Alternative treatments of oncological diseases in Germany
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- In which cases is it necessary to use alternative cancer treatments?
- Principles of alternative medicine
- What alternative methods are applied for cancer treatment in Germany?
- Top Cancer Centers in Germany
- Success Stories of Cancer Treatments in Germany
- How to Start Your Treatment in Germany
- Frequently asked questions of our patients
In this article, you can find out about alternative ways to treat cancer, even if you have stage 4 cancer. Use the following links to get a clear explanation of cancer immunotherapy and treatment with dendritic cells.
Cancer treatment usually involves the use of conventional techniques that have proven their effectiveness in clinical investigations. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, as well as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other progressive directions of oncology. Nevertheless, sometimes at stage one-three and especially at the advanced cancer stages patients need alternative treatments. When integrated with standard protocols, these alternative approaches can help improve treatment outcomes, manage side effects, and enhance patients' quality of life while supporting conventional cancer therapies.
In which cases is it necessary to use alternative cancer treatments?
A patient will need alternative cancer treatments, if:
- treatment with conventional methods fails to deliver the expected result;
- conventional treatments do more harm than good;
- a patient has contraindications to surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy;
- doctor gives a bad prognosis for treatment with conventional methods;
- a patient refuses surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy;
- a patient cannot tolerate conventional treatment;
- a patient seeks to enhance treatment effectiveness, as scientific studies have shown that combining conventional and alternative methods can improve outcomes and reduce side effects.
For cancer, alternative treatments are not used as a single modality, but as a part of comprehensive management. They do not help to overcome the disease as effectively as standard treatments do. On the other hand, conventional therapy oftentimes causes a list of serious adverse effects. In these cases, only methods of alternative medicine can help. They improve the patient's quality of life and can have a positive impact on its duration.
Principles of alternative medicine
Alternative medicine for cancer treatment at stage 1-3 and at the advanced stages applies different principles to conventional therapeutic approaches. Here are some of the distinctive features it offers:
- All procedures are safe. Treatment procedures should not pose any risk to the patient’s health. Methods of alternative medicine can never deteriorate a patient's health status or cause the development of side effects. Patients tolerate the treatment well.
- Treatment influences the body, but not the disease. The doctors who adhere to the principles of alternative medicine treat not the cancer, but the person. The treatment aims to heal the body rather than suppress the symptoms of the pathological process.
- Use of the forces of nature. The treatment aims to maximally involve the body’s own resources. The doctors activate its capabilities and protect the body against adverse effects. An active interaction between the doctor and the patient can result in self-healing.
What alternative methods are applied for cancer treatment in Germany?
Germany uses a huge number of alternative cancer treatments. Based on the stage, location, condition, and age of the patient, as well as the results of both laboratory and instrumental examinations, the doctor determines the volume of necessary manipulations for each patient individually.
Alternative cancer treatments:
- Insulin-enhanced therapy combined with conventional chemotherapy. A lower frequency of side effects and a higher efficiency of cytotoxic drugs distinguishes this treatment from conventional chemotherapy.
- Photodynamic laser therapy. This is one of the most advanced and promising treatment methods and another cancer treatment alternative. The therapy involves the injection of photosensitizers, which accumulate in cancer cells. Then, the body is exposed to light and the cells are destroyed.
- Galvanotherapy. This is also known as transcutaneous electrochemical cancer therapy. The body is exposed to a weak electric current. Since cancer cells have a higher conductivity than healthy ones, the former die.
- Biological therapy. This therapy involves the use of the very latest biological drugs, many of which are developed in Germany. These drugs are unique because of their natural origin.
- Alternative infusion immunotherapy. A comprehensive approach combining various therapeutic infusions like artesunate, vitamin C, curcumin, and other natural compounds. These specially developed solutions target cancer cells while supporting the immune system and minimizing side effects.
- Treatment of cancer with hyperthermia. When a temperature exceeds 40 degrees, the enzymes that restore cancer cells after chemotherapy and radiation therapy become blocked. Hyperthermia can be both general and local.
- The most advanced blood purification techniques. German clinics use apheresis, which filters the blood serum and takes toxic compounds out of it. This technique is more progressive than dialysis and the patient can tolerate it better.
- Regenerative therapy. This aims to activate the body’s own resources for them to fight against cancer or any other diseases.
- Dendritic cell treatment. Medics obtain a patient's immune dendritic cells and process them to enhance their ability to fight cancer. Typically, dendritic cells act as guardians that detect newly formed cancerous cells. Therefore, personalized dendritic cell vaccines are among other alternative treatments for cancer other than chemo, which lead to better disease control and longer relapse-free periods.
Germany offers all the above-mentioned methods and many others for cancer treatment. Foreign patients can benefit from all the advantages of alternative medicine offered in Germany.
| Treatment Method | Success Rate* |
| Photodynamic laser therapy | up to 72% |
| Hyperthermia combined with conventional therapy | up to 80% |
| Dendritic cell treatment | up to 85% |
| Insulin-enhanced therapy | up to 75% |
| Galvanotherapy | up to 65% |
*Booking Health data. Success rates vary depending on cancer type, stage, and individual patient factors. These rates represent improved outcomes when combined with conventional treatments compared to conventional treatments alone.
Top Cancer Centers in Germany
German medical centers have established an outstanding reputation in alternative cancer treatments, combining centuries of medical tradition with cutting-edge innovations. Their success rates in treating complex oncological cases using integrative approaches have attracted patients worldwide. Here are some of the leading alternative cancer treatments centers specializing in alternative cancer therapies.
- The LDG Laboratories Dr. Gansauge Berg is the top healthcare facility for immunotherapy using dendritic cells. This clinic specializes in using the innovative LANEX-DC® method. It is one of the few clinics in Europe with specialists who have unique competencies and skills in using dendritic cells. Availability of this treatment is limited even in developed countries due to its innovative nature. Over 2,500 procedures of LANEX-DC® dendritic cell immunotherapy have been conducted at LDG Laboratories Dr. Gansauge Berg, with positive outcomes even in advanced stages of cancer. This type of therapy has minimal side effects and is usually administered on an outpatient basis.
- The University Hospital Frankfurt am Main combines traditional cancer treatments with innovative alternative approaches. Their interdisciplinary team of oncologists specializes in personalized treatment strategies, particularly focusing on immunotherapy and biological response modifiers. The hospital's research department actively contributes to the development of new alternative treatment methods.
- The Asklepios Hospital Barmbek Hamburg has gained recognition for its comprehensive approach to cancer treatment. The hospital's oncology department offers various alternative therapies, including hyperthermia and biological response modification. Their specialists have particular expertise in combining conventional and alternative methods to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
- The Clinic of Advanced Biological Medicine Frankfurt-am-Main offers a full range of alternative cancer treatments. More than 40 years of experience in the field of biological therapy and naturopathy allow the medical team to combine conventional cancer treatments with methods of integrative medicine. Alternative therapies increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy, make it easier for the patient to tolerate the main course of treatment, and achieve a more stable remission. The leading specialist of the clinic, Doctor of Medicine Gerhard Siebenhüner, is a member of the German Cancer Society, the European Society of Integrative Medicine, the Society for Biological Cancer Prevention, and other specialized organizations.
- The Hyperthermia Center Hannover is renowned for its expertise in thermal therapy treatments. The center has successfully treated numerous cancer patients using advanced hyperthermia techniques in combination with other alternative methods. Their specialized team has developed unique protocols for various types of cancer, achieving significant results, particularly in cases resistant to conventional treatments.
Success Stories of Cancer Treatments in Germany
The effectiveness of German alternative cancer treatments is best illustrated through real patient experiences. Here are two remarkable stories of patients who underwent dendritic cell therapy in Germany.
When Daria Rogers received a stage 4 glioblastoma diagnosis in January 2024, she and her husband Morris were devastated by the challenging prognosis. After successful tumor removal surgery in Ireland, they researched additional treatment options and discovered dendritic cell therapy in Germany. Acting quickly, they traveled to LDG Laboratories Dr. Gansauge Berg for treatment within weeks of surgery.
The therapy proved highly effective – Daria's MRI scans showed no evidence of cancer recurrence several months after treatment, which is remarkable for glioblastoma patients. She completed both radiotherapy and chemotherapy with minimal side effects, which she attributes to the dendritic cell treatment. "I wouldn't be here sitting right now talking to you if it wasn't for dendritic cell treatment," Daria shares. Additionally, she experienced an unexpected benefit – a noticeable anti-aging effect from the treatment.
Daria Rogers, Ireland: How Modern Cancer Treatment in Germany Changed My Glioblastoma Prognosis
Another success story comes from Aaron Nahani, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in early 2024. His family quickly sought out dendritic cell therapy in Germany as an additional treatment option, as this wasn't available in their home country. Under Professor Gansauge's care, Aaron received dendritic cell treatment before starting conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The results were encouraging – recent MRI scans showed significant tumor shrinkage, with both high-grade and low-grade areas of the tumor reducing in size. Despite undergoing 51 sessions of radiotherapy, Aaron maintained good overall condition, which his family credits to the dendritic cell therapy's supportive effects.
Both patients emphasize the importance of acting quickly after diagnosis and combining dendritic cell therapy with standard treatments. They also praise the professional care received in German clinics, particularly highlighting the thorough explanations and empathetic approach of the medical teams.
"Dendritic Cell Therapy Helped Me Through Treatment": British Patient Aaron Shares His Story
How to Start Your Treatment in Germany
German clinics have established themselves as world leaders in alternative cancer treatments, with thousands of successful cases annually. Their doctors combine extensive experience with cutting-edge therapeutic approaches, consistently achieving remarkable results even in complex cases. Taking into account the high expertise of the doctors, it explains the growing popularity of alternative cancer treatment in Germany among foreign patients.
To help patients focus on their recovery journey, medical coordination services are available through Booking Health. These services include:
- Expert guidance in choosing an appropriate clinic and specialist for your specific diagnosis
- Support in scheduling treatment appointments
- Facilitation of communication between you and your medical team
- Assistance with reducing treatment and accommodation costs
- Travel arrangements and airport transfers
- Help with visa documentation and medical paperwork
- Language support and medical coordination services during your stay
Thanks to our long-standing partnerships with leading German medical facilities, Booking Health ensures you receive the most favorable treatment offers available. The insurance program protects you from any unexpected cost increases during treatment. Should additional procedures become necessary, all extra expenses will be covered. Furthermore, after completing your treatment program, you'll receive three months of free follow-up consultations with a Booking Health medical advisor.
Modern Cancer Treatment: Patient Journeys with Booking Health
Frequently asked questions of our patients
Alternative cancer treatments are approaches which currently lack strong scientific evidence and are not approved as standard cancer treatments yet. These may include blood purification techniques, insulin-enhanced therapy, galvanotherapy, photodynamic laser therapy and biological therapy.
There is no reliable scientific evidence to-date that alternative treatments can cure cancer. Some of them can help to manage symptoms and improve well-being, though these methods should be used alongside conventional therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation and not solely.
Alternative treatments can pose risks such as potential toxicity as a result of interaction with other conventional modalities, delays in receiving standard care and financial issues.
Some complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, galvanotherapy or alternative infusion immunotherapy, generally show good compliance with standard treatments by managing pain or nausea as well as strengthening the immunity. However, combining high doses of alternative therapies like herbal remedies may interfere with chemo- or radio-therapy. Always consult an oncologist before using any alternative therapy.
Alternative therapies typically replace standard medical treatments, while complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Complementary approaches generally have more scientific basis than alternative ones.
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Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board certified doctors Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk, Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Source:
National Center for Biotechnology
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