PDQ® Complementary and Alternative Medicine Summaries

This information summary provides an overview of the use of 714-X as a treatment for cancer. The summary includes a brief history of the development of 714-X; a review of laboratory, animal, and clinical research; and possible side effects of 714-X use.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of acupuncture as a treatment for individuals with cancer or cancer-related disorders. The summary includes a brief history of acupuncture practice, a review of laboratory and animal studies, the results of clinical observations and trials, and possible side effects of acupuncture therapy. Information presented in some sections of the summary can also be found in tables located at the end of those sections.

This complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) information summary provides an overview of the use of aromatherapy primarily to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. This summary includes a brief history of aromatherapy, a review of laboratory studies and clinical trials, and possible adverse effects associated with aromatherapy use.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of Cancell/Entelev as a treatment for cancer. The discussion in the summary is limited to Cancell/Entelev as it was originally conceived; the "vibrationally tuned" distilled water also distributed under the name Cancell is not discussed.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of cartilage as a treatment for cancer. The summary includes a brief history of cartilage research, the results of clinical studies, and possible side effects of cartilage use.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of coenzyme Q10 in cancer therapy. The summary includes a history of coenzyme Q10 research, a review of laboratory studies, and data from investigations involving human subjects. Although several naturally occurring forms of coenzyme Q have been identified, Q10 is the predominant form found in humans and most mammals, and it is the form most studied for therapeutic potential. Thus, it will be the only form of coenzyme Q discussed in this summary.

This summary answers some frequently asked questions about the use of CAM therapies among the general public and about how CAM approaches are evaluated, and suggests sources for further information.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of Essiac and Flor•Essence, which are proprietary herbal tea mixtures, as treatments for patients with cancer. The summary includes a brief history of the development of Essiac and Flor•Essence; a review of laboratory, animal, and human studies; and possible side effects associated with Essiac and Flor•Essence use.

This summary provides an overview of the Gerson Therapy as a treatment for cancer and other diseases. This summary includes a brief history of the discovery and use of the Gerson Therapy, and research on its' effectiveness in the treatment of cancer.

This information summary provides an overview of the Gonzalez regimen as a treatment for cancer. The summary includes a brief history of the science and philosophies of care that have influenced development of the regimen, the results of research and clinical studies, and side effects that have been associated with this treatment approach.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of hydrazine sulfate as a treatment for cancer. The summary includes a brief history of hydrazine sulfate research, results of clinical trials, and possible side effects of hydrazine sulfate use.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of laetrile as an anticancer treatment. The summary includes a history of laetrile research, a review of laboratory studies, the results of clinical trials, and possible side effects of laetrile use.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of milk thistle as a treatment and adjunct agent in cancer therapy. The summary includes a brief history of milk thistle, a review of the laboratory studies and clinical trials, and a description of adverse effects associated with milk thistle use.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of mistletoe as a treatment for cancer. The summary includes a brief history of mistletoe research, the results of clinical trials, and possible side effects of mistletoe use.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) as a treatment for cancer. The summary includes a brief history of NDV research, a review of laboratory and animal studies, the results of clinical trials, and possible side effects of NDV-based therapy. Several different strains of NDV will be discussed in the summary, including the Hungarian strain MTH (More Than Hope)-68. Information presented in some sections of the summary can also be found in tables located at the end of those sections.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of PC-SPES as a treatment for cancer. The summary includes a brief history of PC-SPES reseach, the results of clinical trials, and possible adverse effects of PC-SPES. Included in the summray is a discussion of the contamination of PC-SPES and its withdrawal from avenues of distribution.

This information summary provides an overview of the use of Selected Vegetables/Sun’s Soup as an anticancer treatment. The summary includes a brief history of Selected Vegetables/Sun’s Soup and a review of animal and human studies. Much of the information in the Human/Clinical Studies section is summarized in a table located at the end of that section.

This information summary provides an overview of spirituality in cancer care. Many cancer patients rely on spiritual and/or religious beliefs and practices to help them cope with their disease. This is called spiritual coping. Some patients may want their doctors and caregivers to address spiritual concerns, not only for end-of-life issues but also during treatment.