Review process for CAM Cancer

Barbara Wider | 02. Jul 2021

Each new summary is reviewed by two independent reviewers, the respective Responsible Editor and the Senior Editor, and is approved by the Advisory Committee. If required, the summary is revised by CAM-Cancer’s professional proofreader.

Task of scientific reviewers

The aim is to ensure that CAM Cancer summaries are prepared in accordance with the standards outlined in the manual.

Boswellia spp

By the CAM Cancer Collaboration | 20. Feb 2021

Boswellia species (frankincense) are a genus of trees found in India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. For medicinal purposes mainly the resin is used, and Boswellia serrata is the most commonly used species. Boswellia extracts have been used orally, topically, and as aromatherapy. Boswellia extracts are claimed to be inhibitors of inflammatory processes, possess anti-cancer actions, and possibly be effective against perifocal oedema in brain cancer, radiation-induced dermatitis, and other inflammatory conditions.

Massage (Classical/Swedish)

By the CAM Cancer Collaboration | 15. Feb 2021

Classical/Swedish massage involves mechanical manipulation of muscles and soft tissues. Practitioners claim that massage may have several positive effects in the treatment of people suffering from cancer, including psychological improvements (e.g. reduction of anxiety and depression) or alleviation of physical symptoms associated with cancer (e.g. reduction of nausea and strengthening of the immune system). Massage has also been promoted to improve overall quality of life.

Aloe vera (Aloe)

By the CAM Cancer Collaboration | 12. Dec 2020

Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant and the gel from its leaves and juice are used for a wide range of problems. In oncology, Aloe vera is applied topically for radiation-induced skin problems, oral submucosal fibrosis (a precancerous condition) and chemotherapy-/radiation-induced inflammation of the digestive tract.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis)

By the CAM Cancer Collaboration | 08. Dec 2020

Green tea is derived from the shrub Camellia sinensis, the same plant as used for black tea, but is not fermented (oxidised). A variety of health benefits has been suggested including cancer prevention.

Ginseng (Panax spp)

By the CAM Cancer Collaboration | 20. Nov 2020

The term ginseng refers to various plant species of the genus Panax. The main species cultivated for drug production are Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng, Asian ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng, Wisconsin ginseng). According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the root of P. ginseng is classified as a traditional herbal medicinal product.Other preparations often do not contain sufficient ginsenosides or may not contain any ginseng at all. Based on clinical research data, the medical uses of ginseng include strengthening and revitalising weak or fatigued patients and any patients suffering from a reduced ability to function and concentrate.

Lycopene

By the CAM Cancer Collaboration | 09. Nov 2020

Lycopene is a carotenoid that forms the red pigment in fruit, such as tomatoes or apricots. Lycopene has been suggested to exhibit antioxidant activities, inhibit cell proliferation and induct apoptosis, thus protecting against cancer (in particular prostate cancer) and providing health benefits for cancer patients. The additional intake of processed tomato products (juice), functional foods enriched with lycopene, or nutritional supplements is marketed based on such claims. This summary concerns the supranutritional intake (i.e. in addition to the content of the daily diet) of lycopene in the form of supplements or functional foods.

Cannabis and cannabinoids

By the CAM Cancer Collaboration | 30. Oct 2020

Medical cannabis refers to preparations from the ingredients of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa L. used for medical purposes. The ingredients characteristic of the hemp family are cannabinoids, which are responsible for the pharmacological effects. Common uses of medical cannabis include neurogenic spasticity, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, anorexia, and chronic pain.

Propagermanium

By the CAM Cancer Collaboration | 15. Sep 2020

Propagermanium is an organic germanium compound. Germanium compounds are popular as nutritional supplements and proponents advertise beneficial effects on the course of a multiplicity of illnesses. Propagermanium is approved for the treatment of hepatitis B in Japan and is thought to have anticancer effects through induction of endogenous interferon-γ production and augmented NK cell activity.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

By the CAM Cancer Collaboration | 11. Sep 2020

Maitake is a mushroom indigenous to many Asian countries. Commercial preparations are available as preserved whole fruiting bodies, pulverized fruiting bodies and extracts from the mycelium. Like other species from this phylum, maitake contains polysaccharides (alpha-/beta-homo- and heteroglycans), proteins, nucleic and amino acids, minerals and trace elements, ergosterin, several vitamins and provitamins, phenols and flavonoids. The suggested key components are beta-glucans which are found in the cell walls of the fruiting bodies and mycelia.
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