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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
07:29
Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
Research and regulatory issues for integrative oncology.
1McMaster University and the Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. stephen.sagar@jcc.hhsc.ca
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
|September 5, 2008
Summary
Cancer patients increasingly use complementary therapies like herbs and supplements. This article reviews challenges in studying these integrative oncology approaches and implementing effective treatments.
Area of Science:
- Integrative oncology and complementary therapies.
Background:
- Growing patient self-treatment with herbs, supplements, and mind-body practices.
- Increasing involvement of practitioners like acupuncturists in cancer patient supportive care.
- Government funding for complementary therapy research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of challenges in studying complementary and alternative therapies (CATs).
- To discuss evaluating the results of CAT studies.
- To cover regulating the implementation of effective CATs.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research and clinical practices in complementary oncology.
- Discussion of methodological issues in CAT study design.
- Analysis of evidence evaluation and regulatory considerations.
Main Results:
- Identified significant challenges in designing rigorous studies for CATs.
- Highlighted difficulties in interpreting and evaluating the results of such studies.
- Discussed the complexities of regulating and implementing beneficial therapies.
Conclusions:
- Rigorous study design is crucial for validating complementary therapies in oncology.
- Effective evaluation and regulation are necessary for integrating useful therapies into cancer care.
- Addressing these challenges will facilitate evidence-based use of complementary oncology treatments.
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