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Kayo T, Suzuki M, Mitsuma T, Suzuki M, Ikeda S, Sukegawa M, Tsunoda S, Ohta M. Bleeding Risk of Acupuncture for Patients with Hematological Malignancies Accompanying Thrombocytopenia: A Retrospective Chart Review. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024; 30:77-84. [PMID: 37405736 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, it has been reported that acupuncture is useful for alleviating the symptoms of patients with hematological malignancies, but the safety of acupuncture for such patients has not been established. This study evaluated the risk of bleeding from acupuncture in patients with hematological malignancies accompanying thrombocytopenia. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective investigation of the medical records of patients with hematological malignancies who received acupuncture during hospitalization at the hematology department of a single medical center in Japan. The bleeding risk at the acupuncture site was evaluated in the following four groups according to the platelet count measured on the day of acupuncture treatment: (1) <20 × 103/μL, (2) 20-49 × 103/μL, (3) 50-99 × 103/μL, and (4) 100 × 103/μL or more. Occurrence of grade 2 or higher bleeding according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0, within 24 h from the acupuncture session or before the next session was defined as an event, and the risk of occurrence of bleeding was examined in each group. Results: Of 2423 acupuncture sessions conducted on 51 patients with hematological malignancies, 815 were included in the analysis. Ninety sessions were performed in the <20 × 103/μL platelet count group, 161 in the 20-49 × 103/μL group, 133 in the 50-99 × 103/μL group, and 431 in the 100 × 103/μL or more group. No bleeding event according to the authors' definition occurred in any of these groups. Conclusions: This study is the largest to date to assess the bleeding risk of acupuncture in patients with hematological malignancies accompanying thrombocytopenia. The authors considered that acupuncture could be safely performed without causing serious bleeding for patients with hematological malignancies accompanying thrombocytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kayo
- Department of Kampo Medical Research Institute and Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masao Suzuki
- Department of Kampo Medical Research Institute and Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tadamichi Mitsuma
- Department of Kampo Medical Research Institute and Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Manabu Suzuki
- Department of Hematology, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shohei Ikeda
- Department of Hematology, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masumi Sukegawa
- Department of Hematology, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Saburo Tsunoda
- Department of Hematology, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Ohta
- Department of Hematology, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Mahurin HM, Tarabadkar E, Hippe DS, Lachance K, Kim EJ, Loggers ET, Shinohara MM. Integrative medicine use in patients with cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma: A cross-sectional survey study. Complement Ther Med 2021; 61:102762. [PMID: 34302983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize patterns of integrative medicine (IM) use and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). DESIGN Cross-sectional, online survey, created in conjunction with the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation (CLF). SETTING A link to the online survey was posted on the CLF Facebook page and emailed to the CLF listserv; 372 survey responses were received. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The study outcomes were IM use, cancer symptoms, and HRQoL measured via the Skindex-16 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G). RESULTS A total of 292 patient responses (66 % female, median age 59y) were included in analysis. 87 % had mycosis fungoides and 12 % had Sézary syndrome. A majority (59 %) of patients reported using IM for their CTCL, with 48 % using IM to treat their disease and 47 % using IM to manage their symptoms. The most commonly used IM were vitamins/minerals (32 %), prayer/meditation (26 %), diet (24 %), and exercise/yoga (22 %). Higher itch scores were reported by patients using IM compared to non-users (31 (IQR 10-62) and 18 (IQR 3-46) respectively; p = 0.002). HRQoL was worse among patients who reported IM use; median Skindex-16 scores were 54 (IQR 28-72) among IM users compared to 33 (IQR 19-57) for non-IM users (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS IM use is common among patients with CTCL, particularly those with worse itching and worse HRQoL. IM interventions require further study given use by CTCL patients to treat disease and ameliorate symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Mahurin
- University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States.
| | - Erica Tarabadkar
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University, 1525 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, United States
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - Kristina Lachance
- Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - Ellen J Kim
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
| | - Elizabeth T Loggers
- Division of Oncology, University of Washington, 825 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States
| | - Michi M Shinohara
- Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
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Prevalence of the Use of Herbal Medicines among Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9963038. [PMID: 34055029 PMCID: PMC8149249 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9963038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Although herbal medicines are used by patients with cancer in multiple oncology care settings, the magnitude of herbal medicine use in this context remains unclear. The purpose of this review was to establish the prevalence of herbal medicine use among patients with cancer, across various geographical settings and patient characteristics (age and gender categories). Methods Electronic databases that were searched for data published, from January 2000 to January 2020, were Medline (PubMed), Google Scholar, Embase, and African Index Medicus. Eligible studies reporting prevalence estimates of herbal medicine use amongst cancer patients were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. Studies were grouped by World Bank region and income groups. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore source of heterogeneity. Results In total, 155 studies with data for 809,065 participants (53.95% female) met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the pooled prevalence of the use of herbal medicine among patients with cancer was 22% (95% confidence interval (CI): 18%–25%), with the highest prevalence estimates for Africa (40%, 95% CI: 23%–58%) and Asia (28%, 95% CI: 21%–35%). The pooled prevalence estimate was higher across low- and middle-income countries (32%, 95% CI: 23%–42%) and lower across high-income countries (17%, 95% CI: 14%–21%). Higher pooled prevalence estimates were found for adult patients with cancer (22%, 95% CI: 19%–26%) compared with children with cancer (18%, 95% CI: 11%–27%) and for female patients (27%, 95% CI: 19%–35%) compared with males (17%, 95% CI: 1%–47%). Conclusion Herbal medicine is used by a large percentage of patients with cancer use. The findings of this review highlight the need for herbal medicine to be integrated in cancer care.
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The effect of complementary and integrative medicine on symptom management and quality of life in Turkish oncology patients: a cross-sectional study. ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Relaxation versus exercise for improved quality of life in lymphoma survivors-a randomised controlled trial. J Cancer Surviv 2020; 15:470-480. [PMID: 32986231 PMCID: PMC7520510 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-020-00941-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Lymphoma survivors experience persisting needs as a consequence of disease and treatment, which have an impact on quality of life (QoL). There is evidence supporting the use of relaxation and exercise to improve QoL, but there is no agreement on which is more beneficial. This study aims to compare a relaxation intervention versus an exercise intervention to determine which has a greater impact on QoL post-chemotherapy. Methods Eligible participants (n = 46) were randomised to a relaxation or exercise intervention for 12 weeks. QoL was assessed at baseline, 6 weeks and post-intervention using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire, which is a valid and reliable tool. The summary score and all EORTC domains were assessed. Results There was a significant difference in QoL post-intervention between groups (p = 0.029) while adjusting for baseline QoL, with the exercise group demonstrating a larger improvement. Within-group QoL significantly improved pre- to post-intervention in both the relaxation (p = 0.036) and exercise (p = 0.004) groups. Conclusions A self-management intervention of either exercise or relaxation can help significantly improve QoL in lymphoma survivors following chemotherapy. While exercise is preferred, a relaxation intervention would also have a beneficial impact on QoL. Implications for Cancer Survivors Lymphoma survivors should be routinely screened and those with decreased QoL referred for an exercise programme, or relaxation for survivors who are unable to exercise or choose not to. A home-based programme can have a significant positive impact on QoL and is a feasible and effective method in the current climate. Trial registration number Clinical Trials ID NCT02272751
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Mwaka AD, Mangi SP, Okuku FM. Use of traditional and complementary medicines by cancer patients at a national cancer referral facility in a low-income country. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2019; 28:e13158. [PMID: 31441575 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe use of traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) and associated factors among patients with cancer. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) involving patients with selected solid tumours. Independent variables included age, sex, marital status, cancer site and stage. Main outcome variables were use and disclosure of use of T&CM. RESULTS The majority of participants were women (n = 352; 81.9%). Breast cancer (n = 312; 71.9%) was the predominant cancer type. 55.4% of participants (n = 240) self-reported use of T&CM. Among them, 68.3% (140/205) reported using them to treat/cure cancer, 35.6% (72/202) for strengthening the immune system and 31.2% (63/202) for management of pain. Patients with advanced stage cancers were more likely to be users compared with those in stage one. The majority (81.9%, 195/238) of T&CM users did not disclose use to their healthcare professionals. The main reasons for nondisclosure included lack of inquiry by clinicians (79.6%, 117/147) and fear of disapproval and/or rebuke (11.6%, 17/147). CONCLUSION Use of T&CM by patients with cancer under biomedical care is common but often undisclosed to the healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Deogratius Mwaka
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Cancer Awareness and Early Detection Coalition (CAEDCO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sabina Patrick Mangi
- Department of Medicine, St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda.,Tosamaganga Council Designated Hospital, Iringa, Tanzania
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Dai X, Jiang P, Ji Y, Zhu X, Sun X. Suppression of murine B-cell lymphoma growth by trichosanthin through anti-angiogenesis. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:3567-3577. [PMID: 31312367 PMCID: PMC6614629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Studies have suggested trichosanthin (TCS) exerts antitumor activity mainly through direct cytotoxicity toward cancer cells and immune regulation. In this study, we conducted the proliferation and apoptosis assay on A20 cells and endothelial cells (ECs) with different concentrations of TCS and investigated the levels of gene expression linked to angiogenesis. Herein, a new mechanism that TCS inhibits murine B-cell lymphoma growth by anti-angiogenesis was reported. First, TCS inhibit tumor growth and prolonged survival significantly in vivo, and TCS depressed the formation of new blood vessels around the tumor in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies showed that the platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31)-positive endothelial cell numbers, and the serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were also lower in the study group than controls. However, TCS did neither change the ratio of T cells and NK cells in the spleen of treated mice nor affect the proliferation and apoptosis of A20 cells in vitro. Additionally, the newly formed blood vessels in chorioallantoic membranes treated with TCS were significantly reduced. Last, TCS may suppress the proliferation, induce apoptosis and decrease tube formation and migration of endothelial cells (ECs). And, the mRNA and protein levels of VEGF in ECs treated with TCS were lower than that in the control group. These findings confirm that inhibitory effect of TCS on A20 murine B-cell lymphoma growth is mediated via anti-angiogenesis, and which may be associated with the down-regulation of VEGF and MMPs expression. This is an indication that TCS may represent a natural anti-angiogenic drug for lymphoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingbin Dai
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210029, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210029, China
| | - Pengjun Jiang
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210029, China
| | - Yanhua Ji
- School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing 210009, China
| | - Xuejun Zhu
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210029, China
| | - Xuemei Sun
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210029, China
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Kim K, Kim SH, Ok ON, Kim IR, Lee S, Kim SH, Kim WS, Ryu MH, Lee MH. Use of complementary and alternative medicine by lymphoma survivors in South Korea. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2018; 33:91-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Cerhan JR, Link BK, Habermann TM, Maurer MJ, Feldman AL, Syrbu SI, Thompson CA, Farooq U, Novak AJ, Slager SL, Allmer C, Lunde JJ, Macon WR, Inwards DJ, Johnston PB, Micallef INM, Nowakowski GS, Ansell SM, Kay NE, Weiner GJ, Witzig TE. Cohort Profile: The Lymphoma Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER) Cohort Study. Int J Epidemiol 2017; 46:1753-1754i. [PMID: 29025017 PMCID: PMC5837578 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyx119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James R Cerhan
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Brian K Link
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Matthew J Maurer
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andrew L Feldman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA and
| | - Sergei I Syrbu
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Umar Farooq
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Susan L Slager
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Cristine Allmer
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Julianne J Lunde
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - William R Macon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA and
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - George J Weiner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Frenkel M, Sapire K. Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Hematologic Malignancies: Questions and Challenges. Curr Oncol Rep 2017; 19:79. [PMID: 29032389 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-017-0635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies represent 9.7% of all cancers, making them the fourth most common type of cancer in the United States. The aggressive and complex treatments administered in hematologic malignancies result in a high burden of psychological needs. Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) is becoming one of the options that patients use to address their distress during and after cancer treatments. It is not clear whether appropriate CIM can relieve distress in patients affected by these malignancies. This review covers the potential benefits of CIM as relates to nutrition, nutritional supplements, exercise, circadian rhythm, methods for reducing distress during bone marrow aspiration, massage therapy, and acupuncture, in treating patients with hematological malignancies. This review may provide a framework to enhance patient-doctor dialogue regarding CIM use in hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Frenkel
- Department of Family Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA. .,Integrative Medicine Program, Institute of Oncology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel. .,, Hashoftim 1 B, 30900, Zichron Yaacov, Israel.
| | - Kenneth Sapire
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Danell JA. From Disappointment to Holistic Ideals: A Qualitative Study on Motives and Experiences of Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Sweden. J Public Health Res 2015; 4:538. [PMID: 26425496 PMCID: PMC4568425 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2015.538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies indicate increased use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in western societies, to ameliorate health problems. Even if there is substantial research on general patterns of use, there is limited knowledge on individual motives. This study contributes to a qualitative understanding of experiences of choosing and using CAM. Design and methods This study consists of in-depth interviews with 10 CAM users in Sweden. The participants represent different backgrounds and experiences of using CAM. The interviews have been analysed in accordance with content analysis. Results In analysing experiences of choosing and using CAM four main themes were identified: frustration and critique, values and ideology, individual responsibility, and combining treatments. In general, the participants were highly reflexive on issues concerning their health. They highlighted their own role and responsibility, combined a variety of treatments, and continuously dealt with questions on risks, even if they had relatively different approaches to if and when to use CAM. The results also show that motives may change over time. Even if initial choices were closely related to frustration and critique of conventional treatments (for example, by perceiving conventional health care as limited, not receiving proper diagnoses, or being critical to conventional drugs) was long-term use motivated by ideological characteristics of CAM (such as holistic and individualized treatments, and extensive interaction with practitioners). Conclusions Four main themes, concerning experiences of choosing and using CAM were identified. This study also supports the idea that initial motives for choosing CAM may differ from those explaining long-term use. Significance for public health Recent studies indicate increased use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), both in general western populations and specific patient groups. Well-documented motives for choosing CAM are related to disappointment and failure of conventional health care. In addition, there are findings that demonstrate that certain basic values (such as individualism and holistic orientations) are related to the use of CAM. A better understanding of individual motives behind people’s choice of CAM, and how this is related to their perception of the health care system, is important for policy makers and health care professionals alike. This study contributes to a qualitative understanding of experiences of choosing and using CAM and how motives may change over time. It also contributes with knowledge on how users combine CAM with conventional health care and deal with risks.
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Ojukwu M, Mbizo J, Leyva B, Olaku O, Zia F. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Overweight and Obese Cancer Survivors in the United States. Integr Cancer Ther 2015; 14:503-14. [PMID: 26044767 DOI: 10.1177/1534735415589347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among US cancer survivors; examine whether use varies by underweight/normal weight, overweight, and obese body mass index status; determine reasons for use; and document disclosure rates of CAM use to medical professionals. METHODS Data for 1785 cancer survivors were obtained from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey and CAM supplement. The prevalence and associations of CAM use in the previous 12 months were compared among underweight/normal weight, overweight, and obese adult cancer survivors. RESULTS Nearly 90% of cancer survivors used at least one type of CAM therapy in the 12 months preceding the survey. Those who were overweight, but not obese, were more likely to use a CAM modality compared to normal/underweight respondents. Over two thirds (71%) reported using CAM therapy for general health and wellness and 39.3% used CAM because a health care provider recommended it. Disclosure rates of CAM use to conventional medical professionals varied widely by CAM modality. CONCLUSIONS An overwhelming majority of US cancer survivors use CAM for a variety of reasons. Overweight cancer survivors may be more likely to use CAM than those who are underweight, normal weight, or obese. Cancer survivors should be screened by medical providers for the use of CAM therapies; furthermore, prospective clinical research evaluating the efficacy and safety of biologically based CAM therapies, often used by cancer survivors, is important and necessary for the well-being of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ojukwu
- Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Bryan Leyva
- Process of Care Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Oluwadamilola Olaku
- Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA Kelly Services Incorporated, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Farah Zia
- Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Abstract
Dietary supplements (DS) may influence cancer prognosis. Their use in cancer patients has been described in the United States, but data are largely lacking in Europe and notably in France. The present study's objectives were (1) to assess DS use and its sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary correlates in a large sample of French cancer survivors; (2) to evaluate the involvement of physicians in such DS use; and (3) to assess the extent of potentially harmful practices. Data were collected by self-administered web-based questionnaires among participants of the NutriNet-Santé cohort. Data on DS use was available for 1081 cancer survivors. DS users were compared to non-users with unconditional logistic regressions. DS use was reported by 62% of women and 29% of men. Vitamins D, B6, C and Mg were the most frequently consumed nutrients. 14% of cancer survivors initiated DS use after diagnosis. For 35% of the DS consumed, subjects did not inform their attending physician. DS use was associated with a healthier lifestyle (normal weight, never smoking and better diet) and substantially contributed to nutrient intake. 18% of DS users had potentially harmful DS use practices, such as the simultaneous use of vitamin E and anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents, the use of β-carotene and smoking or the use of phyto-oestrogens in hormone-dependent cancer patients. The present study suggests that DS use is widespread among cancer survivors, a large amount of that use is performed without any medical supervision and a substantial proportion of that use involves potentially harmful practices. Physicians should be encouraged to more routinely discuss DS use with their cancer patients.
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