Unproven treatments
At the present time, the only drug that has been proven to slow the progression of MND is
riluzole. This drug is only moderately effective and it is very understandable that people living with MND may wish to explore other treatment options.
Alternative treatments, also known as unproven treatments, may appear to offer some hope. Those offering these treatments suggest that they will work better than riluzole, claiming that they can cure MND or significantly slow disease progression. However, these remarkable claims are not supported by any reliable scientific evidence.
Examples of unproven treatments include stem cell therapy, snake venom treatment and "detox" regimes.
What is reliable evidence?
To become "proven", a new treatment must undergo a rigorous clinical trials process. You can read more about what this entails in Research Info Sheet D - Clinical trials (324 kb) . The process not only tests whether a treatment works, it also ensures that the treatment is safe.
A treatment that has not undergone proper clinical trials:
- Lacks reliable evidence to support its effectiveness
- May have unacceptably serious side effects
- Has not been independently examined
- Could be without scientific rationale.
Questions to ask if you are considering an alternative treatment
- What does your doctor think of the treatment?
- What evidence is there to support the claims made about the treatment? You should never be expected to pay for a treatment that lacks published clinical trials results.
- What are the risks involved? Ask how side effects have been assessed and documented. Consider also financial risk if the treatment is very expensive.
- Where did you find out about the treatment? Newspapers, magazines and websites may have little regard for the presence or absence of good evidence.
- Do you have to travel to another country to receive the treatment? UK regulations surrounding medical practice and treatment exist to protect patients.
- Are there claims that the treatment is effective for a wide variety of diseases? Most geniune treatments are of benefit in just one or two diseases.
How are complementary therapies different?
Complementary therapies may help a person cope with living with MND and relieve symptoms such as anxiety or pain. However, the therapist will not claim that the therapy can alter the progression of the disease. Examples include massage, aromatherapy and meditation.
Research
