Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients Utilizing Complementary Medicine at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Eastern Switzerland

Summary: This meta-analysis aims to determine the impact of mistletoe extracts as a pharmacological treatment for cancer-related fatigue. The results show a moderate effect of mistletoe extracts on cancer-related fatigue, similar to physical activity. However, more placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Summary: This update provides a brief overview of the use of VA preparations in clinical oncology, reviewing current guidelines, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and real-world data studies. Evidence supports the use of add-on VA therapy to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQL) in breast cancer patients and to prolong survival and improve HRQL in pancreatic cancer patients. In the field of gastrointestinal, gynecological, and lung cancer, updating guidelines to include recommendations for integrative therapies including VA therapy is recommended. Further clinical and real-world data trials are needed in this field.

Summary: The prevalence of complementary medicine use in Switzerland has significantly increased from 2012 to 2017. Independent determinants of its use include gender, nationality, age, lifestyle, and BMI. A healthier lifestyle is associated with the use of complementary medicine.