Biologically-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use in Cancer Patients: The Good, the Bad, the Misunderstood

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.

The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Thai Gynecologic Oncology Patients: Influencing Factors

“…This may lead to subtherapeutic drug levels as well as to prolonged activity and even toxicity of a drug [ 14 , 30 ]. On the pharmacodynamics effect, antioxidant supplements could interfere with radiation or with any chemotherapy that operates via a free radical mechanism [ 31 , 32 ]. For instance, vitamin E and beta-carotene reduce toxicity from radiotherapy among patients with head and neck cancer, and hence it has been found to increase recurrence [ 33 ].…”

Herb–Drug Interactions: Worlds Intersect with the Patient at the Center

“…When it comes to cancer treatments, roughly half of the patients receiving treatment use CAM [ 55 ]. Patients decide to use alternative medicine alongside chemotherapy for many reasons including strengthening of the immune system, improving well-being, and relieving symptoms of either the disease or disease treatment, such as nausea, insomnia, and pain [ 56 ]. Publications evidencing positive and negative effects of the use of herbs with chemotherapy abound.…”

The trends of complementary alternative medicine use among cancer patients

“…Although the study revealed a reduction in the overall CAM use, there are very noticeable changes in the trend that are worth paying attention to. This trend of reduction in using CAM maybe due to more physician opposing the use of CAM as well as increased awareness of both of the public and the healthcare professionals of the potential harm of some of the CAM, due to interaction with the medications or the inherent side effects of CAM or avoiding getting treatment [16][17][18].…”