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Puthiyedath R, Gundeti M, Edamala Narayanan PN, Narayanam S. Learnings from a veteran oncologist's long-standing efforts in integrative oncology. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2022; 14:100563. [PMID: 35764464 PMCID: PMC10105233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Kerala's first medical oncologist, the erstwhile Dr. CP Mathew, has left a rich legacy in cancer patients' case diaries and medical records. These documents contain valuable information about his attempts to integrate Siddha and Ayurveda treatments to manage cancer. A preliminary examination of these documents compiled over more than four decades gives us a glimpse of his contributions relevant to the development of Integrative Oncology in India. Patients who received treatment from Dr. CP Mathew presented with different types of cancer in varying stages of progression. In his clinical practice, he developed treatment approaches that integrated Ayurveda and Siddha with the standard of care for specific types and presentations of cancer. At Cherian Ashram in Kottayam, where he treated cancer patients, a team of medical doctors, including a senior Ayurveda physician and a Naturopathy and Yoga expert, worked together to offer integrative care. Based on his experience, he emphasized that the public should be made aware of the available options for alternative treatments even in advanced stages of cancer. While Ayurveda and Siddha could bolster the patient's immunity and improve clinical outcomes, he pointed out that such interventions could also improve tolerance to chemotherapy and radiation. In the wake of the growing global interest in Integrative Oncology, the work of Dr. CP Mathew preserved in the medical records of his cancer patients deserves to be studied with an open mind.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manohar Gundeti
- Raja Ramdeo Anandilal Podar Central Ayurveda Research Institute, CCRAS, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Mao JJ, Pillai GG, Andrade CJ, Ligibel JA, Basu P, Cohen L, Khan IA, Mustian KM, Puthiyedath R, Dhiman KS, Lao L, Ghelman R, Cáceres Guido P, Lopez G, Gallego-Perez DF, Salicrup LA. Integrative oncology: Addressing the global challenges of cancer prevention and treatment. CA Cancer J Clin 2022; 72:144-164. [PMID: 34751943 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase in cancer incidence and mortality is challenging current cancer care delivery globally, disproportionally affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) when it comes to receiving evidence-based cancer prevention, treatment, and palliative and survivorship care. Patients in LMICs often rely on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) that is more familiar, less costly, and widely available. However, spheres of influence and tensions between conventional medicine and TCIM can further disrupt efforts in evidence-based cancer care. Integrative oncology provides a framework to research and integrate safe, effective TCIM alongside conventional cancer treatment and can help bridge health care gaps in delivering evidence-informed, patient-centered care. This growing field uses lifestyle modifications, mind and body therapies (eg, acupuncture, massage, meditation, and yoga), and natural products to improve symptom management and quality of life among patients with cancer. On the basis of this review of the global challenges of cancer control and the current status of integrative oncology, the authors recommend: 1) educating and integrating TCIM providers into the cancer control workforce to promote risk reduction and culturally salient healthy life styles; 2) developing and testing TCIM interventions to address cancer symptoms or treatment-related adverse effects (eg, pain, insomnia, fatigue); and 3) disseminating and implementing evidence-based TCIM interventions as part of comprehensive palliative and survivorship care so patients from all cultures can live with or beyond cancer with respect, dignity, and vitality. With conventional medicine and TCIM united under a cohesive framework, integrative oncology may provide citizens of the world with access to safe, effective, evidence-informed, and culturally sensitive cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun J Mao
- Bendheim Integrative Medicine Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Geetha Gopalakrishna Pillai
- Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine Unit, Service Delivery and Safety Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Jennifer A Ligibel
- Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Partha Basu
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- Integrative Medicine Program, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Karen M Mustian
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | | | | | - Lixing Lao
- Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Ricardo Ghelman
- Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cáceres Guido
- Pharmacokinetics and Research in Clinical Pharmacology and Integrative Medicine Group, Garrahan Pediatric Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine Network of the Americas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Lopez
- Integrative Medicine Program, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Daniel F Gallego-Perez
- Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine Network of the Americas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Luis Alejandro Salicrup
- Center for Global Health and Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
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Ee C, Templeman K, Forth A, Kotsirilos V, Singleton G, Deed G, Dubois S, Pirotta M, Harnett J, Myers S, Hunter J. Integrative Medicine in General Practice in Australia: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Education Pathways and Training Needs. Glob Adv Health Med 2021; 10:21649561211037594. [PMID: 34414016 PMCID: PMC8369962 DOI: 10.1177/21649561211037594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, a substantial proportion of general practitioners (GPs) incorporate integrative medicine (IM) into their clinical practice. Objective This study aimed to map the IM education and training pathways and needs of a cohort of Australian GPs who are members of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ IM Specific Interest Network, which is a group of GPs with interest in IM. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study comprising of an online, cross-sectional survey supplemented with in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data from the survey and interviews were initially analysed separately and then combined. Results Eighty-three (83) of 505 eligible GPs/GPs in training (16.4%) participated in the survey, and 15 GPs were interviewed. Results from the two datasets either converged or were complementary. Almost half (47%) of survey respondents had undertaken formal undergraduate or postgraduate IM education, a short course (63%), informal education (71%) or self-education (54%), in at least one of 20 IM modalities listed. Interviewees affirmed there was no single education pathway in IM. Survey respondents who identified as practicing IM were significantly more likely to have IM education, positive attitudes towards IM, particularly natural products, and higher self-rated IM knowledge and competencies. However, knowledge gaps were identified in professional skills domains of population health and context, and organisational and legal dimensions of applied IM practice. Interviewees also highlighted a range of professional and systemic barriers to the practice of IM, education, and training. There was broad support for recognition of IM as a sub-specialty through formalised post-graduate training and accreditation. Most survey respondents (62%) expressed interest in post-fellowship recognition of GPs with advanced skills in IM. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that it is important to define best practice in IM for GPs in Australia and provide a standardised pathway towards recognition of advanced skills in IM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Ee
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Templeman
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amy Forth
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vicki Kotsirilos
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gillian Singleton
- Fellowship Pathways, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gary Deed
- Mediwell Clinic, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Metabolism Ageing Genomics Research Unit, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Quality Care, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shamieka Dubois
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marie Pirotta
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanna Harnett
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Myers
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.,National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer Hunter
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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Agarwal V. Patient Communication of Chronic Pain in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapeutic Relationship. J Patient Exp 2020; 7:238-244. [PMID: 32851146 PMCID: PMC7427370 DOI: 10.1177/2374373519826137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Patient descriptions of pain shape the pain experience, yet there is insufficient understanding of how patient communication can help providers lessen pain’s psychological and physical impact. Objective: To examine how individuals communicate their pain experience in the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) provider-patient relationship. Method: Qualitative thematic framing examining semistructured interviews of a purposive and snowball sample of CAM patients (N = 13; 850 double-spaced pages) recruited from the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Results: Complementary and alternative medicine patients communicate the pain experience through an awareness of their interdependence with: (a) relational spaces as attention to the self, the healing practices, and the provider; (b) physical spaces as openness to surroundings and the spatiality and temporality of self; and (c) physiological spaces as breathing and neurological and immune system functioning. Conclusion: A therapeutic relationship cultivating interdependence through awareness of relational, physical, and physiological spaces supports patients’ ability to open up to, know, and accept their body. The CAM provider’s work connects their practice with patient awareness of control over their environment, relationships, and physiology to redefine their pain experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinita Agarwal
- Department of Communication Arts, Fulton School of Liberal Arts, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD, USA
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Development of Key Performance Indicators for Capturing Impact of Pharmaceutical Care in Palestinian Integrative Healthcare Facilities: A Delphi Consensus Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:7527543. [PMID: 32714418 PMCID: PMC7334769 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7527543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background The current study was performed to develop a consensus-based core inventory of key performance indicators (KPIs) to be used in capturing the impact of pharmaceutical care in healthcare facilities that employ integrative medicine paradigm in Palestine. Methods A panel of healthcare professionals and risk/quality assurance managers was composed employing a judgmental sampling technique. The study tool was a questionnaire. Views and opinions of the panelists on the roles of pharmacists in caring for patients admitted to or visiting healthcare facilities that employ integrative medicine were collected using 11 statements. An initial inventory of activities and services that potentially can be used as KPIs was compiled from the literature and interviews with key contact experts in the domain. Three iterative Delphi rounds were conducted among the panelists (n = 50) to achieve formal consensus on the KPIs that should be used. The consensus-based KPIs were ordered by the scores of the panelists. Results A total of 8 consensus-based KPIs were developed. The KPIs related to the number of problems related to medications and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that were resolved by pharmacists and CAM practitioners (p < 0.0001), number of patients for whom reconciliations were documented (p < 0.0001), number of patients receiving direct, comprehensive, and/or collaborative care (p < 0.0001), and number of patients for whom pharmacists and CAM practitioners were involved in implementing a therapeutic plan (p < 0.05) were rated significantly higher than the KPI (#8) related to the participation in multi-healthcare provider discussions/deliberations. Conclusions Consensus-based KPIs that can be used in capturing the impact of evidence-based CAM and pharmaceutical care of patients in healthcare facilities that employ integrative medicine paradigm were developed. Future studies are still needed to investigate if implementing these KPIs might promote evidence-based CAM and pharmaceutical care in healthcare facilities that employ the integrative medicine paradigm.
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Quality Indicators of Pharmaceutical Care in Palestinian Integrative Healthcare Facilities: Findings of a Qualitative Study among Stakeholders. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:4520769. [PMID: 32454859 PMCID: PMC7238345 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4520769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Recently, there has been shifts from providing large volumes to providing higher quality of healthcare services. This qualitative exploratory study was conducted to explore the views of different stakeholders on activities and services that could serve as quality indicators of pharmaceutical care in Palestinian integrative healthcare facilities. Methods A judgmental sampling technique was used to invite and recruit stakeholders for this study. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with the stakeholders. Data collected during the interviews were qualitatively analyzed using the interpretive description methodology. Themes, subthemes, and patterns were recognized using the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. The data were coded using RQDA software. Results Interviews (n = 22) were conducted with 9 complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, 8 pharmacists, 2 physicians, 2 nurses, and 1 risk/quality assurance manager. The interview median duration was 41 with an IQR of 22 min. Following the thematic analysis adopted to achieve the objectives of this study, six major themes emerged from the data collected from the interviews. The themes emerged from the data were (1) provision of collaborative, direct, and comprehensive patient care services; (2) common services and activities at the time of admission, during stay, at transition between wards/services/hospitals, and at discharge to home or community care; (3) screening for, identifying, and resolving problems; (4) collaboration with other healthcare providers; (5) professional development; and (6) performance and efficiency. Conclusions Quality indicators are invaluable for informing decisions relevant to justifying allocation of scarce resources, securing funds, and demonstrating value in activities and services within integrative healthcare facilities. Further studies are still needed to develop a set of measurable indicators to measure the impact of pharmaceutical care in integrative healthcare facilities.
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Ee C, Templeman K, Grant S, Avard N, de Manincor M, Reath J, Hunter J. Informing the Model of Care for an Academic Integrative Health Care Center: A Qualitative Study of Primary Care Stakeholder Views. J Altern Complement Med 2020; 26:300-315. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2019.0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Ee
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Kate Templeman
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Suzanne Grant
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Nicole Avard
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Michael de Manincor
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Jennifer Reath
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Jennifer Hunter
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
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Quality Indicators of Pharmaceutical Care for Integrative Healthcare: A Scoping Review of Indicators Developed Using the Delphi Technique. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:9131850. [PMID: 32256663 PMCID: PMC7106877 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9131850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Recently, measuring and benchmarking provision of healthcare services has drawn a considerable attention. This scoping review was conducted to identify, describe, and summarize studies in which the Delphi technique was used to develop quality indicators of pharmaceutical care. The study also aimed to identify activities and services that could be used to capture the impact of pharmacist in integrative medicine. Methods Databases were searched from inception to February 2020 using key terms that were combined using Boolean operators. Studies were included if they were relevant to development of quality indicators of pharmaceutical care with regard to medications or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities. Full text of the selected studies was imported into EndNote. Studies were screened and data were extracted into a standard extraction form. Results Data were extracted from 31 studies. Of those, 24 (77.4%) were related to provision of pharmaceutical services relevant to medications and 7 (22.6%) were related to provision of care using CAM modalities. Most of the studies (67.7%) were published in 2010 and beyond. Almost half of the studies (48.4%) originated from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. A total of 42 different activities and services that could be used as quality indicators were identified from the studies included in this review. Activities and services were related to history taking, performing reconciliations, identifying and resolving therapy problems, providing collaborative care, designing care plans, optimal performance, and continuing education. Conclusions Although there is an increasing interest in improving healthcare delivery, quality indicators of pharmaceutical services and those relevant to CAM provision in healthcare facilities adopting the integrated healthcare paradigm are still limited. Future studies are needed to develop validated quality indicators that could be successfully used in measuring and benchmarking quality of services in integrated healthcare facilities.
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Koster EB, Baars EW, Delnoij DMJ. Patient-reported quality of care in anthroposophic and integrative medicine: A scoping review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:276-285. [PMID: 31542185 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate how, and to what extent, patient-reported quality of care is measured in Anthroposophic and Integrative Medicine (AM/IM). METHODS Scoping review of evaluation studies of patient-reported quality of care and development studies of PREMs and/or PROMs in AM/IM, using five stages of Arksey's methodological framework. SEARCH STRATEGY Literature search in twelve relevant databases. DATA EXTRACTION Basic information, added categories: Focus; PREMs/PROMs; Evaluation measures; Patient involvement; Use of results. RESULTS Sixty-four included studies: 30 quantitative, 20 qualitative and 14 mixed-methods studies. Quantitative studies showed a wide variety of instruments and qualitative studies showed a meaningful list of evaluation themes. Most prevalent themes: Agency & Empowerment; Patient-provider relationship; Perceived effectiveness; Coping & Psychological functioning; Inner awareness; Meaning; and General wellbeing. Seven studies report concrete, coherent, patient-derived evaluation measures with emphasis on PROMs and/or PREMs. CONCLUSION Patient-reported quality of care was not measured in a standardised way. Knowledge gap: in general, quantitative studies lack patient-derived measures and qualitative studies lack development of concrete evaluation measures. Many AM/IM evaluation aspects connect with patient-centred care. PRACTICE IMPLICATION The international field of AM/IM would benefit from the development of a core set of validated PROMs and PREMs to further enhance its scientific underpinning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evi B Koster
- Anthroposophic Healthcare, University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Erik W Baars
- Anthroposophic Healthcare, University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Diana M J Delnoij
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Rodondi PY, Lüthi E, Dubois J, Roy E, Burnand B, Grass G. Complementary Medicine Provision in an Academic Hospital: Evaluation and Structuring Project. J Altern Complement Med 2019; 25:606-612. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2019.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Yves Rodondi
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Family Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuelle Lüthi
- Institute of Family Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Integrative and Complementary Medicine, Pain Center, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julie Dubois
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Family Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Edith Roy
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bernard Burnand
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Geneviève Grass
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Rossi P, Difrancia R, Quagliariello V, Savino E, Tralongo P, Randazzo CL, Berretta M. B-glucans from Grifola frondosa and Ganoderma lucidum in breast cancer: an example of complementary and integrative medicine. Oncotarget 2018; 9:24837-24856. [PMID: 29872510 PMCID: PMC5973856 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Culinary and medicinal mushrooms are widely used in Asian countries, both as dietary supplements and as nutraceutical foods. They have recently become popular in Europe, as well, for their nutritional and health benefits. In particular, epidemiological studies conducted in Asia suggest that mushroom intake, together with other phytotherapy substances, protects against cancer, specifically gastrointestinal (GI) and breast cancers. Most of the data come from in vitro studies and in vivo experimental animal models. Therefore, in order to translate the updated knowledge to clinical research (i.e., from bench to bedside) a systematic translational research program should be initiated. Future randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of G. frondosa and G. lucidum on conventional treatment outcomes are warranted. The purpose of this review was to describe the emerging mechanisms of action of the mushrooms' anticancer functions which makes their use in clinical practice so promising. Clinical effects of mycotherapy (specifically, the use of Ganoderma lucidum and Grifola frondosa) on long-term survival, tumor response, host immune functions, inflammation, and QoL in cancer patients were also addressed. Adverse events associated with mycotherapy were also investigated. Emerging data point to a potential role of G. lucidum for modulating the carcinogenic potential of GI microbiota, which suggests a new complementary and integrated approach to breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rossi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Quagliariello
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, National Cancer Institute, IRCCS - Foundation G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Savino
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano (PN), Italy
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Steel A, Leach M, Wardle J, Sibbritt D, Schloss J, Diezel H, Adams J. The Australian Complementary Medicine Workforce: A Profile of 1,306 Practitioners from the PRACI Study. J Altern Complement Med 2018; 24:385-394. [PMID: 29293360 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2017.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to describe the Australian complementary medicine (CM) workforce, including practice and professional characteristics. DESIGN National cross-sectional survey. SETTINGS/LOCATION Australia. SUBJECTS Any individual who self-identified as a practitioner qualified in any one of 14 CM professions and working in any state or territory of Australia was eligible to participate in the survey. INTERVENTIONS A 19-item online survey was developed following a review of existing CM workforce data and in alignment with other CM workforce survey projects in progress at the time. The survey items were presented under three main constructs: demographic characteristics, professional characteristics, and practice characteristics. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Descriptive statistical analysis, including frequencies and percentages, of multiple choice survey items was used. Open response items were analyzed to determine the mean, standard deviation (SD), minimum, and maximum. The demographic data were evaluated for representativeness based on previously reported CM workforce figures. RESULTS The survey was completed by 1306 CM practitioners and was found to be nationally representative compared with the most recent registrant data from the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia. Participants primarily practiced in the most populous Australian states and worked in at least one urban clinical location. Most participants held an Advanced Diploma qualification or lower, obtained their qualification ten more years ago, and practiced in a clinical environment alongside at least one other practitioner from another health profession. Participants reported diverse clinical practice specialties and occupational roles. Per week, participants worked an average of 3.7 days and treated 23.6 clients. CONCLUSIONS The results from this survey of practitioners from most complementary professions in Australia provide new insights into the national complementary medicine workforce. Further exploration of the CM workforce is warranted to inform all who provide patient care and develop health policy for better patient and public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie Steel
- 1 Office of Research, Endeavour College of Natural Health , Fortitude Valley, Australia .,2 Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Ultimo, Australia
| | - Matthew Leach
- 2 Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Ultimo, Australia .,3 University Department of Rural Health, University of South Australia , Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jon Wardle
- 2 Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Ultimo, Australia
| | - David Sibbritt
- 2 Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Ultimo, Australia
| | - Janet Schloss
- 1 Office of Research, Endeavour College of Natural Health , Fortitude Valley, Australia
| | - Helene Diezel
- 1 Office of Research, Endeavour College of Natural Health , Fortitude Valley, Australia
| | - Jon Adams
- 1 Office of Research, Endeavour College of Natural Health , Fortitude Valley, Australia
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