Dr. Josef Issels (November 21, 1907 – February 11, 1998) developed an alternative cancer therapy, the Issels Treatment , which caused a great amount of controversy among the medical profession. He claimed to cure cancer patients who had otherwise been declared incurable by conventional cancer treatments.
Issels believed that cancer was caused because of the weakening of the human immune system and hence had to be cured by strenthening it again. However, he did not dispute the importance of conventional cancer therapies like surgery and chemotherapy, and did in fact use them when treating his patients.
Issels opened his Ringberg Clinic in Bavaria in 1951. As the clinic achieved greater fame, otherwise incurable patients from around the world began to seek his treatment.
His practice was not appreciated by other doctors, especially the Bavarian Medical Council , which charged Issels with fraud and manslaughter. After a four year legal battle, Issels was acquitted on all charges and his clinic was relicensed.
His two most famous patients were Lillian Board and especially Bob Marley. The fact that he was unable to save the life of either of these high profile patients did nothing to enhance his reputation.
Issels died in 1998, but his wife continues to promote his work through the Issels Foundation.
Bibliography
- Thomas, Gordon. Cancer Doctor: The Biography of Josef Issels, M.D. ISBN 1893302180
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