The evidence basis for using dietary supplements and phytotherapy for supporting patients with cancer is rapidly evolving. This presentation will review recent advances in our understanding of best practices for a variety of supplements including acetyl-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, artemisinin, ashwagandha, astragalus, berberine, black cumin seed, boswellia, co-enzyme 10, curcumin, EGCG, ginger root, grape seed, L- glutamine, lavender, magnesium, melatonin, n-acetyl cysteine, omega 3 fatty acids, probiotics, quercetin, sea buckthorn, vitamins B12, B6, C and D3.
Cancer-related conditions that these supplements can target include fatigue, surgery/chemotherapy/radiation support, immunotherapy support, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, cachexia, survivorship, cancer stem cells, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
Counseling patients with cancer about dietary supplements requires a systematic thought process that considers the available theories and data, as well as the patients’ views about the agents. There are six common characteristics of dietary supplements that must be addressed when used by patients with cancer. Clinicians must establish if the supplement is an antioxidant, is an anticoagulant or procoagulant, has immunosuppressive or immunomodulating properties, has hormonal properties, has known safety issues, and has known or theoretical drug interactions.
These six characteristics of dietary supplements commonly used for patients with cancer are reviewed to aid in the analysis of the scientific data and communication of the results with the patient or family members. A framework upon which clinicians can adequately help patients make informed decisions regarding the use of dietary supplements is also described. When evaluating the appropriateness of a supplement for use by a patient with cancer, clinicians must conduct a safety review (evaluate the six characteristics). If the supplement is considered safe, an efficacy review must be conducted, after which the clinician can recommend the supplement’s use, accept the patient’s decision to use the supplement if no or inconclusive evidence exists, or discourage use if there is conclusive evidence supporting inefficacy.
Learning objectives
- Integrate the latest evidence for dietary supplements and phytotherapy for appropriate patients with cancer to complement surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy
- Utilize recent clinical trial data to inform optimal treatment selection using multiple dietary supplements and phytotherapy for appropriate patients with cancer
- Formulate management plans that are based on a systematic approach with which clinicians can help patients make informed decisions
CE Credits
CONO: Category A: General -0.75 credit, Pharmacology-0.25 credit
British Columbia: Category C- General -0.75 credit, Pharmacology -0.25 credit
AANP: General -0.75 credit, Pharmacy-0.25 credit
OANP: General -0.75 credit, Pharmacy-0.25 credit
Dr Michael Traub, ND, DHANP, CCH, FABNO
Dr Michael Traub obtained his undergraduate degree in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine in 1976 where he conducted neurobiology research of learning and memory for Professor James L. McGaugh. He graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1981 and completed a residency there in Family Practice and Homeopathy.
He became board certified in homeopathic medicine by the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians in 1989. Dr Traub was recognized for his many years of service to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, including President from 2001-2003, when he was honored with the 2006 Physician of the Year Award. His father was a dermatologist, and this inspired Dr Traub to undertake extra study in this subject. He has taught dermatology at five of the seven accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America and is the author of “Essentials of Dermatologic Diagnosis and Integrative Therapeutics.” He is a recognized authority in the naturopathic profession on dermatology. He serves on the scientific advisory boards of several natural product companies, and has been actively engaged in clinical research for most of his career. Dr Traub has been medical director of Lokahi Health Center in Kailua Kona, Hawaii for the past 37 years. He is also board certified in naturopathic oncology by the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology.
