Used wisely, therapies can offer hope

Used wisely, therapies can offer hope ·

By Seth D. Torregiani, D.O.

Originally published online Tuesday, November 21, 2006 under "HOME > Health > ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE":
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By DR. SETH TORREGIANI

As a group, people with cancer have expressed more interest in, and use of, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) than perhaps any other class of patient. As it relates to cancer treatment, CAM encompasses a wide variety of therapies that traditionally have been considered outside mainstream oncology care -- everything from acupuncture and herbal supplements to meditation and macrobiotic diets, among other things.

CAM's popularity among cancer patients is understandable. A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing -- and frequently a life-threatening -- event. Often, it involves a loss of control over many aspects of life. The decision to use certain CAM modalities, such as meditation or choice of a diet, may allow a patient to regain some of the control turned over to doctors during treatment.

Cancer treatment also can have profound effects on quality of life. Patients may experience hair loss, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, severe pain and other side effects. Certain CAM modalities -- such as acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced nausea -- may effectively address quality of life issues without relying further on medications.

Finally, there's the issue of hope, which can be an important ingredient in a person's struggle against cancer. By utilizing CAM, a cancer patient may be holding out hope that a particular herb, vitamin or supplement may be the missing piece of the puzzle in the search for a cure.

There are many sound reasons why a cancer patient would seek out complementary and alternative therapies in a struggle with cancer. However, the use of CAM in cancer can be very complicated, and should be approached with caution. The science supporting many CAM therapies is either in its infancy or doesn't yet exist. Further, many seemingly innocuous treatments may have significant effects (sometimes negative) on a patient's conventional treatment regimen. The herb St. John's Wort, for example, may blunt the potency of certain kinds of chemotherapy. High doses of antioxidants -- for example, vitamin C or co-enzyme Q10 -- may decrease the effectiveness of radiation therapy.

Here are some general guidelines for patients interested in CAM therapies and cancer treatment:

First, be an educated consumer. The media often hype new studies about this or that diet or supplement and its effect on cancer. It's rare that a single study is sufficient evidence to recommend a change in practice. Look to reputable sources, such as the National Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (www.cancer.gov/cam), for what the scientific evidence says about various CAM modalities.

Second, talk openly with your physicians. Many experienced physicians trained at a time when CAM either did not exist or was considered nonsense. Despite this, many are becoming more open to CAM because their patients are demanding it and because the science behind it is improving. It is important, for the reasons mentioned above, that your physician know whether you are using CAM.

Third, seek out experts. If you're interested in exploring the use of herbs or other modalities as an adjunct to your treatment, ask around and find the experts in your area. A naturopathic doctor, for example, is a specialist in the use of nutrition and diet in the treatment of medical disease. Others may be nonphysicians, but many are tremendous resources for information about complementary treatment of cancer.

Fourth, be extremely cautious with herbs and other supplements. While some may indeed boost immune function or help control the side effects of treatment, others can render chemotherapy or radiation treatments less effective. Do not use these without expert guidance.

Fifth, pursue good nutrition, not a fad diet. Adequate calories and protein are two of the most important dietary needs for cancer patients. And although a recent study demonstrated that a low-fat diet may help prevent recurrence of breast cancer in women who have had the disease, there's no overwhelming evidence that any particular kind of diet changes the course of cancer. Your best bet is a nutritious, well-rounded diet with a variety of foods. If you're concerned about toxins in your food, you may want to consider buying organic produce and meats, although prices are usually higher.

Finally, cultivate balance between your mind and body. Utilizing mind-body therapies, such as meditation, tai chi, yoga and other techniques, can reduce anxiety, improve mood and even decrease pain. These therapies are generally safe, can be practiced at any time and can significantly improve quality of life.

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Dr. Seth Torregiani practices holistic medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine and acupuncture in Newark.