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Learn about conventional, complementary, and integrative therapies.
Dealing with treatment side effects? Learn about evidence-based therapies to alleviate your symptoms.
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Alternative vs. Complementary Cancer Therapies
Alternative vs. Complementary Cancer Therapies: What is the difference? What is the newly diagnosed cancer patient to do?
Alternative cancer treatments are those therapies that cancer patients undergo instead of conventional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.
Complementary cancer treatments are those therapies that cancer patients undergo while also undergoing conventional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.
After several years of FDA-approved, standard-of-care, conventional therapies, my oncologist told me that I was end-stage. Being young and in otherwise good health, I underwent a controversial, experimental therapy called Antineoplastons (ANP).
I reached complete remission in 17 months, where I have remained since. I cannot condemn alternative cancer therapies because one of the most controversial of them put me into complete remission.
But because of my research and experience with evidence-based non-conventional therapies. I have learned that the best way to manage aggressive cancers is to combine the best of conventional and evidence-based non-conventional therapies.
The bottom line, to me anyway, is that I need to read more than just individual testimonials about a given cancer therapy. I have read studies about nutritional supplements, diets, integrative therapies, and complementary therapies, all before I can undergo that therapy.
The links below explain some of the most effective evidence-based non-conventional therapies.
- intravenous vitamin C therapy
- prehabilitation
- enhancing your gut microbiome
- healing your immune system after chemo and radiation
I continue to practice the 10 complementary therapies listed in my post here.
The alternative therapies listed below are more complicated and require more explanation. Many newly diagnosed cancer patients wonder about alternative therapies like the ones below. I have tried to present clear reasons why these therapies can cause real problems for those patients who pursue them.
Scroll down the page and post a question or a comment if there’s anything you’d like to know about breast cancer.
Good luck,
David Emerson
Compare these alternative cancer treatments to complementary cancer treatments and decide what’s best for you.
What Are Alternative Cancer Treatments?
Alternative cancer treatments are therapies used instead of conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
While some claim to cure cancer naturally, most lack strong clinical evidence—and some can be harmful or delay effective care.
Are Alternative Cancer Therapies Effective?
Most alternative cancer treatments have not been proven effective in clinical trials.
However, some complementary therapies (used alongside standard care) may improve quality of life and reduce side effects.
Why This Topic Matters
Cancer patients often search for:
- Less toxic treatments
- “Natural” cures
- Options when conventional therapies fail
Unfortunately, this demand has led to the growth of unproven—and sometimes dangerous—therapies.
Understanding the difference between hope and evidence is critical.
The 10 Most Popular Alternative Cancer Treatments
1. Antineoplaston Therapy
- Developed by Stanislaw Burzynski
- Synthetic peptides designed to “normalize” cancer cells
- Evidence: Limited and inconclusive
- Concern: High cost, lack of regulatory approval
2. Gerson Therapy
- Intensive juicing + coffee enemas
- Claim: Detoxifies the body
- Risks: Infection, electrolyte imbalance
3. Laetrile (Amygdalin / “Vitamin B17”)
- Derived from apricot pits
- Claim: Releases cyanide selectively in tumors
- Reality: Risk of cyanide poisoning; no proven benefit
4. Cesium Chloride Therapy
- Attempts to alkalize cancer cells
- Risks: Dangerous heart rhythm disturbances
5. Hoxsey Therapy
- Herbal tonics + topical pastes
- Popular in Tijuana
- Evidence: No reliable clinical support
6. Rife Machine Therapy
- Uses electromagnetic frequencies
- Claim: Targets cancer cell frequencies
- Evidence: Unsupported
7. Black Salve (Escharotics)
- Corrosive topical paste
- Risks: Severe tissue destruction, delayed care
8. Shark Cartilage
- Claimed anti-angiogenic effect
- Evidence: No meaningful clinical benefit
9. German New Medicine (GNM)
- Claims cancer is caused by emotional conflict
- Rejects conventional care
- Risk: Delayed treatment → worse survival
10. Urine Therapy
- Ingestion/application of urine
- Evidence: No cancer benefit
What the Science Says
1. Lack of Clinical Evidence
Most alternative therapies:
- Lack of randomized controlled trials
- Show inconsistent or negative results
- Are not FDA-approved
2. Some Are Actively Harmful
Examples:
- Laetrile → cyanide toxicity
- Cesium → cardiac arrhythmias
- Black salve → tissue destruction
3. The Biggest Risk: Delayed Treatment
Patients who delay conventional therapy:
- Often present with more advanced disease
- Have significantly worse outcomes
Alternative vs. Complementary: A Critical Distinction
| Type | Definition | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative | Used instead of standard care | Weak or absent |
| Complementary | Used alongside standard care | Often supportive |
Evidence-Based Complementary Therapies
Unlike the treatments above, the following have clinical support:
- Nutrition therapy (anti-inflammatory diets)
- Exercise oncology
- Acupuncture for symptom control
- Mind-body therapies (meditation, yoga)
- Selected supplements (e.g., curcumin, omega-3s in specific contexts)
👉 These align with integrative oncology, not alternative medicine.
When Patients Consider Alternative Therapies
Common reasons include:
- Fear of chemotherapy toxicity
- Desire for control
- Mistrust of the medical system
- Advanced-stage diagnosis
Understanding these motivations helps guide safer, evidence-based decisions.
Practical Guidance for Patients and Survivors
Ask These Questions:
- Is there peer-reviewed research?
- Has this been tested in humans?
- What are the risks?
- Could it interfere with treatment?
Red Flags:
- “Cures all cancers”
- “Suppressed by Big Pharma”
- Requires travel to unregulated clinics
- Relies on testimonials only
Evidence Appendix
Below are clean PubMed-indexed references supporting key points:
Antineoplastons (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version
Laetrile/Amygdalin (PDQ®)–Patient Version
Gerson Therapy (PDQ®)–Patient Version
Hoxsey Therapy or Hoxsey Method
Cartilage (Bovine and Shark) (PDQ®)–Patient Version
Risks of Alternative Medicine Use
Bottom Line
There is no credible evidence that alternative cancer therapies cure cancer.
Some may be harmless—but others can be dangerous or delay life-saving treatment.
👉 The most effective strategy is often:
Evidence-based conventional therapy + carefully selected complementary therapies
Call to Action
If you’re considering an alternative therapy, ask questions, review the evidence, and think long-term.
If you’d like, I can help you:
- Evaluate a specific therapy
- Build an integrative plan
- Identify evidence-based complementary options
Just ask.
Alternative vs. Complementary Cancer Therapies Alternative vs. Complementary Cancer Therapies Alternative vs. Complementary Cancer Therapies