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Most Common Complementary Therapies Used by Cancer Patients
Most Common Complementary Therapies Used by Cancer Patients- complementary, natural, holistic, etc. etc. These terms can be confusing for the cancer patients. The first thing I need to do is to clarify several terms:
- Complementary Therapies– those therapies that complement or work with conventional therapies like chemo.
- Alternative Therapies- therapies used to treat cancer by themselves. For example, I underwent Antineoplaston therapy with curative intent.
- Integrative Therapies- therapies shown to enhance or synergize with conventional therapies. For example, curcumin has been shown to enhance the efficacy of several different types of chemotherapy.
- Repurposed Drugs- drugs developed for a completely other purpose (de-wormer for example) and it is discovered that the drug also has anti-cancer properties.
While the other forms of non-conventional cancer therapy are interesting, this post focuses on complementary therapies.
I am a long-term survivor of multiple myeloma. My research and experience with evidence-based non-conventional therapies 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.
I have tried each of the complementary therapies below and can attest to their benefits.
Your oncologist will focus on FDA-approved, conventional oncology therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. Your oncologist is educated and trained to manage your cancer with FDA approved therapies. That’s how medicine works in the United States.
Chances are, your oncologist won’t talk to you about evidence-based complementary therapies but I believe that cancer patients and survivors need to know the basics of complementary therapies linked below as well as repurposed drugs.
- intravenous vitamin C therapy,
- prehabilitation and
- enhancing your gut microbiome
- healing your immune system after chemotherapy and radiation
I have come to believe that therapy-induced side effects can be life-threatening while ruining quality of life. For example, more than half of all MMers die of infections. Both MM itself and various chemotherapy regimens cause immunosuppression. Consider therapies shown to reduce possible side effects.
To see the list of cancer types covered by PeopleBeatingCancer, click now
Scroll down the page and post a question or a comment if there’s anything you’d like to know about MM.
Good luck,
David Emerson
1. Nutrition & Therapeutic Diets
What it includes:
- Anti-inflammatory diets (Mediterranean-style)
- High-fiber, microbiome-supportive nutrition
- Ketogenic or low-carb diets (in specific cancers)
- Antioxidant-rich foods
Why patients use it:
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Support immune function
- Improve treatment tolerance
Evidence highlights:
- Mediterranean diet linked to reduced cancer mortality (PMID: 30104714)
- Fiber intake improves gut microbiome and may enhance immunotherapy response (PMID: 33446510)
2. Dietary Supplements & Natural Compounds
Common supplements:
Why patients use them:
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties
- Immune modulation
- Reduction of treatment side effects
Evidence highlights:
- Curcumin shows anti-cancer signaling effects (PMID: 17569207)
- Vitamin D deficiency linked to worse cancer outcomes (PMID: 28499422)
3. Mind–Body Therapies
Includes:
Why patients use them:
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Improve sleep
- Enhance emotional resilience
Evidence highlights:
- Mindfulness-based interventions reduce psychological distress (PMID: 28626854)
- Yoga improves fatigue and quality of life (PMID: 26642961)
4. Physical Activity & Exercise
Forms:
- Walking programs
- Resistance training
- Aerobic exercise
- Oncology rehabilitation
Why patients use it:
- Reduce fatigue
- Improve survival outcomes
- Maintain muscle mass and function
Evidence highlights:
5. Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Uses:
Why patients use it:
- Non-drug symptom relief
- Minimal systemic side effects
Evidence highlights:
6. Massage Therapy & Bodywork
Benefits:
- Reduces pain and anxiety
- Improves circulation
- Enhances relaxation
Evidence highlights:
7. Integrative & Repurposed Therapies (Advanced Use)
Includes:
- Intravenous vitamin C (IVC)
- Hyperthermia therapy
- Repurposed drugs (metformin, mebendazole, ivermectin, etc.)
Why patients use them:
- Potential synergy with conventional therapy
- Direct anti-tumor mechanisms (in research settings)
Evidence highlights:
- IV vitamin C may improve quality of life and reduce side effects (PMID: 26891835)
- Metformin associated with improved outcomes in some cancers (PMID: 22689960)
What Are the Most Common Complementary Cancer Therapies?
The most commonly used complementary therapies by cancer patients include:
- Nutrition and therapeutic diets
- Dietary supplements (curcumin, vitamin D, omega-3s)
- Mind–body therapies (meditation, yoga)
- Exercise and physical activity
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Integrative approaches (IV vitamin C, repurposed drugs)
Key Takeaways for Patients & Survivors
- Complementary therapies are widely used (40–80% of cancer patients)
- Most are aimed at symptom management and quality of life
- Some (nutrition, exercise) have strong survival data
- Others (repurposed drugs, IVC) are promising but still under investigation
- Always integrate therapies with oncologist guidance
- Most Common Complementary Therapies Used by Cancer Patients
- Most Common Complementary Therapies Used by Cancer Patients
To Learn More About Complementary Therapies