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Died at 14 of cancer: what is the 'Hamer method' and why could have been saved by chemotherapy
Italy🏛️ PoliticsProgressiveOverlooked by conservatives

Died at 14 of cancer: what is the 'Hamer method' and why could have been saved by chemotherapy

The article discusses the case of 14-year-old Francesco Gianello, who died from a malignant tumor in January 2024. His parents chose the 'Hamer Method' over chemotherapy, leading to accusations of murder by his parents. The court has received a forensic report suggesting that timely chemotherapy could have saved him. Francesco was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in December 2022, and medical experts argue that the Hamer Method, which includes pseudoscientific theories and denies established medical treatments, contributed to his death. The Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC) criticizes the method for promoting racist and anti-Semitic ideas and for delaying effective treatment. The parents face charges of voluntary homicide, with their first hearing scheduled for September 16. They deny any causal link between their choices and their son’s death.

A 14-year-old boy died from cancer in January 2024 after his parents opted for alternative treatments instead of conventional chemotherapy, according to a forensic report filed in court in Vicenza. The case involves Francesco Gianello, who was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his femur, an osteosarcoma, originally detected in December 2022. His parents chose to treat him using the so-called “Hamer method,” rejecting medical advice in favor of unproven theories. The forensic assessment, conducted by experts Antonello Cirnelli and Franca Fagioli, concluded that the teenager could have survived had he received timely surgery and chemotherapy. According to the report, the standard treatment would have given him approximately a 75% chance of survival. However, due to delayed diagnosis and treatment, this probability dropped significantly, leading to the progression of the disease and ultimately his death. The Hamer method, also known as New German Medicine or Total Biology, is based on pseudoscientific principles that claim tumors arise from unresolved psychological conflicts. These ideas lack empirical validation and contradict established medical science. The approach denies scientifically proven mechanisms of healthy and diseased body function and includes racist and anti-Semitic elements. It also rejects pharmaceutical interventions, potentially delaying effective therapies and turning treatable conditions into untreatable ones. The report suggests that Francesco might have been administered neurotoxic drugs such as Artemisia, which are associated with alternative medicine practices. Symptoms observed during hospitalization, including blurred vision, limb weakness, and agitation, align with potential side effects of these substances. However, there is currently no definitive evidence confirming their actual use on Francesco. The defense argues that there is no direct causal link between the parents' decisions and the child’s death. The case has led to legal proceedings against the parents, who face charges of voluntary homicide with eventual intent. Their next court appearance is scheduled for September 16. The prosecution maintains that the delay in proper medical intervention directly contributed to the fatal outcome. Meanwhile, the defense continues to assert that the parents did not intend harm and that the relationship between their choices and the child's death remains unclear. The osteosarcoma was classified as high-grade, osteoblastic, according to the World Health Organization’s 2020 classification. Initially localized and operable in March 2023, the tumor rapidly progressed, becoming metastatic and locally advanced. The diagnostic and therapeutic delay of 45 days worsened the condition, resulting in lung metastases and reduced chances of surgical intervention. Five-year survival rates fell from 74.8% to 45%. The controversial figure behind the Hamer method, Ryke Geerd Hamer, died in July 2017. His theories have reportedly caused several deaths, including that of Rita Benini last June.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

2 reports

Il Giornale logoIl GiornaleParty-alignedProgressiveFactual 90Objective 75
Died at 14 of cancer: what is the 'Hamer method' and why could have been saved by chemotherapy

The article discusses the case of 14-year-old Francesco Gianello, who died from a malignant tumor in January 2024. His parents chose the 'Hamer Method' over chemotherapy, leading to accusations of murder by his parents. The court has received a forensic report suggesting that timely chemotherapy could have saved him. Francesco was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in December 2022, and medical experts argue that the Hamer Method, which includes pseudoscientific theories and denies established medical treatments, contributed to his death. The Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC) criticizes the method for promoting racist and anti-Semitic ideas and for delaying effective treatment. The parents face charges of voluntary homicide, with their first hearing scheduled for September 16. They deny any causal link between their choices and their son’s death.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the Hamer Method as pseudoscientific and dangerous, aligning with mainstream medical institutions and criticizing alternative therapies. It emphasizes the failure of the parents’ choice and highlights the risks of rejecting conventional medicine, which reflects a left-leaning or世俗

Why factuality (90): This article provides detailed background on the case, including the type of cancer, the timeline, and the nature of the Method Hamer. It references the Airc (Italian Cancer Association) for context, which adds credibility. The facts are consistent with other sources and do not contradict any known

Why objectivity (75): While informative, the article presents the Method Hamer in a critical light, using terms like 'pseudo-theories' and 'follies,' which may reflect a biased perspective. However, it remains more objective than some other sources due to its structured reporting.

Open logoOpenIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 70
Death at 14 years old by "Hamer Method", the expert: "It could have been saved by chemo"

A 14-year-old boy named Francesco Gianello died from cancer in January 2024. The court-appointed experts, Antonello Cirnelli and Franca Fagioli, concluded that he could have been saved with standard surgical and chemotherapy protocols. This assessment was submitted to the court in Vicenza, where his parents are being tried for voluntary homicide with eventual intent for relying on the 'Hamer method' theories. The report refutes the defense’s claim that there was no causal link between the parents' actions and the child's death. It also introduces new evidence suggesting the boy may have received neurotoxic drugs like Artemisia, linked to alternative therapy practices. The trial will continue with a discussion session scheduled for September 16.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the case as a legal and ethical conflict over medical treatment choices, emphasizing the potential for saving the patient through conventional medicine. The focus on the 'Hamer method' as an alternative approach, which is often associated with fringe or controversial health claims

Why factuality (85): The article reports on a legal case involving a 14-year-old boy who died from cancer after his parents chose an alternative treatment called 'Method Hamer' over conventional chemotherapy. It cites expert testimony from forensic experts and mentions the court process. The information aligns with the

Why objectivity (70): The tone leans towards criticizing the parents' choice and the Method Hamer, suggesting a bias against alternative medicine. While factual, the article frames the situation in a way that implies moral judgment, reducing objectivity.

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