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HCRC FAQ Sheet

Greek
Cancer
Cure


By Saul Green, Ph.D.

The "Greek Cancer Cure " was the phrase used by Greek M.D., Hariton T. Alivizatos, to describe the treatment for cancer he says he discovered while in medical school in Athens, Greece. The treatment consisted of a "secret" test for cancer and the injection of a secret "serum".

The explanation provided by Alivizatos for how the "serum" worked was as follows: Supposedly, cancer is caused by a deficiency of a single substance. Other factors (undefined), enter the picture after the cancer has started to grow. It is these factors that the serum affects. According to Alivizatos, as cancer grows it builds a "jelly" around itself which prevents the body's natural immunity from killing it. Alivizatos claimed that the serum tricks the cancer cells into thinking it will help them and they invite the serum in. The serum then dissolves the jelly like substance and the natural immune system's white cells kill the cancer. One injection of the serum works for six months, by dissolving dead cancer cells which are then eliminated by the urinary system, bowels or phlem. (Alivizatos l981)

Dr. Alivizatos has stated that his "serum" was made entirely of natural substances but he never identified the contents and never provided samples for testing. No independent organization has ever substantiated the results that Alivizatos says have been obtained with his serum. (ACS, l983)

Alivizatos claims that the "secret" blood test he does in his office (graded l to 10 ) determines the existence and severity of a cancer. A series of l8 to 22 injections of the secret "serum" is prescribed and the patient is put on a special diet. The diet consists of cereals and grains. Among the long list of dont's are: alcohol, apples, cherries, lemons, grapes, jello, olives, pork, fish , yogurt, salt, sunbathing, swimming , sex and emotional stress. (Alivisatos l981). As of l990 the cost of the treatment was $4000. (U.S.Embassy, Athens, Greece.)

Although Alivizatos died in 1991, some clinics in North America continue to offer what they say is the same treatment and, according to a book on "alternative" cancer treatments, his formula is marketed under the names METBAL and Cellbal.

The following summary is from representations made to patients by Alivizatos in printed materials and from the testimony of patients "on site". An independent analysis of a sample of his serum which was smuggled out of his office by an American physician posing as a cancer patient is included.

Overview

It is literally impossible to demonstrate or prove Alivizatos therapeutic claims for his "secret" test or the "serum" treatment. He never disclosed the composition of his serum, the dosage to be used or the nature of the "secret" diagnostic test. Alivizatos appears to have had no medical support staff, nurses, assistant physicians or lab technicians. He apparently made the serum from materials he bought from local, but unidentified supply houses.

There was no evidence of any attempt at quality control over the "serum" he injected into the blood of his patients. Reports by ex-patients confirm that he did no physical examinations but relied totally on papers the patients brought with them and on his own "secret" blood test.

An analysis of the "serum", smuggled out of Alivizatos clinic by a patient (Fox l983) revealed that its contents were water and nicotinic acid (Niacin). The vitamin Niacin has been extensivelly studied in laboratories around the world and has never been found to have benefit in the treatment of cancer.Large doses of Niacin do cause severe flushing and itching. Prolonged use can result in skin disorders, gout, ulcers, jaundice, blood sugar disorders and liver damage as shown by elevated serum levels of liver enzymes.

There are no publications of Alivizatos's work in the medical or scientific peer reviewed journals nor is there any published data that he did systematic controlled trials for safety and efficacy. Claims by Alivizatos that prestigious medical centers in the U.S. have invited him to present his work have been checked out and found to be false (ACS-l982).

Conclusion

Choosing Alivisatos's Greek Cure puts the patient who is searching for viable alternatives to the treatment of cancer in the predicament of having to choose," What is the best treatment for me_". In this case, that choice is entirely based on what he is promised "may" occur. Thus, his decision is based entirely on the faith he has in the honesty of his therapist. The question the patient must then answer is , " Am I prepared to take full responsibility for the consequences of my choice_".

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