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Complementary therapies in palliative cancer care
1Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom. E.Ernest@ex.ac.uk
Cancer
|June 8, 2001
Summary
Complementary medicine shows potential in palliative cancer care, but current evidence for therapies like acupuncture is not compelling. More rigorous research is urgently needed to confirm their value.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Complementary medicine is increasingly integrated into palliative cancer care.
- This overview focuses on commonly used complementary therapies for clinicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide clinical guidance on complementary therapies in palliative cancer care.
- To review evidence for selected complementary treatments.
Main Methods:
- Identification of complementary therapies relevant to palliative cancer care.
- Discussion of exemplary studies and systematic reviews.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture, enzyme therapy, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, and relaxation techniques show promising results.
- However, the evidence supporting these complementary therapies is not yet compelling.
Conclusions:
- Complementary medicine holds potential for palliative cancer care.
- There is an urgent need for rigorous research to establish the value of these therapies.