Use of Homeopathy in Integrative Oncology in Strasbourg, France: Multi-center Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study of Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Context The use of homeopathy in oncological supportive care seems to be progressing. The first French prevalence study, performed in 2005 in Strasbourg, showed that only 17% of the subjects were using it. What is the situation 12 years later? Materials and Methods This is a descriptive study, using a questionnaire identical to that used in 2005, on 633 patients undergoing treatment in three anti-cancer centers in Strasbourg. The results of the “homeopathy” sub-group were extracted and studied. Results Of the 535 patients included, 164 used homeopathy: that is 30.7%. The main purpose of its use was to reduce the side effects of cancer treatments (75%). Among the users, 82.6% were “somewhat” or “very” satisfied, against “quite” satisfied for 15.5%, and “not at all” satisfied for 1.9%. The homeopathic treatment was prescribed by a doctor in 75.6% of the cases; the general practitioner was kept informed in 87% of the cases and the oncologist in 82%. Fatigue, pain, nausea, anxiety, sadness and diarrhea were improved in 80% of the cases. However, alopecia, weight disorders and loss of libido were the least improved symptoms. The use of homeopathy was significantly associated with the female sex. Conclusion With a prevalence of 30.7%, homeopathy is the most used complementary medicine in integrative oncology in Strasbourg. Over 12 years, we have witnessed an increase of 83% in its use in the same city. Almost all respondents declare themselves satisfied and tell their doctors more readily than in 2005.

Supportive cancer care: is integrative oncology the future?

“…With a prevalence of 30.7%, homeopathy is the most used complementary medicine chosen by cancer patients in France, with an increased patients’ satisfaction [23]. Another French study based on the Nationwide Healthcare Database targeted all patients who underwent mastectomy for newly diagnosed breast cancer between 2012 and 2013 (98 009 patients).…”

A Case of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Successfully Treated during Homeopathic Supportive Care in Oncology

“…In Strasbourg, France, a recent study indicated that 30% of patients undergoing chemotherapy have recourse to it. 6 An learned society has been created, the International Homeopathic Society of Supportive Care in Oncology (IHSSCO), which publishes therapeutic recommendations. 7 HSC can improve the quality of life of patients 8 and consequently their survival.…”

Improving Tolerance and Compliance of New Targeted Therapies with Homeopathy: A Major Challenge in Oncology

“…It can improve the quality of life [3] and consequently the survival of the patients [4,5]. Well accepted by French oncologists and general practitioners [6], inexpensive [7], it is the complementary medicine most used in supportive care [8]. Homeopathic supportive care is provided in several cancer centres in France and other parts of Europe [9,10] and patient satisfaction rate is very high [8].…”

“…Well accepted by French oncologists and general practitioners [6], inexpensive [7], it is the complementary medicine most used in supportive care [8]. Homeopathic supportive care is provided in several cancer centres in France and other parts of Europe [9,10] and patient satisfaction rate is very high [8]. Combined with organotherapy and isotherapy, it can form essential supportive care to patients undergoing treatment with the new targeted therapies [11].…”