Use of complementary medicine in metastatic melanoma patients treated with ipilimumab within a clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
In Germany, 40-90 % of all cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). So far, no data are available on the use of CAM by melanoma patients. The objective of our study was to gather data on CAM use, sources of information, and goals of patients with metastatic melanoma.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty-six patients from 25 study centers participated in the DecOG-MM-PAL-Multibasket Study. These individuals were also asked to participate in a side study addressing CAM use. A standardized CAM questionnaire was distributed at defined points during the treatment.


RESULTS
Overall, 55 questionnaires from 32 (21 %) melanoma patients were received. Of those, 17 (53 %) stated an interest in CAM, and seven (22 %) actually used CAM. Family and friends were the main source of information (31 %), followed by physicians (19 %). The main reasons for using CAM were boosting the immune system (41 %) and strengthening the body (34 %). Supplements (vitamins and trace elements) were most commonly used (28 %).


CONCLUSIONS
A relatively high number of metastatic melanoma patients used CAM despite their participation in a clinical trial. Interactions may be due to biologically based CAM, especially immunomodulatory CAM strategies. In order to avoid risks, communication between physicians and patients should be improved.
Working Group Integrative -Oncology, Dr. Senckenberg -Chronomedical Institute, J.W. -Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Jutta
J
Huebner
Department of Dermatology, Elbe Medical Center Buxtehude, Buxtehude, Germany.
Peter
P
Mohr
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
Jan-Christoph
JC
Simon
Department for Medical Oncology, Specialty Medical Center Hornheide, Hornheide, Germany.
Michael
M
Fluck
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital -Munich, Munich, Germany.
Carola
C
Berking
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University -Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Lisa
L
Zimmer
Department of Dermatology, -University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Carmen
C
Loquai
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D000074324:Ipilimumab / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000074324:Ipilimumab
Complementary and alternative medicine; clinical trial; information; interactions; ipilimumab; melanoma