Feasibility of Homeopathic Treatment for Symptom Reduction in an Integrative Oncology Service

Abstract

Background: Homeopathy has the potential to reduce symptoms related to cancer treatment. The present study examined the feasibility of a homeopathic consultation and treatment program, provided as part of an integrative oncology service. Methods: The electronic medical files of patients undergoing a homeopathic consultation in an integrative oncology service clinic were examined retrospectively. Adherence to the homeopathic treatment regimen and perceived response to the treatment were evaluated. Results: The files of 124 patient (34 males, 90 females) were examined, of which two-thirds reported acquiring and self-administering the homeopathic remedy as prescribed, and nearly three-quarters reporting a beneficial effect. Adherence to the homeopathic treatment regimen was greatest among patients attending a second visit, as opposed to having only telephone/e-mail follow-up (P < .005). An association was found between a perceived beneficial effect of treatment with attending a follow-up visit (P = .04), female gender (P = .02), younger age (P = .048), diagnosis of breast cancer (P = .014), and current radiation treatment (vs chemotherapy; P = .003). Patients reporting chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy were also more likely to report a beneficial effect (P = .004), as were female patients reporting hot flashes (P = .005) and those referred by an oncologist (P = .046). No adverse effects were attributed to the homeopathic treatment. Conclusions: Homeopathy can be successfully incorporated within a supportive care integrative oncology service. In addition to demographic and cancer-related characteristics, as well as symptoms, patients attending a second visit (vs only telephone/e-mail follow-up) were more likely to adhere to and perceive a beneficial effect from the homeopathic regimen.

Homoeopathic Treatment as an Add-On for Minimizing After Effects of Conventionally Treated Cancer Patients: A Simple Randomized Pilot Study—Protocol from Northeast India Perspective

“…Palliative care is an approach that improves the QoL of patients (adults and children) and their families in which homoeopathy can play a key role, with minimum or no adverse effects. Homeopathy can be successfully integrated in supportive care integrative oncology service [18][19][20] for palliative care, for better QoL, and to increase the chances of survival in cancer patients. Homoeopathic remedies can alleviate chemotherapy and radiation therapy side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, radiation-induced mucositis, and skin complaints.…”

Konsens: 10 Experten – 10 Statements – Homöopathie in der medizinischen Versorgung

“…Additiv zur leitliniengerechten Behandlung eingesetzte homöopathische Arzneimittel können z. B. bei Tumorerkrankungen den Allgemeinzustand signifikant verbessern und Nebenwirkungen der konventionellen Therapie lindern 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 .…”

Attention Dysregulation in Breast Cancer Patients Following a Complementary Alternative Treatment Routine: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial

“… 47 Clinical studies have shown homeopathy to potentially reduce many toxic effects of oncology treatments, while improving global health and well-being. 48 , 49 In a double-blind study of lung cancer patients, homeopathy was found to positively influence not only quality of life but also survival time. 50 , 51 …”