Spirituality in Oncology: Relations between Spirituality, Its Facets, and Psychological and Demographic Factors in Cancer Patients in Germany.

Introduction: Cancer diagnoses are constantly increasing in clinical practice. Therefore, more and more patients are interested in how they can actively participate in the process of treatment. Spirituality represents a hidden issue of the population, which counts as a branch of complementary and alternative treatment.

Usage of Complementary and Alternative Methods, Lifestyle, and Psychological Variables in Cancer Care.

Background/aim: People who are undergoing cancer treatment often ask themselves what they can do in addition to conventional medical therapy with regard to nutrition, activity, and complementary methods. However, we know little about the motivation why people opt for one or the other measure. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the extent of physical activity (PA), healthy nutrition, and the use of complementary methods in relation to both demographic and psychological data.

Interactions from complementary and alternative medicine in patients with melanoma.

Biological-based (BbCAM) methods from complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may interact with cancer treatments, reduce efficacy, or enhance adverse effects. Although CAM usage has been evaluated well in other cancer entities, data on melanoma patients are still missing. The aim of this study was to determine CAM usage of melanoma patients using a standardized questionnaire to identify potential interactions with established and new systemic melanoma therapies.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine: A multicenter cross-sectional study in 1089 melanoma patients.

Background: About half of patients with cancer use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). So far, data on melanoma patients are missing.

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictors for the use of CAM in this patient group.

Economic Evaluation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Oncology: Is There a Difference Compared to Conventional Medicine?

Objective: To analyze the financial burden of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer treatment.

Materials And Methods: Based on a systematic search of the literature (Medline and the Cochrane Library, combining the MeSH terms 'complementary therapies', 'neoplasms', 'costs', 'cost analysis', and 'cost-benefit analysis'), an expert panel discussed different types of analyses and their significance for CAM in oncology.

Results: Of 755 publications, 43 met our criteria.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Palliative Care: A Comparison of Data From Surveys Among Patients and Professionals.

Purpose: Many cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during or after their therapy. Because little is known about CAM in palliative care, we conducted 2 surveys among patients and professionals in the palliative setting.

Participants And Methods: Patients of a German Comprehensive Cancer Center were interviewed, and an independent online survey was conducted among members of the German Society for Palliative Care (DGP).

Online survey of patients with breast cancer on complementary and alternative medicine.

About 50% of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Women with breast cancer use CAM more frequently than others. We linked a questionnaire to the largest internet portal for cancer patients in Germany.

Survey of German non-medical practitioners regarding complementary and alternative medicine in oncology.

Background: In total, 40-70% of cancer patients use complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). Many of them ask for advice from non-medical practitioners (NMPs). Our aim was to investigate the attitude of NMPs regarding their treatments for cancer patients.

Online information on complementary and alternative medicine for cancer patients: evidence-based recommendations.

Background: Many cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Most websites offering online information on CAM are not helpful for them.

Methods: We extracted decisive elements for online information on CAM by analyzing the literature on the information needs of cancer patients and on counseling cancer patients on CAM.

Synergistic effects of liposomes, trehalose, and hydroxyethyl starch for cryopreservation of human erythrocytes.

Red blood cells (RBCs) can be cryopreserved using glycerol as a cryoprotective agent, but one of the main disadvantages is the time-consuming deglycerolization step. Novel cryopreservation strategies for RBCs using nontoxic cryoprotective agents are urgently needed. The effect of DMPC, DOPC, and DPPC liposomes on survival of RBCs cryopreserved with trehalose and HES has been evaluated.

Liposomes composed of unsaturated lipids for membrane modification of human erythrocytes.

Previous studies have shown that certain saturated lipids protect red blood cells (RBCs) during hypothermic storage but provide little protection during freezing or freeze-drying, whereas various unsaturated lipids destabilize RBCs during hypothermic storage but protect during freezing and freeze-drying. The protective effect of liposomes has been attributed to membrane modifications. We have previously shown that cholesterol exchange and lipid transfer between liposomes composed of saturated lipids and RBCs critically depends on the length of the lipid acyl chains.