Dr. Snehal Smart, M.D.

Patient Advocate

Complementary and Alternative

Medicine

Who Is Snehal Smart?

Patient Advocate

Bachelor of Science from Nova Southeastern University

Medical Degree from St. Matthews University School of Medicine

Impressed by the power of natural healing

I can answer many general medical questions about mesothelioma

Help mesothelioma patients access leading national surgeons and oncologists

Share my knowledge of mesothelioma treatment options, proper diet and nutrition

Not an expert on alternative therapy, but I have some knowledge of it

(800) 615-2270

What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

Complementary medicine refers to therapies used in conjunction with standard treatment.

Alternative medicine refers to therapies that are used instead of standard treatment.

Another approach – Integrative Medicine – strives to blend the best complementary and traditional therapies using a multidisciplinary tactic to

address the unique needs of each patient.

(800) 615-2270

Examples of CAM Therapies

Alternative Medical Systems

o Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Serrapeptase Therapy

Manipulative and Body-Based Methods

o Chiropractic Care and Therapeutic Massage, Osteopathy and Reflexology

Energy Therapies

o Therapeutic Touch, Reiki ndQi Gong

Exercise Therapies

o Yoga, Tai Chi

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Examples of CAM Therapies (cont.)

Mind-Body Interventions

o Meditation, Hypnosis, Art or Music Therapy, Biofeedback, Relaxation Therapy and Support Groups

Spiritual Therapies

o Prayer, Spiritual Healing

Nutritional Therapeutics

o Vegetarianism, Vitamins, Macrobiotic Diet, Gerson Therapy, Budwig Protocol, Mangosteen, Curcumin and Turmeric

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Why Do People with Cancer Choose CAM?

CAM may help them cope with cancer treatment side effects such as nausea, pain and fatigue

Provides some level of comfort and eases worries associated with cancer treatment and stress

Feel they are managing their own care

Another method to treat the cancer

(800) 615-2270

Paul Kraus was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 1997 at the age of 52. He decided against conventional therapies and opted for an alternative approach.

Kraus switched to an organic vegetarian diet, juiced, took supplements, exercised, practiced mind-body therapies such as meditation and incorporated a spiritual perspective that helped reduce stress.

Took Ukraine, a semisynthetic compound made from the celandine plant and anticancer drug thiotepa, for nearly 18 months.

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CAM Therapies Used by Mesothelioma Survivors

CAM Therapies Used by Mesothelioma Survivors (cont.)

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Judy Glezinski was diagnosed in 1990. Underwent surgery and radiation for pleural mesothelioma. She lived with mesothelioma for 18 years and incorporated the following CAM therapies: prayer, aromatherapy, massage (including reflexology), and mangosteenjuice (reported to shrink lung tumors in some people).

J.R. O’Connor was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2001, didn’t qualify for surgery or radiation, and he refused chemotherapy. Lived seven years after diagnosis by eating organic foods, cut out most meats, eliminated sugar and processed foods. He also took supplements, exercised and practiced mind-body therapies such as hypnotherapy for stress reduction.

Bob Oberstar, 71, refused chemotherapy and radiation following his surgery for pleural mesothelioma because he wanted to avoid the side effects. Instead, he boosted his immune system with a new diet focused on foods high in antioxidants. Bob likes to remain active outdoors through fishing, hunting and gardening.

CAM Therapies Used by Mesothelioma Survivors

(cont.)

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James Broomer, 74, didn’t see much success with chemotherapy for his pleural mesothelioma a year ago. After doctors told him to turn to hospice, his wife decided to try a diet called the BudwigProtocol. Six months later, James gained 20 pounds and didn’t need an oxygen tank. His lungs stopped collecting fluid, too.

In addition to a daily flaxseed and cottage cheese dish, the BudwigProtocol includes lots of fruits and vegetables and omits animal fats, dairy, seafood, white bread and sugar, certain oils and trans fats.

As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. These survivors did something different that worked for them. Also, all of these survivors worked with licensed medical professionals while undergoing CAM therapies.

Always talk to your doctor before starting a new therapy. Our Patient Advocates also can help you find a CAM specialist.

The Importance of Involving Your Oncologist

Your oncologist can explain why some alternative therapies might conflict with your traditional treatment.

They can also prevent you from being tricked by questionable sources of alternative medicine. Be open and honest with your doctor.

If your doctor isn’t receptive to your interest in CAM therapies, consider finding an oncologist who will work with your interests. Integrative medicine programs staff oncologists who use traditional and CAM therapies. These programs are available at certain cancer centers throughout the U.S.

(800) 615-2270

Trustworthy Resources of CAM Information

The Mesothelioma Center is growing their online resources on CAM. Always check Asbestos.com for new information. Although we are not experts on any form of treatment, our Patient Advocates can find answers to your questions.

The Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine www.Cancer.gov

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer (non-profit) www.Cam-Cancer.org

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine www.NIH.gov

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Trustworthy Resources of Integrative Medicine

Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center www.MDAnderson.org

Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology www.SimmsMannCenter.ucla.edu

Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute www.Dana-Farber.org

Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine & Digestive Center www.JohnsHopkins.org

Email me at Ssmart@asbestos.com if you have any questions or call (800) 615-2270.

(800) 615-2270

How to Help

Ask your loved one if they want your assistance investigating

treatment options and cancer centers.

Accept their treatment decision.

(800) 615-2270

Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270