Integrative Cancer Therapies

Despite effective chemotherapy and other available oncology treatments, recurrence rates for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) remain high, with as many as 60% of patients requiring repeat intravesical treatments with BCG or other agents within a 24-month period. The botanical formula LCS103 has displayed anti-cancer activity on bladder cancer cells, though its clinical efficacy remains to be proven. A consecutive series of 30 patients with bladder cancer was examined retrospectively, of which a cohort of 20 patients (18 with NMIBC, 2 with metastatic disease) was treated with LCS103 for between 14 months and 16 years, in addition to their conventional oncology care...

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Fuzheng Qingdu Decoction (FZQDD) on the autonomic function and cancer-related symptoms of patients with advanced gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy to verify its clinical efficacy. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with stage III or IV gastric cancer were included in this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the chemotherapy (33 patients) and chemotherapy with FZQDD (29 patients) groups. The primary outcome was the autonomic function of the patients before and after the interventions...

BACKGROUND: People living with a cancer diagnosis often experience cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Between 9% and 45% of people report CRF as moderate to severe, negatively impacting their quality-of-life (QOL). The evidence-base for managing CRF recommends exercise-related therapies over pharmaceutical interventions. One such exercise-like therapy is Baduanjin mind-body exercise (MBE), which has additional benefits. A remotely delivered program may further benefit people with CRF. The primary objective of this pilot will test study feasibility of a remotely delivered Baduanjin MBE exercise program for people living with CRF...

BACKGROUND: A statistical model is essential in determining the appropriate predictive indicators for therapies in many types of cancers. Predictors have been compared favorably to the traditional systems for many cancers. Thus, this study has been proposed as a new standard approach. A recent study on the clinical efficacy of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC. (AL) revealed the higher clinical benefits in patients with advanced-stage intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) treated with AL compared with standard supportive care...

BACKGROUND: The SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018 was created to guide the design and reporting of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinical trial protocols. This study aims to investigate the extent of concordance with this guideline in the relevant field of cancer care research. METHODS: A scoping review of TCM cancer trial protocols published in English and Chinese since January 2019 was conducted. Five major academic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched...

Acupuncture is an integrative therapy with strong evidence to support its use in the oncology setting, yet barriers exist for implementation into conventional medical clinics. Though acupuncture is recommended in clinical practice guidelines for oncology, there is little data in the literature showing how acupuncture and other related therapies, including herbal medicine are successfully implemented in some oncology clinics, while others experience barriers to care. To characterize the current use of acupuncture (ACU) and herbal medicine (HM) in oncology clinics, we collected general demographic and usage data from 5 example clinics...

OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility and usability of EnergyPoints™, an innovative mobile health app that teaches and guides people with cancer to implement daily acupressure to self-manage their fatigue and sleep disturbances. METHODS AND INTERVENTION: The study used an integrated agile, human-centered approach. Adults (age 18 years and over) with cancer experiencing at least moderate fatigue, and living in the Greater New York City community, were recruited from social media, patient advocacy groups, and referrals...

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is a common cause of global mortality, with significant challenges during treatment due to side effects and complications. Traditional herbal medicine (THM) has emerged as a potential adjuvant therapy to enhance cancer treatment by reducing side effects and bolstering the immune response. This study conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of THM as an adjuvant therapy in post-surgical gastric cancer patients. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, CiNii, KMBASE, KISS, OASIS, RISS, and ScienceON databases were searched from inception through December, 2021...

Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ) has gained worldwide popularity for a multitude of health benefits inclusive of cancer-preventive and curative effects. Despite numerous research data supporting the benefits of this wonder herb, the actual use of ashwagandha for cancer treatment in clinics is limited. The primary reason for this is the inconsistent therapeutic outcome due to highly variable composition and constitution of active ingredients in the plant extract impacting ashwagandha's pharmacology. We investigate here an engineered yield: an ashwagandha extract (Oncowithanib) that has a unique and fixed portion of active ingredients to achieve consistent and effective therapeutic activity...

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify determinants that promote the initiation and maintenance of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) as well as effective strategies for mitigating barriers to self-management of lymphedema among breast cancer survivors. METHODS: A descriptive and qualitative design was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 breast cancer survivors who were managing breast cancer-related lymphedema. Interviews were transcribed verbatim...

Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in women. Despite significant advances in conventional treatment, additional safer complementary treatment options are needed. Recently, ozone therapy has been considered as a type of medical adjunctive treatment that could inhibit cancer cell survival and reduce chemoresistance. However, only a few studies have been conducted on its use in breast cancer, and the optimal dosage and time of administration are unknown. Currently, preclinical studies suggest that ozone alone or in combination with chemotherapy is an effective method for inhibiting breast cancer cell growth...

BACKGROUND: Integrative oncology [IO] is sought-after by patients, endorsed by clinical guidelines, and valued within National Cancer Institute Centers. Shared Medical Appointments [SMA] leverage health education and social connection to deliver enhanced patient experience, population health, cost-reduction, and clinician well-being. Integrative Oncology Shared Medical Appointments increase access to integrative medicine but delivering these services via telehealth have not been evaluated...

PURPOSE: Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody (anti-EGFR mAb) is the key drug for RAS / BRAF V600E wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, anti-EGFR mAb-induced skin fissures often affect a patient's quality of life. Shiunko, a traditional Japanese topical herbal medicine, is used for burns and dermatitis and may potentially have wound-healing effects. Herein, we report cases of patients with mCRC who were treated with Shiunko for anti-EGFR mAb-induced skin fissure...

OBJECTIVE: In China, grade 2 to 3 immune-related rash will probably lead to the interruption of immunotherapy. Corticosteroid (CS) is the main treatment, but not always effective. The external application of clearing heat and removing dampness, which is represented by Qing-Re-Li-Shi Formula (QRLSF), has been used in our hospital to treat immune-related cutaneous adverse events (ircAEs) for the last 5 years. The purpose of this study was to discuss its efficacy and safety in the treatment of grade 2 to 3 rash...

BACKGROUND: In China, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), as a complementary therapy combined with chemotherapy, is widely used in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). In order to systematically evaluate and synthesize existing evidence to provide a scientific basis for the efficacy and safety of this complementary therapy, we present an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) on the topic of TCMs as a complementary therapy in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of GC...

BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in most countries with an expected increased burden on healthcare systems. Since integrative medical treatments are not collected within the scope of existing cancer registries, the establishment of the Korean Medicine Cancer Registry (KMCARE), gathering integrative therapies, including conservative care and Korean medicine, is warranted. METHODS: A prospective observational study based on the registry will be conducted in 5 Korean medical hospitals...

OBJECTIVE: This trial examined the effects of proximal/distal mediators and moderators of an Active Music Engagement (AME) intervention on young child/parent distress, quality of life, and family function outcomes. METHODS: Child/parent dyads (n = 125) were randomized to AME or Audio-storybooks attention control condition. Each group received 3 sessions with a credentialed music therapist for 3 consecutive days with data collection at baseline, post-intervention (T2), and 30-days later (T3)...

OBJECTIVE: evaluate the efficacy of Zingiber Officinale in the management of nausea and vomiting induced by treatment with cisplatin associated with radiotherapy in patients with uterine cervical neoplasms. METHODS: a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Interventions: Comparing the effects of ginger with institutional antiemetic therapy (ondansetron with dexamethasone). Patients with cervical cancer who started treatment with cisplatin with an indication of 40 mg/m² associated with radiotherapy, aged over 18 years, and with the ability to tolerate swallowing a capsule were recruited and equally allocated (1:1:1) into 3 groups of 16 patients each (the ginger capsules 250 mg group, ginger capsules 500 mg group, and placebo group)...

OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer and examined the moderating effects of participant characteristics, research methodologies, and features of interventions. METHODS: We systematically searched 12 databases through November 2022 without date restrictions using the following search terms: (mindful* or meditation) AND (cancer OR neoplasm) AND (depress*). Studies included were primary studies evaluating MBIs in women with breast cancer who also had depression...

BACKGROUND: Bone metastasis is frequently common in advanced lung cancer with the major issue of a pathological fracture. Previous studies suggested that Astragalus membranaceus (Qi) and Ampelopsis japonica (Lian), which are used as folk medicine in China, have potential effects on inhibiting tumor growth and protecting bones, respectively. In this study, an experiment on the inhibitory effect of the Qilian formula (AAF) in vivo was designed to examine tumor growth in bone and osteoclast formation...