Paul Niehans
Swiss surgeon
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Paul Niehans (21 November 1882 – 1 September 1971) was a Swiss surgeon and medical writer. He is best known for developing fresh cell therapy, a form of alternative medicine. Due to unproven rumors that he had treated famous celebrities and world leaders, his clinic speciliazing in fresh cell therapy became popular.[1][2] In 1955, he was appointed to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences after providing services to Pope Pius XII.[2] There is no medical evidence to suggest his fresh cell therapy is useful for any health problem,[3][4][5] and it has not been approved in several countries for safety reasons.
Noble Knight of the Military and Hospital of St Lavare, France
Paul Niehans | |
|---|---|
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| Born | 21 November 1882 Bern, Switzerland |
| Died | 1 September 1971 (aged 89) Montreux, Switzerland |
| Known for | Developer of cellular therapy with the Niehans Method |
| Awards | Member of the Papal Academy of Science Noble Knight of the Military and Hospital of St Lavare, France |
| Medical career | |
| Profession | Surgeon, medical writer |
| Institutions | Paul Niehans Clinic, Hospitals in Vevey, Montreux and Aigle |
| Sub-specialties | Regenerative medicine, rejuvenation, Cell therapy |
Biography
Early life
Niehans, the son of a doctor, was born in Bern, Switzerland. He initially studied theology, then switched to medicine. Niehans joined the Swiss Army in 1912,[6] and he worked as a doctor during World War I.[2][6]
Fresh cell therapy
Niehans conducted in 1931, his first test of his "Niehans' Method", what would later be called fresh cell theory.[6]
Fresh cell therapy is an alternative medicine where animal cells, primarily from sheep or bovine are extracted, dried or fresh, and are injected into the muscles of humans.[7][8] Niehans promoted it as a cure for many diseases and ailments, everything from cancer, to anemia, diabetes, heart issues, homosexuality, impotence and sexual disfunction. He also advocated it as a form of breast enhancement.[1]
There is no evidence it is useful for any health problem.[3] Fresh cell therapy is considered an unproven method of cancer treatment and quackery by medical experts.[4][5] In a 1963 investigation by the American Cancer Society, they found "no evidence that treatment with the Fresh Cell Therapy or "CT" results in any objective benefit in the treatment".[4] There have been several instances of severe adverse effects including death.[7]
In the United States and Switzerland, it is not legally available because of safety concerns and lack of proof of its effectiveness.[9][8] The World Health Organization does not recognize its usefulness as a form of medical treatment.[9]