Studies

I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma-1 lymph node infected with micromets. I did incorporate integrative with my radiation treatment and did mostly naturopathic. I am doing quite well today and I personally felt that it helped my situation. Every one is different but I think just forgoing an integrative approach just because you may have an aggressive form of breast cancer may not always be the right approach to take. You do need to have a professional oversee everything you do from diet to supplementation that will also work with the other conventional doctors that you have. It is possible and for myself it worked out tremendously. It has been 2 years and I am doing so well that I was scheduled to have my check up with my radiation oncologist and my mammogram and I was told it wasn't necessary until next May since I am doing so well. I am not telling everyone that they should do this but you may want to check it out and research it-making sure you have a professional naturopathic oncologist or some other holistic professional willing to work with the regular oncologists. I just thought that I should add my thoughts since I did go through this protocol and for today I couldn't be doing better. I'm not familiar with any studies specific to inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and complementary or alternative therapies. Given the aggressive nature of IBC I would not be uncomfortable suggesting that anyone abandon traditional chemotherapy options but I think it is appropriate to explore complementary therapies. Before embarking on any complementary or alternative treatments one should research reputable websites like: www.annieappleseedproject.org; www.cancer.gov/cam; mayoclinic.com/health/alternative-medicine, and the like.

Many patients report improvement in side effects and pain using complementary and/or alternative treatments and that's extremely helpful. Of course it is important that your treatment team know about any complementary or alternative treatments you are using, even vitamins or other supplements to avoid potential problems.

A recent study (SECRAB – Sequencing of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Adjuvant Breast Cancer) reported their findings at the European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress. The study involved over 2000 women treated in 48 centers throughout the UK. Women with early stage breast cancer were randomized to synchronous (between chemotherapy cycles) or sequential (after chemotherapy was complete) radiation therapy. The 5-year local recurrence rates as reported at the conference were 2.8% (synchronous) and 5.1% (sequential). Optimal timing of chemotherapy and radiation has been a hot topic of debate for a long time. These results certainly raise important issues and will no doubt spark lots of discussion. Long-term follow-up will be important – to assess potential late toxicity and the local benefit. Lastly, we look forward to reading the study in its entirety in a peer-reviewed journal. A recent study (SECRAB – Sequencing of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Adjuvant Breast Cancer) reported their findings at the European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress. The study involved over 2000 women treated in 48 centers throughout the UK. Women with early stage breast cancer were randomized to synchronous (between chemotherapy cycles) or sequential (after chemotherapy was complete) radiation therapy. The 5-year local recurrence rates as reported at the conference were 2.8% (synchronous) and 5.1% (sequential). Optimal timing of chemotherapy and radiation has been a hot topic of debate for a long time. These results certainly raise important issues and will no doubt spark lots of discussion. Long-term follow-up will be important – to assess potential late toxicity and the local benefit. Lastly, we look forward to reading the study in its entirety in a peer-reviewed journal.