Exploring complementary medicine options for ovarian cancer patients

Exploring Alternative Medicine for Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Ovarian cancer is a devastating diagnosis for any woman. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women. In 2022, it's estimated that over 19,000 women will receive a new ovarian cancer diagnosis. And around 12,000 women will die from this disease.

Understandably, women diagnosed with ovarian cancer desperately want to beat this disease. Many explore alternative treatments in addition to conventional medical therapies like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. But with so many alternative options, it's tough to know what might help, what's harmless and what could hurt.

In this comprehensive guide, learn whether popular alternative medicines like turmeric, cannabis and acupuncture may benefit ovarian cancer patients. Understand the risks and potential interactions with conventional cancer treatments. Get the facts to make informed decisions about integrating complementary medicine into your ovarian cancer healing plan.

Turmeric and Curcumin

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice commonly used in Indian curry dishes. It comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which provides its vibrant color and medicinal properties. Some preliminary studies suggest curcumin may help fight ovarian cancer cells.

Potential Benefits of Turmeric

• Lab studies indicate curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activities. Test tube research reveals curcumin can inhibit ovarian cancer cell growth and metastasis.
• Animal studies report curcumin may enhance the cancer-fighting effects of Cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug used to treat ovarian cancer.
• Early human studies suggest curcumin supplements may help reduce chemotherapy-related side effects like nausea and fatigue in cancer patients.

Potential Risks of Turmeric

• High doses of curcumin/turmeric supplements can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, bloating and nausea.
• Turmeric may interact with blood thinners and drugs that reduce stomach acid. Consult your oncologist before use.
• Curcumin found in supermarket spice turmeric powder likely lacks potency to fight cancer. Concentrated curcumin extracts optimized for bioavailability provide more therapeutic benefits.

Dosage Recommendations

• For general health, include turmeric powder or fresh turmeric root in your cooking.Aim for 14-12 teaspoon powder 2-3 times daily.
• For therapeutic effects, take a curcumin supplement standardized to contain 200-500 mg curcuminoids 2-3 times daily. Select a product with added piperine black pepper extract to enhance absorption.
• Start with lower doses and increase gradually to avoid gastrointestinal side effects.
• Avoid taking curcumin/turmeric supplements several days before surgery due to increased bleeding risk.

Summary

Early research indicates turmeric's active compound curcumin has anti-cancer potential against ovarian cancer cells. While promising, more human research is needed to confirm benefits. For now, turmeric poses few risks for most women. Incorporating turmeric into a balanced diet or taking a curcumin supplement is unlikely to interfere with conventional ovarian cancer treatments. As always, consult your oncology team before starting any new supplements.

Medical Cannabis

The cannabis plant contains over 100 pharmacologically active compounds called cannabinoids. The two most abundant cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis and cannabinoid medicines are sometimes recommended to help cancer patients manage symptoms and treatment side effects.

Potential Benefits of Cannabis

• Cannabis may help relieve several conditions ovarian cancer patients often face like chronic pain, nausea, loss of appetite and insomnia.
• Animal and lab studies report cannabis compounds THC and CBD exhibit anti-tumor effects against ovarian cancer cells.
• Human studies indicate THC may extend survival time in recurrent ovarian cancer patients by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.

Potential Risks of Cannabis

• Smoking cannabis exposes lungs to carcinogenic substances, so medicinal use should involve safer options like oils and edibles.
• Cannabinoid drugs like Dronabinol (Marinol) and Nabilone (Cesamet) can cause dizziness, drowsiness and confusion.
• Cannabis use may increase the risk of drug interactions with prescription cancer medications.
• High-THC cannabis could potentially enhance cancer growth according to some preclinical studies. More human research is needed.

Dosage Recommendations

• Consult a cannabis-specialized doctor for dosing guidance based on your symptoms and cancer treatment regimen.
• Start low and go slow. Gradually increase dosage until you achieve optimal symptom relief.
• Consistent dosing is more effective than intermittent use for controlling cancer symptoms.
• CBD-dominant cannabinoid formulations may provide therapeutic benefits without the intoxicating effects of THC.

Summary

Early research indicates cannabis medicine has potential to help ovarian cancer patients manage symptoms, treatment side effects and perhaps even hinder tumor growth. Current human research remains limited but promising. Work closely with your oncology team and a knowledgeable cannabis clinician if considering medical cannabis for ovarian cancer.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving inserting thin needles into specific points on the skin to relieve pain and stimulate healing. This complementary therapy is sometimes used to help control side effects in cancer patients.

Potential Benefits of Acupuncture

• Clinical studies indicate acupuncture can effectively reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when used alongside anti-nausea drugs.
• Cancer patients often use acupuncture to manage cancer pain as well as joint pain from aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex.
• Some research suggests acupuncture may improve quality of life and fatigue in ovarian cancer patients.

Potential Risks of Acupuncture

• Improperly sterilized needles could infect patients immunocompromised from chemotherapy.
• Rare risks include organ puncture, collapsed lung and increased pain from needle placement.
• Bruising, soreness and minor bleeding sometimes occur but resolve quickly.

Treatment Recommendations

• Verify acupuncturists maintain national certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
• Only allow needling in areas away from tumors, chemo ports and low platelet counts.
• Communicate all cancer treatments and medications to identify potential interactions before starting.
• Typically 6-12 acupuncture sessions are needed to notice symptom relief benefits.

Summary

A growing body of research confirms acupuncture's effectiveness for managing common chemotherapy side effects like nausea and pain. When performed by a properly trained practitioner, acupuncture carries minimal risks. Acupuncture serves as a safe complementary therapy many ovarian cancer patients find beneficial during conventional cancer treatment.

When to Exercise Caution with Alternative Medicine

Many ovarian cancer patients are eager to explore alternative therapies like special diets, herbal remedies and vitamin infusions. However, the following precautions are warranted when adding complementary medicine to your treatment plan:

• Some alternative cancer treatments directly conflict with conventional medicine. For example, antioxidant supplements during chemotherapy and radiation may hinder these treatments' ability to destroy cancer cells.
• Certain herbal medicines and nutritional supplements pose high risk for interactions with cancer drugs. They can inhibit or enhance effects of medications to dangerous degrees.
• Scientific evidence supporting most alternative cancer treatments remains limited. Relying solely on unproven methods while declining conventional care lowers survival odds.
• Alternative treatments can create false hope and promote exaggerated claims not backed by research. Patients must maintain reasonable expectations.
• Alternative medicine involves major out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance. Expensive treatments often fail to provide benefits.

The bottom line is alternative medicine for ovarian cancer requires great caution. Work closely with your oncology team when considering complementary therapies. Avoid alternatives that promise miraculous cures, sound too good to be true or pressure you to decline doctor-recommended treatments. Legitimate complementary techniques like acupuncture work safely alongside conventional medicine to enhance comfort and quality of life.

Questions to Ask about Alternative Treatments

To determine if an alternative medicine is right for you, consider asking the following questions:

• What scientific evidence from clinical studies supports using this treatment for ovarian cancer?
• What are the specific benefits this treatment provides ovarian cancer patients?
• What side effects or risks might this treatment cause?
• Could this treatment interact with my current cancer medications or treatment plan?
• How much does this treatment cost and how many sessions/months are needed to see results?
• Is this practitioner certified/licensed and experienced working with cancer patients?
• Can you provide references from past ovarian cancer patients treated successfully?

Wary of any practitioner who discourages you from receiving mainstream ovarian cancer treatments. Run far away from any therapy making grand promises to cure your cancer naturally. Integrative medicine works when alternative and conventional treatments come together safely under the guidance of your oncology team.

Finding Reliable Information on Alternative Medicine

In an age of internet misinformation, finding trustworthy sources on alternative medicine takes diligence. Refer to these evidence-based institutions when researching complementary therapies for ovarian cancer:

• National Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) - Provides accurate, science-based information on CAM therapies.
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine Center - Offers helpful overview of integrative treatments and interactions with conventional cancer care.
• American Cancer Society Guide to Complementary and Alternative Methods - Includes guidance on evaluating alternative treatments and practitioners.
• American Society of Clinical Oncology - Provides a questionnaire to assess CAM therapy credibility and safety.

Always run information on alternative ovarian cancer treatments by your oncologist before believing claims. Discuss any concerns your mainstream doctors have about specific complementary medicines. Working together maximizes the benefits while minimizing the risks.

Integrative Medicine: The Best of Both Worlds

Used correctly, alternative treatments like turmeric, cannabis and acupuncture can enhance quality of life during ovarian cancer treatment. But mainstream medicine must remain the foundation during this fight. Receiving surgery, chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy and new immunotherapy drugs gives you the best odds of beating ovarian cancer.

The wise path lies in integrative oncology - selectively incorporating complementary techniques alongside conventional care under your doctor's supervision. Your oncology team knows your situation best and will guide your choices. With an open mind and cautious optimism, alternative medicine can often support without conflicting.

But always remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Question, investigate and verify all claims. Partner closely with your medical providers to make the most informed decisions. Become your own best advocate through knowledge and vigilance.

Stay strong. With the right combination of mainstream and complementary medicine, you can defy the odds and triumph over ovarian cancer. The future you envision is waiting to become reality. Have faith, stay positive and keep fighting every single day.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.