Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.

Integrative oncology in North America.
Authors: Sagar SM Abstract Integrative oncology is an evolving evidence-based specialty that uses complementary therapies in concert with medical treatment to enhance its efficacy, improve symptom control, alleviate patient distress and reduce suffering. In North America the evolution of research into complementary therapies was delayed by the narrow focus of the Flexner Report. A government-funded research agenda and incorporation of complementary therapies into medical school curricula have been driven by early evidence of efficacy and patient demand. Integrative oncology focuses on the role of natural h...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

Complementary and alternative medicine therapies in pediatric oncology patients.
Authors: McLean TW, Kemper KJ Abstract Complementary and alternative medicine(CAM) therapies are commonly used by pediatric oncology patients. CAM therapies may be divided into four categories: biochemical, lifestyle, biomechanical, and bioenergetic. Surveys within the past decade estimate the prevalence of CAM use in pediatric oncology to be 31 to 87%, and in many cases the treating physician is unaware of the patients' CAM use. It is thus important to systematically ask patients and their parents about CAM therapies. Reliable resources are available for families and health care providers. Open, respectfu...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

How to design a phase I trial of an anticancer botanical.
Authors: Vickers AJ Abstract Phase I trials are an important part of traditional drug development in oncology. Such trials address two key issues: safety and dose. Currently, there is a dearth of phase I trials of anticancer botanicals. This may result from the apparently widespread view that a history of human use precludes the need for early-phase study. However, the safe use of a botanical by the population at large does not guarantee safety when the botanical is used in combination with other agents in the complex medical setting of oncology. Several cases of unpredictable adverse events have been reco...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

About the cover: St. John's wort.
Authors: Abstract Derived from the aerial parts of the plant, St. John's wort generally is used for depression, seasonal affective disorder, and anxiety. Products currently are standardized based on hypericin content, although the hyperforin and bioflavonoid contents are also believed responsible for activity. St. John's wort is metabolized primarily by the liver. Some studies comparing St. John's wort to standard antidepressants suggest that it may be as effective as imipramine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to treat mild to moderate depression. Results from another clinical trial indi...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

Homeopathy: promotion versus evidence.
Authors: Ernst E Abstract Homeopathy is a biologically implausible form of treatment. The best clinical evidence available to date fails to support its effectiveness. Nevertheless, it is gaining in popularity. One reason for this is that, at least in the UK, it is being promoted by influential people. PMID: 19442345 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology)
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

Role of patient adherence in maintenance of results after manipulative therapy for lymphedema.
Authors: Johnstone PA, Hawkins K, Hood S Abstract Lymphedema (LE) is a chronic side effect of cancer therapy occurring when the axilla or groin is extensively treated; subsequently, the affected limb may swell severely. Early therapy may halt the process. We previously published a prospective trial of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) for LE, but some of our data are concerning. Despite good results after initial therapy, girth and volume returned to baseline by the 12-month follow-up in many cases. Thus, although the value of the active therapy is well established, many patients lose that advantage when...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

Mangosteen for the cancer patient: facts and myths.
Authors: Yeung S Abstract Mangosteen is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is consumed both as food and medicine. Data from in vitro and animal studies revealed that it has antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiproliferative effects against cancer cells. Xanthones, the major components of mangosteen fruit, have been implicated in such effects. It is yet to be studied in humans. However, despite lack of clinical evidence, mangosteen products are marketed to cancer patients as dietary supplements. Cancer patients should use caution before consuming mangosteen products as they can potentially inte...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

Effects of a music therapy intervention on quality of life and distress in women with metastatic breast cancer.
This study examined the effects of music therapy (MT), immediate and over time, on patients' psychological functioning, quality of life, and physiologic stress arousal. This intervention, whereby patients use music strategies to cope with cancer-related stressors, is based on a transactional stress-coping framework. Using a longitudinal, randomized controlled design, 70 women with metastatic breast cancer received either MT or usual care. The MT consisted of three individual sessions led by a music therapist. Psychological symptoms were measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and quality of life with the Fu...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

Can complementary and alternative medicine clinical cancer research be successfully accomplished? The Mayo Clinic-North Central Cancer Treatment Group experience.
This article reviews a program of complementary medicine research that has been done in a traditional clinical setting over the past 30 years. Trials using complementary therapies for both symptom management and cancer treatment done by the Mayo Clinic and the North Central Cancer Treatment Group are reviewed. Twenty-seven studies have been developed using complementary therapies, addressing such issues as mucosal and epidermal toxicity, hot flashes, lymphedema, anorexia and cachexia, insomnia, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, and cancer treatment. Nineteen of them have been completed and have had results published in peer-...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

Intravenous nutrient therapy eliminated androgen deprivation therapy-induced hot flashes in two men with prostate cancer.
Authors: Massey P Abstract Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is commonly used for the treatment of prostate cancer. For many undergoing ADT, hot flashes can affect and significantly reduce quality of life. Traditional medications for hot flashes are limited by both clinical effectiveness and side effects. In two case reports, ADT-induced hot flashes quickly resolved after a short course of a specific intravenous combination of vitamins and minerals. This therapeutic approach may have potential for the treatment of ADT-induced hot flashes. PMID: 17022923 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Jour...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

Breast cancer patients' perspectives on and use of complementary and alternative medicine: a study by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Authors: Astin JA, Reilly C, Perkins C, Child WL, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine patterns and predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among breast cancer patients. A review of the existing survey literature on CAM use for breast cancer was conducted with a series of eight focus groups (N = 67) to further examine the perspectives of breast cancer patients on CAM. The rates of CAM use varied from 17 to 75%, with a mean of 45%. Vitamins and minerals and herbs were the most frequently cited categories. Users tended to be younger, mor...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

Evidence-based systematic review of saw palmetto by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.
Authors: Ulbricht C, Basch E, Bent S, Boon H, Corrado M, Foppa I, Hashmi S, Hammerness P, Kingsbury E, Smith M, Szapary P, Vora M, Weissner W Abstract Here presented is an evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing. PMID: 17022925 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology)
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

Lifestyle, biomechanical, and bioenergetic complementary therapies in pediatric oncology.
Authors: McLean TW, Kemper KJ Abstract After the diagnosis of cancer in a child is made, many families complement conventional medical care with lifestyle changes including diet, exercise, environment, and mind-body therapies. Biomechanical, bioenergetic, and other therapies are also sometimes sought. These include massage, chiropractic, acupuncture/acupressure, therapeutic touch, Reiki, homeopathy, and prayer. Some of these complementary therapies have well-established roles in cancer therapy for children, whereas others are controversial and require more research. PMID: 17022926 [PubMed - indexed...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

How to randomize.
Authors: Vickers AJ Abstract Randomized trials are an important method for deciding whether integrative oncology therapies do more good than harm. Many investigators do not pay sufficient attention to randomization procedures, and several studies have shown that only a fraction of trial reports describe randomization adequately. The purpose of randomization is to prevent selection bias: randomization procedures must therefore ensure that researchers are unable to predict the group to which a patient will be randomized until the patient is unambiguously registered on study; moreover, researchers must be una...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research

Noni (Morinda citrifolia).
Authors: PMID: 17022928 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology)
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - December 2, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research