Defining the Quality of Acupuncture: The Case of Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Fatigue
Conclusion. The 7 trials reviewed meet some criteria for a quality acupuncture intervention. However, frequently elements of the intervention were not addressed, and it is possible that the dosage trialed was suboptimal. Systematic reviews of acupuncture are likely to continue to be inconclusive while comparisons are conducted of heterogeneous interventions without providing. (Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - April 13, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Grant, S. J., Smith, C. A., de Silva, N., Su, C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Ganoderma lucidum for Cancer Treatment: We Are Close but Still Not There
The medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia to improve health and promote longevity. The idea of using G. lucidum for cancer treatment is based on numerous laboratory and preclinical studies with cancer and immune cells as well as animal models demonstrating various biological activities in vitro and in vivo. For example, G. lucidum possesses cytotoxic, cytostatic, antimetastatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating activities. Limited clinical studies, including case reports and randomized controlled trials, suggest G. lucidum as an alternative adjunct therapy for...
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - April 13, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Cheng, S., Sliva, D. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Clinical Care Providers' Perspectives on Body Size and Weight Management Among Long-Term Cancer Survivors
Conclusion. Providers described survivor-level and capacity-level factors influencing survivors’ weight management. Differences by provider type highlighted the role of provider knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in clinical encounters. Opportunities for research and intervention include developing and disseminating evidence-based clinical resources for weight management among cancer survivors, addressing capacity barriers, and exploring communication strategies at interpersonal and population levels. (Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - April 13, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Baker, A. M., Smith, K. C., Coa, K. I., Helzlsouer, K. J., Caulfield, L. E., Peairs, K. S., Shockney, L. D., Klassen, A. C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Cancer-Related Search for Meaning Increases Willingness to Participate in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Conclusion. Our study indicates that patients searching for meaning are receptive to MBSR. Nonwhite patients and those experiencing high levels of anxiety are most likely to endorse a search for meaning. Future research is needed to understand how best to support patients who are searching for meaning and remove barriers to evidence-based programs like MBSR. (Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - April 13, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Garland, S. N., Stainken, C., Ahluwalia, K., Vapiwala, N., Mao, J. J. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Effect of Acupuncture for Radioactive-Iodine-Induced Anorexia in Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Sham-Controlled Pilot Study
Conclusion. Although the current study is based on a small sample of participants, our findings support the safety and potential use of acupuncture for RAI-induced anorexia and quality of life in thyroid cancer patients. (Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - April 13, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Jeon, J.-H., Yoon, J., Cho, C.-K., Jung, I.-C., Kim, S., Lee, S.-H., Yoo, H.-S. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Traditional Herbal Medicine as Adjunctive Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The effectiveness of traditional herbal medicine (THM) as treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) has not been clearly demonstrated. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of THM as adjunctive therapies for NPC using the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Five electronic databases, including English and Chinese databases, were systematically searched up to February 2014. All RCTs involving traditional herbal medicine in combination with conventional cancer therapy for NPC were included. Twenty-two RCTs involving 2,298 NPC patients were systematically reviewed. Of these 22 studies, 15 on 1482 pa...
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - April 13, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Kim, W., Lee, W.-B., Lee, J., Min, B.-I., Lee, H., Cho, S.-H. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Polysaccharide K and Coriolus versicolor Extracts for Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review
Conclusions. PSK may improve immune function, reduce tumor-associated symptoms, and extend survival in lung cancer patients. Larger, more rigorous randomized controlled trials for PSK in lung cancer patients are warranted. (Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - April 13, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Fritz, H., Kennedy, D. A., Ishii, M., Fergusson, D., Fernandes, R., Cooley, K., Seely, D. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

In This Issue
(Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - April 13, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Block, K. I. Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

Efficacy of Antioxidants as a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Combination With the Chemotherapeutic Agent Doxorubicin
Conclusion. RSVL, curcumin, and EEAC have the potential to be clinically applied to prevent cardiac toxicity and HFS and enhance the anticancer efficiency of Dox. (Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - February 12, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Sheu, M.-T., Jhan, H.-J., Hsieh, C.-M., Wang, C.-J., Ho, H.-O. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Enhancement of Cancer Chemotherapeutic Efficacy of Cyclophosphamide by Curculigo orchioides Gaertn and Its Ameliorative Effects on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Oxidative Stress
In conclusion, the plant extract when administered in combination with CTX, can result in enhanced anticancer properties; it also ameliorates the toxic side effects of CTX. (Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - February 12, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Murali, V. P., Kuttan, G. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Effects of Withania somnifera and Tinospora cordifolia Extracts on the Side Population Phenotype of Human Epithelial Cancer Cells: Toward Targeting Multidrug Resistance in Cancer
Recent reports suggest the existence of a subpopulation of stem-like cancer cells, termed as cancer stem cells (CSCs), which bear functional and phenotypic resemblance with the adult, tissue-resident stem cells. Side population (SP) assay based on differential efflux of Hoechst 33342 has been effectively used for the isolation of CSCs. The drug resistance properties of SP cells are typically due to the increased expression of ABC transporters leading to drug efflux. Conventionally used chemotherapeutic drugs may often leads to an enrichment of SP, revealing their inability to target the drug-resistant SP and CSCs. Thus, id...
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - February 12, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Maliyakkal, N., Appadath Beeran, A., Balaji, S. A., Udupa, N., Ranganath Pai, S., Rangarajan, A. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Normolipidic Dietary Fat Modifies Circulating Renin-Angiotensin System-Regulating Aminopeptidase Activities in Rat With Breast Cancer
Conclusions. It might suggest that one of the mechanisms by which dietary fat affects breast cancer is the modification of the RAS system, which may be consider as a new target for integrative therapies. (Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - February 12, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Ruiz-Sanjuan, M. D., Martinez-Martos, J. M., Carrera-Gonzalez, M. P., Mayas, M. D., Garcia, M. J., Arrazola, M., Ramirez-Exposito, M. J. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Use and Safety of Intratumoral Application of European Mistletoe (Viscum album L) Preparations in Oncology
Conclusion. IT injection of mistletoe preparations resulted in a relatively high frequency of ADRs. Nearly all ADRs were mild to moderate however, and no serious ADRs occurred. Furthermore, it is possible that immune-related ADRs such as pyrexia and local inflammatory reactions might be critical for tumor response. In light of these results, IT mistletoe therapy seems to be safe and prospective trials are recommended. (Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - February 12, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Steele, M. L., Axtner, J., Happe, A., Kroz, M., Matthes, H., Schad, F. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Survival Analysis of 272 Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Undergoing Combined Treatment
Conclusions: KPS was an important prognostic factor of pancreatic cancer. Spleen-invigorating compounds could have an effect on improving the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients (Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - February 12, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Cao, N., Zhao, A., Zhao, G., Wang, X., Han, B., Lin, R., Zhao, Y., Yang, J. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Do Yoga and Aerobic Exercise Training Have Impact on Functional Capacity, Fatigue, Peripheral Muscle Strength, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors?
Conclusion. According to the data from this study, aerobic exercise training and yoga improved the functional capacity and QOL of breast cancer patients. Aerobic exercise programs can be supported by body mind techniques, such as yoga, in the rehabilitation of cancer patients for improving functional recovery and psychosocial wellness. (Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies)
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - February 12, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Vardar Yağlı, N., Şener, G., Arıkan, H., Sağlam, M., Inal Ince, D., Savcı, S., Calık Kutukcu, E., Altundağ, K., Kaya, E. B., Kutluk, T., Ozışık, Y. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research