The use of dietary supplements among individuals enrolled in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer.

摘要

The use of dietary supplement by individuals with cancer is increasing. Many individuals with the diagnosis of cancer consume these supplements while undergoing treatment for cancer, including those enrolled in clinical trials. Clinical trials may involve the use of drugs or investigative agents, which are being studied to determine their safety and efficacy in the treatment of cancer.; The focus of this study was to determine if individuals enrolled in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer use dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals and herbs) and the reasons why they are using them. The study's aims were (1) to document the use of dietary supplements among patients with breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer who are enrolled in a clinical trial, (2) to evaluate the perceptions of oncologists regarding their patient's use of dietary supplements, and (3) to evaluate the design of clinical trials to determine the proportion that specifically address the use of dietary supplements. The study employed an exploratory, descriptive design whereby 99 patients with cancer who were enrolled in a clinical trial for the treatment of cancer were interviewed. A total of 53 oncologists were surveyed and the design of 70 multi-institutional breast, prostate and colorectal cancer clinical trials were reviewed.; The study findings indicate that patients with breast, prostate and colorectal cancer are consuming dietary supplements while enrolled in clinical treatment trials. In general, the reasons they are using the dietary supplements is to enhance their health and to do something to help themselves. The patients' perception is that they communicate this information to their oncologists, however, detailed information about the dietary supplements such as brand, type, dosage and frequency, is not routinely assessed and documented. In general, the design of the clinical trials did not specifically address the use of dietary supplements and there were often discrepancies between the description in the study body and the accompanying case report forms.; The importance of these findings from a public health perspective is that patients are consuming unregulated substances while enrolled in a clinical trial for the treatment of cancer and potentially may be at risk for drug interactions.