharks do not get cancer.

1392: 1220: 1180: 1147: 938: 624: 323: 209: 28: 5275:[Dr. Klehr doesn't have any references in Berlin] (in Slovenian). 24ur.com. 3 September 2008 3212: 139:

evidence does not support claims that Native American healing can cure cancer or any other disease".

1848: 1376: 1072: 934: 667:– Used as a recreational and medicinal drug. Chemicals derived from cannabis have been extensively 524: 514: 414: 6148: 6073: 6037: 5655: 5232: 5124: 5054: 4992: 4885: 4707: 4179: 4140: 3984: 3933: 3654: 3300: 2762: 2405: 2206: 2114: 1995: 1912: 1797: 1786: 1738: 1091: 916: 846:– promoted for halting tumor growth; evidence is lacking. An unpeeled ginger root beside a knife. 603: 554: 518: 428: 252: 74: 70: 6177: 5906: 5609: 5488: 4836: 4482: 4321: 3227: 2972: 2849:"European Medicine: A Résumé of Medical Progress During the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries" 3409: 1782: 6181: 6140: 6065: 6048:

Chumakov PM, Morozova VV, Babkin IV, Baĭkov IK, Netesov SV, Tikunova NV (2012). " (Russian)".

6029: 5941: 5910: 5857: 5853: 5785: 5613: 5565: 5492: 5416: 5379: 5375: 5224: 5116: 5046: 4984: 4943: 4877: 4840: 4699: 4637: 4486: 4325: 4171: 3966: 3919: 3913: 3862: 3817: 3490: 3292: 3143: 2976: 2870: 2748: 2723: 2719: 2694: 2640: 2615: 2590: 2452: 2397: 2339: 2198: 2137: 1999: 1775: 1680: 1628: 1260: 923: 764: 466: 432: 396: 337: 272: 119: 98: 88: 77:, "There is no scientific evidence to prove that Ayurvedic medicine can treat or cure cancer." 32: 4608:"Dance/movement therapy for improving psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients" 3960: 2829: 2609: 2498: 6130: 6057: 6021: 5708: 5216: 5106: 5036: 4974: 4933: 4925: 4869: 4689: 4627: 4619: 4163: 3807: 3797: 3480: 3472: 3282: 3125: 3084: 2860: 2582: 2389: 2188: 2013: 1961: 1700: 1632: 1610: 1566: 1562: 1438: 1386: 1353:

A rectal bulb syringe – enemas feature in a number of ineffective cancer treatments such as

1329: 817:– a blended herbal tea devised in the early 20th century and promoted as a cancer cure. The 786: 756: 664: 650: 646: 536: 490: 419: 363: 258: 84: 80: 36: 4860:

Cassileth BR (July 1995). "History of psychotherapeutic intervention in cancer patients".

3996: 3945: 3372: 2892: 2774: 1985: 1838: 1548: 1529:). Evidence is lacking that cancer cures sold or promoted by Deepak Chopra have any value. 1435: 1431: 1404: 1398: 1358: 1323: 1233: 1197: 1184: 1135: 1124: 1079: 1044: 793: 789: 631:(1886–1936) in which tiny amounts of plant material are diluted in a mixture of water and 568: 402: 383: 283: 223: 215: 183: 166:

of the body generally, so reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. According to the

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Keehn A, Taylor J, Lowe FC (July 2016). "Phytotherapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia".

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Grapes – there is very little evidence that eating them can help prevent or treat cancer.

95:. There is no evidence to support its claims and no biological reason why it should work. 6174: