The role of complementary and alternative methods in the treatment of pain in patients with cancer – current evidence and clinical practice: a narrative review

Abstract

Introduction Pain related to cancer, despite the numerous treatment options available, is still a challenge in contemporary pain medicine. The unsatisfactory treatment of cancer pain is one of the main reasons why patients seek complementary and alternative methods (CAM) and a more integrative/holistic approach to pain management. The popularity of CAM forces healthcare professionals to provide patients with current and evidence-based information on the effectiveness and safety of CAM. The aim of the paper is to present current evidence and limitations regarding CAM commonly used in the pain management of cancer patients. Material and methods The paper comprehensively reviews the current and most relevant literature considering the integrative approach to management of pain due to cancer disease and/or cancer treatment. Results The available data from clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews supports the effectiveness of acupuncture, massage, physical exercises, music therapy, and mind-body therapies as adjunct therapies for alleviating pain in cancer patients, although the supporting evidence is weak or moderate. Conclusions Based on the available knowledge, physicians should be capable of advising the cancer patient as to which CAM methods can be used safely, which are contraindicated, and what therapeutic effects they may expect, especially when standard pain treatment fails or induces serious side effects. An integrative approach to cancer pain management may improve the quality of pain treatment, patients’ quality of life, and satisfaction with pain relief.

Strategies to Reduce Post-Hemorrhoidectomy Pain: A Systematic Review

“…In the literature, alternative therapies for managing post-hemorrhoidectomy pain included transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and acupuncture. These non-pharmacological interventions aim to modulate neurotransmitters along the nociceptive pathway to reduce hyperalgesia [ 86 ]. TENS on the dorsal web between the first and second metacarpal bone and on the radial side of forearm was shown to reduce pain and opioid consumption after hemorrhoidectomy [ 87 ].…”

Current Characteristics of Herbal Medicine Interventions for Cancer on Clinical Databases: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…According to a recent comprehensive narrative review regarding using CAM treatments for cancer pain, the study stated that a multimodal approach to cancer pain management, including herbal medicines, might improve the quality of pain treatment and patients' quality of life. 59 Moreover, a pilot study describes a multimodal outpatient Patients who had received an herbal combination gained 0.9 kg weight, compared with a weight loss of 0.53 kg in the placebo group (P < .001). Improvement in quality of life and FAACT scores were not significant in each group (P > .05); the Edmonton symptom assessment scale questionnaire assessment indicated that there was a significant improvement in two indices in the intervention group, including appetite (P < 0.001) and fatigue (P = .008).…”

“…According to a recent comprehensive narrative review regarding using CAM treatments for cancer pain, the study stated that a multimodal approach to cancer pain management, including herbal medicines, might improve the quality of pain treatment and patients’ quality of life. 59 Moreover, a pilot study describes a multimodal outpatient complementary therapy program including herbs, conducted during adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy or outpatient aftercare, showing its potential to improve the overall quality of life and reduce treatment-associated adverse effects. 60…”

Combination of Music Therapy and Murottal Therapy on Pain Level of Breast Cancer Patients

“…Music therapy has no side effects and can be applied together with other clinical interventions (Valero-Cantero et al, 2020). The American Society of Clinical suggests that music therapy can be used as a treatment to reduce pain or soreness in cancer patients (Kocot-Kępska et al, 2021). The use of music therapy requires only a small fee.…”