Josef Issels

Josef Issels

Josef Issels (21 November 1907 – 11 February 1998) was a German physician known for his controversial alternative cancer treatments. He founded the Issels Clinic in Rottach-Egern, Germany, which operated from 1951 to 1970. Issels' methods, often referred to as "Issels Treatment," combined conventional and alternative therapies, including immunotherapy, detoxification, and dietary changes.

Early Life and Education

Josef Issels was born in Mönchengladbach, Germany. He studied medicine at the University of Würzburg and the University of Freiburg, where he earned his medical degree in 1932. After completing his studies, Issels specialized in internal medicine and later focused on oncology.

Career

Issels began his medical career working in various hospitals across Germany. In 1951, he established the Issels Clinic in Rottach-Egern, where he developed his unique approach to cancer treatment. His methods were based on the belief that cancer is a systemic disease that requires a holistic treatment approach.

Issels Treatment

The Issels Treatment combined conventional cancer therapies, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, with alternative methods. These included:

• Immunotherapy: Enhancing the body's immune system to fight cancer.
• Detoxification: Removing toxins from the body to improve overall health.
• Dietary changes: Implementing a strict diet to support the body's natural healing processes.
• Psychotherapy: Addressing the psychological aspects of cancer.

Issels claimed that his treatment could lead to long-term remission in patients with advanced cancer. However, his methods were met with skepticism and criticism from the mainstream medical community.

Controversy and Criticism

Issels' treatments were controversial and often criticized for lacking scientific evidence. Many in the medical community viewed his methods as unproven and potentially harmful. In 1961, Issels was arrested and charged with fraud and manslaughter, but he was acquitted in 1964. Despite the controversy, some patients and supporters claimed that Issels' treatments had positive effects.

Later Life and Legacy

After the closure of the Issels Clinic in 1970, Issels continued to promote his treatment methods through lectures and publications. He authored several books on cancer treatment and alternative medicine. Josef Issels passed away on 11 February 1998.

Issels' legacy remains controversial. While some view him as a pioneer in holistic cancer treatment, others criticize his methods as lacking scientific validation. The debate over the efficacy of alternative cancer treatments continues to this day.

See Also

• Alternative cancer treatments
• Holistic medicine
• Immunotherapy
• Detoxification
• Dietary changes in cancer treatment