Integrative cancer therapies
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Today, more than ever before, millions of people are seeking an approach to medicine and health care that is more comprehensive, more holistic and integrative, and more compassionate and sensitive to their needs as a whole person. This is particularly true for those dealing with cancer. Changing patient demographics, heightened consumer demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) products and services, advances in medical science and technology, expanding access to the Internet and health information, and other factors have contributed to a wave of transformation that is unprecedented in its impact on the entire health care system. ⋯ It provides a brief, historical overview of integrative medicine and oncology and summarizes the present status of these emerging fields. It discusses the future of integrative medicine and oncology, including a multidimensional approach to care, and highlights 5 key elements that underlie this approach. Finally, it describes The Seven Levels of Healing--a model of multidimensional care--and concludes with a discussion of 3 important challenges and opportunities for medicine and health care that lie on the horizon.
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Case Reports
Integrative Tumor Board: a case report and discussion from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
A 34-year-old woman carrying a BRCA1 gene and a significant family history was diagnosed with T1c, N1 breast cancer. The tumor was estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER-2/Neu negative. The patient received dose-dense chemotherapy with Adriamycin and Cytoxan followed by Taxol, and left breast irradiation. ⋯ Each modality contributed unique benefit in her care that led to a satisfactory outcome for the patient. A detailed discussion regarding her care from each modality is presented. The case elucidates the need for integrative approaches for cancer patients in a conventional medical setting.
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Clinical Trial
Feasibility trial of electroacupuncture for aromatase inhibitor--related arthralgia in breast cancer survivors.
Arthralgia affects postmenopausal women receiving aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for breast cancer. Given the existing evidence for electroacupuncture (EA) for treatment of osteoarthritis in the general population, this study aims to establish the feasibility of studying EA for treating AI-related arthralgia. ⋯ Preliminary data establish the feasibility of recruitment and acceptance as well as promising preliminary safety and effectiveness. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to establish the efficacy of EA for AI-related arthralgia in breast cancer survivors.
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Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer of women in North America. Despite advances in treatment that have reduced mortality, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer induced death. Several well established tools are used to screen for breast cancer including clinical breast exams, mammograms, and ultrasound. ⋯ This review discusses each screening tool with a focus brought to thermography. No single tool provides excellent predictability; however, a combination that incorporates thermography may boost both sensitivity and specificity. In light of technological advances and maturation of the thermographic industry, additional research is required to confirm the potential of this technology to provide an effective non-invasive, low risk adjunctive tool for the early detection of breast cancer.
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This survey aims to identify herb-chemotherapeutic drug combinations in a defined group of cancer patients and to explore possible clinical consequences of these combinations. ⋯ The large number of in vitro potential herb-drug interactions identified urge for more clinical pharmacokinetic interaction studies in humans.