Developing best practices in oncology: The partnership of conventional researchers and complementary and alternative practitioners

Abstract

Introduction It is known that cancer patients are among the highest consumers of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) both during and after conventional oncology care. Additionally, the majority of cancer patients do not tell their treating oncologists about their use of CAM. To effectively evaluate the impact of CAM on conventional oncology treatments, conventional researchers must collaborate with CAM practitioners to develop a research agenda. Methods The presenter has had direct experience with the following: questionnaire developed to ask CAM practitioners about the use of intravenous vitamin C, questionnaire designed by collaboration of conventional investigators and CAM practitioner; and as a CAM practitioner in an academic medical center setting establishing a CAM oncology service in collaboration with oncology researchers. Results Details of the results of the questionnaire will be reviewed as it pertains to collaboration. The University of Kansas Medical Center Cancer Research Institute and Program in Integrative Medicine collaboration will be reviewed. Barriers and successes will be discussed, and how CAM practices can help drive a research agenda limiting the number of failed studies will be highlighted. Discussion 1. Successful research collaborations with CAM practitioners and conventional researchers are possible in spite of barriers. 2. The integrity of the CAM practice can be maintained with shared research design and improved understanding. 3. Patient-centered best practices can be developed with collaboration and rigorous research and this will lead to a system of comprehensive patient care.