Can herbs cure cancer?

This is true, also, of cancer patients. As a result, oncologists are frequently finding themselves in a position where knowledge of adjunctive approaches to cancer – and the way they impact on one another – would be useful. Many oncologists are open to the idea of an integrative approach, where practitioners from across the orthodox western and traditional medicine spectrum work together to give patients the best possible treatment.

It helps that research into the safety and efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines, though still limited, is showing some promising results. Pubmed, an internationally recognised forum for scientific papers, lists thousands of research articles on T-CAM and cancer.

Chinese medicine
The most encouraging developments relate to work done in China, says Dr Daniel Weber*, an exponent and practitioner of T-CAM, who recently toured South Africa. Several clinical trials there are currently investigating which components in different herbs are the most active.

Weber says Chinese medicine’s way of approaching disease differs considerably from the "reductionist" approach of Western medicine. He makes the point that Western allopathic medicine has not yet solved the cancer riddle. "Cancer is perhaps the most complicated of all diseases....

“In the early 70s and 80s, we were on the threshold of a cancer breakthrough. At that stage, we believed there were single-point mutations of oncogenes – in other words, we believed there was one cause, and one treatment.

"As we delved into the cellular functions, we uncovered several layers. It was only 30 years later, in the 90s, that we understood the complexity of the disease. We now know there isn't one cause or a single cure. There are six pathological conditions of a cell that are needed before cancer takes hold, which are the result of literally hundreds of injuries."

Western medicine typically works by treating very specific symptoms, whereas traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a more divergent approach, targeting more than one aspect of the complex disease. It's here that Weber believes TCM might be on the right track. The added advantage is that TCM has been in the university system for a long time, which means that it's well researched.

A new paradigm
Approximately 5 000 different herb combinations are currently being investigated, of which most have between 3 and 120 therapeutic compounds.

"These are never prescribed as single herbs; some of the formulations contain 16 different herbs. They're difficult to codify, but they work clinically," Weber says. Examples include indirubin from indigo extract, which induces apoptosis, or death of cancer cells. Another is baicalin from scutellariae extract , which stops cancer from spreading (metastasis).

The expert believes a new paradigm in medicine, where practitioners from different modalities work together, is key to finding a solution to cancer and to treating the side effects associated with radio- and chemotherapy. That is what happens in Chinese hospitals, which incorporate both Western and traditional medicine into clinical practice.

Industry poorly regulated
None of this, however, suggests patients should take matters into their own hands.

Weber notes that an estimated 91% of cancer patients use T-CAM – and that most don't tell their oncologists. Certain herbs and supplements have side-effects; some interact with allopathic medicines. "Herbs will kill you as fast as anything else,” says Weber. However, if taken properly, and under supervision, “generally, botanical medicines have fewer adverse effects, can be taken for longer, and can complement Western approaches", Weber says.

It's here that the guidance of an experienced alternative practitioner becomes invaluable. Unfortunately, mostly because of undereducated or unethical practitioners, the T-CAM industry has a sometimes dodgy reputation.

Weber believes the solution lies in proper regulation of the industry. It is, in some countries – in Australia, for instance, practitioners have to have at least a bachelor's degree in T-CAM before they can consult – but not in South Africa.

Oncologists not so sure
Cape Town radiation oncologist Dr David Eedes agrees that, due to poor regulation, there is a great number of substances, products and techniques that make claims that aren't backed up by solid scientific data.

He further makes the important point that complementary medicine hasn't shown any great impact in treating cancer once it's taken hold. "Without the traditional cornerstones of oncological treatment – surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy – there's little that will impact on this often vicious disease," Eedes says.

Most oncologists believe that complementary disciplines may help in a supportive role, helping patients cope with the side effects of these treatments. "Complementary medicine may help once the patient is in remission by possibly improving their immune systems and so reduce the risk of relapse," he says. "Unfortunately, there are very few studies that have demonstrated any of this in any conclusive way."

For this reason, Eedes notes that most oncologists are still reluctant to make any strong recommendation as to any particular treatment modality.

"My approach is to suggest to a patient that, if they're interested in including the complementary approach, they consult a reputable practitioner and get their professional guidance as to what treatment/s to follow," Eedes says. "Deciding on what treatment to follow can be a minefield for the cancer patient. Whether it's conventional therapy or complementary therapy, the guidance of an expert is imperative."

Preventing cancer
It's interesting to note that only about 20% of solid tumours in adults are genetic. This means we have a degree of control in how genes are expressed. "When it comes to cancer, you really have a choice," Dr Weber says.

He gives the following lifestyle tips to give yourself the best chance of avoiding cancer:

• Eat organic and fresh, and cook your own foods.
• Follow a diet that's low in mammal fats.
• Eat lots of vegetables and fruit daily.
• Increase your intake of the omega-3 fatty acids and lower your intake of omega-6.
• Increase your intake of antioxidants.
• Increase your intake of vitamin D.
• Consider taking a vitamin/mineral supplement.
• Don't microwave plastic.
• Control your weight.
• Don't smoke.
• Don't drink excessively.
• Exercise regularly (about five hours a week).

- (Carine van Rooyen, Health24, June 2008)

*About Dr Daniel Weber MSc. PH.D:
Dr Daniel Weber began his study of Oriental Medicine in 1969 in Boston and has been practising what is now referred to as T-CAM for nearly 35 years. He created the first English language database for Chinese herbal medicine in 1992. He has extensive T-CAM and natural medicine qualifications, and is completing a research doctorate in adjunctive oncology. He runs a clinic in Sydney, Australia.