Diagnosed with Cancer? Your two greatest challenges are understanding cancer and understanding possible side effects from chemo and radiation. Knowledge is Power!
Learn about conventional, complementary, and integrative therapies.
Dealing with treatment side effects? Learn about evidence-based therapies to alleviate your symptoms.
Click the orange button to the right to learn more.
10 Most Common Integrative Cancer Therapies
10 Most Common Integrative Cancer Therapies-Evidence-Based Guide. In my blog post introducing the practice of integrative oncology, I tried to explain how different complementary therapies have shown the ability to enhance conventional cancer therapies.
This post focuses on 10 specific integrative therapies.
I am a long-term survivor of an incurable blood cancer called multiple myeloma. Looking back on my cancer experience, I would be the first person to explain that surgery and local radiation were essential to stabilize my cancer.
However, my research and experience with Integrative Oncology is the reason why I have lived in complete remission from my incurable blood cancer since achieving complete remission in early 1999. I have learned that the best way to manage aggressive cancers is to combine the best of conventional and evidence-based non-conventional therapies.
The four links below explain four of the most important integrative therapies in cancer care today.
- intravenous vitamin C therapy
- prehabilitation
- enhancing your gut microbiome
- healing your immune system after chemo and radiation
Scroll down the page and post a question or a comment if there’s anything you’d like to know about breast cancer.
Good luck,
David Emerson
What Are Integrative Cancer Therapies?
Integrative cancer therapies are evidence-informed complementary treatments—such as nutrition, exercise, acupuncture, and mindfulness—used alongside conventional care (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) to reduce side effects and improve quality of life.
They are not meant to replace standard treatment, but to support patients physically and emotionally during and after therapy.
Integrative Medicine During and After Cancer Treatment
Why Integrative Oncology Matters
- ~50%+ of cancer patients use complementary therapies
- Helps reduce pain, fatigue, anxiety, and treatment side effects
- Improves quality of life and treatment tolerance
Modern cancer centers increasingly incorporate these therapies into care plans.
The 10 Most Common Integrative Cancer Therapies
1. Nutrition Therapy (Dietary Modification)
What it does: Supports immune function, reduces inflammation, improves treatment tolerance
- Includes plant-based diets, ketogenic approaches, anti-inflammatory nutrition
- May influence metabolism and systemic inflammation
Evidence:
- Diet and lifestyle interventions are core components of integrative oncology
- Nutritional status is strongly associated with cancer outcomes and inflammation markers
2. Exercise Therapy
What it does: Reduces fatigue, improves strength, enhances survival markers
- Includes aerobic exercise, resistance training, walking programs
Evidence:
- Strong evidence supports exercise for reducing cancer-related fatigue
- Improves quality of life and physical functioning
3. Mindfulness & Meditation
What it does: Reduces stress, anxiety, depression
- Includes mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), breathing practices
Evidence:
- Among the strongest evidence-based integrative therapies
- Improves psychological outcomes and coping ability
4. Acupuncture
What it does: Reduces pain, nausea, neuropathy
- Commonly used during chemotherapy
Evidence:
- Effective for pain and symptom relief in cancer patients
- May reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea
5. Yoga
What it does: Improves fatigue, mood, sleep
- Combines movement, breathing, and mindfulness
Evidence:
- Improves quality of life, fatigue, and stress
- Recommended in integrative oncology guidelines
6. Massage Therapy
What it does: Reduces pain, anxiety, and stress
- Often used in palliative and survivorship care
Evidence:
- Helps improve mood and reduce distress
- Frequently recommended for symptom management
7. Dietary Supplements & Natural Compounds
What it does: Targets inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune support
- Examples: curcumin, omega-3s, vitamin D, medicinal mushrooms
Evidence:
- Widely used in integrative oncology frameworks
- Evidence varies by compound; some interactions with chemo must be considered
8. Herbal Medicine
What it does: Traditional plant-based therapies (e.g., Traditional Chinese Medicine)
- Often used for symptom relief and immune modulation
Evidence:
- Some therapies show benefit, but the quality of evidence varies
- Requires medical supervision due to drug interactions
9. Music & Art Therapy
What it does: Reduces anxiety, improves emotional well-being
- Non-invasive, widely used in cancer centers
Evidence:
- Music therapy reduces anxiety and improves patient-reported outcomes
10. Mind–Body Movement Therapies (Tai Chi, Qigong)
What it does: Enhances balance, reduces fatigue, improves mental health
- Gentle movement therapies suitable for all ages
Evidence:
- Recommended for fatigue and quality-of-life improvement
Key Takeaways
The most effective integrative cancer therapies include:
- Nutrition therapy
- Exercise
- Mindfulness/meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Massage
- Supplements
- Herbal medicine
- Music therapy
- Tai Chi/Qigong
These therapies work best when combined with conventional cancer treatment—not used as replacements.
Risks & Considerations
- Some supplements/herbs can interfere with chemotherapy
- Not all therapies have strong clinical evidence
- Always consult your oncology team before starting
Integrative Oncology: The Bottom Line
Integrative therapies do not cure cancer, but they can significantly:
- Reduce side effects
- Improve emotional resilience
- Enhance overall quality of life
This is why integrative oncology is now considered a standard supportive care strategy at many leading cancer centers.