On this blog, we have repeatedly noticed that Indian researchers of homeopathy as good as never publish negative findings. A recent paper entitled “Efficacy of homoeopathic therapy in cancer treatment” seems to falsify this hypothesis. Here is its full abstract:
In order to boost their immune system, enhance their mental and physical health, and reduce the discomfort associated with cancer and conventional therapies, many cancer patients turn to homoeopathic methods. Because these very watered-down therapies have no discernible mechanism of action, homoeopathy is quite contentious. The purpose of this study is to provide a concise summary and critical analysis of the effectiveness of homoeopathic medicines in cancer treatment, whether used alone or in conjunction with other therapies. The following databases have been used for literature searches: Amed (beginning in 1985), CINHAL (beginning in 1982), EMBASE (beginning in 1974), Medline (beginning in 1951), and CAMbase (beginning in 1998). This review included data from randomised and non-randomized controlled clinical studies that involved cancer patients or those with a history of cancer who received either a single homoeopathic treatment or a combination of treatments. The trials were evaluated for their methodological quality using the Jadad score. Our inclusion criteria were satisfied by six research, five of which were randomised clinical trials and one of which was not; nevertheless, the methodological quality of these investigations varied, with some exhibiting high standards. There is not enough evidence to establish homoeopathic therapy’s clinical effectiveness in cancer treatment, according to our review of the relevant literature.
Yes, there are a few things that one might criticize here. For instance efficacy is not the same as effectiveness and the conclusion could be clearer, in my view, e.g. stating “there is no reliable evidence to suggest that homeopathy is an effective cancer treatment.” Yet, on the whole, this paper is remarkable considering its country of origin.
It comes from the “Department of homeopathic, Kakatiya University Warangal” in India. I tried to find the department but only found the university. In the realm of healthcare, this institution seems to have an emphasis on pharmacy. Perhaps that explains a lot?
In any case, I am delighted that some progress seems to be emerging now even in India regarding its research on homeopathy.
PROGRESS AT LAST?
One Response to Homeopathy as a therapy for cancer? A new review from India
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Ohhh, that cannot be for real. What if they just want plant the seed for a new approach on research in homeopathy for cancer? After all this was published in a dubious journal called ‘International Journal of Homeopathic Medicine’.
BTW: This review did not include this infamous study of Frass et al. from 2020. Neither the one from 2015.