Bull Cancer. 2015 Oct;102(10):854-62. doi: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2015.06.008. Epub 2015 Sep 19.
[].
[Article in French]
- 1
- Institute of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology (IHOP), Pharmacy Department, 69008 Lyon, France.
- 2
- Institute of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology (IHOP), Oncology Department, 69008 Lyon, France.
- 3
- Institute of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology (IHOP), Pharmacy Department, 69008 Lyon, France; Institute of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology (IHOP), Hematology Department, 69008 Lyon, France. Electronic address: nathalie.bleyzac@chu-lyon.fr.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
The use of oral complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) is widespread among cancer patients, but considerably less known
in pediatric cancer patients. Our survey was conducted in a pediatric
onco-hematology unit to study the frequency and the circumstances of CAM
use.
METHODS:
This
study included 50 children treated for malignant diseases. A
questionnaire was used to collect support general data on the child as
well as information on the CAM use. One of the child's parents was
interviewed.
RESULTS:
Most
of parents (48%) used one or more CAM for their child in the context of
cancer. The most used type of CAM was homeopathy, dietary supplements
and aromatherapy. The most frequent goal for CAM use was to limit the
side effects of conventional treatment (75% of parents). For 87.5% of
users, the CAM was effective. Physicians were not aware of this use for
33.3% of users, in spite of the fact that the family physician was the
main source of information for this use. Most of parents (48%) needed
more information about the CAM and they bought CAM in a pharmacy.
CONCLUSIONS:
The
use of oral CAM in this survey was common. For most parents, this use
was effective and appreciated because they generated fewer side effects
than conventional treatments. However, doctors were not systematically
informed of this use. This is problematic because some CAM such as
herbal supplements could potentially cause interactions with cancer
treatments. More information about CAM is necessary in pediatric
onco-hematology.
Copyright © 2015 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Cancer;
Children; Compléments alimentaires; Enfant; Homéopathie; Interaction;
Médecines alternatives et complémentaires; Oral alternative
complementary medicines; Phytothérapie