Abstract
We are pleased to introduce in this short editorial the January 2013 Integrative Cancer Therapies, the first issue in the journal’s new 6-issue format. This is a real milestone for the journal. As Integrative Cancer Therapies has evolved into the primary academic journal in this field, it has continued to gain the attention of various cancer institutions and organizations. In our first 11 volumes, we published on a quarterly basis. Early on we were accepted by the major indexing services and received our first Impact Factor. But with the growth of the field of integrative oncology, and the increase in the journal’s Impact Factor to 2.136, our publisher has realized the journal’s potential for growth. We will thus publish 6 issues per year, with a concomitant increase in page count. The move to 6 issues will give us space to revisit popular features such as the Integrative Tumor Board. We will also, happily, have more space for research articles, and we look to our readers and subscribers to continue to increase submissions of well-done manuscripts.
We begin the issue with a short editorial commentary on natural product interactions in oncology. A large number of supplements affect the cytochrome P450 system (not all in a clinically significant way). The interest in the cytochrome enzyme-based drug interactions has only increased with the advent of the new oral anticancer drugs such as the small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, many of which are metabolized by the cytochromes. As oncology incorporates this new set of drugs, we think it is an appropriate time to remind ourselves of the significance of these interactions.
Green tea is a substance of continuing interest in integrative oncology. Heidi Fritz and colleagues at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine have reviewed the literature on green tea and lung cancer. Although they find a paucity of clinical trials, they are able to discuss significant findings regarding the question of whether green tea may be able to interact with drugs through the cytochrome P450 system.
The energy-based systems of complementary and alternative medicine are a source of continuing controversy, but still many are well accepted in hospital environments. A pilot study of healing touch by Asad Ghiasuddin of the University of Hawaii at Manoa appears in this issue. This study focuses on patients in a pediatric oncology unit for intensive cancer treatment. Exploration of this low-invasive therapy in a pediatric population is of interest because of its appeal to both patients and their parents.
A study by Sheila Garland and colleagues at the University of Calgary explores mindfulness-based stress reduction from a mechanistic perspective. They assess the degree to which actual development of mindfulness is related to reductions in mood disturbance and other mental health outcomes. This question of “mechanism of action” seems obvious but has actually been little explored in cancer patients.
Yueh Hsiang Huang and colleagues in Taiwan examined the influence of prescription Chinese medicine formulas on weight loss in hospitalized patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. These patients were compared with patients receiving outpatient radiation treatment for the same condition, without individually monitored and adjusted prescription herbal formulas. While randomized trials are, of course, preferable, we feel it is reasonable to initiate study of a complex integrative intervention with comparative clinical studies, due to the difficulties of doing randomized studies.
Yukie Niwa and colleagues at Niwa Institute for Immunology and Tosashimizu Hospital also have submitted an observational study of hepatocellular cancer patients receiving naturopathic treatment. By comparing patients who received different treatments at the same hospital, they were able to focus on what treatment patterns had the best outcomes.
Nicolas Vonarx of Laval University performed a qualitative study of cancer patients, inquiring about the role of religion and spirituality in coping with their illness. This research demonstrates how patients use religion and spirituality as a means of empowerment, improving their ability to cope with their illnesses.
Aerva lanata is an herbal medicine of India, used as a remedy for diabetes. Girija Kuttan of the Amala Cancer Research Center has submitted a thorough analysis of the potential of this species to inhibit metastasis. Both in vivo studies as well as a thorough in vitro mechanistic analysis are included. This analysis shows the multifaceted ability of the herb to inhibit apoptosis in addition to metastatic processes.
We continue to receive interesting papers for our coming issues. If you are working on an interesting research project, please consider submitting it to us and help raise the quality of integrative oncology research we are able to bring to our global readership.