What is your approach to patients/parents seeking alternative or complementary treatment in pediatric oncology patients?

Establishing an open dialogue and collaborative partnership with patients and caregivers regarding complementary and alternative therapies is essential.

A critical first step is to clearly distinguish between complementary and alternative medicine. These terms are frequently used interchangeably, yet incorrectly, which can lead to significant misunderstanding. Social media has become a primary source of information for patients and families; unfortunately, it is also a major driver of misinformation in this area. One of the most pervasive misconceptions is the belief that “natural” therapies are inherently safe. This assumption overlooks a fundamental principle: if an intervention has the potential to provide therapeutic benefit, it also car...