The Pfeifer-Protocol® – contains a summary of selected cancer treatment protocols developed and successfully practiced by Professor Ben Pfeifer, M.D., Ph.D. and his team of well-known, internationally acclaimed clinicians and researchers.
This protocol is meant to help cancer patients and their physicians to achieve best possible treatment results, reduce suffering, and improve quality of life as well as life expectancy by combining leading edge conventional treatment methods with effective complementary-oncology measures.
“Let me start by saying that the name of these protocols does not originate with me but was coined by patients of mine and their doctors. In my personal view, I think the name, ‘Pfeifer Protocol’, is a bit pretentious since all we did was compile some of our treatment protocols that were most effective over the years in clinical practice. I do not claim in any way that these treatment protocols are comprehensive or have general validity. These protocols have arisen empirically, and they are constantly improved and developed further. Over the past 20 years, more than 15,000 patients have used our treatment recommendations, many with excellent success.
Of course, I hope that this number will become far greater, as our protocols have proved effective in clinical practice again and again, often providing long-lasting benefits to patients, even with advanced cancer.
I hope that the ‘Pfeifer Protocol’ reaches even more therapists and their cancer patients, so that our positive experience with these complementary therapy protocols can be multiplied.“
Professor Ben Pfeifer
4 Pillars of Integrative Cancer Care approach
A holistic approach to cancer care must adequately address the body, mind and spirit of cancer patients trying to meet their unique and multi-dimensional needs. Complementary cancer therapies are not an alternative to conventional treatments. They rather support patients who are undergoing conventional cancer therapies to maximize their chances for treatment success, alleviate side effects from toxic treatments, restore immune system function, and improve recovery.
Complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture, massage therapy, aromatherapy, and yoga – all have the potential to provide symptom relief and reduce side effects from toxic chemotherapy and radiation improving overall well-being of cancer patients. Depending on cancer-type, general health conditions, lifestyle, genetics, and metabolic characteristics of the individual patient, we are utilizing various effective complementary therapies for our patients.
The Pfeifer Protocol® is based on four pillars:
- Direct cancer cell killing by specific phytotherapy (plant-based treatment)
- Anti-inflammation
- Anti-oxidation
- Immune system restoration as well as modulation
Depending on an individual patient’s needs, these four treatment pillars are sometimes combined with enzyme therapy, hyperthermia or fever therapy, and detoxifying treatments, Last, but not least, necessary lifestyle- and dietary changes as well as, specific exercise programs, and psycho-oncology treatment measures may be recommended by our specialists.
The combined effects of these complementary cancer treatment methods can be utilized to increase efficacy of standard cancer therapies. For example, our plant-based treatment protocols with Indole-3-Carbinol extracted from cruciferous vegetables, Artemisinin extracted from Artemisia annua,epigallocatechin gallate extracted from green tea, and isoflavones as well as various plant sterols have been shown to improve chemotherapy efficacy and reduce tolerance development against several chemotherapy drugs. At the same time, these phytotherapy substances exert significant anti-cancer effects, work as antioxidants, and reduce inflammatory effects – all helpful to restore the patient’s immune system function and reduce side effects of toxic conventional cancer therapies.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may be suppressed effectively by ginger, cannabinoids, fennel, scutellaria baicalensis and other plant extracts, but also by acupuncture and homeopathic remedies. Pain and associated anxiety, as well as difficulties sleeping will respond well to specific phytotherapy (for example cannabidiol) and melatonin. Chemotherapy induced ulcerations in the mouth (mucositis) can be treated successfully with essential oils of peppermint and lavender,which contain powerful anti-fungal properties that help eliminate oral yeast infections.
Hot flashes as side effects of hormonal therapy can be mitigated with Black Cohosh, Red Clover, Ginseng, and Evening Primrose Oil. Dry mouth issues, after chemotherapy or radiation of the head and neck can be treated successfully with Biotene products in combination with herbal decoctions from Traditional Chinese Medicine, such as Shennongbaijie, Jiawei Zhang Ye, and Sanganhuayin.