Patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use and factors influencing its utilization in thyroid cancer: findings from the MASTER study

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BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are increasingly popular; however, comprehensive data on their usage patterns and types remain limited, especially in South Korea. We investigated the patterns and economic impact of CAM use in thyroid cancer after lobectomy. METHODS: We utilized data from the MASTER study, a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial on patients with differentiated thyroid cancer post-lobectomy. Data on CAM usage in 1,166 patients at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were included. Logistic regression quantified the effect of levothyroxine treatment on CAM usage. RESULTS: CAM use was reported by 58% of participants. Dietary nutritional products were the most used CAM modality, with usage rates of 42.5% at baseline, decreasing to 37.7% at 12 months. Exercise and physical therapies also showed significant differences, with 19.2% using these modalities at baseline, increasing to 27.1% at 12 months. The median cost for CAM varied, with dietary products consistently costing 144 USD (200,000 KRW) and exercise costs rising from 144 USD (200,000 KRW) to 288 USD (400,000 KRW) over time. Patients on levothyroxine were less likely to use CAM, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.45-0.72, P < 0.001). However, levothyroxine users who did use CAM were more likely to use multiple CAM modalities, with an OR of 3.66 (95% CI = 1.88-7.14, P = 0.001) at baseline, though this association did not remain significant later. CONCLUSIONS: CAM is integrated into thyroid cancer treatment, indicating a need for healthcare professionals to discuss its safety and effective care integration.

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