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In response to: Professor Cassileth’s manuscript on "Alternative and Complementary Cancer Treatments," featured in The Oncologist 1996;1:173-179.

Department of Pediatrics National University Hospital Singapore

Correspondence: Barrie R. Cassileth, Ph.D., 8033 Old NC 86, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA. Telephone and Fax: 919-967-2184; e-mail: brc{at}med.unc.edu -or- barrie{at}nando.net

Alternative and complementary therapies differ importantly, and the distinction between the two is crucial for clinical oncologists. "Alternative" or unproven therapies are treatments used independent of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. They can be dangerous directly and also by delaying patients’ receipt of mainstream care. In contrast, complementary therapies typically are adjuncts to mainstream medicine. They can provide symptom control and noninvasive palliation with minimal side effects, improve patients’ well-being and enhance cancer medicine. Complementary therapies represent a desired addition and balance to technologically sophisticated cancer care.