Die Möglichkeiten eines supportiven Einsatzes der Phytotherapie bei Brustkrebspatientinnen

Chemotherapy and endocrine therapy of breast cancer are often accompanied by undesirable side effects, which can be so debilitating for the patient, that continuation of the treatment might not be possible. Based on a literature review of clinical trials on 3 plants, turmeric (Curcuma longa), milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), the objective of this article is to investigate a potential role of phytotherapy as a supportive treatment of some of the side effects encountered by breast cancer patients undergoing chemo- or endocrine therapy. This article deliberately did not include studies on mistletoe therapy in comparable clinical situations due to the ready availability of a wide range of appropriate reviews.

The few published clinical trials on all 3 plants show a positive trend with regards to their potential as a supportive treatment of breast cancer patients. However, more high-quality trials are required to corroborate the findings in this review.