Erschienen:
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024
Erschienen in:
Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 168 (2024) 3, Seite 507-513
Sprache:
Englisch
DOI:
10.1007/s11060-024-04696-1
ISSN:
0167-594X;
1573-7373
Entstehung:
Anmerkungen:
Beschreibung:
Abstract Purpose Patients with intracranial gliomas frequently seek for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), in addition to guideline-directed therapy. In this study, we therefore assessed patients’ information needs regarding treatment and support, and evaluated their attitudes toward experimental trials and alternative therapies. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive survey was conducted in our center. We developed an interview focusing on how patients obtain further information about therapy and the use of alternative/complementary therapies. Results A total of 102 patients participated in the survey. 50% (n = 51) of patients reported that they had not attempted any additional therapies. When patients attempted self-therapy, it was most commonly in the areas of nutrition (25%, n = 26) and dietary supplements (17%, n = 17). Alternative or complementary therapies were used by 14% (n = 14) of the patients. Younger age (Odds ratio (OR) 0.96 (95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.92–0.99, p = 0.012) and tumor entity (OR 5.01 (95% CI 1.66–15.11, p = 0.004) for grade 4 vs. 3 tumors and OR 7.22 (95% CI 1.99–26.28) for grade 4 vs. other tumors p = 0.003) were significantly associated with a greater interest in CAM. Conclusions Interest in complementary and alternative medicine, as well as nutrition and dietary supplements is high (51%) among glioma patients, and significantly higher among younger patients and those with a worse diagnosis (WHO grade 4). A comprehensive approach to information, including paramedical topics, is needed to provide optimal patient counseling and care for glioma patients.