Full Text

[notdef]

[notdef]U Hobohm*,11University of Applied Sciences, Bioinformatics, Wiesenstrasse 14, D-35390 Giessen, GermanyThe phenomenon of spontaneous regression and remission from cancer has been observed by many physicians and was described in

hundreds of publications. However, suggestive clues on cause or trigger are sparse and not substantiated by much experimental

evidence. In this review, literature is surveyed and summarised and possible causes are discussed. At least in a larger fraction of cases a

hefty feverish infection is linked with spontaneous regression in time and is investigated as putative trigger. Epidemiological and

immunological evidence is put into perspective. An online forum to discuss the possible application of fever therapy in the future can

be accessed at http://bioinfo.tg.fh-giessen.de/fever-and-cancer.British Journal of Cancer (2005) 92, 421425. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6602386 www.bjcancer.com

Published online 8 February 2005& 2005 Cancer Research UKKeywords: fever therapy; neoplasms; spontaneous neoplasm regression; tumour; oncologySpontaneous regressions and remissions from cancer have been

recognised since the diagnosis of cancer became a science.

Rohdenburg, a medical director at Columbia University, wrote in

1918: It can be definitely asserted that regressive changes varying

from a temporary standstill to the complete disappearance of the

tumour, whether it be of epithelial or connective tissue origin, may

occur at any age period, in either sex, and irrespective of the

location of the growth. On the other hand, large fractions of

clinicians over large fractions of the century disregarded the

phenomenon or denied that its existence has been proven beyond

doubt. Although even a quick glance into the literature must

convince us that unexplained healings from cancer happen, it is a

rare event and, most importantly, the phenomenon of spontaneous

healing in cancer remains almost without clue. Here I survey

literature on spontaneous regression and remission and try to

align with contemporary immunology and epidemiology.DISCUSSIONSpontaneous regressionsThe literature on spontaneous regression and remission consists of

numerous case studies and few reviews (Rohdenburg, 1918; Boyd,

1966; Everson and Cole, 1968; Stephenson et al, 1971; Challis and

Stam, 1990). Two of...

Show less

Fever therapy revisited

Full Text

Suggested sources

Fever therapy revisited

Content area

Full Text

Suggested sources