Complementary biochemical therapies in pediatric oncology.
Herbs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and other biochemical products are among the most popular complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies used by pediatric oncology patients. They are used to prevent and treat cancer , as well as to ameliorate side effects of conventional cancer therapy. Widespread use, however, does not correlate with efficacy . relatively little high -quality research has been done to rigorously assess the safety and efficacy of most of these products. Side effects and interactions with conventional medications are well documented. Despite these caveats, biochemical complementary therapies hold promise as useful agents in pediatric oncology.
McLean
Thomas W
TW
Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. tmclean@wfubmc.edu
Kemper
Kathi J
KJ
D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008903:Minerals / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D008903:Minerals; D028321:Plant Preparations; D014815:Vitamins