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Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Hematologic Malignancies: Questions and Challenges

Moshe Frenkel1,2,3, Kenneth Sapire4

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA. frenkelm@netvision.net.il.

Current Oncology Reports
|October 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) may help relieve distress in patients with hematologic malignancies. This review explores CIM options like nutrition, exercise, and acupuncture to support cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Integrative Medicine

Background:

  • Hematologic malignancies are the fourth most common cancer in the U.S.
  • Cancer treatments cause significant psychological distress for patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential benefits of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) for distress in hematologic malignancy patients.
  • To provide a framework for discussing CIM with patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of CIM modalities.
  • Focus on nutrition, supplements, exercise, circadian rhythm, distress reduction during bone marrow aspiration, massage, and acupuncture.

Main Results:

  • CIM options show potential for alleviating distress during and after cancer treatment.
  • Evidence suggests benefits across various CIM approaches.

Conclusions:

  • CIM may be a valuable tool for managing psychological distress in hematologic malignancy patients.
  • Further research and patient-doctor dialogue on CIM are warranted.

Keywords:
AcupunctureAlternative medicineCancer careComplementary medicineHematologic malignanciesNutritionNutritional supplements

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