Unconventional Cancer Therapies: What We Need Is Rigorous Research, Not Closed Minds

摘要

O(UCTs) are used by 31% of all cancer patients.n1nMany oncologists view this level of popularity with anmixture of bewilderment or worry and ask, “Why donpatients insist on trying unproven and potentiallynhazardous treatments?” The answer is probably com-nplex, and some people are tempted to refer to thenzeitgeist or even point out the dawning of an “age ofnunreason.” But cancer patients are desperate indi-nviduals who understandably want to “leave no stonenunturned.” Recently, it has been suggested thatnusage of UCTs might be a marker of anxiety in thesenpatients.n2 Cancer sufferers may also be disappointednwith what they perceive as the depersonalized carenof mainstream oncology and look toward the highlynempathetic and personal attention of alternativenpractitioners.n1