Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Oncology

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has reentered mainstream medicine and is gaining interest with cancer patients for the treatment of their disease. The use of CAM by cancer patients varies depending on survey, but has been reported as high as 54 percent. As pharmacists we are expected to educate and counsel patients on herbal, pharmacologic and immunologic therapies. Several therapies that claim to treat cancer include laetrile, iscador, essiac, antineoplastins, immunoaugmentative therapy, IP6, PC-SPES, and cartilage products; these therapies and their limitations are discussed. Cancer patients are a unique population with special considerations when patients are utilizing CAM because disease and treatment related problems, such as bleeding, nutrition, and quality-of-life, could be worsened. Resources for pharmacists and cancer patients on CAM are outlined.