Orthomolecular support of the immune system in oncology: complementary medicine in cancer therapy

In this article, we explain in an easy-to-understand way how orthomolecular support of the immune system can work in cancer therapy, which micronutrients play a role in this and what scientific studies say about it.

Immune system and cancer treatment – why a strong immune system is important

An efficient immune system plays an important role in every phase of cancer treatment. On the one hand, it is our natural defense against diseases: The immune system constantly recognizes and destroys damaged cells, including degenerated cancer cells.

On the other hand, cancer patients are heavily burdened by the disease itself and by aggressive therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy – a robust immune system helps to fight off infections and support the body during regeneration.

Modern immunotherapies in oncology even rely specifically on the body’s own immune system to fight tumor cells. However, if the immune system is weakened (e.g. due to malnutrition or the therapy), susceptibility to infections increases and the body is less able to recover from operations or treatments.

Complementary approaches therefore aim to alleviate the side effects of conventional therapy and strengthen the immune system. The aim is to improve quality of life and make patients more resilient.

The important thing is: It is not about a non-specific “miracle cure” through immune boosters. Rather, targeted measures should help the body to function normally and cope better with the stresses and strains of cancer therapy. This is where orthomolecular medicine comes in, by specifically compensating for deficiencies in vital substances and supplying the body with the necessary micronutrients.

Micronutrients play a key role in every phase of the immune defense. Studies show that numerous vitamins and trace elements have a positive influence on various components of the innate and adaptive immune response.

The overlapping of the areas of action (see illustration) underlines the fact that several micronutrients are usually required together in order for the immune system to function optimally.

What is orthomolecular medicine?

Orthomolecular medicine was founded by two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling. Its aim is to maintain health and positively influence diseases through optimal concentrations of nutrients.

Vitamins, trace elements, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids and secondary plant substances are used. In cancer medicine, this primarily means compensating for deficiencies that frequently occur during the course of the disease or therapy.

Tumor diseases (and their treatment) often increase the consumption of certain nutrients, while at the same time the intake from the diet can decrease. A lack of vital nutrients, for example, contributes to cancer cachexia syndrome – the weight loss and loss of strength caused by cancer.

This syndrome not only worsens the general condition, but also reduces the response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and increases their side effects.

Orthomolecular medicine comes into play here by improving the nutritional situation and thus both increasing the tolerance of therapy and supporting the body’s own defenses.

Important to know: The scientific evaluation of orthomolecular medicine is inconsistent.

Although there are numerous studies and case reports on vitamins and co. in oncology, not all of them meet the strictest evidence criteria. Some earlier studies even raised the question of whether high-dose antioxidants could weaken cancer treatments.

However, these studies were methodologically controversial; more recent, correctly conducted studies show no detrimental effect, but on the contrary clear additive benefits of micronutrient administration.

In other words, concomitant orthomolecular therapy can support the effectiveness of cancer therapy – provided it is carried out professionally and individually. This always requires close consultation with the treating oncologist and the avoidance of risky self-experimentation.

Key micronutrients for the immune system in cancer therapy

Which vital substances are particularly important for strengthening the immune system of cancer patients and supporting the body during treatment? Below we provide an overview of some key micronutrients and summarize scientific findings on their effect on cancer.

These include trace elements such as selenium and zinc, vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin D and the B vitamins as well as important secondary plant substances such as curcumin (from turmeric) and other polyphenols.

• Selenium

Selenium is a trace element that is essential for immune function and antioxidant protection mechanisms. It is required in important enzymes (glutathione peroxidases) that neutralize free radicals and thus protect cells from damage.

During oncological therapy – for example chemotherapy with platinum preparations – the need for selenium appears to be increased. Studies show that supplementation with selenium (e.g. sodium selenite) can significantly alleviate various side effects of cancer therapy.

One review reported reduced inflammation of the mucous membranes (mucositis), less severe drops in white blood cells (leukopenia) and less nausea, anemia and fatigue when selenium was administered. At the same time, liver and kidney function improved without impairing the main cancer-fighting effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Selenium therefore has a protective effect on healthy cells (e.g. heart and kidneys during chemotherapy with anthracyclines or cisplatin) and supports the immune system without protecting tumor cells.

Many cancer patients do not have an adequate selenium status – selenium levels can drop due to tumor disease and malnutrition. The data suggests that selenium deficiency is associated with poorer outcomes, while a supply in the upper normal range could be beneficial.

The correct dosage is important here: studies have sometimes used higher doses of selenite, which should only be taken under medical supervision.

Overall, the current evidence suggests that selenium is one of the most important trace elements in complementary oncology to reduce side effects and strengthen the body’s defenses.

• Vitamin D

Vitamin D – the “sun vitamin” – has far-reaching significance for the immune system and cell metabolism. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of immune cells (such as T cells and macrophages) and regulates anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory processes. A pronounced vitamin D deficiency is particularly common in cancer patients.

In one study, 59% of colorectal cancer patients were vitamin D deficient, compared to about 15% of the general population; low levels were associated with a poorer prognosis.

The scientific evidence for vitamin D in oncology has grown significantly in recent years. Several large meta-analyses of randomized studies show that a daily dose of vitamin D3 can reduce cancer mortality by around 12% . This effect occurred primarily with daily intake, not with high-dose intervals.

The benefit was also greatest in people over the age of 70 and when vitamin D supplementation was started before the diagnosis was made.

Important: Although vitamin D is unlikely to prevent cancer, it may improve survival and treatment outcomes.

There is also evidence of benefits for certain tumor types: Patients with breast cancer or patients with colorectal cancer or aggressive lymphomas had a better prognosis in observational studies if their vitamin D levels were higher . It is therefore recommended that the vitamin D status of patients with these diagnoses be checked and a deficiency corrected in a targeted manner.

In practice, this often means taking vitamin D3 drops or capsules for several weeks until a sufficient blood level is reached. An optimal target value in serum is usually specified in the range of 30-50 ng/ml 25(OH)vitamin D3, depending on the guideline.

Vitamin D is considered safe in appropriate doses; overdoses should be avoided, but rarely occur with sensible supplementation. In summary, a good supply of vitamin D can be considered an important component in strengthening the immune system of tumor patients and possibly positively influencing the course of the disease.

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a key antioxidant in the body and supports numerous immune functions. For example, it increases the activity of phagocytes and natural killer cells and protects tissue from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Vitamin C is much discussed in cancer therapy, as high-dose vitamin C can selectively damage tumor cells in laboratory tests, while it is tolerated by normal cells. However, the evidence from clinical studies is still limited. What do current data say?

There is reassuring news for moderate doses as a dietary supplement: An evaluation of breast cancer patients found no disadvantages from taking vitamin C from the time of diagnosis – on the contrary, the results even indicated an improved overall and breast cancer-specific survival benefit .

However, it was important that the dose remained within reasonable limits: over 500 mg/day should not be taken without further ado, as very high doses could theoretically impair the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Vitamin C in normal supplement doses (e.g. 200-500 mg daily), on the other hand, is considered safe and was associated with better outcomes in the study mentioned.

The situation is different with infused high-dose vitamin C: in some cases, 7.5 to 30 grams of ascorbic acid are administered intravenously. Some oncologists in complementary medicine use this to combat fatigue (chronic exhaustion) – with a very positive response from patients.

In fact, many sufferers report that high doses of vitamin C iv improve their energy and quality of life. However, large randomized studies that clearly demonstrate a benefit are still lacking. The simultaneous administration of high-dose vitamin C during chemotherapy is also controversial and is not generally recommended.

Some experts advise that infusions should only be administered after chemotherapy (e.g. a few days apart) in order to avoid possible interactions. Caution is therefore required here and individual medical advice is essential.

To summarize: Vitamin C is an important immune nutrient; in normal amounts it supports the immune system and does no harm – with extreme doses, however, the benefits and risks should be carefully weighed up and action should only be taken in consultation with specialists.

• Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace element and is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body – many of which are crucial for the immune system. Zinc is required, for example, for the maturation of immune cells (T lymphocytes), for the production of antibodies and cytokines and for wound healing.

Zinc deficiency leads to a reduced immune system and increases susceptibility to infections; even a slight zinc deficiency can lead to more frequent infections, as studies on various population groups have shown.

Zinc deficiency is not uncommon in cancer patients – on the contrary, recent studies indicate that zinc deficiency can occur in practically all types of tumors.

A recent Israeli review found that zinc deficiency in cancer patients correlates with disease severity and survival rates. In other words: Low zinc levels were often associated with more aggressive courses and poorer prognosis.

It is noteworthy that zinc showed direct tumor-inhibiting effects in laboratory and animal studies – the review mentioned above reports a surprising cytotoxicity towards cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.

This effect was observed across different types of cancer. Of course, such results should be interpreted with caution, but they underline the potential importance of zinc. The author of the study recommends ensuring that all oncology patients have an adequate zinc supply and supplementing zinc if necessary.

In practice, zinc (usually as zinc histidine, zinc orotate or similar) is often given in doses of 25-50 mg per day if there is a deficiency. Typical benefits of zinc in complementary oncology are the improvement of wound healing (e.g. after surgery), support of the mucous membranes (e.g. in mucositis or after radiation) and a general increase in the body’s resistance to infection.

Zinc can prevent or reduce taste disorders (a common side effect of chemotherapy), as zinc is important for taste bud regeneration.

Overall, zinc is considered safe and well tolerated as long as you do not take far more than 50 mg daily (extremely high doses over a long period of time could unbalance other trace elements such as copper).

Zinc status can be determined in serum or whole blood; in the case of a manifest deficiency, it should be substituted. Zinc is therefore another key factor for a strong immune system in cancer therapy – the data at least supports the approach of avoiding a deficiency at all costs.

• B vitamins

The B vitamins form a whole group of eight water-soluble vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12), which work closely together in the metabolism. They are particularly essential for energy production in the cells, nerve function and blood formation.

In oncology, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), folic acid (B9) and vitamin B12 (cobalamin) are of particular interest. Why? On the one hand, certain chemotherapies can increase the need for B vitamins or disrupt their utilization (methotrexate, for example, blocks folic acid metabolism, which is why folic acid rescue is necessary).

On the other hand, many cancer patients suffer from a loss of appetite or malnutrition, which can lead to B vitamin deficiencies.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid are essential for the formation of red blood cells. A deficiency can cause anemia, which increases the already frequent treatment-related anemia – resulting in tiredness, weakness and concentration problems.

Equally important: B12 and folate are needed for functioning DNA synthesis and cell division; low levels can contribute to genetic instability.

Vitamin B1 and B6 are central to the nerves: thiamine deficiency can lead to peripheral neuropathies (nerve disorders in the legs/hands), for example. Interestingly, one of the feared side effects of some chemotherapies (e.g. with taxanes or platinum preparations) is also polyneuropathy. It is being discussed whether the supplementation of B vitamins (especially B1, B6, B12) could have a protective effect.

Some studies show that the administration of vitamin E and B12 can reduce the severity of chemoneuropathies, while other results are inconsistent. In any case, care should be taken to ensure an adequate supply of these vitamins to prevent or mitigate nerve damage.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is often given prophylactically in oncology, e.g. to alleviate hand-foot syndrome under certain chemotherapies (such as 5-FU or capecitabine).

Vitamin B1 could contribute to the alleviation of chemo-induced neurotoxicities, as case reports suggest. Niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2) play a role in skin and mucous membrane function – deficiencies here should also be avoided in order not to aggravate inflammation of the mucous membranes, for example.

To summarize: B vitamins are not direct “cancer killers”, but they ensure that the body can cope better with the therapy. They help against fatigue (chronic tiredness) – a B deficiency can make you tired and listless – and support nerves, blood formation and mucous membranes.

As a rule, B vitamins are administered as part of anabolic preparations or multivitamin infusions, often in combination, as they have a synergistic effect. Supplementation should be based on individual requirements (e.g. measure vitamin B12 levels, especially in the case of a vegetarian/vegan diet or absorption disorders).

Extreme overdoses should be avoided, as very high doses of B6 and B12, for example, have been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers in individual cases. In normal amounts, however, B vitamins are safe and an important component of orthomolecular support.

• Curcumin and phytochemicals

Curcumin is the yellow active ingredient from the turmeric root (turmeric) and is a secondary plant substance, or more precisely a polyphenol. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Curcumin is considered a promising candidate in cancer research, as it has shown a variety of anti-tumor effects in laboratory and animal studies. In cell culture studies, curcumin was able to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells and influence signaling pathways involved in tumor growth and metastasis.

In mouse models, it has been observed that curcumin can increase the effectiveness of certain chemotherapies and protect healthy cells from radiation damage. These findings raise hopes that curcumin can be used as a supplement in cancer therapy, e.g. to enhance the effect of chemo-immunotherapies or to reduce inflammatory processes in tumor tissue.

However, clinical studies on humans are still at an early stage. Although several clinical trials are underway (some with curcumin capsules in patients with colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc.), clear results are not yet available.

Therefore, the current consensus is: Curcumin cannot currently be recommended as a cancer drug in its own right. Nevertheless, many experts speak of a high potential – especially because curcumin is relatively well tolerated.

Some oncologists use it as a complementary measure, especially for colon cancer (as it can act locally in the intestine) or to inhibit inflammation in dermatitis caused by radiotherapy.

In addition to curcumin, there are a number of other secondary plant substances with potentially oncologically relevant effects: resveratrol (from red grapes), EGCG (green tea extract), sulforaphane (broccoli extract) or quercetin (from onions/apples) are examples.

Many of them act as antioxidants and modulate signaling pathways that are important for cancer cells. Artemisinin (mugwort extract) and cannabinoids (e.g. CBD) are also being investigated and are already being used in some cases, for example to alleviate side effects such as nausea.

Important for all these phytotherapeutics: You should be aware of their interactions with conventional therapies. Curcumin, for example, must not be given at the same time as certain chemotherapeutic agents such as taxanes, as it could affect their degradation pathways.

Green tea extracts should also not be taken alongside bortezomib (a myeloma drug), as they can cancel out its effect – this was discovered in cell experiments. St. John’s wort (although not a “micronutrient”, but a plant substance) can influence the liver enzymes in such a way that chemotherapy drugs are broken down more quickly.

Therefore: Only use secondary plant substances in consultation with your doctor! However, if selected and dosed correctly, they can have an anti-inflammatory effect, support the immune system and alleviate symptoms without interfering with conventional therapy.

Curcumin itself is often used as an anti-inflammatory adjuvant – for example, some patients report less joint pain or better digestion with turmeric preparations.

However, the oral bioavailability of curcumin is low, which is why there are special formulations (with pepper extract, liposomes, etc.) to increase absorption. In summary, curcumin and co. are an exciting area of complementary cancer therapy that continues to be the subject of intensive research. When used correctly, they can enrich the overall therapeutic concept – but they are not a panacea and they do not replace proven oncological therapies.

Alleviation of side effects through orthomolecular therapy

One of the main aims of complementary oncology is to reduce the side effects of therapy and improve quality of life. Many of the micronutrients mentioned above are used specifically for this reason. Here are some important examples of how orthomolecular support can help with typical side effects:

• Fatigue (tumor-related exhaustion): Cancer-related fatigue and tiredness are among the most common complaints of patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Iron (in case of anemia), vitamin D (in case of deficiency), B12/folic acid and L-carnitine can be helpful here.
  Although L-carnitine is not a vitamin, it is a vitamin-like nutrient that is required for the provision of energy in the mitochondria. Studies with cancer patients – especially in the area of gynecological tumors – show that L-carnitine administration can improve fatigue. High-dose intravenous vitamin C is also successfully used in some concepts to combat fatigue.
  It is important to rule out other causes beforehand (e.g. hypothyroidism, severe anemia) and to adapt the measures individually.

• Susceptibility to infections: Chemotherapy often leads to leukopenia (lack of white blood cells) and a weakening of the immune system. Zinc and selenium play a key role here. Selenium supplementation has been shown in studies to reduce the rate of severe infections and febrile neutropenia.
  Zinc promotes the formation and maturation of immune cells – a good zinc status can help to prevent or mitigate respiratory and urinary tract infections.
  Vitamin C also slightly shortens the duration of colds if you are susceptible to infections and vitamin D has been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory infections, which also indirectly helps cancer patients, e.g. to avoid treatment-delaying infections during chemotherapy.
  In certain cases, immunoglobulin substitution is also considered, but this is not part of orthomolecular medicine in the narrow sense, but of conventional medicine.

• Mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membranes): Both chemotherapy and radiation (especially in the head and neck area) often cause painful inflammation of the oral and intestinal mucosa.
  Various nutrients have proven to be useful here. Glutamine, an amino acid, can promote the healing of the oral mucosa when given orally. Zinc lozenges have been shown in some studies to benefit the prevention of oral mucositis. Very interesting: Vitamin D deficiency favors the occurrence of mucositis and taste disorders during chemotherapy, as reported in a study.
  A good vitamin D level could therefore make the mucous membranes more resistant. Selenium has also been linked to less severe mucositis – possibly due to its antioxidant cell protection effect.
  Finally, vitamin B12 helps with the regeneration of the oral mucosa; a B12 deficiency is often partly responsible for aphtous stomatitis (a type of inflammation of the oral mucosa).
  Cool mouthwashes with tea (sage, camomile), honey (medicinal manuka honey can reduce inflammation) and aloe vera juice have also proven effective in relieving acute mucositis – although these are more phytotherapeutic approaches.

• Neuropathy (nerve damage): Some chemotherapies (e.g. oxaliplatin, vincristine, taxanes) lead to tingling, numbness or pain in the hands and feet.
  Orthomolecular attempts are being made to counteract this with vitamin E, vitamin B1/B6/B12 and in some cases alpha-lipoic acid. A systematic review found evidence that high doses of vitamin E can reduce the frequency of severe polyneuropathies.
  B vitamins have already been mentioned – they nourish the peripheral nerves. Alpha-lipoic acid (an antioxidant) is known from diabetes treatment for neuropathic complaints and is also occasionally tested for chemoneuropathy.
  Results are mixed, but worth a try if approved by the doctor. It is also important to have good pain therapy and physiotherapy for existing nerve damage – orthomolecular agents can provide support, but in severe cases cannot provide relief on their own.

• Nausea and loss of appetite: In addition to traditional medication (antiemetics), vitamin B6 and ginger extract are often used here. Vitamin B6 in doses of 50-100 mg/day can slightly alleviate chemotherapy nausea and is also given to pregnant women with nausea.
  Ginger is a phytotherapeutic agent whose effectiveness against nausea has been proven in studies.
  Although it is not a micronutrient, it should be mentioned that ginger preparations are often included in integrative concepts (e.g. ginger capsules before chemotherapy).
  Zinc supports the sense of taste – patients with loss of taste and lack of appetite may benefit from zinc supplements because food tastes better again.

To summarize: Many side effects of cancer therapy can be alleviated by targeted orthomolecular concomitant treatment.

This does not mean that they disappear completely – but often the tolerability of chemotherapy or radiotherapy is significantly increased, which in turn helps patients to adhere to the planned therapy cycles and reduces the need for dose reductions.

Supportive therapy with micronutrients thus makes an indirect contribution to the success of the therapy because it allows the patient to undergo the main treatment more vigorously and with fewer interruptions.

Laboratory-supported supplementation: customized nutrient therapy

Every person is different – and so the micronutrient requirements of cancer patients also differ individually. A central principle of orthomolecular medicine is therefore laboratory-based supplementation.

Before blindly swallowing vitamin pills, you should measure what you actually need. Blood tests can provide information about vitamin D levels, selenium or zinc concentrations in whole blood, B12 levels, folic acid, ferritin (iron) and other parameters.

Supplementation can then be targeted and personalized on the basis of these laboratory values. This prevents unnecessary or even harmful overdoses and strengthens those nutrients for which there is a real deficit or additional requirement.

One example: vitamin D. Here, the 25(OH)D value in the serum should be determined before high-dose supplementation. If it is very low, an initial load can be given, followed by a maintenance dose – until the value is within the target range.

After that, a lower dose is often sufficient for maintenance. Selenium levels (e.g. whole blood selenium) can be measured; however, interpretation is complex as reference ranges vary.

Selenium deficiency is relatively common in Germany, as the soil is low in selenium. A moderate substitution (e.g. 100-200 µg sodium selenite daily) can be useful here, but ideally controlled via laboratory after a few weeks so as not to get into a potentially unhealthy excess range.

Laboratory diagnostics are also important to check the success of supplementation. If, for example, a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy suffers from severe magnesium deficiency (e.g. due to drugs containing platinum, which increase the renal excretion of magnesium), then magnesium is added and then checked to see whether the values are back to normal.

The same applies to zinc: an initial deficiency should be remedied after a few months of supplementation – if not, the dose or form must be adjusted (or compliance checked).

This individual, data-supported approach makes orthomolecular medicine a serious personalized supplement therapy.

The S3 guideline “Complementary medicine in oncology” emphasizes that complementary measures should be used competently and on a patient-specific basis – blanket administration of vitamins without indication is not expedient.

However, if there is a clear deficiency or certain risk factors are present, orthomolecular supplementation based on laboratory values is now a recognized component of many oncology centers.

It is important that specialists (oncologists, nutritionists) are involved in the planning and interpret the laboratory results correctly.

Safety, integrative approach and patient well-being

Finally, an important point: the safety and limitations of orthomolecular therapy. Although vitamins and minerals are freely available for sale, this does not mean that “a lot helps a lot”.

On the contrary, excessive doses of some vitamins can be counterproductive or even harmful (e.g. very high doses of vitamin A or E can even have a carcinogenic effect, as studies suggest).

The motto should therefore be: as much as necessary, as little as possible. Orthomolecular medicine aims to compensate for deficiencies and achieve optimal (not supratherapeutic) levels.

The trick is to maintain a balance – between a nutritious state in which the immune system and the body function ideally, and an oversupply that brings no additional benefit.

It is very important to distinguish it from “alternative medicine”: complementary orthomolecular therapy is never a substitute for effective cancer treatment.

Patients should not make the mistake of using high-dose supplements as an alternative treatment on their own initiative and rejecting chemotherapy, for example. Such decisions can be life-threatening.

Rather, integrative means working hand in hand with conventional medicine. For example, a tumor can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy (this is the main pillar of therapy), accompanied by orthomolecular support to reduce side effects and keep the body’s own defenses strong.

The limit of complementary medicine clearly lies in the fact that it cannot and will not replace standard oncological therapy. Instead, both approaches are used in parallel to combine the best of both worlds – evidence-based tumor control and holistic support for the patient.

The patient-centered benefit should be emphasized: Many sufferers report that complementary measures give them the feeling that they can actively contribute something themselves instead of just being passively at the mercy of the illness and treatment. This psychological effect should not be underestimated.

Orthomolecular therapy gives patients an active role – be it through conscious nutrition, taking supplements or regular laboratory tests that show progress.

Studies show that such approaches can improve quality of life. Less nausea, less exhaustion, a more stable immune system: People can cope better with their everyday lives, have more energy for social activities and feel better overall despite a cancer diagnosis.

Of course, further research is needed. Not everyone in conventional medicine is completely convinced by orthomolecular medicine, which is also due to the sometimes contradictory study results.

However, there is a clear trend towards integrative oncology: well-known cancer centers now offer consultations on nutrition and micronutrients, and there are more and more clinical studies systematically investigating the use of vitamins & co.

As long as new knowledge is being gained, a pragmatic approach should be taken – use what has proven to be helpful and always keep safety in mind.

Conclusion

Orthomolecular support of the immune system can make an important contribution to cancer treatment. A strong immune system helps the body to fight cancer and better withstand the therapies.

Micronutrients such as selenium, vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, B vitamins, curcumin and other phytochemicals have each shown specific benefits – from reducing side effects to improving prognosis.

However, an integrative therapeutic approach is crucial: orthomolecular medicine belongs in the hands of experienced therapists who work closely with oncologists. Together, an individualized concept can be developed that meaningfully complements conventional cancer therapy.

For patients, this ideally means a better quality of life, fewer complaints and active involvement in the recovery process – without compromising the safety of proven cancer therapy.

So the formula is: Conventional medicine plus complementary medicine equals the best care. Or in the words of one expert: “Clinical oncology and complementary medical therapies side by side are the best therapeutic approach from two worlds of experience”.

Sources: The statements made in the article are supported by current scientific literature and clinical studies.

Important evidence comes from the S3 guideline on complementary medicine in oncology, publications from specialist societies and research on individual micronutrients (e.g. effects of selenium, vitamin D and vitamin C in cancer patients).

All cited sources are marked in the text with superscript references – they substantiate the facts and offer interested readers the opportunity to delve even deeper into the subject matter.

Ultimately, this article is intended to show that orthomolecular medicine is not hocus-pocus but, if used correctly, can be a sound, complementary pillar of cancer treatment – for the benefit of the immune system and the human being as a whole.