FDA: Fake Cancer Cures Warning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent warning letters to 23 U.S. companies and two foreign individuals marketing a wide range of products that fraudulently claim to prevent and cure cancer. The FDA also warns North American consumers against using or purchasing these products, which include tablets, teas, tonics, black salves and creams, and are sold under various names on the Internet.

The products contain ingredients such as bloodroot, shark cartilage, coral calcium, cesium, ellagic acid, cat's claw, an herbal tea called Essiac® and mushroom varieties such as Agaricus Blazei, shitake, maitake and reishi.

Those companies and individuals warned, the complete list of fake cancer 'cure' products and their manufacturers along with a consumer article on health scams can be found by clicking here.

The FDA urges consumers to consult their healthcare providers about discontinuing use of these products and to seek appropriate medical attention if they have experienced any adverse effects.

Because these products claim to cure, treat, mitigate or prevent disease but have not been shown to be safe and effective for their labeled conditions of use, they are unapproved new drugs marketed in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The Warning Letters are part of the FDA's ongoing efforts, in collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Canadian government agencies, to prevent deceptive products from reaching consumers.

Parties that fail to properly resolve violations cited in Warning Letters are subject to enforcement action up to and including seizure of illegal products, injunction and possible criminal prosecution.

Consumers and healthcare professionals should notify the FDA of any complaints or problems associated with these products.

Comments

[Taylor]

"Fake" is a pretty strong word - it implies that the manufacturers of these products had an intent to deceive. I agree there is a lack of evidence supporting a lot of these agents (I just read the monograph on Essiac®, and it seems like even though it's used by many people, there isn't much evidence). But - I've heard many personal accounts of friends and family members who swear that these treatments work. Just in the past week, two people told me their cancer was cured by alternative agents. CURED!!!

I'm sorry - but these types of flagrant statements cause over-concern. I think we need to strike a balance between causing widespread panic about herbs/supplements and their potential effectiveness. Then again, maybe I'm naive, and manufacturers are indeed the bad guys trying to fake us all out. That idea simply hadn't crossed my mind.... :)

[Suzanne]

I'm a little more pessimistic, Taylor. Manufacturers want to sell their products, and if it means they have to stretch their claims to the point of false advertisement, some will do it. Is it unethical? Yes. That's why consumers should always be cautious when they're talking about their health. Most of the time, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

That being said, I'm not against using herbs or supplements for illnesses, including cancer. I think many are beneficial, particularly if they are combined with conventional therapies.

[Colleen]

Some companies will do ANYTHING to make money. Check out this 2007 article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6714469.stm The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) discovered a counterfeit batch of drugs used to treatm prostate cancer.

[Henry]

The FDA came up with a list of signs that a company might be making fraudulent claims. Here's what to watch out for:

* Statements that the product is a quick and effective cure-all or a diagnostic tool for a wide variety of ailments.
* Suggestions that a product can treat or cure serious or incurable diseases.
* Claims such as "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "secret ingredient," and "ancient remedy."
* Impressive-sounding terms, such as "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis" for a weight loss product.
* Claims that the product is safe because it is "natural."
* Undocumented case histories or personal testimonials by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results.
* Claims of limited availability and advance payment requirements.
* Promises of no-risk, money-back guarantees
* Promises of an "easy" fix for problems like excess weight, hair loss, or impotency.

[mo]

I think this represents appropriate action taken by the FDA. Cancer is such a poorly understood disease, and available treatments often fall far short. People with cancer tend to be more likely than many other groups of people to use dietary supplements for the treatment or management of their disease and/or symptoms. Companies that make claims, such as these, are abusing consumers, raising their hopes, and basically writing checks their products can’t cash.

This also highlights just how impotent the FDA is regarding the regulation of dietary supplements. Had this been any other type of product, aggressive and prompt action would have already been taken. It’s an unfortunate fact that the most authoritative thing the FDA can do in such situations is to write a letter.

[Tracey]

It's pretty awful that manufacturers would try to take advantage of patients with cancer. Cancer is a scary disease, and many people are willing to go to great lengths to find any treatment that might work. To offer someone false hope and rob them of their money is just awful.

[Missy]

OK - these herbs haven't been proved to cure cancer. But they also haven't been proved ineffective either. Take Essiac®, for example. A survey conducted in 2000 found almost 15% of Canadian women with breast cancer to be using Essiac®. If so many people are taking it, it must have SOME affect on SOME people.

However, research on its effectiveness are limited. None of the individual herbs used in Essiac® has been tested in rigorous human cancer trials. (Rhubarb has shown some anti-tumor properties in animal experiments; slippery elm inner bark has not; while sheep sorrel and burdock have been used traditionally in cancer remedies.) Numerous individual patient testimonials and reports from manufacturers are available on the Internet, although these cannot be considered scientifically viable as evidence.

[JJ]

This issue clearly brings me back to the disappointing fact that herbal medicines are not widely regulated by FDA. In my opinion, it somewhat limits the consumers from reaching out for more herbs simply because of the uncertified certainty. Usually herbal or natural treatments come in as the last resource, after everything else fails. Especially in this case; it is cancer that we are talking about. Manufacturers use many tactics to get their products out, even lying sometimes. At the end of the day it is all about how many were sold and not so much of how many lives they have saved. "Lying" can be a little too extreme. It is just that they need to spend more money on research and more care into patients.

[ATAD]

I thought this was quite an interesting read. The FDA has released a list of 125 Fake Cancer ‘Cures’ Consumers Should Avoid listed by firm and product on their Web site, http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/factsheets/fakecancercures.html.

However, on a different note, I do find it quite fascinating that the United States supports treating cancer based on proper dieting, but still allows toxins (ie: mercury, lead) to be so prevalent in such common products (ie: light bulbs, dental fillings, fertilizers). Doesn’t that send a mixed message? I feel by having the US Government support such encouragement towards the use of toxic products is only increasing the rates of disease and enhancing pharmaceutical sales.

[DT]

It would be a big thing if these herbs can cure cancer. Maybe these herbs have something to do with slowing down cancer. Hopefully, there will be more studies on these herbs with the combination of chemotherapy. It is wrong for the manufactures to claim “cure” without strong evidence. I agree with Mo; it seem like the company is trying to rob patients.

[Chan]

Cancers are serious diseases by anyone's definition, and real medical science is making great strides in developing better treatments and cures, and in overall improving the lives of people living with cancer - both through traditional drugs and biologics, as well as with complementary therapies. But those profiting from selling fake medicines are selling false hope.

[Lee]

Perhaps these "cures" are fake and have no real value for someone suffering from cancer. If so, then it is wonderful to have an agency that looks out for the welfare of those whose quest for life-saving agents is urgent and deeply poignant. I would feel much, much better if this same agency approached all of the creations of our pharmaceutical monoliths with the same criteria. A significant number of these "approved" drugs may not live up to their claims, and if they don’t help, they may even create new problems. In worst-case scenarios they may even have a lethal dose, the opposite of the stated intention. How often do accepted drugs get pulled from the prescription market? And how many have to suffer the consequences of a particular drug before that occurs?

[T.P.Francis]

Herbal Science Trust is conducting trials on cancer volunteers in India with herbal drugs for palliation. I found positive results, as there is not much discomfort except for the last few hours. And looking at the results from the last decade, I am confused about the warnings I read. I feel more people shall meet these cancer volunteers availing this medication and make an assessment to publish their views in general interest. HST can be contacted to meet/collect the contact of these patients at hstcare@yahoo.co.in

[pattie]

It is a sad day when the FDA has to threaten people who want to try alternative meds. What's the matter? Afraid if the people get well you won't be able to get their money? That is the root of it all. The FDA has to be able to regulate all meds. If they didn't, the world would get well and the pharmaceutical community would be out of business. Sad... very sad.

[Carrie Freeman]

Well, as a person who is dealing with cancer I will tell you that there are a lot of herbs that can significantly help your cause. Case in point: wormwood. Go ahead and Google "wormwood and breast cancer" and see what you get. This herb has been around since forever and its cheap. Go ahead and research it yourself and see what's going on with that little herb.

For many people, making a significant lifestyle changes (and I mean significantly changing your diet and adding a combination of herbs that have, at least in a petri dish, killed cancer cells) is a good move. This is a definite plus when it comes to giving yourself the best chance possible to either be cured or at least have your body live in harmony with this illness.

No, the FDA hasn't, and will probably never, approve herbs for the treatment of cancer. Why would they? You can grow an herb in your garden. Anyone who honestly thinks that the FDA and pharmaceutical companies aren't all mixed together and out for self interest is very mistaken. Anyone who really believes that after billions of dollars and years and years of research that there isn't a cure for cancer is just, well, you're exactly the kind of person that agencies like the FDA and pharmaceutical companies count on. And there's no need to comment that the FDA is a FEDERAL government agency looking out for our est interest. We all know who the FDA is. Whether or not they are looking out for your best interest is a matter of opinion. I, personally, am sick of the cancer patient being exploited by everyone. I mean, it is past ridiculous -- you don't even know what to do or who to believe.

[Gary]

Cancer is the number-one money maker for doctors and hospitals, next is heart disease. You will never see a cure for cancer, as long as there is a need for money. Essiac® tea is great for detoxing, but it can't compensate for a lifetime of bad dietary habits. Unfortunately, most people with cancer will not change their eating habits and just want quick and easy cures from their doctors.

[RogueTangent]

I believe in alternative medicines. Having cancer or having a loved one with cancer is a life-changing event, especially if the cancer is terminal cancer. I am glad that the FDA is doing their job and cracking down on these companies that are out to deceive others. Having cancer is enough to deal with already, one doesn't need more disappointment and stress by the fake claims that these companies make.

Here is an advise for anyone who is seeking alternative medicines for anything: Be smart about it, and look out for signs of fraudulent claims that the FDA published. Do your research and never buy things from the Internet or from someone with no credentials. Do not treat yourself, and always seek out the help/advise of licensed naturopathic doctors or licensed herbalists.

[Venture Capital Due Diligence]

Great post! Thank you very much.

[Kumar MN]

The FDA should realize that people are forced to seek these remedies because there is no viable cure for most cancers, despite the billions of dollars that has gone into research during the last 5 decades.

We have had a very good experience with Herbal Science Trust run by Mr. T.P. Francis in Bangalore, India. My father-in-law (aged 79 years) was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma exactly an year back (Nov 2008). At that time, he could not move and had to be shifted to the hospital on a stretcher. The prognosis was very poor and his life expectancy was only a few months (when accompanied with conventional treatment, blood transfusion etc.).

Almost immediately after diagnosis, he agreed to sign up for a trial under Mr. Francis. The treatment was administered for about 2-3 months (till Feb 2009), after which it stopped, except some management doses every few months.

My father-in-law, who weighed 72 Kgs before the diagnosis, dropped to low 40s before stabilizing at about 65Kgs now. Before he could not walk to the car to go to the hospital. Now he walks 4-5Kms per day. This is a remarkable and miraculous recovery. This was possible not only because of the herbal formulation developed by Mr. Francis (who is also supported by a retired professor from a reputed institute), but also by the careful and caring monitoring by Mr. Francis (who has entered a comment above).

I hope such actions of the FDA do not dissuade people who are making possible what more than 200 billion dollars of research money has no achieved in the last two decades.