Homeopathy and Complementary Integrative Medicine, Dietary and Lifestyle Advices to Reduce Adverse-Effects of Anti-Cancer Therapy: A Cohort Study with Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: To manage the adverse effects of anti-cancer treatment, the Homeopathic Clinic of Lucca collaborated with the oncology department of the the Health Unit Toscana North West Lucca and set up an Integrative Oncology Outpatient Unit in the Public Hospital Campo di Marte. Aim: The purpose of this study was to present the results of the homeopathic and complementary integrative medicine treatment targeted at reducing the adverse effects of anti-cancer therapy and cancer symptoms, and to give dietary and lifestyle guidance to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study conducted on 204 breast cancer patients (all females except 1 male) that consecutively visited the clinic from September 2013 to December 2017, with a mean age of 54.8 (35-88) years. The intensity of symptoms was evaluated according to a graded system as follows: G0 (absence of symptoms), G1 (slight), G2 (moderate), and G3 (strong), as evaluated by the patient in conjunction with the doctor during the course of the visits. The severity of radiodermatitis was evaluated with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scale. Homeopathy was the main prescribed therapy; botanicals, acupuncture, and dietary advices were also provided. Results: The most frequently treated symptoms were the adverse effects due to anti-cancer therapies (84.3%), such as endocrine therapy (36.3%), chemotherapy (33.3%), radiotherapy (9.8%), and surgery (4.9%). The treated symptoms caused by cancer were 25.5% and symptoms caused by comorbidities were 21.6%. A comparison of clinical conditions before and after treatment revealed a significant amelioration of the following symptoms: hot flashes (p < 0.01), nausea (p < 0.01), fatigue (p < 0.01), anxiety (p < 0.05), depression (p < 0.01), insomnia (p < 0.01), mucositis (p < 0.01), and joint pain (p < 0.01). The severity of radiodermatitis from radiotherapy was significantly lower in 17 consecutive patients with a homeopathic integrative protocol compared with a control group of 13 patients without treatment. Conclusion: An integrative oncology clinic offers an opportunity to reduce adverse effects of anti-cancer therapy and to improve cancer patients’ quality of life.