Orthomolecular Medicine: Healing Cancer, Abram Hoffer, Linus Pauling, 2004

Preface

Cancer is viewed as a disease closely related to biochemical disorders and nutrient deficiencies, rather than just a localized tumor. The authors emphasize that standard treatment methods often overlook nutrition and the metabolic needs of the body, causing patients to lose resources for recovery. The orthomolecular approach is proposed as a scientifically grounded supplement aimed at restoring optimal internal environments, enhancing tissue resilience, and reducing therapy side effects.

New Hope for Cancer Patients

It is shown that cancer patients often have significant deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which worsen prognosis and treatment tolerance.

High therapeutic doses of specific nutrients (primarily vitamin C, niacin, antioxidants) can support immunity, reduce inflammation, and slow tumor growth. The focus is on clinical examples where improved nutrition and nutritional support led to increased duration and quality of life, even in the later stages of the disease.

Clinical Nutrition for Treating and Preventing Cancer

This chapter is dedicated to the practical principles of clinical nutrition in cancer. It emphasizes the role of optimal, rather than minimal, doses of nutrients for maintaining normal cellular metabolism, DNA repair, and antioxidant protection. The authors link chronic deficiencies, oxidative stress, and inflammation with an increased risk of oncology and assert that proper nutrition can not only improve the course of the disease but also reduce the likelihood of its development. Nutrition is viewed as a fundamental therapeutic tool, without which treatment remains incomplete.

Clinical Studies of the Value of Orthomolecular Treatment

Data from clinical studies and observations are presented, showing that orthomolecular therapy can positively affect survival, well-being, and tolerance of standard treatment in cancer patients. The emphasis is not so much on "cure" but on improving the metabolic state of the body, reducing toxicity, and supporting the immune system. The authors highlight that even with ambiguous results regarding tumor response, the quality of life for patients consistently improved.

Case Histories

Clinical cases of patients with various forms of cancer are described, where the use of high doses of vitamins and nutrients was accompanied by a reduction in symptoms, increased energy, improved appetite, and slowed disease progression. These stories are used to demonstrate the individual response of the body and the importance of a personalized approach, rather than as a universal promise of cure.

Controversy

The conflict between orthomolecular medicine and orthodox oncology is discussed. Criticism from official medicine is associated with a narrow understanding of evidence, economic interests, and the neglect of nutritional biochemistry. The authors argue that resistance to the new approach is often based not on data but on dogmas, and emphasize the need to expand the medical paradigm rather than deny it.

Appendices

The appendices contain supplementary information: nutrient application schemes, additional explanations of biochemical mechanisms, as well as practical recommendations for doctors and patients. This section serves as an applied continuation of the main part of the book.