Ethical issues in integrative oncology

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2008 Aug;22(4):737-53, x. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2008.04.009.

Abstract

Integrative oncology relates to an emerging dialog between complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) scholars, oncologists, family practitioners, and other health care providers who envision an extended and holistic patient-centered approach to oncology care. The multiple commitments of integrative oncology to a medical humanistic approach and to a strong evidence-based foundation may impose considerable ethical concerns and dilemmas. The authors use narrative ethics to present a case study that exemplifies the ethical challenges confronting physicians and health care providers who wish to provide an integrative approach for their patients. An ethical analysis of the narrative is provided to help clarify the ethical issues and conflicts within it. Finally, a framework that may transform ethical constraints to a communication tool is proposed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anthroposophy
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Complementary Therapies / ethics*
  • Culture
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Hematology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Oncology / ethics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy
  • Multiple Myeloma / psychology
  • Multiple Myeloma / radiotherapy
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy
  • Patients / psychology
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Physicians / psychology
  • Professional Autonomy
  • Treatment Refusal
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Vincristine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Doxorubicin

Supplementary concepts

  • VAD I protocol