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Çelik H, Aslan H. The Relationship Between Cancer Patients' Supportive Care Needs and Their Attitudes Toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Niger J Clin Pract 2024; 27:415-423. [PMID: 38679761 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_377_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients have high supportive care needs related to the nature of the disease and treatment methods. To meet these needs or reduce symptoms, patients can be expected to resort to alternative treatment methods. AIM To examine the relationship between the supportive care needs of cancer patients and their attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). METHODS This was a cross-sectional study involving 289 cancer patients at the Oncology Hospital in east of Turkey. Short-Form Supportive Care Needs Survey Questionnaire (SCNS-SF 29) and Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (HCAMQ) were standard instruments used for data collection. The association between supportive care needs and attitude toward CAM was determined. RESULTS The mean age of the study participants was 56.7 ± 12.7 years. There were 180 females (62.3%) and 109 males (37.7%). The mean score of the SCNS-SF 29 of the study participant was 101.19 ± 33.97. It was found that the patients' psychological needs were the highest, followed by health services and information, daily life, and sexuality needs, respectively. The mean score of the HCAMQ was 27.16 ± 9.54. There was a weak, significant negative correlation between HCAM and psychological supportive care needs (r: -0.240, P: 0.003). However, there was no significant relationship between needs related to health services information, daily life sexuality, and attitudes toward CAM. CONCLUSIONS Cancer patients have high supportive care requirements. Those with high psychological needs have a positive attitude toward HCAM. Incorporation of HCAM in the care of cancer patients may improve their quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Çelik
- Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
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Uslu-Sahan F, Yesilcınar I, Kurt G, Hancer E, Guvenc G. Effects of COVID-19 fear and anxiety on attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine use in women with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023:S2095-4964(23)00045-6. [PMID: 37353374 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with gynecological cancer commonly use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods to cope with the disease. However, despite the existence of treatment strategies, the effect of fear and anxiety caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on attitudes about CAM use is unclear. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of fear and anxiety experienced by patients with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic on their attitudes towards the use of CAM. METHODS This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study that included 177 women with gynecological cancer; participants were recruited from a social networking site for cancer patients in Turkey between June and December 2021. Data were collected using an online survey that included the Personal Information Form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Attitude Towards Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson's correlation test, and simple linear and multiple regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. RESULTS During the pandemic, 55.4% of the participants reported using CAM methods, but only 22.6% were using CAM before the pandemic. The participants who used CAM during the pandemic also scored higher on the fear of COVID-19 and coronavirus anxiety scales (20.69 ± 5.37 and 13.09 ± 6.29, respectively) compared to the participants who did not use CAM (9.29 ± 2.72 and 6.35 ± 2.06, respectively). Fear of COVID-19 accounted for 52% of the CAM attitude score, while coronavirus anxiety accounted for 15% of the CAM attitude score. Fear of COVID-19 and coronavirus anxiety together accounted for 53% of CAM attitude. CONCLUSION Gynecological cancer patients with high levels of COVID-19-related anxiety and fear during the pandemic used CAM more. Given that the psychological effects of the pandemic will continue in the coming years, CAM use should be evaluated as a coping strategy, especially due to the COVID-19-related anxiety and fear experienced by patients with gynecological cancer. While the rational and effective CAM methods should be supported, strategies should be developed to prevent misuse of CAM and its interference in prescribed medical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Uslu-Sahan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Ilknur Yesilcınar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir 35620, Turkey
| | - Gonul Kurt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Gulhane Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences, Ankara 06018, Turkey
| | - Elif Hancer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology Clinic, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Gulten Guvenc
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Gulhane Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences, Ankara 06018, Turkey.
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Carrillo-Mora P, Rodríguez-Barragán MA, Quinzaños-Fresnedo J, Del Refugio Pacheco-Gallegos M, Soto-Lara M, Velázquez-Ortega M, Villarreal-Azamar MF, Aguirre-Medina IJ, Rubalcava-Gracia-Medrano M. Alternative and complementary medicine in neurological disorders and neurological disability patients: Prevalence, factors, opinions and reasons. Complement Ther Med 2023; 72:102920. [PMID: 36646394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This cross-sectional study is aimed to investigate the prevalence of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), types of CAMs used, as well as reasons and factors found in patients with neurological diseases or neurological disability. METHODS An anonymous, self-administered survey was designed to collect information about demographics, personal medical history, CAM usage habits, and different opinions about CAM vs. conventional medicine (CM). The survey was applied by non-medical personnel in a rehabilitation hospital to patients older than 18 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of neurological disorder or neurological disability. RESULTS 453 patients were included, 59.7 % were female. Mean age: 49 years (SD: 18.2). 200 patients (44.2 %) had a history of chronic diseases. Depression was found in 139 patients (30.7 %). Neurological disorders were: peripheral neuropathy: 97 (21.4 %), headache or migraine: 78 (17.2 %), neurodegenerative diseases: 69 (15.2 %) and stroke: 58 (12.8 %). 60.2 % (n = 273) had some degree of disability. Prevalence of CAM use was 36 % (n = 163). Most common CAMs were: Biological therapies: 133 (71.1 %), energy-based therapies: 63 (33.7 %) and body manipulation therapies: 51 (27.3 %). Reasons to use CAM were: "to complement the pharmacological treatment" (45 = 27.6 %), and "treatment failure with CM" (43 = 26.4 %). Finally, older age (p = 0.0280) and having a chronic disease (p = 0.0229) or depression (p < 0.001) were the factors associated with the current use of CAM. CONCLUSION One third of patients with neurological pathologies use CAM, the most popular type of CAM is biologic therapies. As in other pathologies, CAM use was associated with older age, history of depression, and chronic diseases. Therefore, it is suggested that physicians routinely ask patients about the use of CAM, if they need more information about CAM, and even verify the possibility of drug interactions or adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Carrillo-Mora
- División de Neurociencias Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Mexico.
| | - Marlene A Rodríguez-Barragán
- División de Rehabilitación Neurológica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Mexico
| | - Jimena Quinzaños-Fresnedo
- División de Rehabilitación Neurológica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Mexico
| | | | - María Soto-Lara
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, Mexico
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Kim D, Sung SH, Shin S, Park M. The effect of cancer on traditional, complementary and alternative medicine utilization in Korea: a fixed effect analysis using Korea Health Panel data. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:137. [PMID: 35585580 PMCID: PMC9118572 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03614-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-related incidence and mortality rates are rapidly increasing worldwide. However, no studies have examined the effect of cancer as a single factor on the use of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (T&CAM). We aimed to determine the effect of cancer occurrence on T&CAM utilization using Korea Health Panel (KHP) data. METHODS We analyzed longitudinal data (49,380 observations) derived from 12,975 Korean adult participants with complete KHP data from 2011 to 2014 and 2016, and divided them into two groups based on cancer diagnosis. A panel multinomial logit model was used to assess whether the participants used T&CAM or conventional medicine or both in outpatient settings. Additionally, a negative binomial regression model was used to examine the effect of cancer on the number of outpatient visits for T&CAM. RESULTS In total, 25.54% of the study participants in the cancer group used T&CAM, which was higher than that in the non-cancer group (18.37%, p < 0.0001). A panel multinomial logistic regression analysis using KHP data showed that cancer occurrence was significantly more likely to be associated with 'Using both Korean medicine and conventional medicine' (Coef. = 0.80, p = 0.017) and 'Not using Korean medicine but using conventional medicine' (Coef. = 0.85, p = 0.008) than 'Not using Korean medicine and conventional medicine.' A panel negative binomial regression showed a significant effect of cancer on increasing the number of T&CAM outpatient visits (Coef. = 0.11, p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that cancer occurrence within an individual led to the simultaneous use of conventional medicine and T&CAM. In addition, the occurrence of cancer significantly increased the number of T&CAM outpatient visits among participants already using T&CAM. It was also found that T&CAM has been utilized more often by the most vulnerable people, such as medical beneficiaries and those with a low level of education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsu Kim
- College of Oriental Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeollanam-do, 58245, South Korea
| | - Soo-Hyun Sung
- Department of Policy Development, National Institute of Korean Medicine Development, Junggu, Seoul, 04561, South Korea
| | - Seungwon Shin
- National Agency for Korean Medicine Innovative Technologies Development, National Institute of Korean Medicine Development, Junggu, Seoul, 04561, South Korea
| | - Minjung Park
- National Agency for Korean Medicine Innovative Technologies Development, National Institute of Korean Medicine Development, Junggu, Seoul, 04561, South Korea.
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Choi SJ, Kunwor SK, Im HB, Hwang JH, Choi D, Han D. Traditional and complementary medicine use among cancer patients in Nepal: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:70. [PMID: 35291988 PMCID: PMC8925159 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03555-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is commonly used in South Asian countries such as Nepal. There are various causes and contributing factors for patients with cancer to consider using T&CM. However, little is known about the use of T&CM among the cancer population in this region. METHODS The study followed a cross-sectional design using a structured survey questionnaire. Survey participants were recruited from two National hospitals in Kathmandu, Nepal. The survey instrument comprised 30 questions, including variables on demographics, use of T&CM, and perceived level of disease severity, and cancer treatment. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used for data analysis using SPSS ver. 23.0. RESULTS Of 908 participants, 31.6% used one or more modalities of T&CM after a cancer diagnosis. The most commonly used T&CM was Ayurveda (46.5%), followed by yoga (32.4%). About 46% of T&CM users discussed their use with their doctors. The main source of information on T&CM was their family members and relatives (55.7%). Cancer type (head and neck cancer OR: 2.30, CI: 1.23-4.29; abdominal cancer OR: 2.69, CI: 1.47-4.95; lung cancer OR: 5.88, CI: 2.69-12.89), cancer stage (Stage I OR: 1.92¸CI: 1.14-3.25; Stage II OR: 1.76, CI: 1.06-2.94), and the patients' self-rated disease severity (high perceived severity OR: 1.50, CI: 1.05-2.16) were strong predictors of T&CM use. CONCLUSION This study underlined that despite the widespread use of T&CM among cancer patients in Nepal, most patients obtained information on T&CM from informal sources and did not disclose their use to physicians. To ensure the safe use of T&CM modalities, physicians should integrate questions on T&CM use into routine patient assessments in order to facilitate active communication and improve the quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Jeung Choi
- Department of Global Health and Development, Graduate School, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, South Korea.,Institute of Health Services Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sangita Karki Kunwor
- Department of Global Health and Development, Graduate School, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, South Korea.,Institute of Health Services Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyea Bin Im
- Department of Global Health and Development, Graduate School, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, South Korea.,Institute of Health Services Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Hye Hwang
- Institute of Health Services Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dain Choi
- Department of Global Health and Development, Graduate School, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, South Korea.,Institute of Health Services Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dongwoon Han
- Department of Global Health and Development, Graduate School, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, South Korea. .,Institute of Health Services Management, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea. .,Department of Preventive Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Yeom J, Lee JM. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Patients With Colorectal Cancer. Clin Nutr Res 2022; 11:255-263. [PMID: 36381470 PMCID: PMC9633969 DOI: 10.7762/cnr.2022.11.4.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between cancer-related stress and the types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used by subjects diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The number of study subjects was 142, and for data analysis, descriptive statistics, t-test, χ2 test, logistic regression procedures were performed. Of the subjects, 114 were CAM users, who accounted for 79.6%. When it came to using CAM, 82 (72.6%) said they did “to prevent cancer recurrence.” The most popular reason for not using CAM was “to focus on treatment as instructed by the doctor,” with 22 (75.8%) respondents selecting the answer. Of those who used CAM, 79 (55.6%) said they took “dietary supplements,” followed by 65 (45.8%) who picked “vitamins and minerals.” Regarding CAM usage, ginger, aloe, swimming, and walking had the highest satisfaction (4.25 ± 0.71). The cancer-related stress of subjects who use CAM (18.21 ± 15.37) was higher than that of subjects who did not use CAM (10.11 ± 12.08). Logistic regression analysis determined that cancer-related stress were factors significantly associated with CAM use. Patients using CAM had higher cancer-related stress, suggesting that stress on cancer increased CAM interest. Safe and reliable CAM information and standardized recommendations should be provided to cancer survivors. We propose the development of training programs for CAM to improve communication between medical staff and patients and to protect patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongwon Yeom
- Department of Nursing, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 14584, Korea
| | - Jung Mi Lee
- Department of Nursing, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 14584, Korea
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Kwag EB, Kim SD, Park JH, Park SJ, Jeong MK, Yoo HS. The Current Status of Integrative Oncology in Korea. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 20:15347354211063809. [PMID: 34872372 PMCID: PMC8655452 DOI: 10.1177/15347354211063809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and Korea is no
exception. Humanity has been fighting cancer for many years, and as a result, we
now have effective treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
However, there are other issues that we are only now beginning to address, such
as cancer patients’ quality of life. Moreover, numerous studies show that
addressing these issues holistically is critical for overall cancer treatment
and survival rates. This paper describes how Korea is attempting to reduce
cancer incidence and recurrence rates while also managing the quality of life of
cancer patients. Integrative Oncology is the field that addresses these broad
issues, and understanding the current state of integrative oncology in Korea is
critical. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of the current state
of integrative oncology in Korea as well as to look ahead to future
developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Bin Kwag
- Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Dam Kim
- Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hye Park
- Seoul Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Jung Park
- Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyung Jeong
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa-Seung Yoo
- Seoul Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Malika N, Roberts L, Casiano C, Montgomery S. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Prostate Cancer among African Americans, African Immigrants and Caribbean Immigrants. J Community Health 2021; 47:284-291. [PMID: 34773196 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-021-01046-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Black men have the highest rate of prostate cancer (PCa) morbidity and mortality in the US, and often receive delayed and/or poorer-quality treatment. This inequity has led many to turn to complementary and alternative medicine/therapies (CAM). However, little is known about the use of these therapies within the Black community. The purpose of this study was to describe types of CAM therapies used, and the reasons behind their use for overall health and PCa treatment and prevention among three groups of Black males, namely African Americans, Caribbean Immigrants and African Immigrants. This study used a mixed-methods design with a quantitative phase (n = 575) followed by a qualitative phase (n = 61) with participants recruited from various parts of the country. Results revealed differences among subgroups in CAM use for overall health and PCa, as well as differences in the types of CAM therapies used and differences in the reasons behind their use. The findings of this study reveal a prevalence of CAM use for overall health and PCa within three different groups of Black men and identifies the specific CAM used. There were significant differences in the types of CAM used by each subgroup for both overall health and PCa. This study also shows that there is value in looking at Black subgroups distinctively, for their rates of CAM use and reasons for use, are distinctly different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipher Malika
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA, 90401, USA.
| | - Lisa Roberts
- School of Nursing, Loma Linda University, 11262 Campus St.,West Hall, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Carlos Casiano
- Department of Basic Sciences and Medicine, Center of Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Mortensen Hall, 11085 Campus St., Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Susanne Montgomery
- School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda University, 11065 Campus St., Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
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ERGİN E, SAĞKAL MİDİLLİ T, AKDAĞ E, KIRGÖZ C. Evaluation of outpatient cancer patients’ use of nonpharmacological methods in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.852985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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10
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Kim EH, Yoon JH, Yoon SS, Lee JY, Yoon SW. Efficacy of Chemotherapy Integrated With Traditional Korean Medicine in Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Study. Integr Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1534735420983457. [PMID: 33349074 PMCID: PMC7758658 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420983457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This retrospective study investigated the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy (CTX) integrated with Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, in a single Korean center. Methods: From January, 2014 to February, 2019, patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who had received CTX were enrolled. Overall survival (OS), demographic characteristics, and adverse events were examined. Statistical analysis was utilized to evaluate the differences in characteristics and to compare the survival rates between the CTX group and CTX+TKM group. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare the differences in survival time. A Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the hazard ratio of the risk of mortality. Results: A total 37 participants were included and visited a TKM hospital 7.4 ± 8.3 months after being diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The median age of the participants was 62 years; 26 patients (70.3%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status between 0 and 2, and 23 patients (62.2 %) had first-line CTX failure. The median OS of all patients was 3.8 months (95% CI, 3.1-4.6). The CTX + TKM group showed longer survival (4.1 months; 95% CI, 2.4- .8) than the CTX group (2.4 months, 95% CI 0.2-4.6) but this was not statistically significant (P = .217). Chemotherapy with TKM treatment for more than 30 days (CTX + TKM ≥ 30) significantly prolonged median OS (9.1 months; 95% CI, 3.6-14.5; P = .025) compared to chemotherapy alone. Cox hazard ratio analysis revealed that CTX + TKM ≥ 30 and prior chemotherapy were significantly independent prognostic factors for OS. The main herbs in the TKM treatment were Rhus verniciflua Stokes and Astragalus. Severe adverse events with respect to TKM treatment were not reported. Conclusions: TKM treatment integrated with chemotherapy may prolong OS in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer compared to chemotherapy treatment alone. More rigorous prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm this result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Hye Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Hyun Yoon
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Soo Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Young Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Woo Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Knecht K, Kinder D, Stockert A. Biologically-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use in Cancer Patients: The Good, the Bad, the Misunderstood. Front Nutr 2020; 6:196. [PMID: 32039227 PMCID: PMC6992534 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2019.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) becomes more popular, it is being used in cancer patients to aid in recovery or to treat symptoms associated with the current chemotherapy. Numerous papers exist that discuss patients using CAM with cancer chemotherapy and their outcomes-both positive and negative. However, in the case of the negative outcomes, the reason for the dangers or interactions with drugs are not made clear. Indeed, many chemotherapy regimens are rendered less effective by the well-meaning but uninformed patient or their family members and friends. Similarly, reports of positive outcomes with CAM and chemotherapy provide a strong basis for further research, but do not identify specific mechanisms of action. These small clinical studies and in vitro studies identify a necessary area for further research and provide a much needed, although often rejected, alternative look at whole treatment plans. Careful review of the available information and evaluation of the nature of the CAM effects are necessary to combat the misunderstanding and sometimes unwarranted claims over CAM use. This mini review will explore some of the commonly used CAM agents and their mechanisms of interactions with other treatments. Suggestions as to which agents can be safe and when to use them will be an integral part of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Knecht
- Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - David Kinder
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH, United States
| | - Amy Stockert
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH, United States
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