Written by Edzard Ernst and the CAM-Cancer Consortium.
Updated November 1, 2011

Homeopathy in cancer

Abstract and key points

  • Treatment with highly diluted substances based on the similia principle
  • The evidence for homeopathy in oncology is not convincing
  • There are few risks associated with homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the similia (‘treating like with like’) principle. It usually entails taking highly diluted remedies by mouth. Homeopaths claim to treat the individual patient holistically such that the body is stimulated to heal itself. Homeopathy is thus advocated for all human conditions, in oncology mostly for palliative and supportive care.

A systematic review of 8 controlled clinical trials of homeopathy for the prevention or treatment of adverse effects of cancer treatments concluded that the evidence is not convincing.

There are no serious direct risks associated with homeopathy but there are indirect risks, if homeopathic preparations are used in place of conventional cancer treatment.

Citation Edzard Ernst, CAM-Cancer Consortium. Homeopathy in cancer [online document]. http://www.cam-cancer.org/CAM-Summaries/Alternative-Medical-Systems/Homeopathy-in-cancer. November 1, 2011.

References

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