Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, Columbia University, New York, New York.
Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2014 Apr;61(4):687-92. doi: 10.1002/pbc.24791. Epub 2013 Sep 21.
International surveys have demonstrated that use of traditional and complementary/alternative medicine (TCAM) is highly prevalent among children with cancer; however, little is known about its use among children with cancer in Latin America. As part of a regional initiative, we present the results of the first survey exploring use of TCAM among children with cancer residing in Latin America.
A cross-sectional sample of 100 parents whose children received treatment in Guatemala City were interviewed from May 2008 to February 2010. Upon consent, an in-person interview was performed during a routine clinical visit. Information on the form, duration, cost, and satisfaction of TCAM was collected. Approval from the institutional review board was obtained.
The median age of patients was 9.2 years with 63% undergoing treatment. Use of TCAM was reported by 90% of parents. Most often, more than one type of therapy was utilized. Most patients (67%) relied on TCAM for supportive care indications; however, a significant percentage (34%) used TCAM for curative purposes. The most commonly reported form was the use of oral supplements with the majority perceiving TCAM as effective for the intended purpose.
Use of TCAM was highly prevalent among children with cancer residing in Guatemala. Most importantly, TCAM was used alongside conventional therapy for supportive care indications. These findings underscoring the need for open lines of communication between clinicians and families. Future research may consider exploring the role of TCAM within the scope of supportive care and its effect on existing supportive care interventions.
国际调查显示，癌症儿童普遍采用传统医学和补充替代医学（TCAM）；然而，人们对拉丁美洲癌症儿童使用 TCAM 的情况知之甚少。作为区域倡议的一部分，我们介绍了首次调查拉丁美洲癌症儿童使用 TCAM 的结果。
2008 年 5 月至 2010 年 2 月，对在危地马拉城接受治疗的 100 名患儿的家长进行了横断面抽样调查。在征得同意后，在常规临床就诊期间进行了面对面访谈。收集了 TCAM 的形式、持续时间、成本和满意度信息。已获得机构审查委员会的批准。
患者的中位年龄为 9.2 岁，63%正在接受治疗。90%的家长报告使用了 TCAM。最常见的是，超过一种类型的治疗被使用。大多数患者（67%）将 TCAM 用于支持性护理适应症；然而，仍有相当一部分（34%）将 TCAM 用于治疗目的。最常报告的形式是使用口服补充剂，大多数人认为 TCAM 对预期目的有效。
在危地马拉居住的癌症儿童中，TCAM 的使用非常普遍。最重要的是，TCAM 与常规疗法一起用于支持性护理适应症。这些发现强调了临床医生和家庭之间需要保持开放的沟通渠道。未来的研究可能会考虑探索 TCAM 在支持性护理范围内的作用及其对现有支持性护理干预措施的影响。
