Effectiveness of Integrative Medicine in the Management of Lymphoma Survivors: An Exploratory Preference-Based...

Lymphoma has recovery rates above 60%, but many survivors experience impaired quality-of-life (QoL) requiring survivorship care. This study evaluated the role of an integrative oncology (IO) clinic in managing lymphoma survivors.

In this exploratory preference-based controlled trial, adults in remission after lymphoma treatment were allocated to two groups: those attending the IO survivorship clinic (intervention) and those declining (control). The intervention included complementary medicine, spiritual, and social support, delivered weekly for up to 6 months in addition to standard follow-up. The primary outcome was QoL improvement (EQ-5D-5L index). Secondary outcomes included symptom relief (MYCAW), cognitive function, and perceived control.

Twenty-nine patients were enrolled: 15 in the intervention and 14 in the control group. Over the first 3 months, a significant time × group interaction in EQ-5D-5L scores favored the intervention (p = 0.005), reflecting superior QoL trajectory. MYCAW concerns also improved significantly in the intervention group across 6 months (p = 0.005 and p = 0.03). At 3 months, FACT Cog-Oth scores were significantly higher in the intervention arm (p = 0.01), indicating better "other" cognitive functions (e.g., memory, clarity, confusion). To note, adherence to IO mainly decreased after 3 months.

In this exploratory preference-based study, an IO survivorship clinic for lymphoma survivors was associated with improvements in QoL, especially for adherent patients. Given the preference-based design, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and viewed as hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory. Further studies are warranted to evaluate long-term benefits and sustainability of this approach.