Editing Matthias Rath (section)

=== SKAK ===
In 2004 the Swiss Study Group for Complementary and Alternative Methods in Cancer (SKAK), an independent group that evaluates [[alternative medicine|alternative medical treatments]], examined Rath's vitamin preparations and marketing claims.<ref name="swiss">[http://www.swisscancer.ch/dt_fr/content/orange/pdf/skak/04_rath_e.pdf Report from the Swiss Study Group on Complementary and Alternative Methods in Cancer], stating that there is no evidence that Rath's treatments are effective. Retrieved 21 September 2006.</ref> SKAK reported that it "found no proof that the vitamin preparations of Dr. Matthias Rath have any effect on human cancer" and "advise[s] against their use in cancer prevention and treatment while recommending a diet rich in fruit and vegetables."<ref name="swiss"/> SKAK's report specifically criticised Rath for:

*Making sweeping, unsubstantiated claims of efficacy. Rath has claimed that his vitamin treatments can cure all forms of cancer, as well as most [[infectious disease]]s, including AIDS.<ref>Rath, M.: Durchbruch der Zellforschung im Kampf gegen den Krebs. 3d ed. 2002, MR Publishing B.V., Almelo, NL</ref><ref name="brochure">Rath, M.: Cellular health Series – Cancer. 2/2001, MR Publishing, Sta. Clara, CA 95054</ref>
*Citing anecdotal reports of success that could not be confirmed. In the case of one patient allegedly "cured" by Rath's methods, SKAK found that "it is not even certain from a medical perspective if cancer was present."
*Using a self-developed test of efficacy rather than widely accepted and verified tests and endpoints.

SKAK's conclusion regarding Rath's vitamin formulations was:

<blockquote>A cancer-curing effect has not been documented for any of these substances. Nor is there any proof that the preparations sold by Matthias Rath, some with high dosages, are useful in cancer prevention—leave alone curing cancer. Rath still owes proof regarding the correctness of his claims. Proof of effect cannot be provided by analogy with in vitro, animal or cell experiments. Because there is no proof for effect nor for the harmlessness of the preparations, SKAK advises against their use.<ref name="swiss"/></blockquote>