Pediatric Oncology and Naturopathic Medicine by Rose Paisley, ND.
Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) Services and Children with Cancer
Most current surveys suggest that up to 84% patients with childhood cancers seek Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) to reduce dose limiting side effects associated with cancer therapy, as an adjuvant to conventional medications, to improve quality of life, and to provide support for coping with the diagnosis of cancer. Upwards of 50%-85% of these patients are under reporting the use of CAM (1). Families use CAM in conjunction with conventional therapies, with relatively few reports describing the use of CAM in lieu of conventional medicine. Parents and children use CAM for a variety of reasons including: “to try everything possible,” to reduce the stress of illness, improve quality of life, symptom management, and sometimes for a cure. Strides have been made over the past several years in demonstrating the safety and efficacy of several CAM therapies, however, there is still limited data regarding the use of CAM in combination with conventional cancer therapy among children with cancer.
Why CAM for Survivors of Childhood Cancer?
As conventional medicine becomes increasingly effective at treating children with cancer, the challenges of survivorship have become a priority area for research. Studies have estimated that 60-70% of children will have at least one disability as a result of cancer therapy including fatigue, bone density, pain syndromes, and anxiety, and are at increased risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility, and second malignancies (Oeffinger, CA Cancer J Clin 2004; 54:208-36). Survivors of childhood cancer report the use of CAM to reduce risk of relapse, cope with late effects from cancer therapy, or reduce their risk of developing a late effect.
We have yet to see the research investigating the efficacy of CAM among survivors of childhood cancer, however, CAM as a component of a healthy lifestyle may provide support to survivors in coping with many of the late effects of cancer therapy. Several studies demonstrate the safety and efficacy of CAM use for prevention and co-management of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological developmental conditions and osteoporosis. Potential CAM therapies that may be of specific benefit to survivors of childhood cancer include nutritional counseling and some biological supplements as they may have a role in the survivor population. With many supplements there is less of a concern for interactions with conventional medications. Yoga and meditation, which may help with coping with the anxiety of cancer recurrence, disturbances in balance or gait, or as an aid to maintain a healthy weight and bones. Acupuncture may also provide relief to patients who are challenged with fatigue, recurrent pain, infertility or those experiencing disturbances in hormone balance.
CAM and Palliative Care
Conventional therapy alone has not eliminated pain and suffering at the end of a child’s life. Providing optimal palliative care for children with advancing cancer may include the incorporation of CAM modalities into the care of the child suffering with unresponsive cancer. Massage, Reiki, and breathing techniques have shown to help comfort children with cancer at the end of life.
How could Naturopathic Medicine work for your child?
Naturopathic Physician meets with patients and their families regarding herbal and nutritional supplement inquiries as well as nutritional education and CAM education. ND works with patients and their families as well as their patient’s pediatric oncologist to determine if herbal and nutritional supplements are appropriate, specifically regarding drug-herb interactions and mechanisms of action based decision making. Interest in the nutritional supplement, tolerance, risk of interactions, and prognosis are all considered prior to the initiation of any nutritional or herbal agent. Developments of nausea or vomiting, severe stomatitis, or cachexia are monitored closely to ensure that the supplementary regimens are not causing or enhancing any chemotherapy related toxicities. Caution and safety are also advised in patients requiring nutrition intervention.
1. Soo Yeon Kim. Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine. 2013; 812054.
Dr. Rose Paisley, practices Pediatric Oncology AND NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE. She has collaborated with medical oncologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists to achieve the most positive outcomes for cancer patients. Naturopathic medicine has proven to be a wonderful adjunct to conventional cancer therapies for reducing side effects and improving quality of life during and after a cancer diagnosis.