Complementary medicine in radiation oncology

Kessel, Kerstin A.; Klein, Evelyn; Hack, Carolin C.; Combs, Stephanie E.

doi:10.1007/s00066-018-1345-8

Cited by 11 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…The Working Group on Integrative Medicine of the German Society of Gynecological Oncology earlier developed a questionnaire for gynecological oncologists to evaluate the degree of acceptance, usage, and implementation of IM. The questionnaire was successfully distributed in 2014 to all members of the German Society of Gynecological Oncology in the German Cancer Society (DKG), with a focus on gynecological oncologists working in hospitals [7,19]. The study showed that there is considerable interest in IM among gynecological oncologists, but that IM therapy approaches were poorly implemented in routine clinical work (25%).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recent data from 2014 on IM in radiotherapy in Germany showed that for 32.2% of gynecological oncologists, IM is part of routine treatment (not part of it, 57.3%; unknown, 10.5%) and that 22.0% were planning to incorporate it [7]. Like the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the German Society of Radio-Oncology and Radiotherapy (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Radioonkologie, DEGRO) has recently set up a guideline commission for IM, and radiation oncology is a key field in this context [7].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The recommendations on the treatment of breast cancer published by the Breast Committee of the Working Group on Gynecological Oncology (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie, AGO) already included complementary methods in 2002. In addition, the German Cancer Society (Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft, DKG) is developing a guideline for IM that includes various medical professions [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Gynecologists’ attitudes toward and use of complementary and integrative medicine approaches: results of a national survey in Germany

Grimm

Voiß

Paepke

et al. 2020

Arch Gynecol Obstet

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Purpose Despite patients’ widespread use and acceptance of complementary and integrative medicine (IM), few data are available regarding health-care professionals’ current implementation of it in clinical routine. A national survey was conducted to assess gynecologists’ attitudes to and implementation of complementary and integrative treatment approaches. Methods The Working Group on Integrative Medicine of the German Society of Gynecological Oncology conducted an online survey in collaboration with the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG) in July 2019. A 29-item survey was sent to all DGGG members by email. Results Questionnaires from 180 gynecologists were analyzed, of whom 61 were working office-based in private practice and 95 were employed in hospitals. Seventy percent stated that IM concepts are implemented in their routine clinical work. Most physicians reported using IM methods in gynecological oncology. The main indications for IM therapies were fatigue (n = 98), nausea and vomiting (n = 89), climacteric symptoms (n = 87), and sleep disturbances (n = 86). The most commonly recommended methods were exercise therapy (n = 86), mistletoe therapy (n = 78), and phytotherapy (n = 74). Gynecologists offering IM were more often female (P = 0.001), more often had qualifications in anthroposophic medicine (P = 0.005) or naturopathy (P = 0.019), and were more often based in large cities (P = 0.016). Conclusions There is strong interest in IM among gynecologists. The availability of evidence-based training in IM is increasing. Integrative therapy approaches are being implemented in clinical routine more and more, and integrative counseling services are present all over Germany. Efforts should focus on extending evidence-based knowledge of IM in both gynecology and gynecological oncology.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Gynecologists’ attitudes toward and use of complementary and integrative medicine approaches: results of a national survey in Germany

Grimm

Voiß

Paepke

et al. 2020

Arch Gynecol Obstet

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“…Previous self-report studies show that one of the biggest hurdles that oncologists experience is not having enough knowledge on the topic. 4 , 19 - 22 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 32 From the healthcare providers’ side, the main reasons mentioned to explain why CM is not further integrated into oncological care were missing evidence, financial resources and qualifications. 21 , 33 , 34 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perspectives and Attitudes of Dutch Healthcare Professionals Regarding the Integration of Complementary Medicine in Oncology

et al. 2023

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Introduction: Almost half of all patients with cancer use complementary medicine (CM) alongside conventional cancer treatment. Further integration of CM into clinical practice could enhance communication and ensure improved coordination between complementary medicine and conventional care. This study assessed the perspectives of healthcare professionals on the current status of integration of CM in oncology, as well as their attitudes and beliefs toward CM. Methods: A convenience, volunteer sample of healthcare providers and healthcare managers working in oncology in the Netherlands were surveyed, using a self-reporting, anonymous, online questionnaire. The perspectives on the current status of integration and barriers to implementing complementary medicine were characterized in part 1, while part 2 assessed respondents’ attitudes and beliefs regarding CM. Results: A total of 209 people completed part 1 of the survey and 159 people completed the entire questionnaire. Two-thirds (68.4%) of the respondents indicated that their organization has implemented complementary medicine in oncology, or envisions implementation, while 49.3% stated they were missing something to implement CM in oncology. About 86.8% of the respondents (completely) agreed that complementary medicine is an important supplement to oncological treatment. Female respondents were more likely to express positive attitudes, as well as respondents whose institutions have implemented CM. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that attention is being paid to the integration of CM into oncology. Overall, the attitudes of respondents toward CM were positive. The main barriers for implementing CM activities were missing knowledge, experience, financial support, and support from management. To improve the ability of healthcare providers to guide patients in their use of complementary medicine, these issues should be delved into in future research.

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Perceptions of homeopathy in supportive cancer care among oncologists and general practitioners in France

Bagot¹,

Theunissen

Serral

2021

Support Care Cancer

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Objectives In France, homeopathy is the most frequently used complementary therapy in supportive care in oncology (SCO); its use is steadily increasing. However, data is limited about the perception and relevance of homeopathy by oncologists and general practitioners (GPs) both with and without homeopathic training (HGPs and NHGPs, respectively). Our aim was to evaluate French physicians’ perceptions of homeopathy to clarify its place in SCO through two original observation survey-based studies. Materials and methods Two cross-sectional surveys of French physicians were conducted involving (1) 150 specialist oncologists; (2) 97 HGPs and 100 NHGPs. Questions evaluated physician attitudes to homeopathy and patterns of use of homeopathic therapies in patients requiring SCO. Survey responses were described and analyzed on the basis of physician status. Results Ten percent of oncologists stated they prescribe homeopathy; 36% recommend it; 54% think that homeopathy is potentially helpful in SCO. Two-thirds of the NHGPs sometimes prescribe homeopathy in the context of SCO and 58% regularly refer their patients to homeopathic doctors. HGPs have a positive perception of homeopathy in SCO. Conclusions Homeopathy is viewed favorably as an integrated SCO therapy by the majority of French physicians involved with cancer patients—oncologists and GPs. Symptoms of particular relevance include fatigue, anxiety, peripheral neuropathy, sleep disturbance, and hot flashes. In such clinical situations, response to conventional therapies may be suboptimal and homeopathy is considered a reliable therapeutic option. These two studies highlight the fact that homeopathy has gained legitimacy as the first complementary therapy in SCO in France.

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Complementary medicine in radiation oncology

Cited by 11 publications

References 21 publications

Gynecologists’ attitudes toward and use of complementary and integrative medicine approaches: results of a national survey in Germany

Gynecologists’ attitudes toward and use of complementary and integrative medicine approaches: results of a national survey in Germany

Perspectives and Attitudes of Dutch Healthcare Professionals Regarding the Integration of Complementary Medicine in Oncology

Perceptions of homeopathy in supportive cancer care among oncologists and general practitioners in France

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