Topics in Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version

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Overview

This summary gives a brief description of some of the integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies used by people with cancer. Links to additional information, references, and resources on the NCI website are provided in this summary. This summary does not include all integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) covers a wide variety of therapies, botanicals, and dietary supplements. Complementary medicine is treatment that is used along with standard treatments but is not considered standard. Alternative medicine is treatment that is used instead of standard treatments. Less research has been done for most types of complementary and alternative medicine than for standard treatments. Integrative therapy is a total approach to medical care that combines standard care with CAM practices. The 2007 National Health Interview Survey reports that about four out of ten adults use a CAM therapy, with the most commonly used treatments being natural products and deep breathing exercises.[1]

One large survey of cancer survivors reported on the use of complementary therapies.[2] The therapies used most often were prayer and spiritual practice (61%), relaxation (44%), faith and spiritual healing (42%), and nutritional supplements and vitamins (40%). CAM therapies are used by 31% to 84% of children with cancer, both inside and outside of clinical trials.[3,4] CAM therapies have been used in the management of side effects caused by cancer or cancer treatment. Some cancer patients have chosen alternative medicine over conventional treatment, but with a greater risk of death.[5] In Asian countries, traditional Chinese medical therapies are frequently used along with conventional medicine.[6]

One study showed that when CAM was discussed in an oncology visit, it was most often brought up by the patient; and that having such discussions was associated with greater satisfaction with the visit by both patient and physician.[7]

This cancer information summary provides a brief description and a link to integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies found in PDQ summaries or NCI Fact Sheets. The links will take you to the specific PDQ summary, NCI Fact Sheet, or other PDQ summary section, providing more information and references on the topic. Refer to NCI's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine website for links to other resources.

References

Barnes PM, Bloom B, Nahin RL: Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults and children: United States, 2007. Natl Health Stat Report (12): 1-23, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
Gansler T, Kaw C, Crammer C, et al.: A population-based study of prevalence of complementary methods use by cancer survivors: a report from the American Cancer Society's studies of cancer survivors. Cancer 113 (5): 1048-57, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
Kelly KM: Complementary and alternative medical therapies for children with cancer. Eur J Cancer 40 (14): 2041-6, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
Ndao DH, Ladas EJ, Bao Y, et al.: Use of complementary and alternative medicine among children, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors: a survey study. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 35 (4): 281-8, 2013. [PUBMED Abstract]
Johnson SB, Park HS, Gross CP, et al.: Use of Alternative Medicine for Cancer and Its Impact on Survival. J Natl Cancer Inst 110 (1): , 2018. [PUBMED Abstract]
Liu JM, Lin PH, Hsu RJ, et al.: Complementary traditional Chinese medicine therapy improves survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 95 (31): e4475, 2016. [PUBMED Abstract]
Roter DL, Yost KJ, O'Byrne T, et al.: Communication predictors and consequences of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) discussions in oncology visits. Patient Educ Couns 99 (9): 1519-25, 2016. [PUBMED Abstract]