Evidence-based complementary oncology. Current studies and perspectives

Cancer diseases demand diagnostic and therapeutic measures with proven quality, safety and efficacy. The basis for evaluation are clinical studies representing levels I and II (randomized controlled trials/RCT or cohort studies) in accordance with recommendations of the Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Oxford, UK. In view of these requirements, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy have emerged as the gold standards in the treatment of cancers. Only these therapies have proven their ability to eradicate cancer and their curative feasibility depending on cancer entity and stage. Complementary therapies are recommended to support and optimize the scientifically based standard cancer treatment.