Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Present Day Oncology Care: Promises and Pitfalls

Abstract

Cancer is already a well-recognized global phenomenon. The traditional approaches to cancer therapy have been surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These modalities have shown considerable promise and presently form cornerstones of management of most malignancies. However, these conventional approaches have associated toxicities and suffer from limitations in curing advanced lesions. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), for reasons varying from cost to accessibility, has assumed significant importance in cancer therapy. In this article, we review the prominent modalities in CAM in present day cancer management and critically analyze their emerging potential into an evidence-based oncology practice.

Complementary medicine use among cancer patients receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy: methods, sources of information and the need for counselling

“…Direct comparison between studies is rather difficult since in the literature CM methods are not categorised uniformly and may also involve non‐oral interventions like energy therapies, as well as mind and body manipulations (Munshi et al . ). However, recent study revealed that 45% of breast cancer patients used ‘oral CM products’ during radiotherapy (Moran et al .…”

“…CM methods are mainly used with the hope that they increase the efficacy of anti-cancer therapy (Evans et al 2007). CM may be also utilised to alleviate side effects of conventional therapies, such as increased levels of fatigue, anxiety, depression, and deterioration of quality of life (Munshi et al 2008). Additionally, patients may be more prone to CM due to the limitations of conventional therapy or desire for natural treatments (Simon et al 2007;Olaku & White 2011).…”

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Patients with Cancer in Saudi Arabia

“…[1][2][3] However, little is known about the safety, efficacy, mechanisms of action, and cost-effectiveness of most CAM therapies. 4 Use of CAM by patients with cancer has been reported exhaustively, especially among Western or Far Eastern populations.…”

Drug Utilization Study of Drugs of Complementary and Alternative System of Medicine in Patients with Chronic Painful Musculo-Skeletal Conditions

“…Chronic painful musculoskeletal conditions are very common and the use of drugs of Complementary & Alternative System of Medicine (CAM) is believed to be common [4]. However, data on its prevalence is not known.…”