Critique 2: Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Pediatric Oncology

A research program in CAM and childhood cancer is essential. This proposal has made a strong beginning by summarizing the literature, providing a conceptual model in which to evaluate CAM, and detailing the issues to be considered in developing research studies in CAM. The next steps should include the development of a system to prioritize areas for research in CAM in the cooperative group and strategies to enhance patient recruitment to such trials. The research has great significance given the ever-increasing numbers of children using CAM during cancer treatment. The researchers are to be commended for their initial efforts to develop this research agenda.