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Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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  • OCCAM
    The Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) was established to coordinate and enhance the activities of the NCI in the arena of complementary and alternative medicine.
  • NCCAM
    NCCAM, at the National Institutes of Health, is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, training CAM researchers, and disseminating authoritative information.

Alternative Medical Systems in Cancer

Information about the use of acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and other systems that developed earlier than and apart from standard cancer care in the United States.

On this page:

Acupuncture

Clinical Trials for Acupuncture Therapy

Find Clinical Trials for Acupuncture Therapy
Check for U.S. clinical trials about acupuncture from NCI’s list of cancer clinical trials that are now accepting participants. The list of trials can be further narrowed by location, drug, intervention, and other criteria.

General Information on Alternative Medical Systems

In addition to cancer-related information on alternative medical systems, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) provides general information about alternative medical systems. Learn more from NCCAM about:

  • Ayurvedic Medicine - Integrates and balances the body, mind, and spirit to help prevent illness and promote wellness. 
  • Homeopathic Medicine - Uses homeopathy for wellness and prevention and to treat many diseases and conditions.
  • Naturopathic Medicine -  Supports health rather than combating disease. 
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - Describes traditional medical practices and theories originating in China, including acupuncture, massage, qi gong, and herbal medicine. 

You will need Adobe Flash Player 8 or later and JavaScript enabled to view this video.

Clinical experts from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center describe acupuncture, discuss the benefits and risks, and share patient testimonies.