title: Complementary and alternative medicine: opportunities and challenges for cancer management and research.
abstract: Given the widespread use of diverse complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches by cancer patients, research to establish their safety and efficacy is critical as is improved patient-physician communication about their possible risks and benefits. The mission of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is to support exacting research and disseminate clear and compelling information on CAM. Although many of the challenges facing such research are not unique to CAM, these approaches do present unique challenges, but the opportunities are many for prevention, palliation, and even treatment. Using the current research portfolio of NCCAM to illustrate how the field may mature, this report summarizes the challenges facing CAM investigators, the most fruitful areas for exploration, and existing information resources.
authors.affiliation: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 106, Bethesda, MD 20892-5475, USA.
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: Stephen E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Straus
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D001685:Biological Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D009316:National Institutes of Health (U.S.); D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D001685:Biological Factors; D028321:Plant Preparations