Alternative medicine in uro-oncology

Abstract

Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional therapy. Some patients use it in parallel with conventional medicine. Narrative compilation of the evidence on alternative medicine in the (uro)oncological context. A selective literature search in MEDLINE via PubMed was performed. The data on 3‑bromopyruvate, Miracle Mineral Supplement (MMS), insulin-potentiated therapy, base therapy, hyperthermia, Artemisia annua, amygdalin (vitamin B17), Amanita therapy, homeopathy, apitherapy, dendritic cells, galavit, Germanic new medicine, and spiritual healing show either no or little clinical evidence of efficacy or clearly exhibit anegative benefit-risk profile. Alternative medicine is pseudo-medicine that may have apositive effect on mental well-being in the short term, but is mostly associated with disadvantages for the patient in the long term.