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Homeopathy 2018; 107(04): 292-298
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1666807
Research Proposal
The Faculty of Homeopathy

Homeopathic Treatment of Insomnia and Symptom Clusters Related to Cerebral Chemotoxicity in Oncology

Jean-Lionel Bagot
1   Main General Practice Surgery, Strasbourg, France
2   Robertsau Radiotherapy Centre, Strasbourg, France
3   Department of Integrative Medicine, Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Vincent, Saint Anne Hospital, Strasbourg, France
,
Natalia Marechaud
4   General Practice Department, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
,
Nicolas Deana
4   General Practice Department, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
,
Julie Wendling
4   General Practice Department, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
› Institutsangaben
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

25. Juli 2017

14. Mai 2018

Publikationsdatum:
18. Juli 2018 (online)

    Lizenzen und Reprints

Abstract

Background During chemotherapy, the correlation between insomnia and fatigue, anxiety, pain, depressed mood, and cognitive disorders makes these subjective complaints a ‘symptom cluster’ with common biological mechanisms. The theory of cerebral inflammation following the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (high level of interleukin 1-β [IL1-β], IL6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha) is currently the most generally accepted. Understanding these mechanisms should allow us to propose a chemoprotective homeopathic treatment of the nervous system.

Methods By retaining the inflammatory aetiology, we combined the rubrics ‘Inflammation of the brain’, ‘Inflammation of the meninges’, ‘Inflammation of the nerves’ with the symptom cluster: insomnia, fatigue, depressive state and memory disorders.

Results After repertorisation, we propose the following homeopathic protocol: Belladonna 15c, Phosphorus 15c, Cerebral cortex 4c and Nerves 4c, two pills of each medicine to be sucked together before breakfast, lunch and dinner, on each day of chemotherapy and for the following 2 days.

Conclusion This selected protocol, derived from a physiopathological knowledge of the symptoms, seems to be well suited to the prevention and treatment of post-chemotherapeutic cerebral inflammation. It is essential to start the homeopathic treatment before the chemotherapy session to anticipate the emergence of the ‘chemo-brain’ side effects. This proposed prevention protocol must be confirmed and quantified by randomised studies.

Keywords

Belladonna - cancer - cerebral chemotoxicity - fatigue - symptom cluster - homeopathy - insomnia - Phosphorus - supportive care

Highlights

• Cerebral inflammation caused by chemotherapy causes a symptom cluster.


• Insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, pain and cognitive disorders are typical of ‘chemo-brain’.


• This pathophysiology leads us to propose a chemoprotective homeopathic treatment approach.


• Phosphorus, Aconitum and Belladonna are homeopathic ‘chemo-brain’ medicine candidates.


 

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