Review of Under-Recognized Adjunctive Therapies for Cancer

Abstract

Patients and providers may not be aware that several adjunctive measures can significantly improve the quality of life, response to treatment, and possibly outcomes for cancer patients. This manuscript presents a review of practical under-recognized adjunctive therapies that are effective including exercise; stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, massage, yoga, Tai Chi, breathing exercises; importance of sleep quality; diet modifications such as calorie restriction at the time of chemotherapy and avoidance of high carbohydrate foods; supplements such as aspirin, green tea, turmeric, and melatonin; and repurposed prescription medications such as metformin and statins. Each recommendation should be tailored to the individual patient to assure no contraindications.

Keywords: Tai Chi; adjunctive cancer therapy; cancer; circadian rhythm effect on immunity; diet influence on cancer; exercise effect on cancer; fasting prior to chemotherapy; green tea; improved sleep effect on cancer; integrative oncology; ketogenic diet; melatonin; metformin; mindfulness; repurposed drugs for cancer treatment; statin therapy; stress reduction techniques; turmeric; yoga.