Unauthorized Cancer Treatments Seized from BC Clinic: Public Health Alert Issued

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding public health, Health Canada has issued a stern warning to Canadians, particularly those in British Columbia, after seizing a range of unauthorized cancer treatments from a clinic operating in West Vancouver. The clinic, known as Crossbow Healing Arts, has been under scrutiny, and officials are urging anyone who received treatments there to immediately consult with a healthcare professional.

Imagine, for a moment, the hope that a patient battling cancer places in a treatment, only to discover it might not only be ineffective but actively harmful. That's the unsettling reality facing individuals who sought care at Crossbow Healing Arts. Health Canada's recent actions, which included a confiscation of various products, stem from serious concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the therapies being offered.

Among the items seized were numerous intravenous (IV) products—everything from magnesium chloride and vitamin C, which some might consider benign, to far more concerning substances like hydrogen peroxide and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Oral treatments were also found. What’s truly alarming, however, isn't just the unauthorized nature of these specific compounds; it's the environment in which they were reportedly prepared. Health Canada states these products were "compounded in an unsanitary environment," raising immediate red flags about potential contamination.

The health risks here are not to be understated. Administering intravenously prepared products from an unsanitary source dramatically increases the danger of serious infections, which could be life-threatening. Beyond that, patients could experience severe adverse reactions to the unapproved substances themselves. And perhaps most tragically, relying on these unproven treatments often means delaying access to conventional, evidence-based therapies that could genuinely improve outcomes, potentially allowing the cancer to progress unchecked. It's a really grave situation for vulnerable patients.

Health Canada isn't just confiscating products; they're actively advising patients who received treatments from Crossbow Healing Arts to stop using any take-home products and to promptly discuss their situation with their primary care physician or oncologist. It’s crucial advice, truly, to ensure their health is properly assessed and managed going forward. Furthermore, any adverse reactions experienced should be reported to Health Canada, so they can better track and understand the full scope of this issue.

Adding another layer of concern to this unfolding story is the individual behind Crossbow Healing Arts. David Kim, who operates the clinic, has reportedly presented himself as a "doctor." However, a quick check with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia reveals that Mr. Kim is not, in fact, a registered medical practitioner in the province. This lack of proper licensure, combined with the promotion of unverified cancer treatments on the clinic's website, paints a rather troubling picture.

This isn't Health Canada’s first interaction with Crossbow Healing Arts. The recent seizure follows a previous inspection in February 2024, indicating that concerns about the clinic's practices have been ongoing. While CTV News attempted to reach the clinic for comment, they did not receive a response. For now, the message from health officials is clear: be vigilant, prioritize approved medical care, and if you've been affected by these treatments, please reach out to your doctor without delay.