title: Integrative Medicine in Head and Neck Cancer.
abstract: Objective Complementary and alternative medicine, or integrative medicine, has become increasingly popular among patients with head and neck cancer. Despite its increasing prevalence, many patients feel uncomfortable discussing such therapies with their physicians, and many physicians are unaware and underequipped to evaluate or discuss their use with patients. The aim of this article is to use recent data to outline the decision making inherent to integrative medicine utilization among patients with head and neck cancer, to discuss the ethical implications inherent to balancing integrative and conventional approaches to treatment, and to highlight available resources to enhance head and neck cancer providers' understanding of integrative medicine. Data Sources Randomized controlled trials involving integrative medicine or complementary and alternative medicine treatment for cancer patients. Review Methods Trials were drawn from a systematic PubMed database search categorized into cancer prevention, treatment, and symptom management. Conclusions Integrative medicine is gaining popularity for the management of cancer and is most commonly used for symptom management. A number of randomized controlled trials provide data to support integrative therapies, yet physicians who treat head and neck cancer may be faced with ethical dilemmas and practical barriers surrounding incorporation of integrative medicine. Implications for Practice In the management of head and neck cancer, there is an increasing demand for awareness of, dialogue about, and research evaluating integrative medicine therapies. It is important for otolaryngologists to become aware of integrative therapy options, their risks and benefits, and resources for further information to effectively counsel their patients.
authors.affiliation: 1 Head and Neck Translational Oncology Laboratory, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Chloe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Matovina
authors.affiliation: 1 Head and Neck Translational Oncology Laboratory, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.|2 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Birkeland
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.|4 Nutritional Sciences Program, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Suzanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zick
authors.affiliation: 1 Head and Neck Translational Oncology Laboratory, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.|2 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.|5 Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Shuman
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D055048:Integrative Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
keywords: complementary and alternative medicine; head and neck cancer; integrative medicine