Insulin potentiation therapy

Domain XII · Complementary, energy & biofield · Donato Pérez García, Steven G. Ayre · 1932 · Mexico

Historical or harm account: this guide describes what happened and how to recognise it. It is not a practice to implement.

What it is

Historical account. There is no legitimate way for a psychotherapist to practise or refer for insulin potentiation therapy (IPT). This guide describes what it was and how it is still sold so you can recognise it, and how to support clients and families who are considering it, are using it, or were…

Format

• Session structure (qualitative). The patient is given insulin to induce hypoglycaemia deliberately. Chemotherapy drugs are then injected at a small fraction of proven doses, sometimes as mixtures of several agents not validated for that tumour type. Sugar is then given to reverse the…
• Frequency and course. Treatments were given as repeated sessions over weeks, often an "intensive" phase followed by ongoing "maintenance".

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• The following is a typical course pieced together from regulator, charity and reference descriptions. Administration is described qualitatively only.
• Setting and staff. Treatment took place in private offices or clinics, often outside oncology services, with off-label drugs. CANSA reports minimal or no resuscitation equipment or training in many settings.
• Version followed: the family line runs from Donato Pérez García in Mexico (IPT) through the later "Insulin Potentiation Targeted Low Dose" (IPTLD) brand, and in the US through the 1986 "Insulin Potentiation Therapy" name used by Steven G. Ayre. Each is described as the regulators, cancer charities and integrative-oncology reference services cited here report it.

Evidence status, as the guide reports it

• Judging "progress". Progress was judged by tumour markers, scans read by the clinic, or how the patient felt. Gentleness of treatment was presented as evidence it was working. for the pattern]

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• Does it use a device, heat, cold, water or a physical procedure? Has a medical professional checked that it is safe for you?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• Minimisation ("the clinic said that's normal"). Lack of follow-up labs.
• Pressure to pay upfront. Escalating "maintenance". Shame about money spent.
• Fear of retaliation, or of losing access to the clinic. Document your own observations factually.
• Missed oncology appointments for a child. Travel plans abroad for treatment. A child's distress or confusion. for jurisdiction-specific thresholds]
• Hope that rests entirely on one clinic. Statements that the oncologist "gave up" on them. Signs it is working: the client can name their own priorities apart from the sales claims.

Problems the guide addresses

• Asking routinely and without judgement
• Exploring meaning, hopes and the explanatory model
• Supporting an informed, values-based decision
• Coordinating with the treating team
• Responding to immediate medical risk
• Grief, regret and guilt after choosing IPT
• Family conflict
• Financial harm
• Safeguarding
• Reporting

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.