A wide variety of alternative and complementary treatment options are available and are sometimes used in conjunction with conventional therapies. Some alternative options are supported by little scientific evidence and thus are still considered unproven treatments. If any of these are of interest to you, it is highly recommended that you do as much investigation as possible. Remember: If you have or suspect you have prostate cancer, you should always see a qualified medical practitioner first.
- Herbal and Nutritional Supplements. Those that have demonstrated some benefit for prostate health include astragalus, cat’s claw, essiac tea, ginseng, green tea, potassium, vitamin D, lycopene, cayenne pepper, curcumin/turmeric and vitamin C. More on supplements for prostate cancer
- Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both of these Eastern medicine models use a combination of natural approaches, including herbs, diet, detoxifying, acupuncture, and other efforts to combat cancer and strengthen the physical and emotional bodies and overall immunity. Read more about ayurvedic and traditional chinese medicine
- Antineoplaston therapy. This is an unproven alternative method based on the theory that the body defends itself in two ways: through the immune system and the natural biochemical defense system. The latter system is responsible for fighting cancer and consists of acids and other substances called antineoplastons. Antineoplastons are composed mostly of peptides and amino acids originally taken from human blood and urine.
- Immun-augmentative therapy. This approach is based on the idea that the body’s immune system is capable of defeating cancer with the help of a protein mixture made from human blood. Patients receive a series of daily injections that contain “antitumor antibodies” and “deblocking proteins” from healthy donors that reportedly will help the immune system combat cancer.
- Livingston-Wheeler therapy. This approach is unique in that it is based on the theory that a microbe, Progenitor cryptocides, is responsible for the development of cancer when the immune system is inadequate. A trained physician, Virginia Livingston-Wheeler, developed a vaccine and a program of treatment based on this idea. Her therapy consists of using antibiotics, enemas, a vegetarian diet, anti-parasite medications, supplements, relaxation training, and other ways to strengthen the immune system so it can produce antibodies against P. cryptocides and control it.
- Revici’s guided Therapy. The theory behind this approach is that cancer is caused by imbalances in lipids (fats and similar substances) in the body. These unbalanced lipids theoretically mess with your metabolism and allow cancer to grow. To determine exactly what type of lipid imbalance a patient has, his urine needs to be examined, and the results will tell the practitioner what combination of lipids, caffeine, and supplements should be formulated for each individual’s unique needs.
- Shark cartilage. When it was discovered that sharks don’t develop cancer even when they are deliberately exposed to known carcinogens, some enterprising individuals decided that shark cartilage must have anti-cancer properties. The theory is that something in shark cartilage can slow or stop the growth of blood vessels that tumors need to survive and growth. Once the blood vessels are gone, the tumors die. Shark cartilage is typically taken as a powder, liquid, or capsule or via an enema.
- Biologic therapy. Biologic therapy is a treatment in which the patient’s immune system is employed to fight the cancer. Substances made by the body or in a laboratory are used to restore, boost, or direct the body’s natural defenses against cancer.
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