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Potential Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Pediatric Oncology: The Future of CAM Research – Addressing the “Effectiveness Gaps”

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Integrative Pediatric Oncology

Part of the book series: Pediatric Oncology ((PEDIATRICO))

Abstract

There is paucity of convincing scientific evidence to support practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in pediatric cancer patients even though their use is well documented. However, certain CAM therapies have been proven effective for symptoms that conventional therapies fail to treat, such as nausea, pain, and psychosocial well-being. Rigorous research methods in pediatric oncology need to be followed to build the evidence base in CAM and bridge these effectiveness gaps. A strategy that combines qualitative and quantitative studies to assess CAM therapies in the context they are being used in, with awareness of the unique challenges in pediatric oncology research, will guide future clinical practice. Finally, national and international collaborations among researchers, policy makers, and clinicians will facilitate the regulated use of effective CAM therapies in pediatric oncology.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, IP-7, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Sagar Chokshi MS & Kara Kelly M.D.

Authors
  1. Sagar Chokshi MS
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  2. Kara Kelly M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kara Kelly M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Abt. Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, Herdecke, 58313, Germany

    Alfred Längler

  2. The Cancer Team at Bellin Health, Commanche Avenue 1580, Green Bay, 54313, Wisconsin, USA

    Patrick J. Mansky

  3. Dept. of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Dept. of Pediatric Hematol Oncol, Universitätsklinikum Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany

    Georg Seifert

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Chokshi, S., Kelly, K. (2012). Potential Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Pediatric Oncology: The Future of CAM Research – Addressing the “Effectiveness Gaps”. In: Längler, A., Mansky, P., Seifert, G. (eds) Integrative Pediatric Oncology. Pediatric Oncology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-04201-0_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-04201-0_11

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-04200-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-04201-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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