Use of unconventional medicine in children with cancer

Abstract

Background: A significant number of cancer patients use or consider using unconventional treatments, but little is known about such alternative treatments in children. This study describes the use of unconventional medicine in children with cancer at the Pediatric Oncology Service of the University Hospital/University of Brasilia. Methods: Interviews were conducted with parents of children seen in the Pediatric Oncology Service at the University of Brasilia Hospital from March to August 2002, to obtain data on the prevalence and types of unconventional therapy used, treatment satisfaction, adverse effects, and motivations for use of unconventional medicine. Results: Twenty-two parents were interviewed. Some 55% of the children had used unconventional treatment modalities, mainly herbal remedies (25%). The principal reason for using unconventional treatment was recommendations by relatives and friends (33%). No patient had used alternative medicine as a substitute for standard medical care. Forty-two percent of the users' parents reported the use of unconventional therapies to the children's physicians. Fifty percent of the parents themselves used unconventional medicine, and 95% wanted more information on such therapies. Conclusions: The study confirmed that pediatric oncology patients use unconventional treatments as adjuncts to standard medical care, and that the use of these therapies is often not disclosed to the attending healthcare team.