HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE COVER ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a letter to the editor Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Harpham, W. S. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Harpham, W. S.

Alternative Therapies for Curing Cancer: What Do Patients Want? What Do Patients Need?^*

Dr. Harpham is on medical leave from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, TX.

Despite her scientific training and experience in medical practice, after being diagnosed with an indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the author was subjected to intense pressure about alternative therapies from well-meaning friends and relatives. While insulated at first from these forces, disease recurrences and progression increased her vulnerability to the lure of seemingly gentler approaches. A data-driven study of alternative therapeutic methods, however, convinced the author that investigational strategies offered her a better chance of cure or improvement than unproven alternative methods. She offers guidelines for physicians about what patients want, and emphasizes the importance of hope, caring, and information.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. B. Michaud, J. P. Karpinski, K. L. Jones, and J. Espirito Dietary supplements in patients with cancer: Risks and key concepts, part 2 Am. J. Health Syst. Pharm., March 1, 2007; 64(5): 467 - 480. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]