Does the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) influence survival in glioblastoma multiforme?

Abstract

e12509 Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a devastating CNS tumor with an incidence of around 14,000 per year in the USA. Patients often independently adopt complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in addition to the recommended surgery and chemoradiation due to the poor prognosis of the disease despite maximal therapy. We try to document the most frequently used supplement therapies and identify differences in side effect profiles, and survival rates (PFS and OS) between groups of patients taking standard therapy versus standard therapy with CAM Methods: This is a retrospective single institution study. We reviewed charts of 25 GBM patients seen in Neuro-Oncology Clinic at Fox Chase Cancer Center between September 2010 and September 2011. All patients received standard chemoradiation. Information regarding the age, sex, use of CAM, performance status at diagnosis, side effect profile, PFS and OS was obtained. Results: 9/25 (36%) patients reported using CAM. The most frequently used supplement was the homeopathic medication Ruta-6 followed by curcumin, hydroxychloroquine, melatonin and green tea extract. The mean PFS were 14 vs 17 months in the CAM vs non-CAM groups. OS rates were 17 vs 20.5 months in the CAM vs non-CAM groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. In addition, no differences in side effects were noted. Conclusions: Most neuro-oncologists are eventually confronted with questions about CAM in the treatment of GBM.Considering the limited therapeutic options available for GBM and the multiple options that CAM offers, this retrospective study provides insight into the most frequently used supplements and compares the benefits and their side effect profiles. Information regarding the use of CAM was based on voluntary disclosure at the time of documentation. Information about genetic markers was not always available. Larger prospective studies are required to elucidate any meaningful clinical differences between the groups.