Translational Value
Based on the outcomes of the RCT by Frass M et al.
Study Ref: Frass M, et al. Improved quality of life and prolonged survival with add-on homeopathic treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, three-arm, multicenter study. Support Care Cancer. 2026.
- The demand for homoeopathy for the treatment of cancer has risen substantially over a long period of time owing to three foundational beliefs: that it does not have any reported side effects, is easier to take and is economical.
- At the same time, due to a lack of rigorous research, it faces a dual challenge.
- Homeopathy as an add-on therapy alongside conventional anticancer treatment seems to be a promising and viable area. It is opined by many that homeopathy might help to alleviate adverse effects of conventional therapy and improve the longevity of the patient.
- The present study aimed to replicate the previous works on the effect of adjunctive homeopathy on quality of life (QoL) and survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- A prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, three-arm, multicentre phase III study was conducted and reported as per the CONSORT.
- Ninety-eight patients of stage IV NSCLC were offered either individualised homeopathy (n = 51) or placebo (n = 47).
- This was done in contract to 52 non-randomised control patients observed for survival only.
The study reported that
- Global health status (QoL) was higher with homeopathy than placebo, and nearly all functional and symptom scales favoured homeopathy.
- Out of 730 days of follow-up, the median survival was 435 days for homeopathy vs 257 days for placebo vs 228 days for control.
- The two-year survival rates were 45.1% homeopathy, 23.4% placebo, and 13.5% control.
It was concluded that the add-on homeopathy offered better QoL and longer survival. Further research demands independent replication in comparison to contemporary immuno-oncological regimens.
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