Journal d'oncologie intégrative

Introduction: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, dose-limiting effect of cancer therapy. The neuropathic pain associated with CIPN often has negative implications on an individual’s quality of life (QOL) and has long been recognized as one of the more difficult types of pain to treat. Treatment of neuropathic pain due to CIPN often requires a multidisciplinary approach, with much attention focused on the use of pharmacological therapies. However, in most instances, these agents have been shown to have additional negative side effects for cancer patients. Thus, other interventions that address the symptoms of CIPN should be considered. One such possible intervention is exercise rehabilitation, which has previously been reported effective in attenuating numerous cancer treatment-related toxicities and enhancing the QOL of patients. However, to our knowledge, there have been no published clinical trials examining the role of exercise in preserving neurological function following chemotherapy. As such, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the current exercise habits of breast cancer patients who are diagnosed with CIPN and the impact on pain and QOL.
Methods: 300 women listed in the Breast Cancer Registry of Greater Cincinnati database were recruited by mail and asked to complete three questionnaires (McGill QOL, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs, and Current Exercise Behaviors). Data was analyzed at the 0.05 level of significance using a student’s t-test and a Pearson’s product moment correlation.
Results: 134 completed surveys were returned and analyzed (44.6% response rate). Overall, QOL and exercise behaviors were moderately correlated (r = 0.56). Patients reported exercising an average of 2.3 d/wk and an overall QOL of 4.7. Of the patients completing the recommended amount of physical activity (EX, n = 21), QOL was 6.3, which was significantly higher than patients who did not meet these recommendations (SED, n = 113, p<0.001). Likewise, only 15% of EX patients reported experiencing pain compared to 72% of SED patients (p<0.001). Conclusions: Based on these data, it seems likely that an exercise intervention would be successful in attenuating symptoms of CIPN and improving the overall QOL of breast cancer patients

Background: Cancer patients seem to frequently use Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). However, estimates of the level of usage vary widely. This systematic review is aimed at determining the prevalence of CAM-use in cancer patients of the United Kingdom (UK).
Method: Five databases were searched for English language peer-reviewed surveys published between 01 January 2000 and 07 October 2011. In addition, relevant book chapters and our own departmental files were handsearched.
Results: 25 surveys were included with a total sample size of 6798. Across all studies, the median prevalence rate of CAM-use was 30.5 (standard deviation=10.3). Herbal medicine was the most popular CAM modality, followed by homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology and relaxation. Conclusions: Many UK cancer patients use CAM. Oncologists need to be aware of these numbers as they can impact daily practice on the management of cancer patients.

Molecular events that cause tumor formation up regulate a number of HOX genes, called switch genes, coding for RNA polymerase II transcription factors. Thus, in tumor cells RNA polymerase II is more active than in other somatic cells. Amanita phalloides contains Amanitin, inhibiting RNA polymerase II. Partial inhibition with Amanitin influences tumor cell - but not normal cell - activity.
Objectives: To enlarge treatment spectrum, dilutions of Amanita phalloides, are applied to prostate cancer patients. Monitoring prostate specific antigen, different doses of Amanitin are used.
Results: Within a period of up to five years, prostate specific antigen values can be stabilized. Somatic investigations and imaging methods reveal remission in all three cases. No prostate cancer associated symptoms, nor liver damage occur. When pausing the therapy, PSA levels always increase, even after five years.
Conclusion: This new principle of tumor therapy shows high potential to provide a smooth medical treatment. Treatment should exceed the period of five years.