Girl Beats Cancer
After Unconventional Treatment
Girl's Family Travels To Mexico For
Poly-MVA Treatment
UPDATED: 8:16 a.m.
EST October 29, 2003
KANSAS CITY, Mo.
-- Almost two years ago, doctors gave
Josslyn McClung's parents the news
no family wants to hear. The pre-teen
girl had a rare form of cancer and
without treatment, she would likely
live only four to six months.
That was 21 months
ago. Now, Josslyn's parents say an
experimental treatment helped save
their 11-year-old daughter's life.
After doctors told
the McClungs that Josslyn had pilocytic
astrocytoma -- a rare brain cancer
-- the family started looking for
treatment. They found an experimental
supplement, called Poly-MVA, which
was being offered as a treatment in
Mexico. The family went to Mexico
to get the treatment for Josslyn.
Poly-MVA is a reddish-brown
liquid that is mixed with water or
juice. The supplement's manufacturers
say it attacks cancerous cells and
protects DNA and RNA. It is not licensed
for use in the United States, according
to the American Cancer Society.
After treatment with
the dietary supplement, the McClungs
went to a specialist in New York.
Josslyn underwent surgery to remove
her turmor. Doctors said the operation
was successful, and Josslyn's tumor
has not returned.
The McClung family
believes the Poly-MVA treatment slowed
the tumor's growth until the specialist
could remove it. Doctors said Josslyn's
tumor is not likely to return.
The American Cancer
Society says there is no scientific
evidence that Poly-MVA is effective
in preventing or treating cancer.
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