Shark Cartilage
Following the positive segment on CBS's "Sixty Minutes," shark cartilage has become one of the most talked about alternative cancer therapies. In order to grow, cancer requires the proliferation of new blood vessels. Cartilage contains substances that prevent the formation of new blood vessels. When cartilage is given to cancer patients, the blood supply to the cancer is cut off. At the same time, connective tissue surrounding the cancer increases its blood vessel supply and this helps the body to wall off the cancer. Cartilage also positively affects the immune system. Studies in both Mexico and Cuba indicate that even patients with advanced cancer may benefit from cartilage. In my practice, I have found cartilage to be quite beneficial. Large doses are necessary for advanced cancer patients in the range of 60 to 120 grams daily. It may be taken either orally or by rectal retention enemas.

Herbs
Herbs have been used to treat cancer for centuries and many seem to be of considerable value. Many cancer patients have benefitted from the Hoxsey herbs, which are available from a Mexican clinic. Essiac is a preparation developed by a Canadian nurse Rene Caisse many years ago. Although no formal studies have been carried out, there are many case histories suggesting the benefits of both of these herbal remedies. In my practice, I have been using a little known preparation which seems to be quite beneficial. As more and more is learned about herbs, I suspect they will play a greater role in the non-toxic approach to cancer management.

Injectable Programs
Cancer patients are frequently helped by injectable programs, using nutrients or other non-toxic substances. Cancer patients frequently have problems absorbing nutrients from the intestine. Injectable programs ensure nutrient absorption and produce much higher therapeutic levels of nutrients in the tissues.

Vitamin C drips of 25 to 50 grams are almost always helpful in improving energy levels and stimulating the immune system. Therapeutic doses of minerals and other vitamins can also be given. When available, intravenous administration of amygdalin or Laetrile can help to check cancer progression.

Other Adjunctive Therapies
Many other adjunctive therapies can benefit the cancer patient. These include therapeutic massage, chiropractic manipulation, detoxification procedures, homeopathy, the therapeutic use of permanent magnets and many others.

A through discussion of a wide variety of alternative cancer treatments can be found in Ralph Moss's book Cancer Therapy; The Independent Consumer's Guide to Non-Toxic Treatment and Prevention and Richard Walters Options: The Alternative Cancer Therapy Book.