Tullio Simoncini (1951 – May 20, 2024) is a former Italian physician known for

alternative medicine Alternative medicine refers to practices that aim to achieve the healing effects of conventional medicine, but that typically lack biological plausibility, testability, repeatability, or supporting evidence of effectiveness. Such practices are ...

advocacy. He is known for the claim that

cancer Cancer is a group of diseases involving Cell growth#Disorders, abnormal cell growth with the potential to Invasion (cancer), invade or Metastasis, spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Po ...

is caused by the

fungus A fungus (: fungi , , , or ; or funguses) is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and mold (fungus), molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as one ...

Candida albicans ''Candida albicans'' is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that is a common member of the human gut flora. It can also survive outside the human body. It is detected in the gastrointestinal tract and mouth in 40–60% of healthy adults. It is usu ...

'', and has argued that cancer is a form of candida overgrowth. He also is known for claims that cancer can be cured with intravenous sodium bicarbonate. On his website, Simoncini says that he was formerly an

oncologist Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an ''oncologist''. The name's etymological origin is the Greek word ὄγκος (''� ...

. But that designation has been challenged by the medical community because of his use of sodium bicarbonate in the treatment of cancer. The mainstream medical community rejects Simoncini's hypothesis, citing a lack of peer-reviewed studies that support it. The American Association for Cancer Research has recently written that research shows an association between fungi, including ''Candida,'' and cancer but has not determined causation. The site does not endorse any cures, including treatment with sodium bicarbonate.

Quackwatch Quackwatch is a United States-based website focused on promoting consumer protection and providing information about health related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct. It primarily targets alternative medicine, questionable health cl ...

lists sodium bicarbonate injections as a "dubious treatment".

Criminal convictions

Simoncini was tried and found guilty of fraud and manslaughter in 2006 after a patient died after receiving his treatment. In 2018, Simoncini received a 5-year jail sentence for culpable manslaughter of a cancer patient in 2011.

Subsequent controversy

In 2012, Simoncini became involved in a controversy when he was invited to a conference in

Totnes Totnes ( or ) is a market town and civil parish at the head of the estuary of the River Dart in Devon, England, within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is about west of Paignton, about west-southwest of Torquay and ab ...

, England, by the Arcturus Clinic. Trading Standards then accused the clinic of violating the Cancer Act 1939 because they had published information that "offer dto treat any person for cancer." Stephen Hopwood, the clinic's manager, described Simoncini's invitation as a "misunderstanding".

References

{{Use dmy dates, date=April 2024 Living people Sapienza University of Rome alumni Alternative cancer treatment advocates People convicted for health fraud Medical controversies in Italy Italian people convicted of manslaughter 1951 births

Criminal convictions

Subsequent controversy

See also

References