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© ALS Independence 2003-11
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Alternative Treatments - rod @ 08:02 PST
Members
International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations
Dear Alliance Members
This year there has been ongoing interest in alternative and unproven therapies
within our community. In Philadelphia at the Annual Meeting, discussions in the
corridors highlighted the need for a statement from the Alliance on alternative
or unproven treatments. This need was further highlighted by the reports of
people investing in treatments in China using Olfactory Ensheathing Glia.
Significant work has been undertaken to produce a statement on alternative
treatments.
For the purposes of this document, the term ‘Alternative’ used here refers to
treatments or interventions that are not part of mainstream (conventional or
Western) medicine and generally have not been scientifically documented and/or
may not be recognised as being safe and effective for ALS/MND.
Background
Those with ALS/MND have always been interested in alternative treatments. It is
understandable that when you have been informed that you have a terminal illness
and conventional medicine cannot provide a cure, that you will look to other
alternatives which may provide you with some hope.
With the rise in the use of the internet and the ease of mass communications,
the promotion and marketing of such alternative treatments has never been
easier.
Over the years there have been a number of alternative treatments which have
come to the attention of those with ALS/MND and purport to offer improvements in
symptoms and/or delays in progression of the disease. Such alternative
treatments include snake venom, goat serum and more recently Olfactory
Ensheathing Glia (OEG) transplantation.
People with ALS/MND are frequently taking a more proactive approach to their
condition and actively seek out different or alternative forms of treatments and
as such the International Alliance has, as an umbrella organisation, been
approached on a number of occasions to provide advice and guidance on such
treatments.
While the Alliance has neither the resources nor expertise to act as guardians
or police on such treatments, it would be beneficial if some statement could be
issued on such occasions that would serve to state the International Alliance’s
position on such matters whilst providing some form of positive guidance for the
enquirers.
When a person with ALS/MND wishes to try an alternative treatment, it is not the
Alliance’s responsibility to be a policeman, to block such a wish or to shatter
their hopes. Rather our aim should be to raise the awareness of people with
ALS/MND so that they can be properly informed and able to make appropriate
decisions. The Alliance wants to empower people with ALS/MND, allowing them to
make informed choices about their health care.
The International Alliance’s position should be weighted towards the use of
rigorous scientific testing and clinical trials, the results of which can offer
reliable information to guide doctors, health care professionals and the general
public. This in turn helps to improve the ability of those affected by ALS/MND
to make informed choices in the use of treatments. However, there is always the
possibility that an alternative treatment may provide some lasting benefit
without having undergone the rigors of scientific testing and any statement
needs to take this into consideration.
The destruction of a family’s financial resources should be considered as much a
risk as some of the medical ones.
The following Statement, and guidance principles, was adopted by the Board of
Directors of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations at its meeting
on 15 July 2005. It is recommended to you by the Board of Directors.
STATEMENT ON ALTERNATIVE TREAMENTS
The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations recognises the interest that
people affected by ALS/MND can have in seeking alternative forms of treatments.
The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations supports the individual’s
right to choose what treatment they wish to undertake but would strongly
encourage anyone considering any treatment to fully discuss the issues around
such treatment with their doctor, health care professional and family before
making a final decision.
The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations believe that treatments for,
and research into, ALS/MND should be legal, have a sound scientific rational and
have the potential to bring us closer to the cause, treatment or cure for the
condition.
The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations only recommends treatments
that have been proven through thorough scientific testing and clinical trails to
be safe and effective.
The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations recommends all providers of
non-proven and/or alternative treatments for those affected by ALS/MND to
conduct scientific research and submit papers to the appropriately recognised
journals so that peer review can be undertaken and the information can be shared
amongst the whole ALS/MND community.
Guidance Principles
When looking at alternative treatments, the International Alliance would
recommend that you give careful consideration to the following questions to help
you think through the issues and to make an informed decision:-
What claims are being made for the treatment?
Often there will be claims of stopping the progression of the disease or of a
reversal/improvement in symptoms. Check who it is that is making these claims
and what evidence there is to back them up. If the claims are genuine then they
will have been published in recognised scientific journals and there will be
published results of clinical trials. Often there will be testimonials from
people with ALS/MND of the improvements they have experience. It is important to
find out how long the improvements lasted for as there is a recognised
phenomenon called the ‘placebo’ effect which occurs when individuals experience
beneficial effects only because they believe that they’re receiving beneficial
treatment. Does their doctor agree that there has been a benefit in undergoing
the treatment?
How are people finding out about the treatment?
Is it mainly being promoted through the mass media i.e. newspapers, magazines,
the Internet etc. Any genuinely safe and effective treatment will be promoted
and recommended by your doctor and the ALS/MND Associations.
Who is offering the treatment?
Is the treatment being offered by an appropriately recognised institution? Is it
being offered by a number of different institutions or just one? If it’s just
one then why are others not following and doing the same? Do you have to travel
to another country to receive the treatment and if so why is it not available in
your own country?
What are the risks involved?
Is it clearly stated what risks are involved in undergoing the treatment? Are
there any side effects and how long may they last? Has the treatment been proved
to be safe and effective and if so how was this done? Don’t forget that there
can be financial risks associated with treatment particularly if it is expensive
and involves overseas travel.
What follow-up monitoring is carried out after the treatment?
Follow-up monitoring is extremely important not just for you but for all those
with ALS/MND. For you it is important to know that you will be monitored so that
any adverse effects can be picked up as soon as they occur. For all those with
ASL/MND they need to know if the treatment is successful and that they can rely
on the claims being made.
Rodney Harris
Chairman
On behalf of the
Board of Directors
International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations
August 2005
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© ALS Independence 2003-11