BS detector going haywire; rightfully so?

[VBM]

through a family member who knows someone who knows someone, we got some information about a pioneering German cancer treatment called "Parapox"

my wife called a US # to speak to a Dr. Richard Myung who proceeded to endlessly spew a bunch of technical jargon about this immunotherapy treatment how it cures 80% of cancer patients, its pending approval by the FDA and the makers will surely get Nobel prizes for this groundbreaking work.

he follows up by e-mailing:
1. an abstract which describes how the stuff works and how this treatment has proven clinical enhancement for depression, herpes, mono as well as cancer...
2. a testimonial
3. treatment packages, which describes how much the whole thing will cost (does not include the plane to Germany but includes airport pickup, hotel + of course, the Dr's consultation and the 10 initial shots of this stuff)

They require 20k USD upfront paid to a LLC in Reno (40k, for the "premium" package or, if you're really serious, the "royal" package for 50k)

just wanted to hear from the 2+2 faithful, but this sounds like a scam to me b/c;

1. something that cures 80% of cancer patients would be global-headline making news, right?
2. most doctors i've ever talked to don't try to confuse you with technical terms and explain things in a way that is understandable to a lay person.
3. how can this "doctor" know that this set of shots will cure the cancer without even knowing our particular case?
4. a real treatment regimen wouldn't be laid out and priced like a set of carwash options, right?

...this is BS, isn't it?

[lu_hawk]

yes

[tbach24]

Firstly, I hope everything goes well for your wife.

Secondly, yes this does sound like BS. The part about the elevated prices is just too much.

[Rotating Rabbit]

Yes this is BS.

[RunDownHouse]

My girlfriend is currently an MD/PhD student with the PhD in cancer biology. If you want to email me the abstract, PM me and I'll ask her if she can take a quick look at it.

[slamdunkpro]

I just did an AMA database search - There is no Dr Richard Myung MD

[Blarg]

Sounds very BS-y.

You might want to look up Jean Carper's books on nutritional medicine, if you want some adjunct therapy and tips on good diet for cancer patients. She or he or whatever is a longtime medical writer who is not out on the fruity edge or anything. You might want to check out "Food, Your Miracle Medicine" by her. There are some chapters on foods that can make lots of cancers and other conditions better or worse, or just boost the immune system. Total cost: 8 bucks.

Good luck with your situation.

[Blarg]

Probably a doctorate in advertising and marketing.

[Voltron87]

obviously bs, for many reasons.

- it cures depression, herpes, mono, and cancer?
- its pending FDA approval- ie its not approved
- said doctor has never examined the patient...
- a bunch of other stuff

[thatpfunk]

Wow, how much of a scumbag can you be to try to scam cancer victims?

Jesus Christ, I'm in shock. I didn't know people were THAT low.