BREAST CANCER AND PHOTOTHERAPY

In general, conventional cancer treatment options (i.e. surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy, and hormone therapy) are not completely effective. Relapse and other pathological conditions are still a problem in breast cancer patients due to side effects, toxicity of drugs in normal cells, and aggressive behavior of tumors. From this perspective, breast cancer treatment and adjuvant methods represent a promising and challenging area for researchers. In the last few years, the use of certain types of complementary medicine, such as phytotherapeutic products and nutritional supplements, by women with a history of breast cancer has increased significantly. However, the use of such approaches in oncological processes can be problematic and may present patient health risks, such as interfering with the effectiveness of standard cancer treatment.
Breast cancer is an important public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Despite outstanding diagnostic skills and significant advances in treatment over the past decade, breast cancer continues to represent one of the most frequently diagnosed emerging cancers among women and one of the leading causes of cancer death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that more than 508,000 women worldwide died from breast cancer in 2011. Breast cancer patients are increasing, using Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) associated with standard cancer treatment, namely chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The use of CAM (complementary/alternative therapies) is increasing among the public, up to 65% of the European population uses this medicine and it is widely applied among cancer patients. CAM is defined as a group of different modalities that include a variety of medical and healthcare systems, products, and practices that are not generally considered part of standard medical treatments. Among the CAMs used in cancer patients, herbal preparations or phytotherapy are the most common and oldest used treatment group. Most often, patients use herbal products for self-medication. It uses products derived from all or part of plants and is a common practice in all civilizations around the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Phytotherapeutic products are not tested with the scientific rigor required by traditional medicines and are not controlled with any purity and efficacy certificates. Reasons for using phytotherapeutic products include reducing disease symptoms and preventing disease (for example, garlic contains high levels of organosulfur compounds that have been experimentally proven to prevent cancer in animals). Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women. Women with a history of breast cancer often turn to alternative and complementary therapies, phytotherapeutic products and nutritional supplements, for the management of the typical symptoms and side effects of conventional cancer treatments.
Despite their widespread use, these products are poorly regulated and can be positive (eg, synergistic effects) or negative (eg, metabolic and drug interactions reducing the therapeutic benefits of conventional cancer treatments). There is a lack of high-quality scientific evidence for most phytotherapeutic products and dietary supplements, however, more clinical scientific evidence of safety and efficacy is imperative.