Questionable methods of cancer management: ‘Nutritional’ therapies

Although dietary measures may be helpful in preventing certain cancers, there is no scientific evidence that any nutritionally related regimen is appropriate as a primary treatment for cancer. This paper focuses on sevenquestionable modalities: vitamin C, pau d'arco tea, the Gerson diet, Hoxseyherbal therapy, the macrobiotic diet, Manner metabolic therapy, and Kelleymetabolic therapy. Some of these approaches involve a diet that isnutritionally inadequate. Some involve potentially toxic doses of vitaminsand/or other substances. Some are quite expensive. All pose the risk thatpatients who use them will abandon effective treatment. The American CancerSociety therefore recommends that “nutritional cancer cures” be avoided.