Integrative Oncology

This review provides a brief recap of the history of medical quackery and an overview of the various types of unproven or disproved cancer therapies popular now in the United States and elsewhere.
• Quackery, Placebos, and Other Thoughts: An Integrative Oncologist’s Perspective
• The Key to Reducing Quackery Lies in Healing Patients and Treating Their Experience

We still have much to do to fully understand the potential of complementary therapies as important elements in cancer treatment and health. Mind-body and body-based interventions may be able to improve health and prevent disease as effectively as pharmacologic agents—without the toxicities associated with pharmacologics, and as adjuncts to pharmacologic therapies they may help to maximize health and diminish disease with less toxicity.

The active constituent of green tea extract is EGCG, which accounts for 40% of its total polyphenol content. Regular consumption of green tea may reduce the risk of hypertension and positively affect mood.

Studies in mice suggest that flaxseed inhibits the growth and metastasis of human breast cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma; it also reduces radiation therapy-induced lung damage and improves survival in mice.

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a naturally occurring, lipid-soluble antioxidant and an essential electron carrier involved in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. In mitochondria, CoQ10 functions as a coenzyme that assists in the oxidative phosphorylation of nutrients, leading to production of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), or energy.

Despite unsubstantiated claims, Essiac remains a popular anticancer therapy today. Promoters claim these products reduce tumor burden, enhance immune response, relieve pain, reduce toxic effects of chemotherapy, and improve survival.

In vitro studies of ginkgo extracts indicate anti-infective, chemopreventive, anticancer, and cytotoxic effects. Epidemiological data indicate that ginkgo may play a role in reducing the risk of ovarian cancer.

Despite lack of supportive evidence in humans, mangosteen products are aggressively promoted to treat cancer. Patients should consult their physician before using such products.

Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), developed over the millennia. Treatment involves the placement of needles at selected points on the body, followed by manipulation with physical forces, heat, or, in modern times, electrical stimuli.

Aloe vera, a succulent plant prevalent in hot, dry regions of Asia, Africa, and other areas, has been used in traditional medicine for many centuries. It is easily propagated in most places where the climate is hot and dry.

Lentinan (beta-D-glucan), a polysaccharide isolated from shiitake, is thought to be responsible for many of the mushroom's beneficial effects. An injectable form of lentinan is used for cancer treatment in some countries, but it has not been evaluated in large studies.

Ginseng is an herb from the genus Panax of the Araliaceae family that is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is termed an “adaptogen,” as it is believed to have properties that help to restore balance to the body and protect the body from physiologic stress.

Kava is a plant indigenous to the Pacific Rim and the Hawaiian Islands whose root and rhizome are used to prepare a non-fermented beverage with relaxant effects that is used for social and recreational purposes.

Yoga, an ancient tradition that originated approximately 5,000 years ago in Central Asia. Yoga as a mind-body therapy is now also increasingly popular in the West, practiced by approximately 15 million individuals.

Bromelain has potent anti-inflammatory effects and has been the focus of research involving inflammatory conditions. Several preclinical studies have shown that bromelain has immunomodulatory and antitumor properties.