[Complementary and alternative medicine in oncology].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is widely used by cancer patients, with increasing prevalence due to internet accessibility.
• A clear distinction between complementary and alternative therapies is often lacking, impacting treatment choices.
• CAM use poses risks, including delayed conventional treatment and adverse effects from direct toxicity or drug interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review prominent CAM therapies used in oncology.
• To analyze the purported benefits of these CAM treatments.
• To investigate the toxicities and drug interactions associated with CAM in cancer care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of prevalent CAM therapies in oncology.
• Analysis of reported benefits, toxicities, and interactions.
• Focus on risk-benefit assessment and physician relevance.

Main Results:

• CAM use is common among cancer patients, often undisclosed to physicians.
• Potential risks include undertreatment and adverse events due to direct CAM toxicity or interactions with conventional therapies.
• Uncertainty surrounds the risk-benefit ratio of many CAM interventions.

Conclusions:

• Physicians must be aware of CAM use due to potential risks and interactions.
• Further research is needed to clarify the safety and efficacy of CAM in oncology.
• Open communication about CAM use is crucial for patient safety and optimal cancer care.