Realizing the true nature of cancer and other diseases, many progressive doctors avoid the use of drugs, and concentrate on correcting the body chemistry of their patients. Whereas the patient is given dietary instruction based on the results of allergy tests (which are open to doubt), the main theme of orthomolecular medicine seems to be the prescription of large quantities of artificial vitamins and minerals which blood tests have indicated to be supposedly deficient. Orthomolecular medicine, using vitamins and minerals therapeutically instead of drugs, is a good attempt by medically trained people to help the body help itself.

   In addition to vitamins and minerals, other scientific modalities are often employed in orthomolecular medicine such as supplementary enzymes, herbal medicines, hyperbaric oxygen, ultraviolet irradiation of blood, chelation, DMSO and so on. The relative merits of such modalities are open to question in tight of the fact that in most cases the same or better results can be achieved by strict diet in a very short time. However, no doubt in certain cases, modalities such as these help support life until failing body systems are restored. As mentioned, Dr Gerson found it necessary to provide supplementary enzymes in the form of calves' liver juice and to use coffee enemas to stimulate the removal of toxins.

   Orthomolecular medicine although imperfect, has achieved very good results, and for people incapable of maintaining a correct diet, it will be a big help. In respect to cancer, the only consistent successes achieved by orthomolecular doctors all depend on nutrition, modelled on the Gerson diet as a basis.