Positive Health Online

Abstract

MILAZZO and c-workers, Department of Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Institute of Health and Social Care, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT, United Kingdom, have reviewed (26 references) homeopathic treatments for cancer.

Background

Many cancer patients use homeopathic approaches to increase their body's ability to fight cancer, improve their physical and emotional well-being, and alleviate their pain resulting from the disease or conventional treatments. Homeopathy is highly controversial as there is no plausible mode of action for these highly diluted remedies. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize and critically evaluate the efficacy of homeopathic remedies used as a sole or additional therapy in cancer care.

Methodology

The literature was searched using the databases: Amed (from 1985); CINHAL (from 1982); EMBASE (from 1974); Medline (from 1951); and CAMbase (from 1998). Randomised and non-randomised controlled clinical trials including patients with cancer or past experience of cancer receiving single or combined homeopathic interventions were included. The methodological quality of the trials was assessed by Jadad score.

Results

6 studies met the inclusion criteria (5 were randomised clinical trials and one was a non-randomised study); but the methodological quality was variable including some high standard studies.

Conclusion

This analysis of published literature on homeopathy found insufficient evidence to support clinical efficacy of homeopathic therapy in cancer care.

References

Milazzo S, Russell N, Ernst E. Efficacy of homeopathic therapy in cancer treatment. European Journal of Cancer 42 (3): 282-289, Feb 2006.