Researchers asked 166 patients with a rare type of blood cancer called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) about their use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)—treatments outside of standard medical care. They found that more than half of patients used some form of alternative treatment, with women using them more often than men. The most common choices were vitamin supplements like vitamin D and vitamin C. The study suggests doctors should talk with their patients about these treatments to make sure they’re safe and don’t interfere with regular cancer care.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How often patients with a rare blood cancer use alternative or complementary treatments alongside their regular medical care
  • Who participated: 166 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (a chronic blood cancer), with an average age of 65 years; 57% were women and 43% were men
  • Key finding: About 60% of women and 42% of men with this blood cancer used some form of alternative treatment, most commonly vitamin supplements like vitamin D
  • What it means for you: If you or a loved one has this type of blood cancer, it’s important to tell your doctor about any supplements or alternative treatments you’re using, as some may interact with your regular medications

The Research Details

Researchers gave 166 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms a paper questionnaire asking about their use of alternative and complementary treatments. The patients filled out the forms themselves, reporting what supplements they took, what therapies they tried, and other non-standard medical approaches they used. The researchers then analyzed the responses to see which treatments were most popular and whether certain groups of patients (like women versus men, or those who had been sick longer) used these treatments more often.

This type of study is called a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot of what patients were doing at one point in time, rather than following them over months or years. The questionnaire approach allowed patients to honestly report their choices without pressure from doctors.

Understanding what alternative treatments patients actually use is important because some supplements or therapies might interfere with cancer medications or cause other problems. By asking patients directly, researchers can help doctors have better conversations with their patients about safety and effectiveness. This information helps doctors provide better care and prevents dangerous interactions between treatments.

This study has some strengths: it included a reasonable number of patients (166) and asked them directly about their experiences. However, it’s limited because it only captured what patients were doing at one moment in time, and it relied on patients remembering and honestly reporting their choices. The study didn’t investigate whether these alternative treatments actually helped or hurt patients, only that they were being used. Results may not apply to all MPN patients everywhere, as this was done in one location.

What the Results Show

More than half of all patients (about 55%) used some form of complementary or alternative medicine. Women were significantly more likely to use these treatments than men—60% of women compared to 42% of men. Patients who had been living with their blood cancer for longer periods of time were more likely to use alternative treatments than those newly diagnosed.

The most popular treatments were nutritional supplements. About 27% of patients took vitamin D, 16% took vitamin C, 11% took zinc, and 11% took multivitamin preparations. Smaller numbers of patients used other supplements like selenium (7%) or plant-based products (8%).

Beyond supplements, some patients tried other alternative approaches: 7% tried acupuncture, 7% practiced yoga, 6% received spiritual support, 4% tried homeopathy, and 2% used mistletoe therapy. Very few patients (3%) used amygdalin, which is a controversial substance sometimes promoted as a cancer treatment.

The study found that patients with different types of myeloproliferative neoplasms had similar patterns of alternative medicine use, suggesting this behavior is common across the different subtypes of this blood cancer. The fact that longer disease duration was associated with higher CAM use suggests that patients may turn to alternative treatments as they cope with ongoing symptoms and side effects from their regular medications.

This research adds to existing knowledge showing that cancer patients commonly use complementary and alternative treatments. Previous studies have shown similar patterns in other cancer types, with patients seeking additional ways to manage symptoms and side effects. This study is one of the first to specifically examine this behavior in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, filling a gap in understanding this particular patient population.

The study only captured what patients were doing at one point in time, so we don’t know if they continued using these treatments or changed their choices. The study didn’t measure whether these treatments actually helped or harmed patients. Because patients filled out the questionnaire themselves, there may be some inaccuracy in what they reported. The study was done in one location, so results may not apply to all MPN patients worldwide. The study didn’t explore why patients chose these treatments or what benefits they felt they received.

The Bottom Line

If you have myeloproliferative neoplasms or a similar blood cancer: (1) Tell your doctor about any supplements or alternative treatments you’re using or considering—this is important to prevent dangerous interactions with your regular medications (HIGH confidence); (2) Ask your doctor which supplements are safe for you specifically, as some may interfere with your cancer treatment (HIGH confidence); (3) Be cautious about unproven treatments like amygdalin or claims from ‘healers’ that promise cures (HIGH confidence); (4) Discuss your reasons for wanting alternative treatments with your doctor—they may be able to address underlying concerns like symptom management or side effects (MODERATE confidence).

This research is most relevant for people diagnosed with myeloproliferative neoplasms and their doctors. It’s also important for family members and caregivers who may encourage or help manage treatments. Healthcare providers should use this information to start conversations with patients about alternative medicine use. People with other types of cancer may find this information somewhat relevant, as similar patterns likely exist in other cancer populations.

Changes won’t happen overnight. If you’re considering adding or stopping supplements, discuss timing with your doctor. Some supplements take weeks to show effects, while others may cause immediate interactions with medications. Your doctor can help you understand realistic timelines for any changes you make.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Log any supplements or alternative treatments you use daily, including the name, dose, and time taken. Also track any symptoms you experience (like fatigue, pain, or itching) on a 1-10 scale to see if there are patterns between what you take and how you feel.
  • Use the app to create a conversation starter with your doctor by listing all supplements and alternative treatments you’re currently using or considering. Before starting any new supplement or alternative treatment, log it in the app and set a reminder to discuss it with your healthcare team within 48 hours.
  • Review your supplement and treatment log monthly with your doctor. Track any changes in your symptoms, energy levels, or side effects from regular medications. Use the app to note any new symptoms that appear after starting a new supplement, and share this information with your medical team at your next appointment.

This research describes what patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms reported using, but does not prove that these treatments are safe or effective for everyone. Some supplements and alternative treatments can interfere with cancer medications or cause serious side effects. Never start, stop, or change any supplement or alternative treatment without first discussing it with your oncologist or healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have myeloproliferative neoplasms or any blood cancer, work closely with your medical team to make informed decisions about all aspects of your care.