Used of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Symptoms Management and Quality of Life

Abstract

Introduction: Children with cancer experience serious diiculties due to the diagnosis, the hospitalization, the symptoms that accompany the long and exhausting treatment process. Unrelieved symptoms related to either cancer or chemotherapy also lead to poorer quality of life, including increased distress and negatively impact healing process. The families of children with cancer often try the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to reduce their children's experience of physical discomfort. Methods:The following sources of published reviews have been consulting: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Databases were queried from inception to August 2016. Our inclusion criteria were (i) studies both published in English and between June 1, 2010 and June 31, 2016; (ii) assessment of symptom management and quality of life; and (iii) application of CAM to children with cancer. Results:In this review, the most commonly used intervention methods were massage, exercise, music and android programs, and yoga, rehabilitation program, art therapy, and reiki therapy. The most commonly evaluated these outcomes: pain, anxiety, fatigue, nausea, sleep, and quality of life in the articles. Conclusion:National and international collaborations among researchers, policy maker, pharmacist, and clinicians will facilitate the regulated use of efective CAM therapies in pediatric oncology.