Cancer Team Studies Chinese Medicine

Americans, Chinese Establish International Center

Western medical professionals, as a whole, have been slow to embrace the practices of traditional Chinese medicine. A new international scientific partnership, however, could now mark a significant step toward greater acceptance of Eastern medical care.

The venture involves researchers at M. D. Anderson and the Cancer Hospital, Fudan University (CHFU) in Shanghai, China. A $263,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) will establish the International Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer, which will investigate the benefits of some traditional Chinese medicine for cancer patients.

During the two-year pilot study, funded by the NCI's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the center will investigate three aspects of traditional Chinese medicine:

• Herbal and natural treatments that target the disease and cancer- and treatment-related symptoms
• Acupuncture for dealing with some side effects of cancer treatment
• Bio-behavioral effects of qigong and other mind/body-based interventions

Global milestone

This is the first NCI grant to support the development of an international partnership to study the use of traditional Chinese medicine for cancer treatment. The multidisciplinary team includes researchers from both institutions.

The scientists come from the following disciplines:

• Integrative medicine
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Radiation oncology
• Anesthesiology
• Experimental therapeutics
• Cancer biology
• Surgery
• Palliative care and rehabilitation medicine
• Epidemiology
• Medical oncology
• Behavioral science

As a part of the agreement entered into by M. D. Anderson and CHFU, the institutions will collaborate on a range of clinical, educational and cancer research efforts.

"We recognize that innovation and collaboration are key to success in the fight against cancer," says M. D. Anderson President John Mendelsohn, M.D. "Traditional Chinese medicine has a remarkable history.

By applying Western scientific methodology, we hope this pilot study will help open the doors to important discoveries that will result in better treatment and quality of life for cancer patients worldwide."

In addition to collaborating on a study of traditional Chinese medicine, both institutions plan to work together in areas of translational and population research, as well as in increasing the educational exchange among faculty.

"There is much that cancer experts in China and the United States can learn from each other," says Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., chief of the section of integrative medicine at M. D. Anderson and principal investigator on the study. "We hope open communication and a free exchange of scientific ideas will allow Western practitioners to learn about concepts of traditional medicine and expose Chinese practitioners to our approach to clinical research."

Broadening horizons

Interest in complementary and alternative therapies in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years. Mental exercises like relaxation and meditation, physical activities such as yoga and dance, or the use of herbal supplements and vitamins are more accepted today for maintaining good health. Before beginning any new regimen, cancer patients need to know how these therapies interact with or complement treatment prescribed by their doctors.

"Many patients begin some form of complementary therapy without the consent or knowledge of their doctors," Cohen says, "but it's important that a therapy complement, not impede, other treatments that their doctors prescribe. With more research and better information about these therapies, physicians and patients can evaluate these options thoroughly and know with more certainty which options are appropriate for their care."

In traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners attempt to maintain health by restoring the balance and flow of energy in the body - addressing symptoms as they relate to an imbalance of energy instead of treating a particular disease or medical condition. It is a practice dating back more than 5,000 years. However, many of these therapies have not been clinically tested using Western methods of clinical research.

At the same time, some important chemotherapy agents used in conventional Western medicine have been derived from products used in traditional Chinese medicine. More work needs to be done to investigate and document these agents before researchers can understand the role they may play in fighting and treating cancer.

"We hope to plant a seed that will expand our collaboration on evidence-based research of complementary therapies to treat cancer and cancer-related symptoms," Cohen says.

For more information, please contact the M. D. Anderson Information Line at 1-800-392-1611, option 3

Traditional sinus surgery for sinusitis

Surgery Overview

In traditional sinus surgery, an opening is made into the sinus. The opening may be made from inside the mouth or through the skin of the face. See an illustration of the locations of the facial (paranasal) sinuses.

• There are a number of possible approaches depending on the location of the infected sinus and what the doctor prefers.
• Working through the incision, the doctor can remove tissue that is blocking the sinus and preventing drainage.
• More extensive procedures may involve removing the sinus or leaving a temporary opening to help drain the infection. Removal of the sinus is usually considered only when the infection has spread into the eye socket or brain cavity.

Most of these procedures require admission to a hospital.

What To Expect After Surgery

Recovery from surgery may involve:

• Packing the nose with gauze to absorb blood and other drainage. The packing may be changed several times a day or left in place for a few days.
• Using saltwater nasal washes (saline lavage or irrigation) to keep the sinuses moist.
• Avoiding activities such as blowing the nose, strenuous exercise, and bending forward for a few days.
• Using a humidifier to keep room air moist, especially in the bedroom.

Why It Is Done

Traditional sinus surgery may be done if:

• Medications have failed to cure chronic sinusitis.
• Endoscopic surgery is unsuccessful. For more information, see Endoscopic surgery for sinusitis.
• There are complications related to sinusitis.

How Well It Works

Traditional surgery is an effective method of treating chronic sinusitis or sinusitis that has caused complications.

Risks

Serious risks include:

• Heavy bleeding.
• Leakage of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
• Inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain (meningitis).
• Blindness.
• Death.

What To Think About

Endoscopic sinus surgery is now preferred over traditional sinus surgery. It is less invasive, less expensive, and has a lower rate of complications. 1, 2 For more information, see Endoscopic surgery for sinusitis.

Surgical treatment of sinusitis should be considered only when more conservative approaches, such as home treatment and medications, have failed.

Should I use complementary medicine?

Your choices are:

• Add complementary medicine to your treatment or wellness plan.
• Stick with traditional medical treatment only.

The decision whether to use complementary medicine takes into account your personal feelings and the medical facts.

Reasons to use complementary medicine

Reasons to not use complementary medicine

You want a more personal, holistic approach to your health care. Conventional treatment has not provided relief from your chronic condition. In seeking out complementary therapy, you get a sense of empowerment from taking greater control of your health. Complementary medicine offers the best option for your wellness efforts. Are there other reasons you might want to use complementary medicine?

There is little scientific research on the safety and effectiveness of some complementary therapies. Complementary medicine may have interactions with your conventional treatments. Some complementary therapies are expensive, and many are not covered by insurance. You are satisfied with the results of conventional treatments for your condition. Are there other reasons you might not want to use complementary medicine?

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA)

Organizations

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA)
4929 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 428
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone:	(323) 937-5514
Web Address:	http://www.medicalacupuncture.org
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture promotes the integration of traditional and modern forms of acupuncture with Western medical practice. Its goal is to create a more comprehensive approach to health care.
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW
Suite 350
Washington, DC 20016
Phone:	(202) 895-1392 1-866-538-2267
Fax:	(202) 274-1992
E-mail:	member.services@Naturopathic.org
Web Address:	http://naturopathic.org
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) is the national professional society representing naturopathic physicians who are licensed or eligible for licensing as primary care providers. This organization can help you find a naturopathic physician in your area.
American Botanical Council (ABC)
6200 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78723
Phone:	(512) 926-4900 1-800-373-7105
Fax:	(512) 926-2345
E-mail:	abc@herbalgram.org
Web Address:	http://www.herbalgram.org
The American Botanical Council's goals are to educate the public about beneficial herbs and plants and to promote the safe and effective use of medicinal plants.
American Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone:	1-800-986-4636
Fax:	(703) 243-2593
Web Address:	http://www.amerchiro.org
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is a professional organization representing doctors of chiropractic. Its mission is to preserve, protect, improve, and promote the chiropractic profession and the services of doctors of chiropractic for the benefit of patients they serve. This organization can help you locate a chiropractor in your area.
American Massage Therapy Association
500 Davis Street
Suite 900
Evanston, IL 60201-4695
Phone:	(877) 905-2700 (847) 864-0123
Fax:	(847) 864-1178
Web Address:	http://www.amtamassage.org/
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is a professional organization that certifies massage therapists and works to advance the profession of massage therapy. Members agree to follow a basic code of ethics and abide by AMTA's standards of practice. The association can help you locate a therapist in your area who is an AMTA member.
National Association for Chiropractic Medicine (NACM)
1527 Baybrook Drive
Houston, TX 77062
Phone:	(281) 280-8262
Fax:	(281) 280-8262
Web Address:	http://www.chiromed.org
The National Association for Chiropractic Medicine (NACM) is a consumer advocacy association of chiropractors who confine their scope of practice to scientific parameters and seek to legitimize the use of professional manipulative procedures in mainstream health care delivery. The association offers consumer assistance in finding member practitioners.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 7923
Gaithersburg, MD 20898
Phone:	1-888-644-6226
Fax:	1-866-464-3616 toll-free
E-mail:	info@nccam.gov
Web Address:	http://nccam.nih.gov
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, training CAM researchers, and disseminating authoritative information. Direct all requests for information and questions regarding the NCCAM to the NCCAM Clearinghouse.
National Council Against Health Fraud (NCAHF)
119 Foster Street, Building R, Second Floor
Peabody, MA 01960
Phone:	(978) 532-9383
Fax:	(978) 532-9450
E-mail:	ncahf.office@verizon.net
Web Address:	http://www.ncahf.org
The National Council Against Health Fraud is a nonprofit voluntary health organization that focuses its attention upon health fraud, misinformation, and quackery as public health problems. The council's positions are based upon the principles of science that are at the root of consumer protection law.
Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health
6100 Executive Blvd., Room 3B01, MSC 7517
Bethesda, MD 20892-7517
Phone:	(301) 435-2920
Fax:	(301) 480-1845
E-mail:	ods@nih.gov
Web Address:	http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov
The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) supports research and disseminates research results in the area of dietary supplements. The ODS also provides advice to other federal agencies regarding research results related to dietary supplements.
Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
630 West 168th Street, Box 75
New York, NY 10032
Phone:	(212) 342-0101
Fax:	(212) 342-0100
Web Address:	http://www.rosenthal.hs.columbia.edu
The goal of the Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is to facilitate and conduct rigorous scientific investigation for evaluating the effectiveness, safety, and mechanisms of action of alternative and complementary remedies and practices. It also serves as an internationally known and respected resource for information about complementary and alternative therapies.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250
Phone:	(202) 720-2791
Fax:	(202) 720-2166
Web Address:	http://www.usda.gov
The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, develops and promotes science-based dietary guidance and economic information for consumers and professionals in health, education, industry, and media.