Alternative therapies for curing cancer: what do patients want? What do patients need?

Despite her scientific training and experience in medical practice, after being diagnosed with an indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the author was subjected to intense pressure about alternative therapies from well-meaning friends and relatives. While insulated at first from these forces, disease recurrences and progression increased her vulnerability to the lure of seemingly gentler approaches. A data-driven study of alternative therapeutic methods, however, convinced the author that investigational strategies offered her a better chance of cure or improvement than unproven alternative methods. She offers guidelines for physicians about what patients want, and emphasizes the importance of hope, caring, and information.