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Reduce Toxicity, Enhance Efficacy-Esophageal Cancer Therapy
Complementary, Integrative and Evidence-based Non-Conventional Esophageal Cancer Therapies will help you increase your overall survival-
Chemoradiotherapy, whether it is given to a cancer patient before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery to remove a cancer tumor means one thing. Toxicity. Lots of toxicity. And toxicity means side-effects.
The studies linked below do say that chemoradiation before surgery to remove the Esophageal Cancer does improve one’s 5-year survival rate. However, stating that there were “no increased postoperative complications” with EC patients does not mean that these EC patients didn’t experience extreme toxicity. And therefore may experience long-term and late-stage side effects.
There are evidenced-based therapies that are proven to both ENHANCE the efficacy of conventional chemo and radiation while they REDUCE the risk of side effects (reduce toxicity) from conventional chemotherapy and radiation.
What are non-toxic therapies for esophageal cancer?
- Nutritional Support: Maintaining proper nutrition is crucial for individuals with esophageal cancer, especially if they’re undergoing treatments that may affect their ability to eat. Nutritional counseling and dietary adjustments can help ensure they receive adequate nutrients.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture may help alleviate some of the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, and fatigue. Some people find it helpful for managing stress and anxiety as well.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and meditation can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being during cancer treatment.
- Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can provide relief from pain, muscle tension, and anxiety. It can also improve circulation and promote relaxation.
- Yoga and Exercise: Gentle forms of yoga and other low-impact exercises can help improve flexibility, strength, and overall physical well-being. They may also provide emotional benefits and help reduce stress.
- Herbal Supplements: Some herbs and supplements may offer supportive benefits during cancer treatment, though it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using them, as they may interact with other treatments.
- Support Groups and Counseling: Joining a support group or seeking individual counseling can provide emotional support, help individuals cope with the challenges of cancer treatment, and foster a sense of community.
- Art Therapy and Creative Expression: Engaging in creative activities like art therapy, writing, or music can provide an outlet for expression, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.
- Aromatherapy: Certain essential oils may help alleviate symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, and pain. They can be used through inhalation or diluted for topical application.
- Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise that incorporates slow, flowing movements and deep breathing. It can help improve balance, flexibility, and relaxation.
I am both a cancer survivor and cancer coach. Research and experience have taught me that esophageal cancer patients must look beyond conventional oncology to fully manage their cancer.
To learn more about integrative and complementary therapies to both enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy as well as reduce the toxicity of chemo, scroll down the page, post a question or a comment and I will reply to you ASAP.
Thank you,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Recommended Reading:
- Ask the Cancer Coach-“Stage 4 esophageal cancer diagnosis and treatment”
- Life after Esophageal Cancer Surgery aka Esophagectomy
- Esophageal cancer- Reduce Risk of Relapse with Cruciferous Veggies-
Effects of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy on pathological staging and prognosis for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
“The role of neoadjuvant therapy in the treatment of locally advanced EC still remains controversial…
- Stage I, the tumor limited to the esophageal lumen or the thickness of the esophageal wall varied between 3-5 mm;
- Stage II, the thickness exceeds 5 mm but no invasion of the mediastinum or distant metastasis;
- Stage III, the tumor invades adjacent mediastinal structure; and
- Stage IV, there is distant metastasis.
The tumor resection rate, pathological stage, treatment-related complication, and survival among groups were compared. The radical resection rate for the patients in radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy groups was increased in comparison with the control group..”
Meta-analysis of postoperative efficacy in patients receiving chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for resectable esophageal carcinoma.
“BACKGROUND: Many studies have demonstrated that chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery (CRTS) prolongs the 5-year survival rate of resectable esophageal carcinoma patients. However, the effect of CRTS on postoperative complications, local recurrence and distant metastasis remains controversial. We performed a systematic review of the literature and conducted a meta-analysis to assess the postoperative efficacy of CRTS compared with surgery alone (SA).
CONCLUSIONS: CRTS significantly decreased postoperative mortality, local recurrence and distant metastasis rates compared to SA. Additionally, there were no increased postoperative complications for patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma.