Herbal supplements: Boon or bane in cancer treatment?
The Department of Health ( DOH) celebrates National Cancer Consciousness Week every 3rd week of January. The aim of the yearly celebration is to provide the general public with important and relevant information about cancer. It is necessary to continue to conduct awareness initiatives as studies show a steady increase in cancer incidence in the Philippines.
Proper cancer information dissemination is one of the main goals of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology ( PSMO). PSMO is a scientific, professional organization of medical oncologists committed to the advancement of the science and the ethical and holistic practice of medical oncology. They participate in national programs, campaigns, and activities that actively promote cancer awareness and safe practices in cancer management and treatment for optimal patient results.
PSMO, in partnership with pharmaceutical companies Roche and Fresenius held a press conference on Jan. 16, with the theme “Herbal Supplements: Boon or Bane?”
Demystifying the allure of herbal alternatives
There is an increasing number of herbal supplements, both food and medicines, being promoted in the Philippines and abroad. Patients have little knowledge about them other than what they see and read in the advertisements; results of which are merely anecdotal. PSMO saw the urgency to demystify the allure of herbal alternatives and inform cancer patients and their families about herbal supplements so that they can make educated and informed decisions about their treatment, and discuss options with their multidisciplinary team of specialists.
“We saw a dramatic increase in the availability of herbal medicines, food, and supplements for cancer patients. Many of these herbal medicines, food, and supplements are very attractive to cancer patients due to their claimed (advertised) quick results and some for their low price tags. However, it is still important for patients to be aware of what these products are for and what they really are,” said Dr. Oscar Gutierrez Jr., food and drug regulation officer IV of the Policy Planning Office (PPO), Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “They are supplements that are made to support nutrition and health care, not to be made as a substitute for mainstream health care and medicines. They have no approved therapeutic claims and no documented curative effects. Patients should always seek proper health care
and treatment from their doctors.”
‘No approved therapeutic claims’
“The FDA has issued circulars and administrative orders that put correct labeling for supplements to ensure that the products are not commercially sold or advertised with therapeutic claims. We make sure that these products carry the label ‘No approved therapeutic claims,’” added Dr. Gutierrez.
“The FDA ensures safety as well as truthfulness and validity of label claims. These products do not have curative effects and testimonials or anecdotal information associated with healing and curing are not allowed. We recommend that patients seek professional medical advice,” said Dr. Gutierrez.
Medical, technological
research advances
Several medical and technological advances have been made in cancer research and more people are surviving cancer. These include innovative cancer medicines backed by clinical trials, personalized health care or fitting the treatment to the patients ( e. g. HER2 testing for HER2-positive breast and gastric cancers; EGFR for EGFRpositive lung cancer; K-ras for colonic cancer), proper and accurate diagnosis, targeted and biologic therapies, multidisciplinary treatment and side- effect management. Targeted therapies and diagnostic tests not only help improve medical decision-making but also offer clinical benefits for patients. All of these together have resulted in more Filipinos surviving cancer.
“We continue in our quest to arm the public with as much information as possible,” shared Dr. Felycette Gay Lapus, PSMO president. “Prevention and early detection are ultimate goals in decreasing the cancer incidence and increasing survival rates in the country. It is equally important for patients to receive proven, effective, and safe cancer therapies as early as possible. The PSMO feels that it is imperative that we inform the public with documented facts regarding the use and misuse of herbal supplements to replace standard cancer treatment.”
At the press conference, Dr. Ellie May Villegas, PSMO vice president and multi-media committee chair, shared the benefits of integrative oncology in cancer
treatment.
Integrative oncology — a safe way
“We understand that cancer patients want to try alternative treatment. Integrative oncology is a safe way for cancer patients to mix alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapies, diet management, music therapy, meditation, or yoga alongside their standard cancer treatment. These methods should not be used alone to replace research-based and standard of care cancer treatment, but they can be used with them. It is important to retain proper cancer treatment to get best results.”
“Integrative oncology employs evidence-based complementary therapies to control physical and emotional symptoms. They are non-invasive, non-toxic, and are adjunctive therapies. However, they are used with the standard of care treatment and not as the mainstream care. There is a growing international demand for integrative oncology because symptom relief is sought by patients under active treatment; symptom relief and guidance are also sought during survivorship; and cancer patients want complementary therapies,” explained Dr. Villegas.
Dr. Villegas cautioned the public that integrative cancer therapies do not treat tumors but only control physical and emotional symptoms. There are no viable alternatives to mainstream cancer treatment and but sadly many agents and regimens are promoted for use instead of mainstream care for cancer and other serious illnesses.
Dr. Lapus reiterated that the main goal for cancer management is still correct information. The more a patient is knowledgeable about the facts, the more he can make educated decisions with his doctors on the right course of effective and safe treatment. Herbal supplements and alternative treatment cannot replace proven medicines that should be the standard of care in cancer management. While they may seem appealing, patients should be vigilant that they are not being misled by false promises.
The PSMO can be reached through www. psmo. org. ph or call the PSMO secretariat at 7219326.