Individual therapies
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Laetrile is promoted as an alternative cancer treatment. There is not enough reliable evidence that it works.
Summary
Laetrile is a man-made form of amygdalin, a plant substance found in some nuts, plants and seeds of fruit.
Claims that laetrile or amygdalin can treat cancer are not backed up by research.
It contains cyanide, a poison and can cause serious side effects.
It is understandable that you might want to try anything if you think it might help treat or cure your cancer. Only you can decide whether to use an alternative cancer therapy such as laetrile.
You could harm your health if you stop your cancer treatment for an unproven treatment.
Many websites promote laetrile as a cure for cancer. But no reputable scientific cancer organisations support any of these claims. Be cautious about believing this type of information or paying for any alternative cancer therapy over the internet.
Last reviewed: 27 Sept 2022
Next review due: 27 Sept 2025
Find detailed information and research into some of the many different complementary and alternative therapies used by people with cancer.
A complementary therapy means you can use it alongside your conventional medical treatment. It may help you to feel better and cope better with your cancer and treatment. An alternative therapy is generally used instead of conventional medical treatment.
This section has information about the safety of complementary cancer therapies and alternative cancer therapies.
Find organisations, support groups, books, websites and other resources about complementary and alternative therapies.
Treatments can include surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted cancer drugs). Find out about treatments and how to cope with side effects.
Search for the cancer type you want to find out about. Each section has detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and coping with cancer.
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