experimental cancer treatment experimental cancer treatment experimental cancer treatments are mainstream medical therapies intended to treat cancer by improving on, supplementing or replacing conventional methods (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy). however, researchers are still trying to determine whether these treatments are safe and effective treatments. experimental cancer treatments are normally available only to people who participate in formal research programs, which are called clinical trials. occasionally, a seriously ill person may be able to access an experimental drug through an expanded access program. some of the treatments have regulatory approval for treating other conditions. health insurance and publicly funded health care programs normally refuse to pay for experimental cancer treatments. the entries listed below vary between theoretical therapies to unproven controversial therapies. many of these treatments are alleged to help against only specific forms of cancer. it is not a list of treatments widely available at hospitals. studying treatments for cancer