Use of CAM among cancer patients : Results of a regional survey in Sweden

Survey of Physicians and Healers Using Amygdalin to Treat Cancer Patients

Amygdalin is purported to exhibit anti-cancer properties when hydrolyzed to hydrogen cyanide (HCN). However, knowledge about amygdalin efficacy is limited. A questionnaire evaluating the efficacy, treatment, and dosing protocols, reasons for use, HCN levels, and toxicity was distributed to physicians and healers in Germany, providing amygdalin as an anti-cancer drug. Physicians (20) and healers (18) provided amygdalin over 8 (average) years to nearly 80 annually treated patients/providers. Information about amygdalin was predominantly obtained from colleagues (55%). Amygdalin was administered both intravenously (100%) and orally (32%). Intravenous application was considered to maximally delay disease progression (90%) and relieve symptoms (55%). Dosing was based on recommendations from colleagues (71%) or personal experience (47%). If limited success became apparent after an initial 3g/infusion, infusions were increased to 27g/infusion. Treatment response was primarily monitored with established (26%) and non-established tumor markers (19%). 90% did not monitor HCN levels. Negative effects were restricted to a few dizzy spells and nausea. Only 58% were willing to participate in clinical trials or contribute data for analysis (34%). Amygdalin infusions are commonly administered by healers and physicians with few side effects. The absence of standardized treatment calls for guidelines. Since intravenous application bypasses metabolization, re-evaluation of its mode of action is required.

Exploring Integrative Approaches: Insights Into Complementary Medicine Practices Among Breast Cancer Survivors in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

Complementary and integrative medicine (CAM) is a prevalent approach often used with conventional medical practices The study aims to understand the factors influencing breast cancer (BC) survivors' decisions regarding CAM therapy and the drivers behind their use.

SETTING

This research was conducted at an academic hospital in Saudi Arabia. The study used cross-sectional research with a questionnaire. Participants were enrolled in the study through BC survivors' groups on WhatsApp. Individuals who were actively following up at the clinic were also interviewed. Informed consent was obtained.

RESULTS

The study surveyed 211 BC survivors, aged 34-49 (50.2%), who had undergone surgery (93.4%), hormonal therapy (66.4%), and chemotherapy (87.7%). Less than half (44.5%) had chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. CAM users were 43.6%. The most used CAM modalities were Zamzam water, honey, and water read-upon Quran. A significant motivator for CAM use was to boost the immune system. More than half of patients used less than 100 SAR per month on CAM modalities. Exactly 80.4% of CAM users perceived benefits from CAM use. Predictors of CAM use included higher family monthly income, radiation therapy, and being diagnosed from 1 to 5 years. BC survivors without medical conditions after diagnosis were less likely to use CAM.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the prevalence, predictive factors, motivations, and perceived benefits of CAM use among BC survivors in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for understanding and integration into cancer care plans and the need for further research on CAM safety and efficacy.

Interdisciplinary Integrative Oncology Group-Based Program: Evaluation of Long-Term Effects on Resilience and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Patients With Cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer often causes reduced resilience, quality of life (QoL) and poorer overall well-being. To mitigate these problems, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used among patients with cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of an interdisciplinary integrative oncology group-based program (IO-GP) on the resilience and use of CAM in patients with cancer.

METHODS

This was a prospective, observational, single-center study. Resilience (RS-13), CAM usage (I-CAM-G), QoL (SF-12) and health-related lifestyle factor (nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical exercise) data were collected for 70 patients who participated in a 10-week IO-GP between January 2019 and June 2022 due to cancer. The IO-GP is offered at the setting of a university hospital and is open to adult patients with cancer. It contains elements from mind-body medicine and positive psychology, as well as recommendations on healthy diet, exercise and CAM approaches. Patients who completed the IO-GP at least 12 months prior (1-4.5 years ago) were included in this study. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis and parametric and nonparametric tests to identify significant differences (P < .05).

RESULTS

Resilience increased significantly ≥12 months after participation in the IO-GP (n = 44, P = .006, F = 8.274) and had a medium effect size (r = .410). The time since the IO-GP was completed ("12-24 months," "24-36 months," and ">36 months") showed no statistically significant interaction with changes in resilience (P = .226, F = 1.544). The most frequently used CAM modalities within the past 12 months were vitamins/minerals (85.7%), relaxation techniques (54.3%), herbs and plant medicine (41.1%), yoga (41.4%) and meditation (41.4%). The IO-GP was the most common source informing study participants about relaxation techniques (n = 24, 64.9%), meditation (n = 21, 72.4%) and taking vitamin D (n = 16, 40.0%). Significantly greater levels of resilience were found in those practicing meditation (P = .010, d = -.642) or visualization (P = .003, d = -.805) compared to non-practitioners.

CONCLUSION

IO-GPs have the potential to empower patients with cancer to continue using CAM practices-especially from mind-body medicine-even 1 to 4.5 years after completing the program. Additionally, resilience levels increased. These findings provide notable insight into the long-term effects of integrative oncology interventions on resilience and the use of CAM, especially in patients with breast cancer.