Not every medical treatment is available here in America and that’s mostly due to various regulations & ethical debates, or even safety concerns. These include alternative cancer treatments and cutting-edge ways of dealing with mental issues. Here are 11 medical treatments you may get in other countries—but not in America. No wonder some people travel halfway around the globe to get treatment.
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Laetrile (Amygdalin) Therapy
Many people go to Mexico for laetrile therapy, which is an alternative cancer treatment that’s banned in the U.S. Laetrile comes from amygdalin and some people believe it can target (even destroy) cancer cells. However, the FDA has prohibited laetrile since it may release cyanide when you ingest it. There’s also no solid scientific evidence that it actually works against cancer.
Therapeutic Cloning
In some countries, doctors use therapeutic cloning to create embryonic stem cells for individual patients. As part of the process, doctors clone embryos to harvest stem cells that are a genetic match to the person needing treatment. There’s a lower chance of the body rejecting these cells. But in America, therapeutic cloning is illegal because of ethical debates over human cloning & concerns about using embryos in research.
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Apheresis for Autism
Japanese doctors have been using apheresis as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorders & the treatment involves filtering out certain proteins & antibodies from the blood. In fact, some of them even believe it might help improve behaviors & daily functioning. But there’s not enough evidence that it works for the FDA. It’s not approved here.
Phage Therapy
In countries like Russia & Georgia, doctors use phage therapy to treat bacterial infections and especially those resistant to antibiotics. This treatment uses bacteriophages—viruses that specifically infect and kill bacteria. But phage therapy isn’t widely available here. The medical community relies heavily on antibiotics instead. Plus, complex regulatory issues also make it hard for new treatments like phage therapy to get approved.
Stem Cell Treatments Using Embryonic Cells
Some countries have treatments using embryonic stem cells for conditions like spinal cord injuries & degenerative diseases. These stem cells turn into any type of cell in the body to repair damaged tissues and organs. Yet America has strict regulations on this, mostly due to ongoing ethical debates. Instead, many patients travel abroad to places like China or Ukraine so that they can get these therapies.
MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy
In Switzerland, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is legal for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As part of the treatment, patients take MDMA (aka ecstasy) to process traumatic memories and emotions. But under professional supervision, of course! However, America classifies MDMA as a Schedule I substance & it’s completely illegal outside of approved clinical trials.
Psilocybin Therapy
The Netherlands allows patients to use psilocybin therapy to treat depression & anxiety, along with other mental health conditions. You’ll find psilocybin in magic mushrooms. However, it’s illegal here unless it’s in specific research settings, although some new studies are underway. Some cities have decriminalized it yet you can’t legally access psilocybin therapy as a treatment option here.
Ozone Therapy
Many German doctors use ozone therapy to treat several conditions, including infections & circulatory disorders. The treatment involves introducing ozone gas into the body to stimulate healing which boosts the immune system. But the FDA hasn’t approved ozone therapy. It believes there isn’t enough evidence of its safety and effectiveness.
Fetal Stem Cell Therapy
Clinics in places like Ukraine use fetal stem cell therapy for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. These treatments use stem cells from fetal tissue to regenerate damaged cells & slow disease progression. Not here, though. Ethical concerns & strict regulations surrounding the use of fetal tissues mean that any patients who want this treatment will have to go beyond American borders.
Chelation Therapy for Heart Disease
In some countries, they use chelation therapy as an alternative treatment for heart disease. It involves administering agents that bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream, which patients then excrete from the body. Supporters believe it reduces arterial plaque and improves cardiovascular health. Yet you can only get this therapy to treat heavy metal poisoning in America—not for heart conditions.
Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (Three-Parent IVF)
In the United Kingdom, mitochondrial replacement therapy is legal and helps mothers avoid passing on mitochondrial diseases to their children. However, in America, the procedure’s banned due to ethical issues. Any families looking to use mitochondrial replacement therapy have to travel abroad.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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