Lung Cancer Homeopathy Study Update 6 - Lead author fails to appear at panel discussion at oncology congress
Surprising twist in long-planned discussion at the 2024 spring conference of the Austrian Society for Hematology & Medical Oncology and the Working Group of Hematology and Oncology Nurses in Austria
From April 4-6, 2024, the 2024 Spring Conference of the OeGHO and AHOP took place at the Hofburg Vienna. A panel discussion had been planned as part of the program for some time:
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE: PROS & CONS Secret Council Chamber
Chair: Jutta Hübner, Jena (Germany), Harald Sitte, Vienna
Homeopathy
• PROS: Homeopathy improves quality of life and survival
Michael Frass, Vienna
• CONS: Homeopathy – pre-scientific and ineffective?
Harald Sitte, Vienna
It was expected that Michael Frass would present his controversial publication on homeopathy for lung cancer as evidence of the effectiveness of homeopathy in cancer treatment. We have reported on the criticism of this publication, and its retraction has been demanded by the Austrian Agency for Scientific Integrity and the Medical University of Vienna due to indications of falsification and manipulation. The pharmacologist Harald Sitte from Meduni Vienna was present as the “CONTRA” speaker, who also acted as chair together with the oncologist Jutta Hübner from the University of Jena.
There was great interest in this discussion. The hall (ironically named the “Geheime Ratsstube” or “Secret Council Chamber”) was overflowing, and some interested parties had to settle for standing room. Jutta Hübner and Harald Sitte were ready on time. However, to the surprise and disappointment of those present, the discussion did not take place as planned. Michael Frass, probably Austria's most prominent homeopath and the one most frequently quoted in the media, did not appear at the panel discussion without giving any reason to the organizers.
As an impromptu solution, Jutta Hübner simulated the “pro side” a little (under protest), while Harald Sitte presented the well-founded criticism of the Frass lung cancer study and the scientific criticism of homeopathy as a whole.
Everyone can make up their own mind about that.