Predictive factors for the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in radiation oncology

Abstract 

Introduction

A multi-center study was performed to identify factors predicting the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in radiotherapy patients, giving patients the information and the support they request.

Methodology

A total of 1013 consecutive patients receiving radiotherapy for malignant diseases were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic stepwise backward regression was used to analyze the replies.

Results

A total of 59% of patients reported using CAM therapies. CAM use was more common in female patients, generally higher in advanced stages, and most common in breast cancer, followed by Hodgkin's disease, other gynecologic malignancies, renal cell carcinoma, rectal cancer, and prostate cancer. The most frequently reported CAM therapies were vitamins, mistletoe, selenium, and other trace elements. Multivariate logistic stepwise backward regression showed that age, gender, tumor type and stage, and smoking behavior were significant predictors of CAM use. The highest relative risk (RR) was calculated for breast cancer patients, while the lowest RR was calculated for head and neck cancer patients.

Discussion

This study represents the largest analysis of CAM use among radiotherapy cancer patients. More than half of the patients undergoing radiotherapy for cancer were using CAM. In general, the typical CAM user was a female patient suffering from breast cancer, a non-smoker and non-drinker, had an advanced stage of disease, and was treated with curative intentions.

Keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), Predictive factors, Radiation oncology, Unconventional cancer treatments