Alternative medicines
are unconventional, unproven therapies that are FDA-approved
for the treatment of a medical condition. There are
alternative medicines for prostate cancer patients,
however, without the clinical trials to support data,
most doctors do not recommend that patients take supplements
such as shark cartilage or PC-SPES. Side effects are
not documented and doses may not be standardized so
any patient considering alternative medicine should
first consult with their doctor. Acupuncture was once
in the realm of alternative medicine for the treatment
of prostate cancer chemotherapy side effects. Though
the FDA now regulates the production of the acupuncture
needles and extensive research is being conducted on
why acupuncture works, most people view this treatment
as an alternative medicine.
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