Mesothelioma Treatment: Exploring Homeopathy

Homeopathy is based on the theory that a substance that can cause similar symptoms to those of the illness being treated, can be used in tiny amounts to treat those symptoms. Homoeopathic remedies are made with very diluted forms of these active ingredients and delivered in tablet, liquid or cream forms. One example of homeopathy for mesothelioma is Immuno-augmentative therapy, which involves extracting Iscador from mistletoe. Iscador is an herbal medicince that is claimed to boost the body's immune system. Many homeopathic doctors have used it for patients with cancer, giving it in either tablets or by injection. Studies have shown that white blood cell counts do rise (white cells fight infection) after injections of Iscador, and it has been shown to affect the growth of cancer cells in the laboratory. But no reliable studies have yet shown it having any effect on the progress of cancer or mesothelioma  in patients.

Asbestos lung cancer patients have increasingly been looking to homeopathy for help with easing symptoms. They use it to help with a range of symptoms, either caused by the disease itself or the side effects of some of the traditional treatments such as chemotherapy.

Homeopaths do not claim that homeopathy will cure cancer but use it instead to alleviate cancer symptoms and the side effects of traditional treatments. Few people claim these kinds of remedies affect cancer directly, but some say that they ease the symptoms. Do not be misled by extravagant claims that, for example, Essiac and shark cartilage can cure asbestos lung cancer; there is no evidence to support such claims.

If you are interested in this type of treatment, talk with your regular doctor or your mesothelioma specialist.