Complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a multicentric italian survey

Background. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is defined as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine and, generally, have limited scientific evidence. The use of CAM is common in cancer patients and is steadily increasing over time. Aims. This study reports the preliminary results of an ongoing Italian multicentric survey in which we would like to assess the use of CAM in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and to identify social and economical features related to its use. The protocol was approved by local Ethical Committees and informed consent was given by patients. Methods. Data were collected by means of a standardized questionnaire with several items assessing the use of CAM, reasons for CAM use, as well as demographic, disease status and treatment. The sample consisted of 309 patients with CLL followed at 13 Italian Hematologic Institutions. Results. One hundred seventy-seven (57%) patients were male and 132 (43%) female. Mean age was 69 years (range 37- 94 years). The majority of patients came from Southern Italy (59%), the remaining patients came from Central (32%) and Northern Italy (9%), respectively. Of 309 participants, 42 (14%) were found to be CAM users. The majority of them started CAM after the diagnosis of CLL. The most commonly CAM therapies were green tea (18 patients), aloe (7 patients), and high dose vitamins (7 patients). Main sources of information about CAM were friends, family, media, physicians and Internet. Predictors for CAM use were a higher education level (p <0. 01) and internet availability (p <0. 001). No difference, however, were found among gender, age, occupation and urban or rural area of residence. Conclusions. CAM is frequently used in CLL patients. The reasons for CAM popularity among these patients are complex. Given the number of patients combining conventional therapy with CAM and the possible drug interactions, doctor interest as well as patient education about CAM should be improved.