Research and Clinical Trials -- Breast Cancer

Introduction | Protocol | Outcome

A Pilot Feasibility and Efficacy Study Assessing Tibetan Medicine for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Research Outcome

Dr. Debu Tripathy and his collaborators, Dr. Yeshi Dhonden and Marsha Woolf, obtained an Investigational New Drug application from the FDA to examine the safety of 7 of the Tibetan formulas used by Dr. Yeshi Dhonden to treat women with metastatic breast cancer. The safety of the herbs was the primary goal of this study. The study was open from April of 1999 to November of 2000, with 12 patients enrolled during this period.

The study data is currently undergoing analysis, and we expect the results in approximately 6 months. Additionally, we are contemplating a Phase II study to examine the effectiveness of Tibetan herbs in treating women with metastatic breast cancer. However, the timeline for this undertaking is uncertain. Currently, we are not in the position to comment on the effectiveness of alternative treatments for breast cancer, but we are hopeful that with continued development of scientifically rigorous clinical trials of alternative treatments, such as with Tibetan herbs, we will be able to address these issues in the future.

If you have questions about this study and/or if you would like to be contacted if a Phase II Tibetan herb study is opened at UCSF, please email either Liz Wieland, Breast Care Center Clinical Trials Manager or Marina Kenzer, Breast Care Center Study Coordinator for Alternative Medicine Trials.

Dr. Dhonden and Marsha Woolf continue to consult with women with metastatic breast cancer with Tibetan herbs in New York, Massachusetts and California. If you are interested in obtaining more information about Tibetan herbs, you can email Marsha Woolf at tibetanmedicine@hotmail.com

Excerpts from "Healing from the Source"
Excerpts from "Health Through Balance"
Dr. Dhonden's Books
Tibetan Medicine: Books and Resources
Dr. Yehsi Dhonden