Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Skin Cancer a Literature Review of Biologically Active Compounds

Overview

Journal Dermatol Ther

Specialty Dermatology

Date 2022 Sep 20

PMID 36124923

Authors

Leonel Hidalgo

Cristobal Saldias-Fuentes

Karina Carrasco

Allan C Halpern

Jun J Mao

Cristian Navarrete-Dechent

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine or therapies (CAM) are frequently used by skin cancers patients. Patient's self-administration of CAM in melanoma can reach up to 40%-50%. CAMs such as botanical agents, phytochemicals, herbal formulas ("black salve") and cannabinoids, among others, have been described in skin cancer patients. The objective of this review article was to acknowledge the different CAM for skin cancers through the current evidence, focusing on biologically active CAM rather than mind-body approaches. We searched MEDLINE database for articles published through July 2022, regardless of study design. Of all CAMs, phytochemicals have the best in vitro evidence-supporting efficacy against skin cancer including melanoma; however, to date, none have proved efficacy on human patients. Of the phytochemicals, Curcumin is the most widely studied. Several findings support Curcumin efficacy in vitro through various molecular pathways, although most studies are in the preliminary phase. In addition, the use of alternative therapies is not exempt of risks physicians should be aware of their adverse effects, interactions with standard treatments, and possible complications arising from CAM usage. There is emerging evidence for CAM use in skin cancer, but no human clinical trials support the effectiveness of any CAM in the treatment of skin cancer to date. Nevertheless, patients worldwide frequently use CAM, and physicians should educate themselves on currently available CAMs.

Citing Articles

Natural Compounds in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Prevention and Treatment.

Kowalski S, Karska J, Tota M, Skinderowicz K, Kulbacka J, Drag-Zalesinska M Molecules. 2024; 29(3).

PMID: 38338469 PMC: 10856721. DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030728.

Novel Therapeutic Hybrid Systems Using Hydrogels and Nanotechnology: A Focus on Nanoemulgels for the Treatment of Skin Diseases.

Sghier K, Mur M, Veiga F, Paiva-Santos A, Pires P Gels. 2024; 10(1).

PMID: 38247768 PMC: 10815052. DOI: 10.3390/gels10010045.

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