A Pilot Survey of Integrative Oncology in Hospitalized Children Undergoing Aggressive Therapy for Cancer and Blood Disorders at a Single Pediatric Cancer Center

OBJECTIVES: To assess treatment modalities and patients’ attitude regarding integrative oncology with a special focus on Kampo in hospitalized children for hematological diseases and solid tumors. METHODS: All children who were hospitalized for hematological or oncological diseases at the Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Hospital, between January 25 and February 25, 2018, were invited to participate in this prospective survey. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients responded to the survey. These included 27 patients aged ≤6 years, 11 aged ≥13 years, and 10 aged 7 to 12 years; 19 were diagnosed with a hematological malignancy, 9 with a nonmalignant hematological/immunological disease, and 20 with solid tumors. In all, 42% of patients were administered pharmaceutical-grade Kampo extracts, and 80% reported high effectiveness. Other modalities were used much less frequently. Oral administration of herbal extracts was challenging in children treated with Kampo. Integrated use of Kampo in pediatric hematology/oncology was desired in 77%, and 79% wished for more information about Kampo. In all, 90% desired to be seen by a pediatric hematologist/oncologist specializing in Kampo. CONCLUSION: Contribution of Kampo to pediatric hematology/oncology was highly appreciated during aggressive therapy for cancer and blood disorders.