More and more cancer patients are using complementary therapies such as homeopathy or acupuncture to combat side effects. “Cancer care is evolving towards a more integrated approach, in which traditional treatments are combined with supportive care tailored to the patient. This can be done at any stage of treatment,” explains gynecologist Dr. Ingrid Theunissen (Delta Chiric Hospital) who specializes in integrated oncology.
Oncology is one specialty that perfectly fits into this integrated approach to care. Cancer treatments always require teamwork, including oncologists, specialist nurses, radiation therapists, pharmacists, physical therapists, and psychologists.
“In cancer treatment, we have noticed in recent years that there is a clear evolution towards a more integrated approach. This promises to be the medicine of the future. More and more cancer patients are asking for it. They want to be able to play an active role themselves. In their treatment most of them prefer adjuvant therapy. “Natural.” In an integrated approach, traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are complemented by safe and supportive care for the patient to tolerate the best treatment. In the United States, this movement has continued for longer, with positive results, but it is important that these complementary concerns do not resolve It never or can never replace the traditional approach,” emphasizes Dr. Ingrid Theunison.
reality on the ground
Not every additional treatment can be combined with cancer treatment. Safety and utility must be considered in advance. “Many cancer patients today are using alternative methods on their own, among other things, to address complaints and better support their treatments. An open dialogue about this with their treating physician is a must, no matter how difficult some may find. Encourage them to do so. Because some treatments can be harmful or even affect the way cancer treatment works, such as the use of essential oils, some herbal remedies or herbal teas, which can cause unwanted reactions, including chemotherapy.This is highly not recommended. during cancer treatment.
Natural remedy
Homeopathy is currently one of the most widely used complementary care in cancer treatment, although its efficacy is not endorsed by many physicians. “That’s right,” says Dr. Theunison. “I also had to fight biases in this area in rosy, but I see positive results in many patients. Moreover, homeopathy is completely safe with regular cancer treatments. There is absolutely no risk of unwanted interactions.”
Hematologist and oncologist Dr. Aurélie De Pasqual (CHR Verviers) also shares these experiences. She also followed a course in homeopathy and uses this remedy, among other things, to combat unwanted side effects of cancer treatments. “Cancer patients who suffer from nausea, gastrointestinal pain, stress, fears, and sleep problems do well with it, which increases the chances that their cancer treatment will be successful. At different stages of the disease, homeopathy can be beneficial. It can also be Useful. They are useful in palliative cancer treatments if the additional treatment has significantly improved quality of life during those past months. The granules themselves don’t cure tumors, of course, but they do help suppress symptoms.”
Some studies have also suggested this increased quality of life and even somewhat longer survival in the effect of homeopathy as a complementary treatment. “A double-blind, placebo-controlled Austrian study on lung cancer patients clearly indicated that their quality of life improved, complaints decreased and survival was also higher in the homeopathic group,” says Dr. Theunissen.
However, it is not yet clear why some cancer patients who use homeopathy survive longer. “This may have something to do with higher adherence to treatment,” Dr. de Pasquale says. “Because they are less bothersome with side effects and complications, they can keep up with heavy cancer treatments better. As a result, prescribed treatment schedules can be followed and less treatment should be postponed. This naturally has a positive impact on survival.”
Oncology is one specialty that perfectly fits into this integrated approach to care. Cancer treatments always require teamwork, including oncologists, specialist nurses, radiotherapists, pharmacists, physical therapists, and psychologists. “In cancer treatment, we have noticed in recent years that there is a clear evolution towards a more integrated approach. This is what medicine of the future promises. More and more cancer patients are asking for it. They want to be able to play an active role in their own treatment and most of them prefer complementary therapy” “Natural.” Supportive care for the patient to better tolerate treatment. In the United States, this movement has lasted longer, with positive results. Most importantly, this complementary care should never be allowed to deviate from the traditional approach or be substituted,” emphasizes Dr. Ingrid Theunissen that Not every additional treatment can be combined with cancer treatment. Safety and utility must be considered in advance. “Many cancer patients today are using alternative methods on their own, among other things, to address complaints and better support their treatments. An open dialogue about this with their treating physician is a must, no matter how difficult some may find. Encourage them to do so. Because some treatments can be harmful or even affect the way cancer treatment works, such as the use of essential oils, some herbal remedies or herbal teas that can cause unwanted reactions, including chemotherapy.This is not recommended. severely during cancer treatment.” Homeopathy is currently one of the most widely used ancillary care in the field of cancer, although its efficacy has not been approved by many clinicians. “That’s right,” says Dr. Theunison. “I also had to fight biases in this area during my shift, but I see positive results in many patients. Furthermore, homeopathy is completely safe with my regular cancer treatments. There is absolutely no risk of unwanted interactions.” and oncologist Dr. Aurélie De Pasqual (CHR Verviers). She also followed a course in homeopathy and uses this remedy, among other things, to combat unwanted side effects of cancer treatments. “Cancer patients who suffer from nausea, gastrointestinal pain, stress, fears, and sleep problems do well with it, which increases the chances that their cancer treatment will be successful. At different stages of the disease, homeopathy can be beneficial. It can also be Useful. They are useful in palliative cancer treatments if the additional treatment has significantly improved quality of life during those past months. The granules themselves do not cure tumors, of course, but they do help suppress symptoms.” Some studies have also suggested this increased quality of life and even longer survival. Somewhat longer in the effect of homeopathy as a complementary treatment. “A double-blind, placebo-controlled Austrian study on lung cancer patients clearly indicated that their quality of life improved, complaints decreased and survival was also higher in the homeopathic group,” says Dr. Theunissen. However, it is not yet clear why some cancer patients who use homeopathy survive longer. “This may have something to do with higher adherence to treatment,” Dr. de Pasquale says. “Because they are less bothersome with side effects and complications, they can keep up with heavy cancer treatments better. As a result, prescribed treatment schedules can be followed and less treatment should be postponed. This naturally has a positive impact on survival.”
