Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are the use of medications or other products that are not considered standard of care. CAMs may be considered for cancer patients to help decrease cancer treatment side effects such as pain, nausea, fatigue, or to comfort the patient. To date, there has not yet been research completed that verifies a significant treatment impact from the use of any CAMs; however, doctors continue to investigate.
CAMs can interact with some prescribed and clinical trial medications. CAMs should not be started without first consulting your oncologist. If you have any interest in learning more or are considering trying any CAMS, please first discuss this information with your doctor.
Examples of CAMs include:
- Cannabis (CBD/THC)
- Vitamins and/or minerals
- Curcumin
- Melatonin
- Other dietary supplements
- Boswellia serrata / boswellic acid
- Essential oils
Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pbc.29061
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7715115/