Alternative Therapies for Cancer- and Chemotherapy-Related Complications

Course Overview
Complementary therapies have become commonplace for patients undergoing cancer treatment. These options are often used with the goal of managing cancer- and chemotherapy-related complications and improving overall quality of life. While some of these therapies have strong evidence of benefit with minimal safety concerns, others may offer no benefit while introducing risk. To ensure the safe use of these therapies, healthcare professionals should keep an open line of communication with their patients, encouraging regular discussion of all therapies being used, including prescription drugs, vitamins, minerals, cannabis, herbal extracts, aromatherapy, exercise-based modalities, acupoint therapies, and more.

Learning Outcomes 
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:

• Review the common indications for complementary therapies during cancer treatment.
• Discuss the evidence for the use of cannabis, aromatherapy, and bee-derived products for managing chemotherapy-related complications.
• Weigh the risks and benefits of herbal therapies when used in patients with cancer.
• Consider the evidence for vitamin and mineral supplements during cancer treatment.
• Provide counseling points for the safe and effective use of health and wellness modalities in patients with cancer.

About the Author/Presenter 
Chelsey McIntyre, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist who specializes in drug information, literature analysis, and medical writing. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics from the University of California, Davis. She then went on to complete her PharmD at Creighton University, followed by a clinical residency at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dr. McIntyre held the position of Drug Information and Policy Development Pharmacist at CHOP until her move to Washington state in 2017, after which she spent the next six years as a clinical editor for Natural Medicines, a clinical reference database focused on natural products and alternative therapies. She continues to create rigorous professional analysis and patient education materials for various publications while also practicing as a hospital pharmacist. Her professional interests include provider and patient education, as well as the application of evidence-based research to patient care.

Audience/Accreditations and Approvals 
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE 
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details): 
Nursing, Pharmacy, Physician, Pharmacy Technician

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