Second Opinion, a documentary by Eric Merola, explores the controversy that often exists between the science of cancer research and the administrative decisions that follow. Such decisions have made it impossible for patients to receive the treatments that they desire in the United States, often forcing them to cross the border into Mexico or Canada to receive necessary alternative medicine. Additionally, although science has demonstrated that some drugs are useful in cancer treatment, they continue to be prohibited by the FDA. One of these drugs, Laetrile, has assisted numerous lung cancer patients in achieving miraculous remissions. However, laetrile and many other drugs continue to be prohibited for use in the United States. There are numerous …show more content…
Each day, patients drink 20 pounds of crushed organic fruits and vegetables, have 3-4 coffee enemas, and take supplements for potassium, vitamin B12, pancreatic enzymes, and the thyroid. Supporters believe that this cleanses the liver and eliminates cancer cells in the body, however there has been little evidence proving the efficacy of this therapy. According to Cancer Research UK, one study in the United Kingdom demonstrated that six patients had a reduced need for painkillers and better emotional health upon receiving this therapy, however these studies were minimal with a limited sample size (n.d.). 714X is another cancer treatment therapy that remains unapproved by the FDA. This drug, available only in Canada under the Compassionate Use Program, was created by Gaston Naessens. Naessens believes that the drug strengthens the immune system and thus halting anaerobic fermentation in cancer metabolism. Although there have been numerous cases reported by patients claiming the efficacy of 714X, there are no clinical trials that have been conducted to