There are a variety of reasons mesothelioma patients and their loved ones seek information about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies. Some lack faith in our current medical system or Western medicine in general. Others prefer to avoid the negative reactions or long-term effects of traditional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We welcome Dr. Snehal Smart as the guest speaker to discuss these topics in our March support group. For more information on this topic, visit us at www.asbestos.com

1. Dr. Snehal Smart, M.D.
Patient Advocate
Complementary and Alternative
Medicine

2. 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

3. 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.
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4. 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 nd
Qi Gong
 Exercise Therapies
o Yoga, Tai Chi
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5. 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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6. 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
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7.  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

8. 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 mangosteen
juice (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.

9. 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 Budwig
Protocol. 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 Budwig
Protocol 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.

10. 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.
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11. 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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12. 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

13. 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

14. Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270