Hope in Cancer Therapy. Reinhard Probst

of solid tumors undoubtedly has its significance in the palliative area in order to temporarily relieve patients of tumor-related symptoms such as pain or shortness of breath. Low-dose chemotherapies—for example, in combination with hyperthermia, curcumin and insulin—also seem to improve both the quality of life and the prognosis of patients.

      The decisive error in cancer medicine is possibly the so-called mutation hypothesis, according to which cancer cells develop from ‘normal’ cells through several gene mutations. Therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation are based on this assumption. In Science the hypothesis is gaining increasing acceptance hat tumor cells develop from so-called tumor stem cells prevails. These form precursor cells, so-called progenitor cells, from which the actual tumor cells ultimately develop.

      While the finished tumor cells divide very rapidly and are thus vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiation, the division rate of stem cells is extremely slow. The consequence is that they cannot be eliminated by usual treatments and thus form the starting point for tumor recurrences (the renewed growth of tumors). The stem cell hypothesis could explain the relatively unsuccessful oncological treatment strategy despite a variety of therapeutic approaches. Radical treatment probably has the opposite effect: in tumor tissue, due to the selection pressure of chemotherapy, an evolution takes place in rapid succession, with the result that more aggressive and resistant cells survive. In addition, immune cells that could control tumor growth are destroyed. In 2014, Schuppert and Stöcker were able to show in a study of breast cancer patients that the risk of metastasis increases by 70% in the chemotherapy group.

       What would be desirable?

      Dr. Probst: Biological cancer therapy within the framework of the MedicoNatura concept represents a sensible and important measure in the treatment of tumor patients. It would be desirable to integrate orthodox medical therapies and naturopathic treatments that can reduce side effects and improve the quality of life and prognosis of sick patients.

      To this end, ideological blinkers must be removed on all sides, and therapeutic experience must also be appropriately appreciated. Research should be carried out independently and without the involvement of the pharmaceutical industry. The aim is to eliminate the constant distortion in so-called evidence-based medicine.

      In paragraph 1 of the german Basic Law, human dignity is described as inviolable. This applies even more to the dignity of the sick person. Therefore, inhumane, side-effect-rich but useless therapies have to be removed from oncology without regard to profit. Empathy, cordiality and professional communication, on the other hand, must be the bases for dealing with the patient. Therapies should primarily be able to improve the quality of life and overall survival. The patient should of course be granted the right to decide for or against therapeutic measures after factual information—without pressure from the treating physicians.

       "It would be desirable to integrate orthodoxmedical therapies and naturopathic treatmentsthat can reduce side effects and improve thequality of life and prognosis of sick patients."

       R.P.