In the News
M. D. Anderson Announcements
March 3, 2008
Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colorectal Cancer
Nutritionists at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center are encouraging people to increase portion sizes of the vegetable, fruit, whole grain and/or bean dishes being served and decrease the portion size of meat.
January 2008
Toad Venom Doses Tested in Liver, Lung and Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
The Phase I study of 15 patients is part of the International Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer funded by the National Cancer Institute, says Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., principal investigator on studies representing the center and director of M. D. Anderson’s Integrative Medicine Program. The trial is a collaborative research project between M. D. Anderson and Cancer Hospital, Fudan University in Shanghai.
May 16, 2006
Large National Cancer Institute Grant Will Test the Effect of Tibetan Yoga on Women with Breast Cancer
Researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have received a $2.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study the effects of Tibetan yoga in women with breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.
November 21, 2005
M. D. Anderson and Shanghai Hospital Awarded NCI Grant to Study Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Care
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Fudan University Cancer Hospital in Shanghai, China, have been awarded a $2.15 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to expand ongoing studies of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of cancer. Learn more...
Study Results
In the interest of reporting important new research findings, the Integrative Medicine Program posts links to abstracts of recently published studies. If you have questions that are not answered by these abstracts, please obtain the complete article, look for published comments in subsequent issues of that journal or obtain assistance from a healthcare professional. Also, be aware that scientific findings are rarely accepted based on the findings of just one study.
These listings are arranged by topics, from most recent: Alternative Medical Systems/Traditional Chinese Medicine, Children, Diet and Nutrition, Dietary Supplements, Herbal Medicine, Manipulative and Body-Based Therapies, Mind-Body Approaches, Survivors and CAM/CIM.
Dietary Supplements
May 2009: Dietary Supplements, Lung and Colorectal Cancer Risks
Associations of herbal and speciality supplements with lung and colorectal cancer risk in vitamins and lifestyle study
The VITAL cohort study examined the relationship of 11 commonly used supplements to lung and colorectal cancer risks.
April 1, 2009: Beta-carotene, Retinol, Lycopene, Lutein and Lung Cancer Risk
Long term use of beta-carotene, retinol, lycopene and lutein supplements and lung cancer risks: results from the VITamins And Lifestyles (VITAL) study
"Long term use of individual beta-carotene, retinol, and lutein supplements should not be recommended for lung cancer prevention, particularly among smokers."
November 19, 2008: Calcium and Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Risk
Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of breast cancer
The Women's Health Initiative clinical trial randomly assigned 36,282 postmenopausal women to receive 1000 mg of calcium plus 400 IU of vitamin D3 or placebo for seven years. Contrary to previous observational studies, results indicated the calcium and vitamin D supplementation did not reduce invasive breast cancer incidence.
November 5, 2008: Folic Acid, Vitamins B6 and B12 and Cancer Risk
Effect of Combined Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 on Cancer Risk in Women
"Age significantly modified the effect of combined B vitamin treatment on risk of total invasive cancer and breast cancer..." Risks were significantly reduced among women 65 years or older, but no reductions were observed among younger women.
October 31, 2008: SELECT Participants to Stop Taking Supplements
Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) participants have been told to stop taking supplements
SELECT is a clinical trial of over 35,000 men. Recent monitoring found the supplements did not prevent prostate cancer.
August 2008: Dietary Supplements and Cancer
Dietary Supplement Use in Cancer Care: Help or Harm
A review of clinical literature yielding data about benefits or harm from use of dietary supplements during cancer treatments, and a consideration of the issue of nondisclosure by patients to their physicians.
May 27, 2008: Antioxidant Supplements and Chemo- and Radiation Therapy
Should supplemental antioxidant administration be avoided during chemotherapy and radiation therapy?
An in-depth review of several randomized control trials concluded that the use of supplemental antioxidants during conventional anticancer treatment should be "discouraged because of the possibility of tumor protection and reduced survival."
February 27, 2008: Comparison of Polyphenol-Rich Beverages in U.S.
Comparison of antioxidant potency of commonly consumed polyphenol-rich beverages in the United States
In vitro study found pomegranate juice to have the highest antioxidant capacity of the tested, widely available polyphenol-rich beverages in the U. S. market.
February 1, 2008: Supplement Use after Cancer Diagnosis in U.S.
Vitamin and mineral supplement use among U. S. adults after cancer diagnosis: A systematic review
"...a systematic summary of studies published between 1999 and 2006, 32 in total, addressing vitamin and mineral supplement use among U. S. adult cancer patients and survivors."
February, 2008: Pomegranate and Prostate Cancer
Ellagic acid, pomegranate and prostate cancer: A mini review
A review of pomegranate extract, specifically ellagic acid, its anti-carcinogenic properties and its potential use as a chemopreventive therapy for prostate cancer.
November 28, 2007: Lactobacillus and Chemo-Related Diarrhea
Lactobacillus supplementation associated with relief of chemotherapy associated diarrhea
In a randomized trial of 150 patients undergoing two different regimens of 5-FU chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, those who received Lactobacillus had less grade 3 or 4 diarrhea (22% vs 37%, P=0.027).
March 5, 2007: Antioxidants and Mortality
Increased Mortality Associated with Antioxidants in Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials for vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E and selenium has been published in the February 27, 2007, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Pooled data representing 180,938 participants in 47 trials with a low risk of bias showed that antioxidant supplements were significantly associated with increased mortality (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08).
Herbal Medicine
March 1, 2009: Maitake Mushroom and Breast Cancer
A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: immunological effects.
Maitake mushroom extract may both stimulate and inhibit immune function.
September 2008: Botanicals in CAM and Cancer
Botanicals used in complementary and alternative medicine treatment of cancer: clinical science and future perspectives
This article reviews the clinical benefit and safety of promising complementary medicinal botanicals.
July 2008: Curcumin and Phy906 in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: ASCO Meeting Highlights
Is there a role for herbal medicine in the treatment of pancreatic cancer?
Highlights from the 44th ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, May 30 - June 3, 2008
The use of curcumin and the TCM Phy906 in advanced pancreatic cancer is presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting.
July 2008: Gingko biloba and Pancreatic Cells
Ginkgo biloba extract kaempferol inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in pancreatic cells
The authors find through studies in pancreatic cancer cell lines that kaempferol may have clinical applications as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
March 31, 2008: Mistletoe and Corpus Uteri Cancer Patients
Randomized and non-randomized prospective controlled cohort studies in matched pair design for the long-term therapy of corpus uteri cancer patients with mistletoe preparation (Iscador)
The long term use of the mistletoe preparation Iscador may extend the overall survival (hazard ratio) of uterine cancer patients.
March 2008: Red Clover and Women with Family History of Breast Cancer
Red clover isoflavones are safe and well tolerated in women with a family history of breast cancer
A three-year randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial reported that supplements containing red clover isoflavones did not adversely affect breast density, skeletal strength or cardiovascular status.
November 7, 2007: Black Cohosh and Menopause
Black cohosh does not exert an estrogenic effect on the breast
Popular herbal alternative to hormonal therapy in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, was not shown to have an estrogenic effect as previously thought, in 24-week treatment of sixty-one menopausal women.
Mind-Body Approaches
July-August 2009: Music Therapy and Chemotherapy-Related Anxiety
Effectiveness of music therapy for anxiety reduction in women with breast cancer in chemotherapy treatment
"The results of this study encourage the use of musical intervention in nursing practice to help breast cancer patients."
July 1, 2009: Pre-Surgical Stress Management
The effects of a presurgical stress management intervention for men with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy
Stress management prior to prostate removal significantly reduced mood disturbance and improved short-term and long-term medical and quality of life outcomes.
May 28, 2009: Radiation-Related Fatigue and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Fatigue during breast cancer radiotherapy: an initial randomized study of cognitive-behavioral therapy plus hypnosis
Cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with hypnosis may effectively prevent and/ or manage progressive fatigue related to radiotherapy treatments.
March 2009: Yoga and Breast Cancer Treatment
Effects of a yoga program on cortisol rhythm and mood states in early breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy: a randomized controlled trial
Yoga may be positively associated with significant decreases in anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and cortisol levels.
January 29, 2009: Hypnosis for Postradiation Xerostomia
Hypnosis for Postradiation Xerostomia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
Hypnosis may be an effective treatment for xerostomia (dry mouth).
January 17, 2009: Yoga and Breast Cancer Treatment
Anxiolytic effects of a yoga program in early breast cancer patients undergoing conventional treatment: a randomized controlled trial
This study shows that the yoga can be used for managing symptoms related to conventional treatment and anxiety in breast cancer outpatients.
December 17, 2008: Music Therapy for Cancer Inpatients
Resounding attachment: cancer inpatients' song lyrics for their children in music therapy
"Parents' song lyric messages may support their children during the parents' illnesses and through the children's developmental transitions and possible bereavement."
November 22, 2008: Meditation and Cognitive Impairment in Cancer
Cancer, cognitive impairment and meditation
Meditation may potentially alleviate cancer-related cognitive impairment.
November 1, 2008: Hypnosis for Hot Flashes among Breast Cancer Survivors
Randomized trial of a hypnosis intervention for treatment of hot flashes among breast cancer survivors
Breast cancer survivors who participated in hypnosis sessions reported a 68% reduction in severity and frequency of hot flashes.
August 2008: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Breast Cancer
Effect of mindfulness based stress reduction on immune function, quality of life and coping in women newly diagnosed with early stage breast cancer
A study of women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, evaluating the effect of mindfulness based stress reduction on immune function, quality of life and ability to cope. Preliminary results reveal beneficial effects.
July 2008: Music Therapy in a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Music therapy in a comprehensive cancer center
This article describes the historical context, current utilization, clinical observations and supporting evidence for a music therapy program in a comprehensive cancer center.
April 21, 2008: Mind-Body Therapies in Cancer Survivorship
Potential role of mind-body therapies in cancer survivorship
The authors review a few mind-body therapies that may have particular relevance to cancer survivors, such as hypnosis and meditation practices.
March 26, 2008: Compassion Meditation and Neural Circuitry of Emotion
Regulation of the neural circuitry of emotion by compassion meditation: Effects of meditative expertise
Brain image studies report compassion meditation may modulate neural responses to sounds of distress.
January 2008: Guided Imagery during Breast Cancer Treatment
Immune response to guided imagery during breast cancer treatment
"The use of relaxation and guided imagery to reduce stress and improve immune function has great potential benefits for patients with breast cancer."
March 2007: East-West Model for Transforming Psychological Stress from Cancer
Turning curses into blessings: an Eastern approach to psychosocial oncology
University of Hong Kong investigators develop an Eastern Body-Mind-Spirit (BMS) Group Intervention model which has a strong emphasis on turning crisis into opportunities, and growth through pain
June 4, 2006: Yoga and Breast Cancer
Participating in Yoga During Treatment for Breast Cancer Improves Quality of Life
In a study presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology by Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Integrative Medicine Program, researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have shown that breast cancer patients who participate in a yoga program during treatment have improved quality of life, compared to patients who do not.
Manipulative and Body-Based Therapies
February 20, 2009: Physical Activity and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Physical activity and quality of life in adult survivors of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
One quarter of NHL survivors met public health exercise guidelines. Physical activity is directly correlated with health-related quality of life, and therefore should be promoted in this population.
January 13, 2009: Massage Therapy for Cancer Palliation
Massage therapy for cancer palliation and supportive care: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials
This review attempted to critically evaluate available randomized clinical trials of massage in cancer palliation, and found that massage can alleviate a number of symptoms, but the quality of the studies' methodology was poor. Therefore, the results were encouraging but limited, and further studies of better quality are warranted.
September 2008: Reflexology and Cancer
Reflexology for symptom relief in patients with cancer
A systematic review evaluating the effectiveness of reflexology in alleviating physical and psychological symptoms in cancer care.
June 2008: Massage and Oncology Patients
A hospital-based intervention using massage to reduce distress among oncology patients
A comparative study of 251 oncology patients found a Swedish massage intervention significantly reduced pain, physical discomfort, emotional discomfort and fatigue.
March 2008: Massage in Cancer Care
Role of massage therapy in cancer care
The authors explain the importance of touch, review findings regarding massage for cancer patients, describe the massage therapy program in one of these centers and outline future challenges and implications for the effective integration of massage therapy in large and small cancer centers.
May 5, 2007: Exercise and Breast Cancer
Determinants of adherence to exercise in women treated for breast cancer
An article published in the European Journal of Oncology Nursing reports a greater improvement in quality of life for women who had been treated for breast cancer within one to three years before and involved in one-on-one 50-minute moderate intensity exercise sessions three times a week for eight weeks versus placebo group.
Diet and Nutrition
June 15, 2009: Carotenoids and Breast Cancer
Dietary carotenoids and the risk of invasive breast cancer
"... high consumption of carotenoids may reduce the risk of premenopausal but not postmenopausal breast cancer, particularly among smokers."
June 15, 2009: Caffeine and Hormone Concentrations
Relationship between intake and plasma sex hormone concentrations in premenopausal and postmenopausal women
This cross-sectional study examined the relationship of endogenous androgens, estrogens, prolactin and SHBG with caffeine, coffee and tea intake among women in the Nurse's Health Study (NSH and NSHII).
June 2009: Garlic's Physiological Properties
Garlic: nature's protection against physiological threats
This article reviews the health promoting properties of garlic.
May 15, 2009: Meat Preparation and Intake and Breast Cancer
Meat intake and meat preparation in relation to risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in NIH-AARP diet and health study
A large study cohort provided no support for a role of meat mutagens in the development of postmenopausal breast cancer.
December 29, 2008: Dietary Patterns and Breast Cancer Recurrence
Dietary patterns and breast cancer recurrence and survival among women with early stage breast cancer
Patients with early-stage breast cancer who adopt a prudent dietary pattern had a significantly decreased incidence of death from non-breast cancer causes, whereas those who consumed a Western diet had an increasing risk. But neither pattern was associated with recurrence or death from breast cancer.
December 3, 2008: Fat, Protein and Meat Consumption and Renal Cell Cancer Risk
Fat, protein and meat consumption and renal cell cancer risk: a polled analysis of 13 prospective studies
Consumption of red meat, processed meat, poultry and seafood were not associated with the risk of renal cell cancer.
November 2008: Fish Intake and Prostate Cancer
A 22-year prospective study of fish intake in relation to prostate cancer incidence and mortality
The Physician's Health Study, a prospective cohort of 20,167 men, found "fish intake was unrelated to prostate cancer incidence," but consuming fish and/or seafood omega-3 fatty acid may improve prostate cancer survival.
October 17, 2007: Low Fat Diet and Ovarian Cancer
Low-fat dietary pattern and cancer incidence in the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Randomized Controlled Trial
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomized 48,835 postmenopausal women to a dietary modification or comparison group. The risk of ovarian cancer was similar in the first four years of follow up, but significantly lower in the intervention group during the next 4.1 years.
July 10, 2007: Grapefruit Intake and Breast Cancer Risk
Prospective study of grapefruit intake and risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women: the Multiethnic Cohort Study
The Hawaii-Los Angeles Multiethnic Cohort Study has identified intake of one-quarter grapefruit or more per day to be significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The authors caution that these findings need to be confirmed in other studies with more comprehensive measures of both the whole fruit and grapefruit juice.
July 20, 2007: Diet and Breast Cancer Survival
Dietary Effects upon Breast Cancer Survival: The WHEL Study
Adoption of a diet high in vegetables, fruit and fiber and low in fat did not reduce additional breast cancer events or improve survival according to results of the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) study reported in the July 18 issue of the journal JAMA.
May 31, 2007: High Fat Diet and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Dietary pattern in association with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: a prospective study
An article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports an increased risk of development of squamous cell carcinoma for those subjects who maintained a high fat and meat diet. Avoiding fatty foods, overly processed foods and foods with high amounts of sugar was particularly important for those subjects found to have a history of skin cancer. A protective effect was seen in those with a high level of consumption of fruits and vegetables. Learn more...
May 18, 2007: Tomatoes and Prostate Cancer
Serum Lycopene, Other Carotenoids and Prostate Cancer Risk: a Nested Case-Control Study in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
An article published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention suggests eating lycopene-rich food does not offer any protection against prostate cancer. The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial included 28,243 men, ages 55 and 74, with no history of prostate cancer. It is one of the largest studies investigating serum lycopene levels and other other antioxidants in prostate cancer prevention.
March 29, 2007: Soy Isoflavones and Prostate Cancer
Soy product and isoflavone consumption in relation to prostate cancer in Japanese men
Dietary intakes of soy foods and miso soup were evaluated in a population-based prospective study among 43,509 Japanese men. Isoflavones (genistein and daidzein), soy foods and miso soup were associated with a decreased risk of localized prostate cancer, but miso soup was associated with an increased risk of advanced cancer, especially among men 60 years of age or older.
November 13, 2006: Red Meat and Breast Cancer
Red Meat Intake Increases Risk for Breast Cancer in Premenopausal Women
An article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reports increased risks of breast cancers that are estrogen and progesterone positive after 12 years of follow-up among 90,000 premenopausal women.
Children
March 2009: CAM in Children with Cancer
Pediatric oncologists' views toward the use of complementary and alternative medicine in children with cancer
Study evaluates potential barriers to CAM communication in pediatric oncology.
October 20, 2008: CAM in Children with Cancer
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Children with Cancer and General and Specialty Pediatrics
This article reports the survey findings on the frequency, types and reasons for CAM use among children.
June 2008: Acupuncture in Children
Safety and efficacy of acupuncture in children: a review of the evidence
The analysis of several systematic reviews, RCTs and additional publications lead reviewers to conclude that acupuncture is a safe complementary / alternative medicine modality for pediatric patients.
May 2008: Massage and Children with Cancer
Massage therapy as a supportive care intervention for children with cancer
In this review of relevant literature, the authors assess the feasibility of integrating the body-based CAM practice as a supportive care intervention for children with cancer.
December, 2007: CAM and Pediatric Oncology
Complementary and alternative therapies in pediatric oncology
Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota and Columbia University Medical Center present an overview of types of therapies, interactions and current research. The review also includes CAM use for symptom control, the need for long term follow-up and resources.
Survivors
October 17, 2008: Prayer among Cancer Survivors
Prayer and self-reported health among cancer survivors in the United States, National Health Interview Survey, 2002
Prayer is the most common form of complementary medicine. "The purpose of this study was to explore the correlates of both prayer for health and self-reported health status, and to assess the association between prayer for health and self reported health among persons previously diagnosed with cancer."
September 1, 2008: Complementary Methods Used by Cancer Survivors
A population-based study of prevalence of complementary methods use by cancer survivors: a report from the American Cancer Society's studies of cancer survivors
"This study provides information regarding prevalence and medical demographic determinants of CM use reported by a large, population based sample of survivors of 10 cancers surveyed 10 to 24 months after diagnosis."
June 2008: CAM and Cancer Survivors with Unmet Needs
Cancer survivors with unmet needs were more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine
A cross-sectional survey of 614 cancer survivors found those respondents whose needs were unmet were 63% more likely to use CAM than those who reported their needs as met.
CAM/CIM and Cancer
January 13, 2009: Integrative Cancer Support Care
Individualized and complex experiences of integrative cancer support care: combing qualitative and quantitative data
Study uses an individualized outcome questionnaire, Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW), providing data about patient experience, changes over time and perceptions of what was important to each individual with cancer within that experience, that could likely not have been evaluated by quantitative means alone.
December 1, 2008: Nonpharmacologic Management of Adverse Effects of Chemotherapy
Nonpharmacologic Strategies for Managing Common Chemotherapy Adverse Effects: A Systematic Review
A systematic review of effective self-care strategies to manage adverse effects such as nausea, fatigue and more.
August 2008: CIM in a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Incorporating complementary and integrative medicine in a comprehensive cancer center
This article provides a model of an integrative oncology program, focused on cooperation and communication, within a conventional cancer institution..
April 30, 2008: CAM and Women at Increased Genetic Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Complementary and alternative medicine use among women at increased genetic risk of breast and ovarian cancer
Telephone surveys of 164 BRCA+ women were conducted to evaluate CAM use among this high risk cancer population.
Alternative Medical Systems/Traditional Chinese Medicine
April 17, 2009: Acupuncture and Xerostomia
Acupuncture for radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with cancer: A pilot study
Acupuncture significantly improved xerostomia (dry mouth) and quality of life for cancer patients receiving radiation treatment.
July 2008: Homeopathic Medicine and Cancer
Cancer patients treated with the Banerji protocols utilizing homeopathic medicine: A Best Case Series Program of the National Cancer Institute U. S. A.
The NCI will initiate a prospective research follow-up in the form of an observational study based on the positive outcomes seen in the reviewed case studies.
December 15, 2007: Acupuncture and Chemo-Related Fatigue
The management of cancer related fatigue after chemotherapy with acupuncture and acupressure: A randomized controlled trial
Acupuncture treatment was associated with a 36% improvement among the 47 patients suffering from chemo-related fatigue.
NIH: NCCAM and OCCAM News
No listings at this time.
Other News
February 25-27, 2009: Integrative Care and Health Care Planning in U.S.
Institute of Medicine Summit on Integrative Medicine and the Health of the Public
The objective of the summit was "to present the vision, challenges, evidence base, and opportunities for integrative medicine to improve health care in the United States." The summit closely followed the senate hearings, of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which reviewed the Principles of Integrative Health: A Path to Health Care Reform, and Integrative Care: A Pathway to a Healthier Nation.
November 15, 2007: AICR Expert Report
Second Expert Report Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective
Food, physical activity and weight management are prime targets for cancer prevention.
July 6, 2007: SIO Practice Guidelines for Integrative Oncology
Integrative Oncology Practice Guidelines (pdf)
The Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology published Integrative Oncology Practice Guidelines to foster appropriate, safe and beneficial application of complementary therapies and botanicals in cancer care. The guidelines are endorsed by the Society for Integrative Oncology.
October 21, 2002: Organic Product Certification
Certification of Organic Products
The USDA Organic Seal informed consumers that a product is at least 95% organic. Products with 70-95% organic ingredients can say so on the label (made with organic fruit, for example), but they can't display the seal.