Integrative treatments have gained attention in cancer care due to their potential to complement conventional therapies and improve patients’ overall well-being. The research by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health introduces newly updated clinical guidelines from the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) that examine the effectiveness and safety of integrative treatments for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.
Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis, evaluating over 80 different therapies, and assigned letter grades to these therapies based on the strength of evidence derived from the trials.
The findings highlighted:
- Meditation: Showed strong evidence in reducing anxiety, treating symptoms of depression, and enhancing quality of life. It received a Grade A recommendation for these purposes based on five trials.
- Music Therapy, Yoga, and Massage: Received a Grade B for reducing anxiety, treating depression symptoms, and benefiting breast cancer patients in terms of improving quality of life.
- Acupressure and Acupuncture: Recommended as complementary treatments alongside drugs for reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, receiving a Grade B.
- Limited Support for Dietary Supplements and Botanical Products: The research found a lack of strong evidence supporting the use of ingested dietary supplements or botanical natural products as part of supportive cancer care or for managing treatment-related side effects.
“The routine use of yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques, and passive music therapy to address common mental health concerns among patients with breast cancer is supported by high levels of evidence,” said Debu Tripathy, MD, chair of Breast Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, and a past president of SIO. “Given the indication of benefit coupled with the relatively low level of risk, these therapies can be offered as a routine part of patient care, especially when symptoms are not well controlled.”
The research advises:
- Integrative therapies, particularly meditation, music therapy, yoga, massage, acupressure, and acupuncture, showed promise in managing various symptoms and improving the well-being of breast cancer patients.
- Caution should be taken against the use of certain dietary supplements and botanical products due to insufficient evidence of their effectiveness.