Complementary and alternative therapies in skin cancer a literature review of biologically active compounds

6Citations
Citations of this article
20Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine or therapies (CAM) are frequently used by skin cancers patients. Patient's self-administration of CAM in melanoma can reach up to 40%–50%. CAMs such as botanical agents, phytochemicals, herbal formulas (“black salve”) and cannabinoids, among others, have been described in skin cancer patients. The objective of this review article was to acknowledge the different CAM for skin cancers through the current evidence, focusing on biologically active CAM rather than mind–body approaches. We searched MEDLINE database for articles published through July 2022, regardless of study design. Of all CAMs, phytochemicals have the best in vitro evidence-supporting efficacy against skin cancer including melanoma; however, to date, none have proved efficacy on human patients. Of the phytochemicals, Curcumin is the most widely studied. Several findings support Curcumin efficacy in vitro through various molecular pathways, although most studies are in the preliminary phase. In addition, the use of alternative therapies is not exempt of risks physicians should be aware of their adverse effects, interactions with standard treatments, and possible complications arising from CAM usage. There is emerging evidence for CAM use in skin cancer, but no human clinical trials support the effectiveness of any CAM in the treatment of skin cancer to date. Nevertheless, patients worldwide frequently use CAM, and physicians should educate themselves on currently available CAMs.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Hidalgo, L., Saldías-Fuentes, C., Carrasco, K., Halpern, A. C., Mao, J. J., & Navarrete-Dechent, C. (2022, November 1). Complementary and alternative therapies in skin cancer a literature review of biologically active compounds. Dermatologic Therapy. John Wiley and Sons Inc. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.15842

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free