Since 1991, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has had a process for evaluation of data from alternative medicine practitioners of groups of patients with cancer treated with alternative medical approaches. This process, called the Best Case Series Program, provides an independent review of the medical records and primary source materials (medical imaging [e.g. radiographic, or ultrasound films] and pathology [cytology and surgical pathology]) and an overall assessment of the evidence for a therapeutic effect.

In 1999, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) established a Cancer Advisory Panel for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAPCAM) which advises the NCCAM about promising CAM approaches for the treatment of cancer patients. The NCI works closely with the CAPCAM and data from best case series are now presented to this panel for its review and assessment. The NCI will support rigorous scientific investigation of approaches with positive best case series reviews.

The Preparation of Best Case Series and the Conduct of Pilot Clinical Trials using CAM Modalities document provides guidance to individuals who want to develop data supporting further research with their approach. Since for many complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities animal models are irrelevant and/or the approach is already being administered to patients, this document focuses on the generation of interpretable clinical data.

What kind of case reports are most appropriate for inclusion in a Best Case Series?

If you are a CAM practitioner treating cancer patients and would like to prepare and present a best case series, please contact us at:
ncioccam1-r@mail.nih.gov

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