Complementary and alternative therapeutic approaches in patients with early breast cancer: a systematic review

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among patients with breast cancer. We have done a systematic review of studies published between 1995 and February 2005, identified through a comprehensive search. CAM encompasses a wide range of treatment modalities, including dietary and vitamin supplements, mind-body approaches, acupuncture, and herbal medicines. The objectives of CAM treatments are diverse: reduction of therapy-associated toxicity, improvement of cancer-related symptoms, fostering of the immune system and even direct anticancer effects. Clinical trials have generated few or no data on the efficacy of CAM, whether regarding disease recurrence, survival, overall quality of life or safety. Some CAM methods may even have adverse effects or reduce the efficacy of conventional treatment. The primary justification for CAM is based on empirical evidence, case studies, and hypothetical physiological effects. We conclude that available data on CAM modalities in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer does not support their application.

Androgen Receptor– and E2F-1–Targeted Thymoquinone Therapy for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer

“…Several herbal products have recently been incorporated into cancer research (18)(19)(20)(21), among them is Nigella sativa whose seeds have been used medicinally for centuries in a variety of diseases (22). Extracts prepared from N. sativa seeds, called black seeds, reportedly exhibit significant in vitro and in vivo antineoplastic activity (22)(23)(24).…”

The Role of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine): The Different Perspectives of Patients, Oncology Professionals and CAM Practitioners

“…The purported limited evidence base for CAM therapies (Ernst, 2009;Gerber et al, 2006) is likely to be a major contributing factor in this context; moreover, given the challenges faced by CAM practitioners in the design and conduct of CAM research in the general (Ben-Arye et al, 2004;Coulter, 2007) and oncology settings (Gerhard et al, 2004, Richardson et al, 1998 it is unlikely that the problem of CAM research will be easily resolved. However, Vickers (2001) argues that there are no good reasons to suggest that evidence-based medicine (EBM) and CAM are incompatible as the former provides CAM with an opportunity to find an "appropriate and just place in health care" (p.1).…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicines (Cam) Use among Cancer Patients: An Overview and the Decision Making

“…An individual's perspective towards health and disease may affect the treatment decision. Factors affecting CAM use are diverse and are not merely due to a dissatisfaction with conventional medicines but more as an alternative to avoid cancer recurrence, to strengthen the body after or during cancer treatment and for psychological wellbeing [23]. Mao and colleagues while investigating CAM users' unmet need, found out that emotional, physical, nutritional, financial, treatment related information and employment factors were the common unmet needs among 50% of cancer patients [24].…”