Six patterns of homeopathy use in integrative oncology: A qualitative study (TOUCAN)

Abstract

Introduction

Cancer patients’ quality of life has improved with supportive care which encompasses diverse conventional therapies along with complementary and alternative medicine. Since little is known about the use of homeopathy, this article aims to describe its applications in women with non-metastatic breast cancer in France.

Method

Patients, general practitioner-homeopaths, and oncologists were included based on defined criteria, utilizing a theoretical sampling strategy. Due to evidence and ethics, homeopathy was considered only as a complementary in integrative oncology (IO). Data were collected until saturation was reached through individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The analysis employed inductive thematic techniques. Inclusion, interviewing, and coding occurred iteratively. Data are reported according to the COREQ guidelines.

Results

Twenty-eight patients (all women, aged 32–76), 13 oncologists (8 men, aged 30–62), 6 homeopaths (5 women, aged 29–68), 2 gynecologists and 1 nurse (all were women, aged 29–65) participated. The core theme “Supportive Care as a Whole” echoed the concept of “healthcare bricolage” or “the processes by which individuals use multiple resources to address health concerns.” Homeopathy was intended to 1) complement conventional and supportive care, 2) be complemented with other supportive therapies, 3) substitute for supportive drugs, 4) replace other supportive therapies, 5) not be suitable to replace all supportive therapies, and 6) be the only supportive option available in some situations.

Conclusion

There are several ways of using homeopathy that depend on other conventional and supportive therapies a patient uses. Clinicians should more frequently evaluate the diverse uses of homeopathy in supportive care.

Take-home message

There are six practical reasons why breast cancer patients turn to homeopathy within the scope of integrative oncology. These reasons depend on the representation of care as a whole, along with the availability, accessibility, effectiveness, benefits, and effort required by this and other therapies – both conventional and supportive – used by the patient.