A Methodological Framework for Evaluating the Evidence for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Integrative Medicine
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by cancer patients, despite a lack of robust evidence for efficacy in cancer progression.
• Discrepancies exist among CAM practitioners, researchers, and oncologists regarding evidence generation and interpretation for CAM.
• Challenges for oncologists include informed patient dialogue and managing potential interactions between CAM and conventional treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a framework for evaluating the effects of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer care.
• To address the need for insight into CAM's efficacy, target populations, effects, side-effects, and mechanisms of action.
• To provide guidance on interpreting existing evidence and generating new evidence for CAM.

Main Methods:

• Development of a taxonomy for classifying different levels of evidence related to CAM research questions.
• Discussion of the relevance of various research methodologies for assessing different types of CAM effects.
• Framework integrates evidence levels with specific research questions to guide evaluation.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework offers a structured approach to evaluating CAM's impact on cancer patients.
• It distinguishes between different types of research questions and appropriate methodologies for each.
• The taxonomy aids in understanding the quality and applicability of evidence for various CAM interventions.

Conclusions:

• A systematic framework is crucial for evaluating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in oncology.
• The proposed taxonomy and methodological discussion can guide research and clinical practice.
• This approach facilitates informed decision-making regarding CAM use in cancer care.