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Complementary and alternative therapies in pediatric oncology
1Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, 2525 Chicago Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA. susan.sencer@childrensmn.org
Pediatric Clinics of North America
|December 7, 2007
Summary
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly sought by parents for children with cancer alongside conventional treatments. An ideal model integrates safe CAM therapies within pediatric oncology settings for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Background:
- Growing parental interest in CAM for pediatric cancer patients.
- Conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are standard.
- CAM is desired for potential cure enhancement and symptom alleviation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolving evidence for CAM in pediatric oncology.
- To define an ideal model for integrative pediatric oncology.
- To emphasize the safe integration of CAM within standard care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current evidence on CAM in pediatric cancer.
- Conceptualization of an integrative pediatric oncology model.
- Discussion of CAM integration within clinical trials networks.
Main Results:
- Evidence for CAM's role in pediatric cancer is still developing.
- Parents increasingly desire CAM alongside conventional treatments.
- An integrative model should prioritize safety and efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The ideal integrative pediatric oncology model involves safe CAM therapies within specialized centers.
- Integration should occur in settings participating in cooperative group clinical trials.
- Further research is needed to solidify the role of CAM in pediatric cancer care.
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