Traditional and complementary medicine used with curative intent in childhood cancer: A systematic review

Diorio, Caroline; Salena, Kristen; Ladas, Elena J.; Lam, Catherine G.; Afungcwhi, Glenn M.; Njuguna, Festus; Marjerrison, Stacey

doi:10.1002/pbc.26501

Cited by 13 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Plants constitute a common alternative for cancer treatment in many countries, and more than 3000 plants worldwide have been reported to have anticancer properties [ 6 , 7 ]. Although a recent study suggests that nowadays, the traditional medicines are less used, even in populous middle-income countries [ 8 ], herbal medicine use is still common in oncology therapy worldwide [ 6 , 7 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. In the last two decades, the use of herbal remedies has also been widely embraced in many developed countries as complementary and alternative medicine, but following tight legislation and under surveillance [ 12 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plant Secondary Metabolites as Anticancer Agents: Successes in Clinical Trials and Therapeutic Application

Seca

Pinto

2018

IJMS

516

303

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Cancer is a multistage process resulting in an uncontrolled and abrupt division of cells and is one of the leading causes of mortality. The cases reported and the predictions for the near future are unthinkable. Food and Drug Administration data showed that 40% of the approved molecules are natural compounds or inspired by them, from which, 74% are used in anticancer therapy. In fact, natural products are viewed as more biologically friendly, that is less toxic to normal cells. In this review, the most recent and successful cases of secondary metabolites, including alkaloid, diterpene, triterpene and polyphenolic type compounds, with great anticancer potential are discussed. Focusing on the ones that are in clinical trial development or already used in anticancer therapy, therefore successful cases such as paclitaxel and homoharringtonine (in clinical use), curcumin and ingenol mebutate (in clinical trials) will be addressed. Each compound’s natural source, the most important steps in their discovery, their therapeutic targets, as well as the main structural modifications that can improve anticancer properties will be discussed in order to show the role of plants as a source of effective and safe anticancer drugs.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plant Secondary Metabolites as Anticancer Agents: Successes in Clinical Trials and Therapeutic Application

Seca

Pinto

2018

IJMS

516

303

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“…While just one participant felt MM could supplant chemotherapy, a recurrent theme was the possible synergistic effect of MM with conventional therapy. Two systematic reviews on use of complementary therapies in pediatric oncology indicate substantial receptivity of patients and families to using herbal remedies like MM with curative intent 24,25 . The supposition that MM has anticancer effects, sans human evidence to demonstrate this, has potential repercussions for practice 4,26 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A national study of adults with cancer found that patients who sought complementary therapies were more likely to decline additional conventional cancer treatment and had a higher risk of mortality 27 . Although similar studies have not been conducted in children, families contending with childhood cancer may be particularly vulnerable to misinformation about the promise of understudied therapies 25,28 . Future research should seek to establish whether MM or its components have antineoplastic benefit in humans, and what its interactions might be when used concurrently with conventional treatment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Parent and patient perceptions of medical marijuana in the childhood cancer context

Ananth

Revette

Reed-Weston

et al. 2020

Pediatric Blood & Cancer

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Background Medical marijuana (MM) is legal in 34 US jurisdictions. Yet, little is known about patient and parent perceptions of MM in pediatric cancer care. We examined attitudes, beliefs, and experiences regarding MM among parents of children with cancer and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, to help frame future research initiatives. Procedure In this qualitative study, we conducted semi‐structured, one‐on‐one interviews with parents and AYAs at a comprehensive cancer center. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and coded using both descriptive and inductive coding approaches. We used content and framework analysis to identify key themes. Results Fifteen parents and 15 AYAs enrolled. Participants were generally receptive to MM use, concurrently weighing benefits and risks. Participants most often endorsed MM use for relief of nausea, anorexia, and pain. Simultaneously, participants identified concerns about MM, including potential physiologic and psychological effects on children and lack of research. However, concerns were frequently minimized, relative to chemotherapy or supportive care medications with perceived greater side effect profiles. Many participants expressed uncertainty regarding legal access, citing complex processes to obtain MM. Few participants had discussed MM with their oncologist, instead seeking guidance from the internet, family, or peers. Importantly, we elicited several misconceptions regarding MM, including its utility as cancer‐directed therapy. Conclusion Patients and families are receptive to using MM, motivated by potential for symptom relief and cancer‐directed effects. Yet, lack of empiric evidence is a barrier, underscoring the need for robust clinical trial data to support MM recommendations and use.

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“…Apart from therapy some Indian and African communities, traditional medicines are thought to help clean out negative spiritual influences [39] and supporters of TM/CAM use them frequently as they are generally safe at common doses [40]. More than 3000 plants based secondary metabolite worldwide have been clinically reported to have anticancer properties [41] [42]. TM/CAM medicine use is still common in oncology therapy worldwide [43] [44].…”

Section: Traditional Medicinementioning

confidence: 99%

Naturally Derived Formulations and Prospects towards Cancer

Masarkar¹,

Mukherjee²,

Goel³

et al. 2019

Health

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Traditional Medicine (TM) and their secondary metabolites are being increasingly recognized as useful complementary treatments toward the cancer. A large number of clinical studies have reported and proven concern of cancer patients. Here we have also reported recent studies on the biochemical and cellular mechanisms of Traditional Medicine (TM). Nowadays, Chemotherapy and surgery are standard methods for treatment of cancer, but still it's not been fully successful. Some progress has been made in cancer diagnosis and treatment, but high incidence rate of cancer and low survival rate of patient are still being reported worldwide. Since ancient times, a number of traditional medicines known as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Iranian, Chinese, Korean, acupuncture, Muti, Ifa, and African medicine are widely used for therapeutic purposes and are becoming popular as Traditional Medicine (TM). It has been reported that plants synthesize plethora of "secondary metabolites" or "phytochemicals", proven to possess anti-mutagenic and anti-cancer properties in many research studies. There are many possibilities for further organized research for screening of medicinal plants for their potential and efficacy against chronic diseases such as a cancer and other inflammatory diseases. Therefore, researcher's interest should be in identification and standardization of new anti-cancer drug with low side effects and greater efficacy, that is easily acceptable in medical community and which may overcome the challenges in present and future cancer therapy. This review explores therapeutic value of certain bio-active principals of plant which could serve as potential pharmacologically active drug for treatment of cancer in future.

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Traditional and complementary medicine used with curative intent in childhood cancer: A systematic review

Cited by 13 publications

References 32 publications

Plant Secondary Metabolites as Anticancer Agents: Successes in Clinical Trials and Therapeutic Application

Plant Secondary Metabolites as Anticancer Agents: Successes in Clinical Trials and Therapeutic Application

Parent and patient perceptions of medical marijuana in the childhood cancer context

Naturally Derived Formulations and Prospects towards Cancer

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