Frequently Asked Questions
DMSO is an alternative cancer treatment. Years of research studies have proven it is safe and effective. It is legal. But because it has to be prescribed “off label,” (the FDA approved it, but not as a cancer treatment) patients’ insurance companies cannot be billed for it. It is not available through most cancer treatment centers for this reason. 1. What is DMSO? Short for Dimethyl Sulfoxide, DMSO is a natural substance; a byproduct of the lumber industry, which supplies it to the pharmaceutical industry for veterinary and human use. In its crude form, this carrier solvent is often used by veterinarians and athletic coaches in the treatment of muscle sprains and various injuries. It promotes healing by increasing the blood supply to the area of the injury. The pure pharmaceutical grade is FDA approved for treatment of interstitial cystitis (bladder inflammation.) DMSO is a gentle but powerful healing substance. 2. Are there any side effects associated with DMSO treatment? A few patients have reported a mild headache or a spell of chills. This is rare, and disappears when the IV drip rate is slowed. DMSO has a slight odor like garlic and oysters. This fades away within two days after the final treatment. DMSO is gentle and non-toxic. It does not ordinarily cause nausea and vomiting, nor does it routinely destroy healthy tissue or blood cells, unlike standard chemo. It won’t cause anemia, except in cases where disease progression has damaged the pancreas or gallbladder, or in cases where prior standard chemotherapy and/or disease progression has damaged the bone marrow's ability to regenerate replacement red blood cells. When this side effect arises in a patient receiving DMSO (anemia) it can be offset with a blood transfusion, or the patient may be switched over to another alternative treatment. Patients who are warned of the risk of anemia are often willing to accept the trade-off and the possibility of a transfusion becoming necessary, when weighing it against the likelihood that the DMSO is also working to destroy their tumors. Despite occasional anemia, DMSO has none of the miserable side effects common to most standard chemotherapy agents. Research indicates that it protects against common side effects of standard chemo and radiation. It also protects against blood clot formation; a serious complication risk of surgery. 3. Is DMSO effective as a cancer treatment? YES. In the documented research literature and in actual cases we have witnessed firsthand, evidence shows that it has brought about total remission on many high grade, aggressive tumors which had progressed (metastasized) to the lymph nodes and other areas of the body. Our greatest success has been against the lymphomas, glioblastoma, melanoma, prostate and colon cancer. 4. How does DMSO work? According to the Encyclopedia of Medical Breakthroughs and Forbidden Treatments (published by Medical Research Associates LLC) DMSO was known as a medical wonder product, “the aspirin of the 21st century,” before briefly falling out of favor with the FDA—which ultimately approved it, but limited its treatment usage. DMSO has a molecular bond with water that is 1.3 times stronger than water’s molecular bond with itself. Because of it, this unique solvent substitutes for water as it moves through the cell membranes; pulling substances through cells that ordinarily would not penetrate them. Some believe its basic therapeutic principle is its ability to alter and restore damaged cells by hydrating them, changing their water structure, and increasing cellular permeability—which allows cells to nourish themselves and dispose of wastes more easily. Although all of the mechanisms of this substance are not fully understood (neither was aspirin, until fairly recently), it is known that DMSO, acting as a carrier solvent, mixes readily with dextrose, and acts as a “Trojan Horse,” when pulled across the cell walls of tumors, which feed upon the dextrose (Sugar.) The DMSO then destroys the cancer cells without affecting normal tissue. “Supporters believe that DMSO can cut through a protein shell surrounding cancer cells and so may assist medications and the immune system in attacking cancer cells. It is also believed that DMSO can decrease the energy level of cancer cells and cause them to become benign.”1 “DMSO stimulates various parts of the immune system and scavenges hydroxyl radicals, the most potent of free radicals. Since free radicals promote tumor growth, this may be one of the mechanisms by which DMSO interferes with the development of cancer. It may also explain why patients who receive DMSO while undergoing either chemotherapy or radiation (both of which generate free radicals in order to kill cancer cells) are far less prone to such side effects as hair loss, nausea and dry mouth.”2 “There is evidence that DMSO can also protect against radiation damage.”3
5. Why isn’t DMSO available through most cancer treatment centers? Two reasons: Medical bureaucracy and economics. They fear that offering it could make them vulnerable to attack (AMA, FDA) also, institutions cannot bill patients’ insurance companies for DMSO treatments. The claims would only be denied, because, even with the evidence that DMSO is an effective cancer treatment, the FDA never approved it for that purpose. It must be prescribed “off label.” The information on effective, natural, non-toxic alternative cancer treatments is “out there,” but it is not widely available. Other alternative cancer treatments (besides DMSO)—available by doctors order through Camelot Cancer Care in Tulsa, Oklahoma—can be read about on the following internet web sites: www.cancerdecisions.com, www.cancer-coverup.com and www.fact55.com. (“Foundation for Alternative Cancer Therapies.”) There are others, which keep such a low profile they declined a link. This confidential information is made available to our patients on an as-needed basis. Your oncologist (perhaps fearful of political repercussions) may not feel comfortable endorsing DMSO, but will generally respect your decision to receive it. This treatment choice is ultimately the patient’s decision. No one has the right to discourage a patient from an alternative treatment choice that could save his life. But many doctors are either uninformed or misinformed about DMSO—or they are quick to emphasize its only drawback. It does have a slight odor, like garlic and oysters, or clams. There is no denying the fact that DMSO DOES make the patient smell slightly like “the beach at low tide.” Most, who are educated, regard it as the smell of life. (Which sure beats the smell of death.) The odor from DMSO is temporary. It passes within two to three days at most after the intravenous treatments are completed. Most patients agree that the odor is a small price to pay for an effective, non-toxic cancer treatment which does not cause nausea and vomiting and only rarely causes anemia. 6. Will DMSO conflict with my standard chemotherapy? No, not if it is scheduled properly. DMSO, being a carrier solvent and also a chelating agent, (helping cells to rid themselves of waste, by making the cell membrane more porous) increases the effectiveness of whatever else is given in combination with it—but can also “chelate OUT” and diminish the effectiveness (or damage!) from standard chemo. To avoid any conflict between the two, it is best not to receive a DMSO infusion in the same day as standard chemo. We recommend a 48-72 hour safety margin for patients who have opted to receive both. 7. What is meant by the medication must be prescribed “off label?” The FDA approved DMSO for another medical purpose; treatment of Bladder inflammation, but not as a cancer treatment—even with all the research evidence proving its safety and effectiveness. 8. Is it legal for a doctor to prescribe a drug off label? YES, it is done all the time. Once a drug is FDA approved for any purpose, It may then be written off label for any condition. For example, hormone replacement therapy was originally developed for contraception. But it has long been prescribed to regulate menstrual periods and to control excessive monthly bleeding. That is just one example of many drugs which have beneficial off label uses. The point being that a patient does not need to be suffering from a bladder inflammation in order to legally receive DMSO, which may put his cancer into remission (But no medical facility can bill a patient’s insurance company for a drug treatment which has been administered off label.) 9. Why hasn’t the FDA approved DMSO for cancer treatment? It would take pages to try to speculate why the FDA does what it does, and neglects to do what it arguably should have done. One possible reason is because DMSO is a natural substance, not patentable by big pharmaceutical interests, which would not gain huge profits by its approval as a cancer treatment. To quote Dr. Stanley Jacob, the foremost researcher and authority on DMSO, “There is no placebo effect in dogs or horses!” There is undeniable evidence that DMSO is a powerful, effective tool against cancer in both animals and humans. 10. Are there any other DMSO clinics in the United States? Only one. The most well known operates at the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center. That’s where we found Dr. Stanley Jacob, Professor Emeritus and co-discover of DMSO. He dictated the treatment protocols. That clinic declines to treat cancer patients. Camelot Cancer Care LLP is the only dedicated DMSO clinic in the country which accepts cancer patients, as far as we know. The full story of DMSO and Dr Jacob's research can be found here: DMSO: Many Uses, Much Controversy 11. How do I make arrangements to receive DMSO treatments? The process begins with signing and faxing an Informed Consent Waiver/Records Release to us at Camelot Cancer Care. Our fax number is 918-493-2216. The form may be found by going back to our home page and clicking on “Getting Started.” When we receive your faxed form, we will send for a copy of your medical records and schedule an appointment for you with our supervising physician. As soon as he reviews your case history and sees you, your treatment can be authorized and we can then proceed. 12. Can you guarantee a cure? NO, that would be irresponsible. Many patients have experienced tumor regression and even remission after receiving the series of 20 intravenous treatments, but each case is different, depending on staging or progression of the disease and many other factors. Cancer is not just one disease, it is many, and DMSO may not be effective against all forms of it. The medical research evidence indicates it is most effective against hard tumors and lymphomas. We have also had great success against glioblastoma, melanoma, prostate cancer and colon cancer. We do our best to ensure that the patient has the best chance for survival, but we cannot guarantee a cure. No reputable doctor or clinic can. There are charlatan cancer clinics out there, which are really in the business of offering cruel false hope to desperate people. We welcome questions and can show the medical evidence that DMSO is an effective cancer treatment. Our patients are monitored by an excellent supervising physician, overseeing their progress. He is readily accessible to respond to any crisis. Our patients receive complete and comprehensive care, including periodic lab work and diagnostic imaging scans to gauge their response to treatment. Camelot Cancer Care offers DMSO as a complementary, off label treatment. Although it is a powerful weapon, it shouldn’t be regarded as a sole substitute for the arsenal of cancer weapons. Some conventional treatments have merit and should be continued. We also offer bio-oxidative therapy, given alternately with DMSO. Cancer cannot survive in an oxygen rich environment. We hope to offer patients “an edge;” an extra treatment that may help make the difference in their survival. But we make no claims that DMSO or intravenous oxygenation therapy are cancer “cures.” They are effective treatments, known to bring about remission in many, but not all cases. 13. When I tried to research DMSO on the Internet, I found some bad information claiming it to be harmful How do you explain this? You can “google” any treatment on the Internet: either orthodox or alternative medicine, and find posted entries both pro and con. The simple truth is that anyone, however unqualified or mistaken, can post without proving accuracy of his source. A lot of disreputable critics post false or misleading information—sometimes out of spiteful or political motives. Scientists who know better can sometimes challenge and rebut to clarify and set the record straight, but egos get involved, and no one has the authority to delete the false postings. One such entry cites that DMSO causes hemolysis—breakdown of red blood cells, also liver damage. Etc., according to “the Donnsbach booklet.” We contacted the medical researcher who had been hired to write that booklet (FOR Donnsbach), and the author himself (Dr. Morton Walker) said that the cite simply doesn’t exist—someone made it up. Yet the bogus cite remains posted online, causing needless worry and discouraging patients who could benefit from DMSO, despite the risk of anemia--which is easily manageable, if it happens. One oncologist, newly hired at a well known Tulsa cancer treatment facility, actually told a patient the preposterous falsehood that DMSO would indeed dissolve his tumor—but would then spread it to other parts of his body! That doctor may be sincere in her erroneous belief. (Who knows where she read such a wild, scary claim, and chose to believe it.) We have put that doctor on notice that if she can prove that charge to be true, we will absolutely cease our operations immediately. (So far, there has been only silence in response, leading us to conclude that “the evidence” does not exist.) Many proactive patients, distrustful of mainstream medicine, have ordered the book by Kevin Trudeau: Natural Cures “they” Don’t Want You to Know About. Here is a direct quote from page 407, what Mr. Trudeau has to say about our treatment: “I encourage you to go to the Internet and type in DMSO and start reading about its powerful effects. Also type in hydrogen peroxide and start reading about how it is used to cure and prevent all types of diseases. Please know that most of the information is being suppressed, and the pharmaceutical industry has set up a host of front web sites talking negatively about these two products. I can assure you that all of the negative discussion is misleading and untrue. These are miracle products. They can help you cure and prevent cancer and virtually all types of medical diseases. They must be used correctly, and I advise you to use them under the supervision of a licensed alternative health care practitioner. … They are also very effective in helping to get rid of candida throughout your entire body, as well as detox your body from toxins. These are miracle products. Let me say it again, these are miracle products. Proper use can change your life.” 14. Are you available for patient consultation? YES. Patients are always welcome to call us and schedule a private appointment to address their case or any concerns they may have about DMSO treatment. We welcome visitors to our alternative medicine library, where you will find such books as The Cancer Industry, Questioning Chemotherapy, and Cancer Therapy by Dr. Ralph Moss, to name but a few controversial and revealing books on cancer treatment, or watch the videos Cancer Scandal and Why Cancer Doesn’t Scare Me Anymore, by Dr. Lorraine Day. Many former patients owe their survival to having searched out the truth. 15. What cost is involved, and how many treatments will I need? The program enrollment cost is $8,500 for the initial series of 20 intravenous treatments. If the patient does not already have intravenous access (a port or a picc line) we have a skilled nurse who can place a picc line (tiny catheter which goes into an arm vein) at an additional cost of $1,100. Patients are given a paid invoice to submit to their insurance company for reimbursement for their picc line costs. The picc line allows patients to receive intravenous treatment in total comfort, without any needle punctures. It also makes it possible for the patient to return home after 20 days with supplies to continue their treatments at home, if necessary. Payment is due when treatment begins. DMSO is administered daily, including Sundays. After the treatments are concluded, a P.E.T. scan is scheduled to evaluate the patient's response to treatment. The cost is reduced to $100 per treatment (to cover reimbursement for supplies) to accommodate any patients who may require additional treatments. 16. Did you say that my health insurance won't cover the cost of DMSO treatment? That's true, most health insurance won't. We agree it is a sad state of affairs when insurance will cover the standard cancer treatments (which have toxic side effects and are often ineffective), yet a natural chemo alternative, which is far less costly by comparison, proven effective as a cancer treatment--but not FDA approved for that usage--can only be administered "off label" and is therefore not covered by insurance. Here is what insurance will usually cover: A. The initial doctor's visit, which includes an exam and medical records review B. Any checkups needed with the doctor during the course of treatment C. Lab fees, to monitor the patients blood and urine during treatment D. Placement of a PICC line (needed for ease and comfort of IV treatments) E. P.E.T. scan following treatment to determine effectiveness of treatment. F. Blood transfusion and hospital stay, if needed. Insurance generally covers all of the above, roughly $20,000 total for these incidental costs. It does not cover the $7,500 for the series of 20 intravenous treatments. Unfortunately, there is no getting around the fact that the primary alternative chemotherapy agent we administer, DMSO, has to be given off label and is not covered by insurance, so it is an out of pocket expense. But many patients lose sight of the fact that standard mainstream chemo, covered by insurance, is NOT FREE. First of all, the patients insurance is billed many thousands of dollars for it - much greater cost than the non-toxic alternative treatments. Secondly, regardless of whether the patient himself pays the premiums for the insurance coverage or his employer withholds it from earnings, he is not only paying for his (often useless) insurance coverage, but by the time the deductibles and copays are figured in along with those premiums, he will have easily paid over the $8,500 cost of DMSO - which is more effective than the toxic treatments covered by insurance, and without any of the miserable side effects. 17. Do you take credit cards? What about financing for this treatment? No, sorry. Of course, patients can always get a cash advance on their credit cards. A cashiers check is preferred, but we also take personal checks. Each family's situation is different, but we have noticed that some patients take out a loan, just as you would when purchasing a car. (Except that this treatment costs less than half of what the average car costs.) It has also been brought to our attention that Capital One offers a financing plan for patients needing dental procedures which cost more than DMSO treatment ($8,500.) So we are looking into the possibility that they may offer the same type of financing plan to our cancer patients in the future. We cannot become involved in the finance business, or anything which would take time away from patient care. But we will do anything we can to help the patient get financing for his treatment, such as verifying his cancer diagnosis and his need for alternative chemotherapy treatment--which is what DMSO is. We are also happy to provide receipts for tax purposes. DMSO treatment is, of course, 100% tax deductible as a medical expense. 18. Do you offer any other alternative or complementary cancer treatments besides DMSO? Yes, we do. We always begin with DMSO. But we also help to formulate an alternative/complementary treatment plan which is customized to the individual patient, according to his diagnosis and staging (degree of disease progression.) 19. What about accommodations? Where will we stay while receiving treatment in Tulsa? Our patients are able to lease large, comfortable apartments by the week for about the same nightly cost they would ordinarily have to pay for a hotel or motel room. Please email [email protected] for more details. Camelot Cancer Care in Tulsa, Oklahoma
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