The Budwig diet consists of a special lacto-vegetarian regimen that focuses on a particular blend of oil and protein, i.e. flaxseed oil and cottage cheese or quark. The general guidelines of the diet emphasise foods in their natural state, plenty of fat in the form of cold-pressed flaxseed oil and a spreadable fat based on flaxseed oil, and protein in the form of quark or cottage cheese. Freshly pressed juices and herbal teas are also an integral part. Dr Johanna Budwig (1908-2003), a licensed pharmacist, stated that consuming processed fats was the primary cause of the majority of diseases, most notably cancer. According to her theory, combining polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from flaxseed with sulfhydryl-containing proteins from cottage cheese or quark has an effect on the growth and progression of malignant tumours.

Artemisia annua L. is a common type of wormwood that belongs to the family of the Asteraceae. It is native to temperate Asia but naturalized throughout the world. Artemisinin is an ingredient of A. annua. Artemesin and its semi-synthetic artemisinin derivatives (including dihydroartemisinin, artesunate, artemether and arteether) are used for the production of combination therapies for treatment of malaria (ACTs = Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy).

Yoga is a practice originating in India which usually consists of physical exercises (stretches or asanas), breathing techniques and meditation or relaxation. It is taught in yoga classes or on a one-to-one basis, can be practised by the individual or is incorporated into stress management programmes. Yoga is claimed to have a range of physical, psychological and spiritual benefits.

Mindfulness-based clinical interventions are mind-body modalities that may encompass multiple components: psycho-educational elements, mindfulness meditation exercises, cognitive-behavioral interventions and movement exercises. Core practices are sitting meditation (breath awareness, focused attention), body scan (awareness of sensations in the body, 45 minute exercise), Hatha Yoga (mindful movement), walking meditation and insight meditation. The two most used mindfulness-based clinical interventions in oncology are mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), 8-week standardised group programs. MBCT further includes elements from cognitive behavioural therapy.

Shark cartilage is obtained from the cartilage of mainly two shark species. It has been promoted as an over-the-counter supplement for a variety of diseases including cancer. Its use as an anti-cancer remedy was based on the misconception that sharks cannot get cancer. Some in vitro and animal research suggested that shark cartilage has anti-angiogenic and cytotoxic effects.

Autogenic therapy refers to a particular technique of mental exercises involving relaxation and autosuggestion, which aims to teach individuals to switch off the fight/flight/fight stress response at will.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the skin. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy, acupuncture balances the flow of energy, or "qi", through pathways in the body. Western medical acupuncture is based on neurophysiological concepts; acupuncture points are needled to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue thus influencing various bodily functions.

The core of the Breuss Cancer Cure is a rigid diet, which consists of a 42-day fast in combination with special vegetable juices and teas. Additional recommendations are included, for instance, to avoid so-called water veins. According to Breuss’ theory, cancer requires solid food to survive in the body.

Amygdalin is a naturally occurring plant compound belonging to the group of cyanogenic glycosides characterized by the release of cyanide upon enzymatic degradation. It is primarily found in the seeds of apricots, peaches and bitter almonds and also in plants such as lima beans, clover and sorghum. Laetrile is an acronym (derived from LAEvorotatory and mandeloniTRILE) used to describe a purified, semi-synthetic form of amygdalin. Laetrile is claimed to be an anti-cancer treatment or even cure, and cyanide is thought to be the active anti-cancer ingredient. It was at the height of its popularity in the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s until the FDA considered it unsafe after a phase I and phase II controlled clinical trial in 1982 found no evidence for the efficacy of laetrile and highlighted considerable safety concerns including cyanide poisoning.

PC-SPES, PC-HOPE, PC-CARE and PC-PLUS are herbal supplements which have been marketed for the promoted for prostate health and treatment of prostate cancer. PC-SPES, the original product consisting of a combination of eight herbs, is no longer available. It was recalled by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 due to concerns over quality control and reported contamination with prescription drugs. Newer products including similar herbs produced under improved conditions to avoid contamination include PC-HOPE, PC-CARE and PC-PLUS.