New information portal on alternative cancer healing methods

Online portal to inform about alternative treatment approaches for cancer
In cancer, many people are hoping for alternative treatments. The list of so-called complementary or unconventional healing methods is long, but just as confusing, explains dr. Markus Horneber, senior physician in oncology at the Nuremberg Clinic. In future, a new website will provide "an overview of the topic of complementary medicine in oncology, information on specific procedures and substances as well as information on further support and information opportunities", reports the Competence Network Complementary Medicine in Oncology (KOKON). By the end of summer at the latest, the online platform is to be completed.

Whether mistletoe or green tea, high-dose vitamin supplements, dietary recommendations, sports, meditation or other alternative treatment approaches, the offer is difficult even manageable for physicians and a sound assessment is therefore hardly possible. The information need is here enormously high, also because "humans contribute something to their healing", reports Dr. Markus Horneber from his many years of consulting work in the working group "Biological Cancer Therapy". Here, a detailed consultation based on scientific findings helps patients to select suitable alternative treatment methods.

Mistletoe therapy is one of the best-known alternative cures for cancer. Image: PhotoSG / fotolia.com

How can alternative medicine help with cancer?
Although, according to the expert in the case of cancer, conventional therapy with proven drugs is initially essential, it is also possible to discuss how, for example, a mistletoe extract or mistletoe therapy can additionally help. However, in order to avoid unwanted side effects and risks to the course of therapy, cancer patients should always consult alternative treatments with their doctor. However, the latter must also be informed accordingly about possible complementary medical approaches in order to be able to deliver well-founded medical assessments. With the developed information and communication concept, the new database therefore targets specific target groups. - On the one hand to the patients, on the other hand to doctors and medical professionals

German Cancer Aid promotes the project
Thirteen institutions - such as the Charité Berlin, the University Hospitals of Eppendorf, Munich and Rostock, the Hannover Medical School and the Universities of Frankfurt and Greifswald - have joined forces in the KOKON network under the direction of the Oncology Department of the Nuremberg Clinic. The project is funded by the German Cancer Aid. The development of the online platform with information on alternative treatment methods is one of the focal points of the project. (Fp)