Complementary medicine oncology research in the Middle-East: Shifting from traditional to integrative cancer care

Introduction: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the Middle-East is rooted in historical and traditional schools of medicine and is frequently used by patients with cancer. There is limited data on the extent of CAM research in Middle-Eastern countries regarding cancer care and potential benefits and risks of CAM modalities. Methodology: In this study, we searched the Medline database for studies in CAM and cancer care published during the years 2000-2010 and referenced by authors affiliated with Middle-Eastern academic institutions. Results: We located 116 articles by authors active in 12 countries. Research themes included CAM use in cancer care, aspects of doctor-patient communication in cancer care, studies of CAM education for health care providers, ethics and regulation, and CAM safety and quality assurance. Seventy-eight articles examined specific CAM modalities that include herbal medicine, Anthroposophic medicine, dietary and nutritional therapies, mind-body medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, yoga, and Shiatsu. Fifty-nine articles focused on various aspects of herbal medicine such as ethno-botanical surveys and reviews (7 articles), in vitro studies (33), animal studies (8), and clinical studies (11). Conclusions: The Middle East is a fertile arena for CAM research in cancer care. Collaborative research can significantly enrich the quality and impact of such research, based on sharing cultural and traditional knowledge.