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JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2003 95(2):97; doi:10.1093/jnci/95.2.97
© 2003 by Oxford University Press
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Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 95, No. 2, 97, January 15, 2003
© 2003 Oxford University Press

NEWS

Recent Recommendations on Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The authors of a recent review in Annals of Internal Medicine concluded that these complementary and alternative therapies may reasonably be accepted and, in some cases, considered for recommendation:

• Certain dietary regimens

• Vitamin E supplementation

• Soy supplementation in prostate cancer

• Selected herbal products and biological agents

• Acupuncture for chemotherapy-related nausea/vomiting or for pain

• Massage for anxiety or pain

• Moderate exercise

• Psychological/mind-body therapies (e.g., support groups, relaxation training, imagery)

The authors advise patients to avoid certain CAM therapies, including the following:

• Highly restrictive dietary regimens for those with poor nutritional status

• Antioxidants for those receiving concurrent radiation or chemotherapy

•Supplements with anticoagulant effects for those who are thrombocytopenic, receiving anticoagulant therapy, or undergoing surgery

• Phytoestrogens (e.g., soy supplements) for patients with breast cancer (especially those who have estrogen receptor-positive tumors or are taking tamoxifen) or endometrial cancer

• Acupuncture for those who are thrombocytopenic or receiving anticoagulant therapy

• Deep tissue or forceful massage for those who are thrombocytopenic or receiving anticoagulant therapy

• St. John’s wort for those undergoing concurrent chemotherapy or taking other drugs for which failure to achieve therapeutic levels could lead to serious consequences

• High-dose vitamin A is prudent for all patients to avoid

• High-dose vitamin C is prudent for all patients to avoid

Source: Weiger WA, Smith M, Boon H, Richardson MA, Kaptchuk TJ, Eisenberg DM. Advising patients who seek complementary and alternative medical therapies for cancer. Ann Intern Med 2002;137:889–903[Abstract/Free Full Text].


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This Article
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