Nonpharmacologic and complementary approaches to cancer pain management

Nonpharmacologic interventions are important adjuncts to treatment modalities for patients with cancer pain. A variety of modalities can be used to reduce pain and concomitant mood disturbance and increase quality of life. Physicians may feel relatively uninformed about which modalities have been used for patients with cancer and which have scientific support. This article reviews a few of the nonpharmacologic and complementary and alternative modalities commonly used by patients with cancer pain. It focuses on those modalities that have empirical support or promising preliminary evidence, with the goal of familiarizing physicians with treatment modalities that may complement regular oncologic care.