Jutta Huebner1, Peter Mohr2, Jan-Christoph Simon3, Michael Fluck4, Carola Berking5, Lisa Zimmer6, Carmen Loquai7. 1. Working Group Integrative -Oncology, Dr. Senckenberg -Chronomedical Institute, J.W. -Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. 2. Department of Dermatology, Elbe Medical Center Buxtehude, Buxtehude, Germany. 3. Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. 4. Department for Medical Oncology, Specialty Medical Center Hornheide, Hornheide, Germany. 5. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital -Munich, Munich, Germany. 6. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University -Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany. 7. Department of Dermatology, -University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: 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. PATIENTS AND 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.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Germany, 40-90 % of all cancerpatients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). So far, no data are available on the use of CAM by melanomapatients. The objective of our study was to gather data on CAM use, sources of information, and goals of patients with metastatic melanoma. PATIENTS AND 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 %) melanomapatients 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 melanomapatients 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.