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Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Peer Review Status: Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Information Service
First Published: August 2003
Last Revised: August 2003

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary), or instead of (alternative) standard or usual medical treatments. These practices cover a wide range of treatment approaches such as special diets, vitamins, herbs, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnetic therapy, spiritual healing and meditation.

Research has shown that the use of CAM is increasing. In a study published in 1998, the use of CAM by the general public increased from 34% in 1990 to 42% in 1997. The journal, Cancer, published in 2000, reported that 37% of a group of 46 prostate cancer patients used one or more CAM therapies. In another study published in 2000, 83% of a group of 453 cancer patients had used at least 1 CAM therapy as part of their cancer treatment. This study included special diets, psychotherapy, spiritual practices and vitamin supplements. When psychotherapy and spiritual practices were excluded, 64% of patients used at least one CAM therapy in their cancer treatment.

These studies are extremely important from a safety standpoint. This is primarily because CAM therapies have not been subjected to the same strict scientific evaluation for safety and effectiveness that conventional therapies go through. Because of the increasing use of CAM therapies and the potential for harm with some therapies, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) are sponsoring or co-sponsoring various scientific studies of complementary and alternative medicine. These trials use the same strict rules as conventional therapies. Some trials are looking at combinations of standard medical therapy with complementary approaches used in addition. Other trials are comparing alternative therapies with conventional therapies. Current trials include:

• Enzyme therapy with nutritional support for the treatment of inoperable pancreatic cancer.
• Shark cartilage for the treatment of advanced breast and colon cancer.
• Chemotherapy plus radiation therapy with or without shark cartilage in patients with non-small cell lung cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.
• Dietary effects on patients with breast and prostate cancers.

Anyone considering using CAM therapies, should discuss this decision with their doctor or nurse. Some CAM therapies may interfere with standard treatment or may be harmful when used with conventional treatment. It is also a good idea to learn as much as you can about the therapy you are considering.