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[Alternative medicine in uro-oncology]
Jutta Hübner1, Christian Keinki2, Karsten Münstedt3
1Medizinische Klinik II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland. jutta.huebner@med.uni-jena.de.
Urologie (Heidelberg, Germany)
|December 1, 2022
Summary
Alternative medicine lacks clinical evidence for cancer treatment and often poses risks. While it may offer short-term mental benefits, long-term use is generally detrimental to patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Oncology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Context:
- CAM is frequently used by cancer patients, either as a replacement for or adjunct to conventional treatments.
- Uro-oncology represents a significant area where CAM is explored.
Purpose:
- To compile and critically evaluate the existing scientific evidence for various CAM therapies within the uro-oncological context.
- To assess the efficacy and safety profiles of commonly used alternative treatments.
Summary:
- A literature search identified numerous CAM therapies, including 3-bromopyruvate, Miracle Mineral Supplement (MMS), insulin-potentiated therapy, hyperthermia, Artemisia annua, amygdalin, homeopathy, and others.
- The majority of these therapies demonstrated little to no clinical evidence of efficacy.
- Several alternative treatments were found to have a negative benefit-risk profile, indicating potential harm.
Impact:
- Alternative medicine in uro-oncology is largely considered pseudoscience.
- Short-term use may provide psychological comfort, but long-term application is associated with significant patient disadvantages.
- This review underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making in cancer care.
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