Cancer remains far too common across Europe. In 2022 alone, there were approximately 4.47 million new cancer diagnoses - that's nearly one in four people up to age 75 developing cancer in their lifetime [1]. This scale of disease highlights why blending integrative oncology with robust, conventional cancer care has become essential - not just to treat cancer but to preserve quality of life and offer meaningful relief even when the disease is advanced.
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 immunotherapy, and other progressive directions of oncology. Nevertheless, sometimes at stage I-III 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;
- the 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 often 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 stages 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 distinguish 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 the 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.
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.
What Innovative Methods are Applied For Cancer Treatment in Germany?
Modern cancer care in Germany goes far beyond conventional medicine. Local cancer centers actively combine traditional medicine with integrative therapies, creating treatment programs that not only treat cancer but also support the immune system, reduce cancer symptoms, and improve long-term cancer outcomes. For many patients, especially those with advanced cancer, such integrative therapies open access to complementary and alternative methods that enhance conventional cancer treatments and contribute to a better quality of life.
Dendritic Cell Therapy
One of the most groundbreaking directions in immunotherapy is the use of dendritic cells. These unique immune system cells act as “sentinels” that detect abnormal proteins on the surface of tumor cells and present them to T-lymphocytes, effectively teaching the immune system to recognize and attack the malignancy. In many cancers, including breast cancer, this natural defense mechanism is weakened or suppressed by the tumor itself.
Prof. Frank Gansauge: How Dendritic Cell Therapy is Transforming Modern Cancer Treatment
German specialists restore this process by isolating a patient’s own precursor cells from the blood, maturing them into dendritic cells in the laboratory, and then loading them with tumor-specific antigens. Once reintroduced into the body, these personalized vaccines stimulate a targeted immune response that conventional cancer treatments cannot always achieve on their own. The importance of dendritic cells in regulating immunity was recognized at the highest level when scientists exploring their role in adaptive immunity were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine [3].
In integrative oncology, dendritic cell treatment is often combined with conventional medicine and alternative therapies, significantly improving treatment outcomes in patients with both early-stage cancer and advanced oncological diseases.
HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)
HIPEC is considered one of the most advanced approaches for tumors that spread within the abdominal cavity. After surgeons carefully remove visible tumor deposits, a heated chemotherapy solution is circulated directly inside the peritoneum. Raising the temperature to about 42 °C damages the protective mechanisms of cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to cytotoxic drugs. At the same time, high local concentrations of chemotherapy penetrate deeply into tissues, far beyond what can be achieved through systemic infusion, while sparing the rest of the body from unnecessary toxicity.
This dual action - thermal damage combined with enhanced drug absorption - allows HIPEC to control advanced cancer forms such as ovarian, gastric, and colorectal carcinomas. For many cancer patients, especially those with limited options after conventional cancer treatments, HIPEC provides a real chance to improve treatment outcomes and prolong remission. German cancer centers integrate this method into comprehensive treatment programs, combining it with traditional therapy, integrative health support, and complementary and alternative measures to restore strength and quality of life.
Targeted Therapy
Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy is designed to interrupt the precise molecular pathways that allow cancer to grow and spread. Many tumors—including breast cancer and lung cancer—depend on specific mutations or receptor activity to survive. By blocking these “drivers,” targeted drugs effectively cut off the tumor’s life support while leaving healthy tissue largely unaffected.
In German oncology, targeted therapy is guided by advanced cancer diagnosis techniques, including genetic profiling and biomarker testing. This allows oncologists to match each patient with the drug most likely to be effective for their particular tumor biology. As a result, treatment programs become more individualized and less toxic. For patients with early-stage cancer, targeted therapy may prevent recurrence after surgery, while for those with advanced cancer, it often transforms the disease into a manageable chronic condition. This shift not only improves cancer outcomes but also enhances overall quality of life compared to conventional medicine alone.
TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization)
TACE is a minimally invasive procedure, especially effective for liver cancer and metastases. Its principle is based on exploiting the tumor’s blood supply. A catheter is threaded through the arteries directly to the vessels feeding the tumor. Then, chemotherapy is delivered in a concentrated dose, followed by embolic particles that block blood flow. The result is a double strike: the tumor is both starved of oxygen and nutrients, and at the same time exposed to high local concentrations of cytotoxic agents.
Healthy liver tissue, with its rich collateral blood supply, continues to receive oxygen, which makes TACE selective for malignant nodules. This approach is often used for patients with advanced cancer who cannot undergo surgery, and it has become an integral part of integrative oncology in Germany. In cancer centers, TACE is frequently combined with complementary and alternative therapies as well as systemic treatments, allowing patients to achieve remission, control cancer symptoms, and maintain integrative health despite complex oncological diseases.
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 Rechts der Isar Munich is one of Germany’s leading centers for oncology. Its Cancer Center integrates advanced surgical oncology, modern radiotherapy, innovative chemotherapy protocols, and novel targeted therapies. The hospital is actively involved in clinical trials, giving patients access to the latest treatment options long before they become widely available. Interdisciplinary tumor boards ensure that each patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on international standards and the newest scientific evidence. As a university hospital, it combines cutting-edge research with high-quality clinical practice, making it a trusted destination for patients seeking advanced cancer care in Germany.
- 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 Story 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 cancer 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
A Medical Journey: Every Step of the Way With Booking Health
Finding the best treatment strategy for your clinical situation is a challenging task. Being already exhausted from multiple treatment sessions, having consulted numerous specialists, and having tried various therapeutic interventions, you may be lost in all the information given by the doctors. In such a situation, it is easy to choose a first-hand option or to follow standardized therapeutic protocols with a long list of adverse effects instead of selecting highly specialized innovative treatment options.
To make an informed choice and get a personalized cancer management plan, which will be tailored to your specific clinical situation, consult medical experts at Booking Health. Being at the forefront of offering the latest medical innovations for already 12 years, Booking Health possesses solid expertise in creating complex management programs in each individual case. As a reputable company, Booking Health offers personalized treatment plans with direct clinic booking and full support at every stage, from organizational processes to assistance during treatment. We provide:
- Assessment and analysis of medical reports
- Development of the medical care program
- Selection of a suitable treatment location
- Preparation of medical documents and forwarding to a suitable clinic
- Preparatory consultations with clinicians for the development of medical care programs
- Expert advice during the hospital stay
- Follow-up care after the patient returns to their native country after completing the medical care program
- Taking care of formalities as part of the preparation for the medical care program
- Coordination and organization of the patient's stay in a foreign country
- Assistance with visas and tickets
- A personal coordinator and interpreter with 24/7 support
- Transparent budgeting with no hidden costs
Health is an invaluable aspect of our lives. Delegating management of something so fragile yet precious should be done only to experts with proven experience and a reputation. Booking Health is a trustworthy partner who assists you in pursuing stronger health and a better quality of life. Contact our medical consultant to learn more about the possibilities of personalized treatment with innovative methods for different types of cancer with leading specialists in this field.
Modern Cancer Treatment: Patient Journeys with Booking Health
FAQ: Alternative Cancer Treatments in Germany
Get a ConsultationAlternative cancer treatments are approaches that currently lack 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 a more scientific basis than alternative ones.
Choose treatment abroad and you will for sure get the best results!
Authors:
This article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, and Dr. Bohdan Mykhalniuk. 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.
Sources:
[1] BMC Cancer. Cancer burden in Europe: a systematic analysis of the GLOBOCAN database (2022). https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-025-13862-1
[2] Alycia Gardner, Álvaro de Mingo Pulido, Brian Ruffell. Dendritic Cells and Their Role in Immunotherapy. Front Immunol. 2020 May 21;11:924. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00924. [DOI] [PMC free article]
[3] Nobel Prize. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2011 – Ralph Steinman. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2011/steinman/facts/
[4] Pei-Qi Lim, I-Hung Han, Kok-Min Seow, Kuo-Hu Chen. Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC): An Overview of the Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Actions and Effects on Epithelial Ovarian Cancers. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 3;23(17):10078. doi: 10.3390/ijms231710078. [DOI] [PMC free article]
[5] Hye-Young Min, Ho-Young Lee. Molecular targeted therapy for anticancer treatment. Exp Mol Med. 2022 Oct 12;54(10):1670–1694. doi: 10.1038/s12276-022-00864-3. [DOI] [PMC free article]
Read:
Dendritic cell therapy in cancer treatment in Germany - Vaccination against cancer
Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment
Top 10 Leading Oncology Hospitals for Cancer Treatment in Germany
Article menu:
- 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?
- What Innovative Methods are Applied For Cancer Treatment in Germany?
- Top Cancer Centers in Germany
- Success Story of Cancer Treatments in Germany
- A Medical Journey: Every Step of the Way With Booking Health
- FAQ: Alternative Cancer Treatments in Germany
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