Some complementary mesothelioma therapies can be harmful

Dec 8, 2009

Dr. Kathleen Wesa of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and New Jersey presented research on complementary therapies used in conjunction with traditional forms of cancer treatment at the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma. U.S. consumers spend an estimated $40 billion each year on complementary therapies and alternative treatments that are often unsupported by research. Cancer patients, including those with mesothelioma, often seek complementary therapies to help minimize the side effects of their primary therapies, but caution must be used.

Some complementary therapies can interfere with or negate the benefits of traditional forms of cancer treatment. Vitamin C supplements can negatively affect the benefits of chemotherapy. In mesothelioma patients, folic acid supplements can block the therapeutic benefit of the FDA-approved chemotherapy drug Alimta, which operates as an anti-folate.

On the other hand, complementary therapies like meditation, yoga and good nutrition can help cancer patients cope with pain, insomnia and anxiety. Ginger can help reduce nausea brought on by chemotherapy treatments. Wesa pointed out that the important thing for mesothelioma patients to remember is to always consult with a physician before beginning any form of complementary therapy to ensure that the results will not negatively affect their treatment.

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