The complement-fixation test and the anaphylactic reactions also definitely prove the specificity of the Schmidt parasite and vaccine from the killed cultures, and the research to establish this is detailed at length by Otto Schmidt (Medical Times, Nos. 1,851 and 1,852). The general and focal reactions observed on parenteral introduction of most minimal suspensions of the killed parasite to cancerous subjects are also very characteristic in the sense of specificity. In positive cases severe inflammatory reactions occur, the smallest disseminated parts are involved, development of heat, reddening and sensitiveness to pressure in the tumour; but only in diseased tissue, never in healthy tissue nor in benign hyperplasia. Only subjects undoubtedly affected with malignant disease show these local or general feverish reactions, never healthy subjects or those suffering from other diseases. This is unanswerable proof of the causal relationship between antigen and infection.
If through the agency of a vaccination therapy, during the course of which characteristic reactions, both focal and typical general and temperature reactions may be observed in almost every case, large malignant tumours (carcinomata and sarcomata) are broken down and reabsorbed, with no hurt to the system, and a proportion of the most severe inoperable cases come to cure and remain permanently cured, the vaccine must contain specific components. This antigen (vaccine Schmidt) in the first instance is not directed against the diseased cell, but against the causative parasite. When, after continuous and systematic administration of the antigen, i.e., an active immunization, a sufficient quantity of antibodies is created (which naturally postulates a reaction capacity on the part of the cell), and if the anchoring of antibody to parasite destroys or at any rate damages the latter to an extent which inhibits its capacity to induce further cell proliferation, a complete cure of the malignant disease will take place. The destruction of the degenerated tumour cells reduced to an inert foreign body in the system, is brought about by phagocytosis. The process is hastened if the specific therapy be continued, and may take the form of resortion, phagocytosis of the dead cells, or the formation of scar and connective tissue.
The Schmidt therapy is directed against every variety of malignant tumour. It should be employed as gently as possible, and frequent and severe reactions, whether focal or general, should be avoided. (There are exceptions, as the treatment is strictly individualistic.) The degeneration of the tumour must follow the general course marked out by Nature. A complete and lasting recovery will ultimately depend on the extent of the damage already done, and the course of the resorption processes in the tumour. This active immunization can in suitable cases be reinforced with a passive immunization, and this may be decisive factor in ultimate recovery, though it must be understood as only auxiliary to the active immunization which must carry the burnt of the battle in a disease running a chronic course.
The author concludes: “We have in Vaccine Schmidt and Antiserum Schmidt remedies which, if used in time, will bring complete clinical and lasting cure to very numerous cases of inoperable cancer. There are observations extending over fifteen years.
“The employment of the therapy in immediate conjunction with operation will prevent recurrences and late metastasis.
“The vaccine therapy can be supported by simultaneous treatment with the antiserum. The therapy is specific and entirely harmless and free from risk.”
Remarks By Dr. Edwin A. Neatby.
As an open-minded practitioner I have felt it right to test clinically the novantimeristem and matusem preparations of Drs. Otto and Wolfgang Schmidt, irrespective of their homoeopathicity or non-homoeopathicity. The link with homoeopathy, if any, is that the former is a vaccine. It is premature to report on results, beyond saying that in all cases relief of symptoms has resulted.
I have visited Dr. Schmidt’s laboratories in Munich, where I was much interested in what I saw, and I have seen a number of important cases in process of cure or apparently cured at the Cancer Hospital, Dublin. Mr. Charles, F.R.C.S., kindly showed me round and was well pleased with the results. He was present at one of the meetings of the Cancer Section of the Congress, but did not speak, as Dr. Schmidt’s paper was not read.
A percentage of from 30 to 40 recoveries is claimed for this treatment, and I do not know of any other treatment claiming so much. Several hundred cases, I am informed, verified by microscopic evidence, have been cured.
The theoretical evidence of the activity of the parasites seems clear. Malignant tumours have been produced by infection therewith, and by means of the vaccine animals have been rendered immune from infection. The novantimeristem is administered intramuscularly and the matusem intravenously: in the latter case definite febrile reaction may occur.
