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Complementary therapies and childhood cancer
Cynthia Myers1, Margaret L Stuber, Jennifer I Bonamer-Rheingans
1Integrative Medicine Program, Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA. myerscd@moffitt.usf.edu
Cancer Control : Journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center
|August 3, 2005
Summary
Complementary and alternative therapies are frequently used by children with cancer, with usage rates between 31% and 84%. However, physicians are often unaware of these treatments, and scientific evidence remains limited.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are commonly used by pediatric cancer patients alongside conventional treatments.
- Up to 84% of children with cancer have utilized CAT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the use of CAT by children with cancer.
- To understand the prevalence, reasons for use, and physician awareness of CAT in pediatric oncology.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of PubMed and CINAHL databases was conducted for studies published between 1994 and 2004.
- Included studies reported survey or interview data on children's CAT use and clinical trials of CAT for pediatric cancer patients.
Main Results:
- Fourteen studies reported CAT usage ranging from 31% to 84% among children with cancer.
- Parents cited reasons such as "doing everything possible," symptom management, and immune system support, with some hoping for a cure.
- In most instances, physicians were not informed about the child's CAT use.
Conclusions:
- CAT use is prevalent in pediatric cancer care, but methodological differences hinder direct comparisons across studies.
- A significant communication gap exists, with physicians frequently unaware of patients' CAT use.
- Limited scientific evidence currently exists on the efficacy and mechanisms of CAT in this population, though research is ongoing.