Complementary and alternative therapies for cancer Journal Article
| Authors: | Cassileth, B. R.; Deng, G. |
| Article Title: | Complementary and alternative therapies for cancer |
| Abstract: | Many cancer patients use therapies promoted as literal alternatives to conventional medical care. Such "alternative" modalities are unproven or were studied and found worthless. These can be harmful. An even greater proportion of cancer patients uses "complementary" therapies along with mainstream cancer treatment. Most are helpful adjunctive approaches that control symptoms and enhance quality of life. This review describes alternative as well as complementary therapies commonly used today by cancer patients. Herbal remedies also are discussed. Evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) is reviewed, and implications for oncologists are discussed. To encourage open communication of CAM use by patients, oncologists should be knowledgeable about the most popular remedies and know where to find reliable information for themselves and for their patients. |
| Keywords: | unclassified drug; clinical trial; review; multimodality cancer therapy; side effect; paclitaxel; cancer adjuvant therapy; antineoplastic agent; clinical practice; neoplasms; cancer immunotherapy; quality of life; camptothecin; vincristine; diet supplementation; alternative medicine; complementary therapies; plant extract; phytotherapy; antioxidant; dietary supplements; ginger; non prescription drug; chinese medicine; herbaceous agent; music therapy; acupuncture; traditional medicine; ginkgo biloba; biological therapy; natural product; hypnosis; massage; relaxation training; information services; bioenergy; serum; homeopathy; vitamin; herbal medicine; estrogen activity; ayurvedic drug; vitamin intake; garlic; vitamins; krestin; viscum album extract; phenylacetic acid; herbs; essiac; ae 941; homeopathic agent; shark; pc spes; cancer; humans; human; priority journal; flor essence; indirubin; immunoaugmentation therapy; macrobiotic diet; tanacetum parthenium |
| Journal Title: | The Oncologist |
| Volume: | 9 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| ISSN: | 1083-7159 |
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
| Date Published: | 2004-02-01 |
| Start Page: | 80 |
| End Page: | 89 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1634/theoncologist.9-1-80 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PUBMED: | 14755017 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Oncologist -- Cited By (since 1996):150 -- Export Date: 16 June 2014 -- CODEN: OCOLF -- Source: Scopus |
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