Lung Cancer Treatment Alternatives

Lung cancer is the most deadly form of cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more deaths are attributed to lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. Lung cancer is generally treated through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or a combination of the three, but many people look to alternative treatments for the disease.

Video-Assisted Thoratic Surgery

• When a patient with lung cancer cannot tolerate invasive surgery or comfortably exist with even a small tumor in the lungs, Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) may be used. According to the A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research, this type of surgery is relatively new and involves only a small incision in the chest. From there the doctor can view the tumor and remove it. This procedure, however, can only be used to treat the cancer if it has not spread to other parts of the lungs or body.

Ellagic Acid

• Ellagic Acid has shown some promise as an alternative form of treatment for cancer. This acid is a plant chemical commonly found in cranberries, strawberries and raspberries, as well as other food sources like walnuts, pomegranates and pecans. While Ellagic Acid has not been tested on human patients in a clinical environment, the substance has been shown to slow the growth of tumors in laboratory animals. Most of the testing has revolved around the acid's beneficial effect in treating not only the lungs but also skin and esophagus cancers.

Lung Cancer Vaccines

• For some patients, lung cancer vaccines may hold the key to a cure. According to Lungcancer.org, the vaccine activates the immune system of the patient by injecting cancer cells that are no longer cancerous. The idea is that once the immune system has been exposed to small amounts of the vaccine, it will then kick in and fight both the non-cancerous vaccine cells as well as the cancerous lung cells.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture is an age-old Eastern medicinal treatment where needles are inserted in strategic positions on the body to release energy and promote wellness. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no proof that acupuncture helps with the cancer itself but can decrease pain from the disease as well as symptoms of treatment like nausea, vomiting and dry mouth. Before going out and finding an acupuncturist, it's always a good practice to ask your physician for a recommended practitioner.