Alternative or unconventional treatments for cancer are increasingly popular. Indeed, these are popular for a number of reasons, including the patients' interest in being an active participant in their care. Some of the intangible benefits ascribed to alternative therapy may be achieved in a good patient-doctor relationship. Patients may feel better or claim to be doing better than they would have without it. What is often lacking is a properly done clinical trial to prove or disprove such claims.
Many alternative therapies are relatively benign and there is little risk.
Serious risk or harm can come if an alternative therapy is used in place of one of known efficacy such as putting off curative chemotherapy for an alternative treatment. Another serious harmful effect may come about if the patient is blamed for the failure of the alternative therapy. This adds guilt and misery to an already difficult situation. In general, I feel it is best that the patient and doctor discuss these with both listening to one another in a non-judgmental way. Using this approach should minimize any potential harm as well as encourage discussion of other issues as they arise.