Therapeutic recommendations of the International Homeopathic Society of Supportive Care in Oncology (IHSSCO)

Abstract

Summary Homeopathy is the complementary medicine most widely used by patients with cancer in France. However, there are as yet no supportive care guidelines for this therapy. The International Homeopathic Society of Supportive Care in Oncology (IHSSCO) has developed recommendations adapted to oncology, respecting the principle of similitude, individualisation and infinitesimality proper to homeopathy. We used the method of “recommendations by formal consensus” proposed by the French High Health Authority. Seven steering groups studied respectively cancer disclosure, surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and post-cancer. Thirty recommendations were discussed, amended and unanimously adopted during the plenary session. However, certain situations require an individualised homeopathic consultation. These recommendations are part of a program to improve good practice in supportive care. They are indicative and do not replace in any way an individualised homeopathic consultation. They are very safe to use as there are no medicine interactions or side effects of the homeopathic medicine. The low cost of homeopathy makes them accessible to all. They should be tested against practice and future clinical studies.