Abstracts

Melatonin in the treatment of cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis.

Most observational studies show an association between melatonin and cancer in humans. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of melatonin in solid tumor cancer patients and its effect on survival at 1 yr. With the aid of an information specialist, we searched 10 electronic databases from inception to October 2004. We included trials using melatonin as either sole treatment or as adjunct treatment. Pre-specified criteria guided our assessment of trial quality. We conducted a meta-analysis using a random effects model.

Title of abstract:
Melatonin in the treatment of cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis.
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Abstracts

The effects of green tea consumption on incidence of breast cancer and recurrence of breast cancer: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Green tea is widely used by women for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. The authors aimed to determine the efficacy of green tea ingestion on the risk of breast cancer development and the risk of breast cancer recurrence. METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of observational studies from systematic searches of 8 electronic data sources and contact with authors. They included studies assessing breast cancer incidence and recurrence.

Title of abstract:
The effects of green tea consumption on incidence of breast cancer and recurrence of breast cancer: a systematic review.
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Abstracts

An in vivo analysis of the herbal compound Essiac.

BACKGROUND: Essiac is a herbal compound that has been in common use with cancer patients in North America for over 80 years. Despite its relatively widespread use, there are no peer-reviewed published reports of in vivo studies regarding the use of this compound.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Essiac was administered orally to test animals prior to all experiments. Standard assays to test protection from ethanol-induced gastric ulceration and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury were performed on Wistar rats.

Title of abstract:
An in vivo analysis of the herbal compound Essiac.
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Abstracts

Metronomic dosing of chemotherapy: applications in pediatric oncology.

Pediatric cancer has a better outcome profile than adult cancers. However, refractory disease and the potential for long-term morbidity resulting from the use of conventional therapies necessitate the development of novel treatments for this population. Recent advances in oncology include the use of low dose metronomic (LDM) chemotherapy. The promise of this novel therapeutic approach includes reduced toxicity and the potential for efficacy predominantly through an antiangiogenic effect.

Title of abstract:
Metronomic dosing of chemotherapy: applications in pediatric oncology.
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Abstracts

Barriers to participation in clinical trials of cancer: a meta-analysis and systematic review of patient-reported factors.

BACKGROUND: Enrolling participants onto clinical trials of cancer presents an important challenge. We aimed to identify the concerns of patients with cancer about, and the barriers to, participation in clinical trials.METHODS: We did a systematic review to assess studies of barriers to participation in experimental trials and randomized trials for validity and content.

Title of abstract:
Barriers to participation in clinical trials of cancer: a meta-analysis and systematic review of patient-reported factors.
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Abstracts

In vitro analysis of the herbal compound Essiac.

BACKGROUND: Despite the recommendation of the Task Force on Alternative Therapies of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative, little research has been published on the widely used herbal compound Essiac. We aimed to address this deficiency by conducting a series of assays to determine some of the purported activities of Essiac in vitro.

Title of abstract:
In vitro analysis of the herbal compound Essiac.
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Abstracts

Patient decision-making about complementary and alternative medicine in cancer.

OBJECTIVE: In this paper, we set out to describe the personal and social contexts of treatment decisions made by cancer patients concerning complementary and alternative medicine (cam) and also the process through which cancer patients reach cam decisions throughout the cancer trajectory. METHODS: We selected and reviewed a variety of cam decision-making models published in the past 10 years within the Canadian health literature. RESULTS: The cam decision-making process is influenced by a variety of sociodemographic, disease-related, psychological, and social factors.

Title of abstract:
Patient decision-making about complementary and alternative medicine in cancer.
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Abstracts

Integrative practices of Canadian oncology health professionals.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer patients are increasingly known to use complementary medicine (cam) during conventional treatment, but data are limited on how Canadian oncology health professionals attempt to assist patients with their use of cam in the context of conventional cancer care. As part of a larger qualitative study assessing the perceptions of Canadian oncology health professionals regarding integrated breast cancer care, we undertook an exploration of current integrative practices of oncology health professionals.

Title of abstract:
Integrative practices of Canadian oncology health professionals.
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Abstracts

A comparative review of thermography as a breast cancer screening technique.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer of women in North America. Despite advances in treatment that have reduced mortality, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer induced death. Several well established tools are used to screen for breast cancer including clinical breast exams, mammograms, and ultrasound. Thermography was first introduced as a screening tool in 1956 and was initially well accepted. However, after a 1977 study found thermography to lag behind other screening tools, the medical community lost interest in this diagnostic approach.

Title of abstract:
A comparative review of thermography as a breast cancer screening technique.
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Abstracts

Astralagus-containing Chinese herbal combinations for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis of 65 clinical trials enrolling 4,751 patients.

BACKGROUND: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of death. Interventions to reduce mortality in patients with NSCLC represent a patient-important field of research. Little is known about interventions used outside the Western world for NSCLC. One intervention widely used in Asia is astragalus-based herbal preparations. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive systematic review of all published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating astragalus-based herbal preparations in NSCLC patients.

Title of abstract:
Astralagus-containing Chinese herbal combinations for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis of 65 clinical trials enrolling 4,751 patients.
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