Herbal medicine for cancer patients: An evidence based review

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely embraced by cancer patients due to largely patient driven demands for integration of herbal therapies into cancer treatment. The value of herbal medicine in cancer patients can only be fully realised when prescription is integrated into conventional cancer management models; a medico rather than patient driven strategy. Integrated medicine is a holistic approach to cancer care, with some herbal medicines showing proven effectiveness as adjuvants to conventional medical treatments. At the present time there is little evidence of a systematic process of evaluation or dialogue between mainstream medicine and herbal medicine practitioners. This review offers an evidence-based perspective of herbal medicine for cancer prevention, cancer treatment, managing cancer survival and palliation.