Examining the Evidence for Alternative and Complementary Therapies in the Treatment of Cancer

Yongai Xiong^*
*Correspondence: Yongai Xiong, Department of Pharmaceutics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China, Email:

Introduction

With developments in surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent decades. However, interest in complementary and alternative medicines has grown in addition to traditional treatments. These therapies, which cover a wide range of techniques, are frequently used in conjunction with traditional treatments to improve cancer patients' quality of life, reduce side effects, and promote general well-being. Examining the data supporting these complementary and alternative therapies is essential because it enables patients and medical professionals to make well-informed decisions regarding their incorporation into cancer treatment. Complementary therapies are used in addition to traditional medical care, whilst alternative therapies are utilized in place of other medical treatments. When used in conjunction with traditional treatments, complementary therapies are frequently referred to as integrated therapies. Acupuncture, massage, yoga, meditation, herbal supplements, dietary modifications, and mind-body practices including visualization and relaxation are a few examples of these therapies. Managing the adverse effects of traditional medicines is one of the important functions of complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of cancer. For example, chemotherapy frequently causes nausea, discomfort, exhaustion, and worry in cancer patients. Patients' entire treatment experience can be enhanced by acupuncture, an ancient Chinese technique that involves inserting tiny needles into particular body spots to reduce nausea and vomiting brought on by chemotherapy another popular supplementary method that aids in pain relief and relaxation is massage treatment. It is especially helpful for cancer patients who are suffering from musculoskeletal pain or discomfort as a result of their therapy. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that yoga and meditation lower stress and anxiety, improving the emotional health of cancer patients receiving therapy [1].

The intersection of complementary and alternative therapies can be seen in dietary modifications and nutritional supplements. Some cancer patients investigate dietary changes, such as switching to plant-based diets or avoiding particular food groups, since they think that nutrition is important for both preventing and recovering from cancer. For example, diets high in antioxidants are frequently taken into consideration because of their ability to counteract free radicals, which are linked to the development of cancer. The data, however, is complicated and differs depending on the kind of cancer and the relationship between particular dietary changes and cancer outcomes. The overall effect of dietary modifications on cancer prevention and treatment results is a subject of continuous research and discussion, despite some studies suggesting that specific foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, may have cancer-fighting qualities [2].

Description

Many alternative therapies include mind-body practices like mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises. These exercises emphasize the relationship between mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These methods can lower anxiety, offer emotional support, and enhance the general quality of life for cancer patients. Techniques for reducing stress may affect the immune response and possibly the course of cancer, according to research in the subject of psychoneuroimmunology, which examines the relationships between psychological processes and the neurological and immunological systems. The benefits of these activities in improving the general well-being of cancer patients are well known, even though the precise processes are still being studied [3]. There is a lot of interest in the use of nutritional and herbal supplements in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Because they think they may have anticancer effects, some patients turn to supplements like turmeric, green tea extract, or particular vitamins and minerals. It's crucial to practice caution when using supplements, though. Although some of the chemicals included in dietary supplements have demonstrated promise in lab tests, thorough clinical validation is necessary to determine their safety and effectiveness in treating cancer in humans. Additionally, supplements may interfere with traditional cancer therapies, reducing their efficacy or resulting in negative side effects. In order to make sure that supplements or alternative therapies don't conflict with their primary cancer therapy, it is imperative that patients discuss them with their healthcare practitioners [4].

Chemotherapy uses strong medications to either kill or stop the growth of cancer cells that divide quickly. These medications, which target both malignant and quickly dividing healthy cells, can be taken orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, which means it may reach cancer cells throughout the body, making it useful against tumors that have spread, even if it might have adverse effects since it affects healthy cells [5]. High radiation dosages are used in radiation treatment to destroy cancer cells or reduce tumour size. Targeting certain cancer-affected body parts, it can be administered internally (brachytherapy) or externally (external beam radiation). Radiation therapy stops cancer cells from proliferating and dividing by damaging their DNA. It is frequently used as the principal treatment for some cancers or to eradicate any cancer cells that remain after surgery. Biologic therapy, another name for immunotherapy, is a state-of-the-art treatment that activates the body's immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. Various forms of immunotherapy, including CAR-T cell treatment, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and cancer vaccines, aim to strengthen the body's defenses against cancer.

Conclusion

Complementary and alternative therapies for cancer treatment provide a comprehensive approach to patient care by addressing the disease's emotional and psychological components in addition to its physical symptoms. It's crucial to approach these therapies critically and speak with medical professionals before implementing them into a cancer treatment plan, even though many people experience relief and an improvement in their well-being. A more thorough and encouraging treatment experience for cancer patients can be achieved by investigating the data supporting these therapies, comprehending their possible advantages, drawbacks, and hazards, and incorporating them into an all-encompassing, evidence-based cancer care model.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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