Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapy (CAM) Use by Allogeneic BMT Survivorship Patients

To describe the incidence and types of CAM use across Allogeneic BMT survivors, which can be used to guide strategies to improve long term care for BMT recipients. The Sydney Post-BMT study is a collaborative study including all Allogeneic BMT units across the State of New South Wales, Australia. Study Participants were eligible if they were >18 years of age and had undergone an allogeneic BMT between 1st January 2000 and 31stDecember 2012. Participants completed a 402 item questionnaire regarding the use of CAM, medical complications, specialist referrals, tests and assessments, medications and therapies, infections, vaccinations, cancer screening, lifestyle and occupational issues and relationship status following stem cell transplantation. Categorical responses were summarised using frequencies and percentages. A total of 1,475 allogeneic HSCT were performed in the study period. Of the 669 recipients known to be alive at study sampling, 583 were contactable and were sent study packs. Four hundred and forty three (66% of total eligible, 76% of those contacted) returned the completed survey. Median survival time post BMT was 5 years (Range: 1.3 yrs - 12 yrs). The results of this study found that 238 (53.9%) BMT survivorship patients used at least one form of CAM, with individual groups shown in Table 1. There was no age difference between CAM users and non-users. Women (P=0.016), people living in a major city (P=0.014) and those with a university education (P=0.041) were significantly more likely to use CAMs. Additionally, patients taking antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal treatment were significantly less likely to use CAMs (P=0.039). These results demonstrate a large proportion (53.9%) of BMT survivors routinely use CAMs. Given the evidence for CAM usage as well as potential risks and interactions with allogeneic therapies, BMT clinicians should enquire about the usage of CAM therapies and be willing to provide education and support where appropriate.Table 1Total CAM Usage.CAM usersOverall CAM UsersDiet Modifications13.6% (59)53.9% (238)Vitamin (ex Calcium/VitD)30% (128)Spiritual and Mental17.2% (74)Herbal Supplements13.5% (58)Physical Complementary26.0% (112)Chinese Medicine3.5% (15)Reiki3.0% (13)Homeopathy3.0% (13) Open table in a new tab