Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41609969›Full record

ArticlePediatric blood & cancer2026

Family Perspectives on Pediatric Complementary and Integrative Medicine Practices in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.

Alexia Kessler, Alexis C Wardell, Jessica Buddenbaum, Melissa Luna, Donya Abosaba, Kenneth Busby, Emily Greengard, Isabel Roth, Thomas B Alexander, Cammie Moore Presler

Erratum issuedAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Pediatric blood & cancer, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. An erratum has been issued. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Alexia KesslerDepartment of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Alexis C WardellLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Jessica BuddenbaumLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Melissa LunaDepartment of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7151-8619
Donya AbosabaDepartment of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Kenneth BusbyDepartment of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1199-0081
Emily GreengardDepartment of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Isabel RothSchool of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Thomas B AlexanderDepartment of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Cammie Moore PreslerDepartment of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.

Funding

Cancer Control Education ProgramT32CA057726 · NCI · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · PI Melissa B Gilkey, Melissa A. Troester · 2017 to 2026
$3.7M
NCI NIH HHS T32 CA057726University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundFamilies of children with cancer and nonmalignant blood disorders frequently explore complementary medicine (CM). Despite growing evidence supporting CM for pediatric populations, physician communication about its use remains limited. This study evaluates caregiver awareness, interest, and use of CM among pediatric hematology/oncology patients.

methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among caregivers at the University of North Carolina Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic (May-September 2024). Eligible participants spoke English or Spanish and had attended at least one clinic visit. The survey assessed awareness and use of CM, including nutrition, supplements, mind-body practices (e.g., prayer, acupuncture, and yoga), and whole medical systems (e.g., traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines)-as well as costs, motivations, and barriers.

resultsA total of 150 caregivers completed the survey. Only 30% of respondents were familiar with CM terminology, yet 58% reported using at least one CM form. Dietary modifications were most common (47%), followed by mind-body practices (20%). Caregivers of cancer patients prioritized CM to reduce treatment side effects, whereas caregivers for those of patients with nonmalignant hematology conditions prioritized long-term quality-of-life. Barriers included lack of awareness (61%) and cost (15%). Only 17% had discussed CM or PIM (pediatric integrative medicine) with clinicians, and in most cases (60%), caregivers initiated the conversation.

conclusionsFindings highlight significant gaps in awareness, access, and clinician-family communication regarding pediatric CM. Despite limitations such as single-site design and modest sample size, results underscore the need for caregiver education and accessible services to better support pediatric patients and families.

Indexed as

CaregiversComplementary TherapiesFamilyHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeIntegrative MedicineNeoplasmsAdolescentAdultChildChild, PreschoolCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHematologyHumansMaleMedical Oncologycaregivercomplementary medicinehematologyintegrativeoncologyperspectives

Identifiers

PMID41609969
PMCPMC13596703

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.