Integrative Cancer Treatment:

Held on Friday, November 16th, 2001 and Saturday, November 17th, 2001 

Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D. led this historic day-and-a-half course on the complementary and alternative (CAM) approaches to cancer. His coworkers included key members of the staff of Thomas Jefferson University's Center for Integrative Medicine and the Kimmel Cancer Center. The course was open to all those who deal with cancer patients on a professional level, including physicians, nurses, psychotherapists and patient advocates.

One Participant's Comments: "Your presentations on the history of CAM cancer treatments and the depth and range of specific regimens was simply outstanding. The personal anecdotes you shared about many of the researchers created a rich texture...." --Ken Scheuler, HKS Patient Advocates, NYC.

Participants:

1. Surveyed history, prevalence and scope of complementary & alternative (CAM) therapies utilized by cancer patients

2. Reviewed levels of evidence behind commonly discussed CAM cancer therapies:

• High dose micronutrient supplementation.

• PC-SPES, Essiac, Astragalus and other botanical medicines.

• Immune stimulants including mistletoe and mushrooms.

• Enzymes.

• Vaccines and other biological agents.

3. Examined the controversy that surrounds combining high-dose antioxidants with conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

4. Assessed potential benefits and risks of integrating micronutrient supplements, botanical medicines, mind-body therapies, and acupuncture to mitigate side-effects of conventional treatment, and improve quality of life.

We are interested in any proposals to bring a similar course to other medical schools or accredited academic institutions in the US or abroad. Please email us with any proposals.