The main scientific goals of the CAM Center are to characterize the neuroendocrine-mediated, immune and oxidative stress mechanisms underlying and linked to various aspects of cancer genesis, metastasis and treatment; and to develop the scientific substrate for expanding the study of CAM interventions relative to these mediators of cancer and concomitants, such as cancer pain. In the Johns Hopkins CAM Center proposal, translational and clinical research project proposals are amalgamated to reduce neuroendocrine stresses in breast cancer patients, to alleviate cancer pain, and to examine the activity of PC-SPES, an herbal preparation with eight components, in prostate cancer patients.
Our mission is strengthened by international links with our Johns Hopkins Singapore campus and access to a community of CAM practitioners who will not only take an active role in the research agenda but also will serve as teachers and mentors. The overall goal of the CAM Center is to apply state-of-the-art research methodology in highly promising CAM modalities for cancer and to invigorate the intellectual atmosphere with CAM research, thus leading to a new age of integrative, comprehensive care.
