Review of Under-Recognized Adjunctive Therapies for Cancer

Area of Science:

• Integrative Oncology
• Cancer Supportive Care
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Many cancer patients and healthcare providers are unaware of effective adjunctive therapies.
• Under-recognized interventions can significantly improve quality of life and treatment outcomes.
• Personalized approaches are crucial for maximizing benefits and avoiding contraindications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review practical, under-recognized adjunctive therapies for cancer patients.
• To highlight interventions that improve quality of life and treatment response.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for supportive cancer care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of under-recognized adjunctive therapies.
• Synthesis of evidence on exercise, stress reduction, sleep, diet, supplements, and repurposed medications.
• Focus on practical and actionable recommendations.

Main Results:

• Exercise, stress-reduction techniques (mindfulness, yoga, Tai Chi), and sleep quality are vital.
• Dietary modifications (e.g., calorie restriction during chemotherapy) and specific supplements (e.g., aspirin, green tea, turmeric, melatonin) show promise.
• Repurposed medications like metformin and statins may offer benefits.

Conclusions:

• Several under-recognized adjunctive therapies can significantly improve cancer patient well-being and outcomes.
• Individualized tailoring of these therapies is essential for safety and efficacy.
• Integrating these strategies into standard cancer care warrants further consideration.