Hacettepe University, Medical oncology, Ankara, Turkey.
Erzincan Mengucek Gazi Education and Research Hospital, Turkey.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2024 Jan-Dec;23:15347354241280273. doi: 10.1177/15347354241280273.
This study aimed to assess the habits and knowledge of cancer patients regarding the use of herbal medicines and dietary supplements in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).
The data of 181 cancer patients who were over 18 years old and received ICIs were collected. The usage patterns, anticipated benefits and harms, and sources of supply were evaluated by filling researcher-prepared forms.
Most patients did not use any kind of herbal medicine (91.2%) or dietary supplements (75.9%) during their immunotherapy. Boosting the immune system is the primary motivation for use among users. Multivitamins are the most frequently used supplements. Family members and TV advertisements were the main sources of information, in addition to limited advice from healthcare professionals. A minority of participants reported gastrointestinal side effects. Herbal medicine and dietary supplement use were more prevalent among patients with stage IV cancer and renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
This study revealed that the limited uptake of herbal medicines and dietary supplements alongside ICI treatment among cancer patients. The lack of adequate information from healthcare professionals poses potential risks to patients. Improved communication with patients, education regarding herbal medicine and dietary supplement use, potential interactions, and associated risks during ICI treatment are essential. Further research is needed to identify the specific needs of patients, anticipated benefits, and potential harms of herbal medicine and dietary supplement use, together with ICIs.
本研究旨在评估癌症患者在使用免疫检查点抑制剂（ICI）时使用草药和膳食补充剂的习惯和知识。
收集了 181 名年龄在 18 岁以上并接受 ICI 的癌症患者的数据。通过填写研究人员准备的表格评估使用模式、预期的益处和危害以及供应来源。
大多数患者在免疫治疗期间没有使用任何草药（91.2%）或膳食补充剂（75.9%）。增强免疫系统是使用者的主要动机。复合维生素是最常使用的补充剂。除了医疗保健专业人员的有限建议外，家庭成员和电视广告也是信息的主要来源。少数参与者报告有胃肠道副作用。草药和膳食补充剂的使用在 IV 期癌症和肾细胞癌（RCC）患者中更为普遍。
本研究表明，癌症患者对 ICI 治疗的草药和膳食补充剂的摄取有限。医疗保健专业人员提供的信息不足给患者带来了潜在风险。在 ICI 治疗期间，与患者进行更好的沟通、教育患者关于草药和膳食补充剂的使用、潜在的相互作用以及相关风险至关重要。需要进一步研究以确定患者对草药和膳食补充剂与 ICI 联合使用的具体需求、预期益处和潜在危害。
