Integrative naturopathic pediatric oncology offers a compassionate care model that is focused on the whole child. Dr. Rose employees all the traditional naturopathic tools to support the immune system and strengthen vitality during the rigors of conventional cancer care. Further, Dr. Rose creates a sensory based care experience that may include essential oils, a playful heart, herbal formulas, story telling, and CranioSacral therapy.

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Most current surveys suggest that up to 84% patients with childhood cancers seek (CAM) to reduce dose limiting side effects associated with cancer therapy, as adjuvant to conventional medications, improve quality of life, and provide support for coping with the diagnosis of cancer. Upwards of 50%-85% of these patients are under reporting the use of CAM. (Soo Yeon Kim. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 812054.) Families use CAM in conjunction with conventional therapies, with relatively few reports describing the use of CAM in lieu of conventional medicine. Parents and children use CAM for a variety of reasons including: “to try everything possible,” to reduce the stress of illness, improve quality of life, symptom management, and sometimes for a cure. Strides have been made over the past several years in demonstrating the safety and efficacy of several CAM therapies, however, there is still limited data regarding the use of CAM in combination with conventional cancer therapy among children with cancer.

Why CAM for survivors of childhood cancer?

As conventional medicine becomes increasingly effective at treating children with cancer, the challenges of survivorship have become a priority area for research. Studies have estimated that 60-70% of children will have at least one disability as a result of cancer therapy including fatigue, bone density, pain syndromes, and anxiety, and are at increased risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility, and second malignancies (Oeffinger, CA Cancer J Clin 2004; 54:208-36). Survivors of childhood cancer report the use of CAM to reduce risk of relapse, cope with late effects from cancer therapy, or reduce their risk of developing a late effect.

We have yet to see the research investigating the efficacy of CAM among survivors of childhood cancer, however, CAM as a component of a healthy lifestyle may provide support to survivors in coping with many of the late effects of cancer therapy. Several studies demonstrate the safety and efficacy of CAM use for prevention and co-management of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological developmental conditions and osteoporosis. Potential CAM therapies that may be of specific benefit to survivors of childhood cancer include nutritional counseling and some biological supplements as they may have a role in the survivor population. With many supplements there is less of a concern for interactions with conventional medications. Yoga and meditation, which may help with coping with the anxiety of cancer recurrence, disturbances in balance or gait, or as an aid to maintain a healthy weight and bones. Acupuncture may also provide relief to patients who are challenged with fatigue, recurrent pain, infertility or those experiencing disturbances in hormone balance.

 Palliative care

Conventional therapy alone has not eliminated pain and suffering at the end of a child’s life. Providing optimal palliative care for children with advancing cancer may include the incorporation of CAM modalities into the care of the child suffering with unresponsive cancer. Massage, Reiki, and breathing techniques have shown to help comfort children with cancer at the end of life.