Is homeopathy compatible with cancer therapy?

Source : CAM Report

This Cochrane review evaluated homeopathic medicines used to prevent or treat side effects of cancer treatments.

First, the details.

• 8 studies in 664 participants were selected for review.
  • 3 studied adverse effects of radiotherapy
  • 3 studied adverse effects of chemotherapy
  • 2 studied menopausal symptoms associated with breast cancer treatment

And, the results.

• 2 studies in 254 patients reported superiority of topical calendula (aka marigold) over trolamine (a topical non-steroidal drug) to prevent radiotherapy-induced dermatitis.
• A study of 32 patients demonstrated superiority of Traumeel S over placebo as a mouthwash for chemotherapy-induced stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth).
  • Traumeel is a homeopathic anti-inflammatory and analgesic preparation containing 12 botanicals and 2 minerals.
• 2 other studies reported positive results, although the risk of bias was unclear.
• 4 studies reported negative results.

The bottom line?
Yes, there’s some supporting evidence for calendula and Traumeel S, concluded the authors. However, “there is no convincing evidence for the efficacy of homeopathic medicines for other adverse effects of cancer treatments.”

Regarding radiotherapy-induced dermatitis: Researchers from Princess Margaret Hospital, in Ontario, Canada conducted a review to evaluate prevention and management of acute skin reactions related to radiation therapy. They concluded, “Skin washing… should be permitted in patients receiving radiation therapy to prevent acute skin reaction.”

They also concluded, “There is insufficient evidence to support or refute specific topical or oral agents [including calendula] for the prevention or management of acute skin reaction.”

Regarding chemotherapy-induced stomatitis: NHS Trust has published an algorithm to guide management of stomatitis and mucositis for oncology patients receiving chemotherapy.

World Homeopathy Awareness Week

Courtesy : Health News

World Homeopathy Awareness Week (WHAW) is celebrated in over 45 countries around the world. The 2009 theme is “Homeopathy for Allergies.” Dates for the 2009 WHAW celebration is April 10-16, 2009. This year’s observations are also dedicated to the 254th anniversary of the birth of Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy.
World Homeopathy Awareness Week is sponsored by World Homeopathy Awareness Organization (WHAO), a non-profit volunteer organization incorporated in the Netherlands in 2008. On February 28, 2009, WHAO was officially recognized as a non-profit in the Netherlands.

The first WHAW took place in 2005. The United States chapter, WHAW-US, won the WHOA’s award for outstanding contribution to homeopathic awareness in 2007. Other participating countries include Armenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Hungary, Israel, Kenya, Pakistan, Serbia, Spain, Ireland, Nepal, Australia, Bosnia, Denmark, Greece, India, Lithuania, New Zealand, Slovakia, Egypt, Bangladesh, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Romania, South Africa, and Brazil.

For more information on World Homeopathy Awareness Week contact www.usahomeopathy.org or www.worldhomeopathy.org.

A Tribute to Dr Samuel Hahnemann on his 254th birth anniversary

more about "A Tribute to Dr Samuel Hahnemann", posted with vodpod

Homeopathy in dogs pilot study indicates need for larger clinical trial

Source : News-Medical.Net  & The Veterinary Record 2009

Results from a small, rigorously designed, research study at the University of Bristol's Department of Clinical Veterinary Science have pointed the way towards a larger clinical trial of homeopathy for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is an itchy, chronic, skin disease that can affect humans and animals such as dogs. Twenty dogs were recruited to the study from the referral sample seen in the veterinary dermatology clinic at the University.

Dogs were diagnosed with non-seasonal atopic dermatitis and those entering the study had positive reactions to multiple allergens to confirm the diagnosis. Some dogs continued to receive conventional drugs. This category included dogs that had residual, stable and persistent pruritus (itching) despite receiving glucocorticoids, ciclosporin or allergen-specific immunotherapy.

The dogs were prescribed individualised homeopathic medicines by vet John Hoare. Two months after starting the treatment, the owners of 15 of the dogs reported no improvement.  However, owners of the other five dogs reported pruritus scores that were at least 50 per cent improved compared to their pets' score at recruitment. One of the five dogs improved by 100 per cent and needed no further treatment.

The other four dogs that responded well in this first phase were then put forward into a blinded randomised trial in which they received their homeopathic prescription at some times and placebo at other times. The three dogs that completed this phase of the study improved more with the active remedy than with placebo, and owners were able to distinguish correctly which pill was which.

Dr Peter Hill, who was lead clinician on the study, said "These preliminary data indicate the need for a large randomised controlled trial of homeopathy in canine atopic dermatitis."

Dr Robert Mathie, Research Development Adviser at the British Homeopathic Association, who collaborated in the study, added "We hope that many of the country's veterinary schools and other specialist referral centres might participate in a multi-centre trial."

The team reports its results in the March 21 2009 issue of Veterinary Record (Volume 164, Issue 12).

http://www.vetschool.bris.ac.uk/