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Nutritional traditional and complementary medicine strategies in pediatric cancer: A narrative review
Author(s) -
Diorio Caroline,
Kelly Kara M.,
Afungchwi Glenn M.,
Ladas Elena J.,
Marjerrison Stacey
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.28324
Subject(s) - medicine , ketogenic diet , pediatric cancer , cancer , narrative review , nutraceutical , intensive care medicine , traditional medicine , psychiatry , pathology , epilepsy
Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) strategies are commonly used by pediatric cancer patients. Nutritional approaches to T&CM include bioactive compounds, supplements, and herbs as well as dietary approaches. Pediatric cancer patients and their families commonly request and use nutritional T&CM strategies. We review the potential risks and benefits of nutritional T&CM use in pediatric cancer care and provide an overview of some commonly used and requested supplements, including probiotics, antioxidants, cannabinoids, vitamins, turmeric, mistletoe, Carica papaya , and others. We also discuss the role of specific diets such as the ketogenic diet, caloric restriction diets, whole‐food diets, and immune modulating diets. There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of some T&CM agents for the supportive care of children with cancer. However, further study is needed into these agents and approaches. Open communication with families about T&CM use is critical.