Alternative Medicine for Cancer Patients

This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Devendra Parikh, Consultant - Surgical Oncology, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Alternative Medicine?
• Prevalence of Use
• What are the Common Types of Alternative and Complementary Therapies?
• Effectiveness and Safety of Alternative Medicine
• Why Do Patients Use Alternative Medicines?
• Clinical Recommendations
• CAM Use Tips to Consider for Patients
• Different Alternative Cancer Medicines One Can Consider
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

"What are alternative medicines for cancer?"

A question that every cancer specialist gets asked by newly diagnosed cancer patients.

We see that our patients not only dread this disease but also dread the treatments available for it. This is understandable, as cancers are best managed with multimodal treatment plans, which come with their own complications and side effects.

In this article, we are touching on a very interesting topic, and that is complementary and alternative medicines for cancer.

Read this insightful article till the end to understand the nuances of alternative medicines for cancer, how they work, when patients can consider them, and what their limitations are, among others.

What is Alternative Medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) for cancer refer to the systems, health practices, and products used in addition to (complementary therapies) or as an alternative to (alternative therapies) conventional cancer treatment options.

CAM, as defined by the World Health Organization, refers to the practices and knowledge from native beliefs and cultural traditions used for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Common CAM approaches include herbal remedies, acupuncture, homeopathy, energy-based therapies, and yoga.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) classifies CAM into three categories: mind-body practices (such as meditation, yoga, and massage), natural products (like herbs and supplements), and other traditional approaches.

Prevalence of Use

Although several studies report high rates of prevalence of alternative cancer treatment among patients, the rates significantly vary because of study methods, cultural differences, and the definition of CAM. A systematic review of 26 surveys conducted across 13 countries reported an average prevalence of 31.4% among adults.

A survey of South Indian patients showed the use of CAM among 34.4% of cancer patients. Another study reported that about 39% of cancer patients in Trinidad and Tobago used CAM, with herbs and spiritual therapy being the most common.

The use also varies with the cancer types, i.e., breast cancer (39.6% of patients), prostate cancer (44.4% of patients), ovarian cancer (37% of patients), and colon cancer (38.7% of patients).

What are the Common Types of Alternative and Complementary Therapies?

There are multiple complementary cancer treatment options available for cancer patients.

• Mind-Body Therapies: These therapies focus on stress reduction and body relaxation. They combine various physical and mental relaxation techniques, including yoga, tai chi, meditation, and mindfulness, to improve overall well-being for cancer patients. These techniques are believed to relieve anxiety and stress and improve the quality of life.
• Biological Practices: The use of natural products, such as dietary supplements, vitamins, and special diets, is also recommended as an alternative medicine approach for cancer. Studies have reported the use of green tea, ginger, and curcumin for inflammation, nausea, and cancer treatment. However, there is no strong evidence available for this.
• Manipulative and Body-Based Practices: It includes chiropractic care, massage, and reflexology to manage pain and anxiety. These practices work with the overall body structure.
• Energy Healing: These practices help balance the body's energy flow. Commonly recommended energy healing practices include Reiki and therapeutic touch therapy.
• Alternative Medical Systems: Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and naturopathy are different systems of alternative medicine. Some studies have found acupuncture to be effective in treating pain, nausea, and fatigue.

Effectiveness and Safety of Alternative Medicine

Many patients consider opting for alternative medicine for cancer during their treatment to reduce the treatment side effects and improve their quality of life.

Practices such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture reportedly improve fatigue, pain, sleeping issues, and anxiety.

Acupuncture helps ease chemotherapy-associated nausea and pain. Mindfulness-based techniques reduce depression and stress.

However, the efficacy of complementary treatment for cancer is uncertain because of the lack of strong scientific evidence.

Some dietary and herbal supplements may interfere with conventional treatment and reduce its efficacy. Specific remedies, such as laetrile or black salves, may be dangerous.

Why Do Patients Use Alternative Medicines?

Patients use alternative medicine for cancer for the following reasons:

• Managing Side Effects: Conventional cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, cause side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and pain, which can be managed with alternative medicine.
• Improving Quality of Life: Mind-body practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, manage stress, depression, and anxiety. These therapies promote overall quality of life.
• Complete Well-Being: Some patients use alternative systems, such as traditional Chinese medicine or Ayurveda, to focus on holistic healing, i.e., mind, body, and soul.
• Sense of Hope: Alternative medicines allow patients to be involved in their care decisions and generate a hope for better outcomes.
• Lack of Confidence in Conventional Treatment: Some cancer patients may explore CAM because they are not completely satisfied with conventional cancer treatments.

Patients with cancer should note that all the CAM approaches should be discussed with their treating oncologists to ensure safety and to minimize interaction with conventional therapies.

Clinical Recommendations

At HCG, we put our patients at the center of their care journey and encourage them to play an active role in decision-making for their health and overall well-being.

When our patients wish to include alternative medicine in their existing treatment plan, we follow the below protocols:

• Communication with Cancer Patients: We respectfully understand our patients' wish to include CAM in their treatment plan. Along with answering the burning question, "What are alternative therapies for cancer?" We also explain the pros and cons of these approaches.
• Assess the CAM Use: We assess CAM use by identifying therapy type, dose, and frequency. Determine goals and risks, and provide education.
• Educate the Patients about CAM: We identify the needs of the patients and their families, support them in finding credible sources, and refer them to specialists when needed.
• Assist in Decision Making: We aid patients in making informed CAM decisions. Ensure that they clearly understand the benefits and risks before choosing therapy.
• Document the Use of CAM: We will have our team document your CAM use details (dose, frequency), interactions, and understanding.
• Monitoring and Follow-up: We also discuss your CAM use during your follow-up visits.
• Report Adverse Events: Lastly, we are obliged to report CAM-related adverse events to the appropriate regulatory body.

CAM Use Tips to Consider for Patients

Some of the tips to consider before using alternative medicine for cancer are:

• Consult Your Healthcare Team: Patients should discuss with the treating oncologists before initiating CAM, as some of the therapies may interfere with the efficacy of conventional treatments.
• Choose Evidence-Based Options: It is important to choose the CAM that is backed by substantial evidence. Patients should avoid therapies that have no proof, as these may be dangerous.
• Check for Safety: Patients should be cautious while using high-dose vitamins and herbal supplements, as these may cause side effects.
• Seek Qualified Practitioners: Therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, or massage should be performed under the guidance of experienced professionals.
• Use CAM as Support and Not for Cure: Patients with cancer should understand that CAM should be used as a support to manage symptoms and overall quality of life. There is no sufficient evidence available on their efficacy to treat cancer.

Different Alternative Cancer Medicines One Can Consider

The following are the different alternative medicines for cancer that can be considered:

• Acupuncture: It involves the insertion of small needles at specific points in the body. It is effective in chemotherapy-related nausea and managing pain. It is safe when performed by experienced professionals.
• Aromatherapy: This therapy uses fragrant oils, such as lavender, to promote relaxation. Aromatherapy may help reduce nausea, pain, and stress. However, some of the oils may cause allergic reactions.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT may help in changing the negative thoughts and behavior. It also helps in managing sleep disorders.
• Exercise: It may reduce stress, fatigue, and sleep issues. It also improves the overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Reports suggest that alternative medicine for cancer is found to alleviate treatment-related side effects among cancer patients, improving the overall quality of life and enhancing emotional well-being.

However, many therapies lack strong scientific evidence. Additionally, some CAM therapies may be unsafe. Patients with cancer should discuss with their healthcare provider before initiating CAM. It will ensure safety and avoid harmful interactions.

References

• Complementary and alternative medicine use in cancer: A systematic review - PubMed
• Complementary and alternative medicine use among the cancer patients in Northern India - PubMed
• Complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients in Iran: A systematic review - PubMed
• Prevalence, patterns, and perceived value of complementary and alternative medicine among cancer patients: a cross-sectional, descriptive study
• The prevalence of complementary/alternative medicine in cancer: a systematic review - PubMed
• Prevalence of the use of traditional complementary and alternative medicine amongst cancer patients in a tertiary care center in Kerala, India - PubMed
• Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know | NCCIH
• Complementary and alternative therapies | Cancer Australia
• Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Lung Cancer
• What is our position on alternative cancer therapies?
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) - NCI
• Addressing Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Individuals With Cancer: An Integrative Review and Clinical Practice Guideline - PubMed

About the Reviewer

Dr. Devendra G. Parikh

Consultant - Surgical Oncology
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology)