Overview

This complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) information summary provides an overview of the Gonzalez regimen as a treatment for people with cancer. The summary includes a brief history of the science and philosophies of care that have influenced development of the regimen, the results of research and clinical studies, and side effects that have been associated with this treatment approach.

This summary contains the following key information:

• The Gonzalez regimen is a complex cancer treatment that is tailored by the practitioner for each specific patient.
• Existing clinical data concerning the effectiveness of the Gonzalez regimen as a treatment for cancer are limited with conflicting results.
• Pancreatic enzymes taken orally are the primary agents within the regimen thought to have direct antitumor effects. The enzymes are derived from porcine (pig) sources.
• The regimen also includes specific diets, vitamin and mineral supplements, extracts of animal organs, and coffee enemas.
• The Gonzalez regimen is currently available only to the patients of its developer.
• A variety of diet regimens similar to those in the Gonzalez regimen are associated with cancer prevention, but none have been shown to be effective as cancer treatments.
• Compliance with the Gonzalez regimen may be extremely difficult for patients because of the large number of pills taken per day (150) and the strict dietary protocols.

Many of the medical and scientific terms used in this summary are hypertext linked (at first use in each section) to the NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms, which is oriented toward nonexperts. When a linked term is clicked, a definition will appear in a separate window.

Reference citations in some PDQ CAM information summaries may include links to external Web sites that are operated by individuals or organizations for the purpose of marketing or advocating the use of specific treatments or products. These reference citations are included for informational purposes only. Their inclusion should not be viewed as an endorsement of the content of the Web sites, or of any treatment or product, by the PDQ Cancer CAM Editorial Board or the National Cancer Institute.