Oncology Notes
Pancreatic Cancer
Alternative Therapies
Due to the poor prognosis associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, many patients understandably seek out alternative therapies.
A recent clinical trial compared the effectiveness of using high dose proteolytic enzymes and nutritional supplements (Gonzalez protocol) as an alternative to gemcitabine chemotherapy in people with pancreatic cancer. The trial was stopped early due to better survival and quality of life in the people taking the gemcitabine.[1] The scientist who developed the enzyme protocol has reported significant problems with patient selection and treatment compliance in the trial. [2]Therefore, it is difficult to comment on the effectiveness of the Gonzalez protocol in pancreatic cancer.
Beyond anecdotes, there is no clear evidence supporting the use of alternative therapies such as essiac tea, cesium chloride, Hoxey formula or PolyMVA in people with pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Max Gerson and the Gerson Institute have documented cases improvement in pancreatic cancer through use of the Gerson diet. [3] These findings have not yet been assessed in clinical trials.