Can Homeopathy Control Cancer Therapy's Side-Effects?

A large number of cancer patients use complementary therapies, including homeopathic medicines, to try to curb these side effects. Some homeopathic medicines may ease the side-effects of cancer treatments without interfering in how they work.

Cochrane Collaboration Review
This is an international non-profit organization producing expert reviews of scientific evidence for the benefit of medical treatment, from heart disease to cancer to tooth decay, and everything in between.

The review included eight studies involving a total of 664 participants. One study with 256 participants found that skin irritation caused by radiotherapy was less in patients using calendula ointment compared with those using the topical agent trolamine. In another study of 32 participants, those who took Traumeel S (a combination of 14 homeopathic medicines) had more relief from mouth sores caused by chemotherapy than those who took placebo.

"We found preliminary data that suggest there may be benefit associated with two homeopathic medicines in specific circumstances, although these results need to be replicated in further studies," said Dr Sosie Kassab, Director of the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital's Complementary Cancer Service and lead author of the review. "The effects of calendula may also depend on the formulation, as it can be prepared using a range of different methods."

The review did not lead to any conclusions on whether homeopathy works. "At present, there is no convincing evidence to support the use of homeopathic medicines for other adverse effects of cancer treatments," says Kassab. "But very little research has been undertaken and more is required."

None of the homeopathic medicines studied reported serious side effects or interactions with conventional treatments. The Cochrane Collaboration said, while there were few studies, it did appear that some effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy could be alleviated.