Allows the dark-field microscopy according to Enderlein, the diagnosis of cancer? A prospective study


S. El-Safadia, H-R. Tinneberga; F. Bruckb, R. von Georgic; K. Münstedta

aDepartment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, bPractice of Complementary, Lahnau-Dorlar, cInstitute of Medical Sociology, Justus-Liebig University in Giessen, Germany

Klass Naturheilkd Gac Sanit 2005; 12:148-151
(DOI: 10.1159/000085212)


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Summary

Background: The dark-field microscopy according to Enderlein, claims to be able to discover an early or incipient threat of cancer in the blood. In Germany and the U.S., this method is used by an increasing number of doctors and medical practitioners, as shown here is a simple test immediate information about possible disease in patients.

Question: Is there a way to reliably detect cancers with darkfield microscopy?

Material and Methods: In a prospective study of Iridology / Iris diagnosis was taken from 110 patients blood for darkfield microscopy. A healer with years of experience conducted the study without prior information on veiled patients.

Results: Of the 12 patients with metastatic tumor, which were fixed by radiological diagnosis (CT, MRI, sonography was assured), 3 patients correctly identified. The analysis of sensitivity (0.25), specificity (0.64), positive predictive value (0.09) and negative predictive value (0.85) yielded unsatisfactory results.

Conclusion: With the dark field microscopy, it is apparently not possible to reliably detect the presence of a cancer. The method should not be used in clinical practice until further investigations.

Copyright © 2005 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg