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mesothelioma-alternative-treatment-minIn addition to treatments for mesothelioma that are generally accepted by the medical community, mesothelioma patients have the option to try alternative treatments. The majority of these treatments have general health benefits that can alleviate the stress, pain and other conditions mesothelioma patients have to suffer through. Other treatments can specifically target and alleviate symptoms those with mesothelioma may feel.

All alternative treatments should be used in conjunction with input from a professional medical team. Nearly all mesothelioma patients will use these treatments in addition to and not in lieu of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.

Do not change your diet, introduce supplements, or begin self medicating without first consulting with your oncologist. Certain medicines and foods have been known to interact poorly with cancer patients, including the risk that they could cause a bacterial infection in those with weakened immune systems.[1]

Alternative treatment options for mesothelioma include:

Oncology Nutrition & Diet

Those who have been diagnosed with cancer will inevitably have nutrition-related concerns. Many individuals will lose weight, especially with a diagnosis like mesothelioma. As a result of their symptoms and a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy, they can feel nauseous or have a total lack of appetite. Some patients with digestive tract cancers may be required to use a feeding tube, either temporarily or permanently.

In light of these concerns, many oncology departments increasingly turn to an emerging field: oncology nutrition.

Encountering malnutrition during cancer treatment can severely set back patient prognosis while significantly lowering quality of life. As such, one of the primary roles of an oncological nutritionist is to, “work with the team to identify patients who are at high risk for malnutrition or significant weight loss and to work with those patients to maintain their nutritional status during treatment.”[2]

Nutritionists can also provide guidance on issues like nutritional supplements, dietary education, and making food choices that can improve quality of life.

Patients may also encounter highly specific dietary needs as a result of their condition or treatments used. For instance, some patients may want to decrease the bloating they can feel as a side effect of radiation treatment, which can be accomplished by avoiding certain foods and practicing more mindful eating habits.[3]  Other patients may want to decrease their risk of a bacterial infection, which they can accomplish by eating probiotic foods.[4]

In addition to directly addressing the concerns of mesothelioma patients through diet and nutrition, practicing specific dietary habits has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer in certain populations.[5] Adopting these habits could potentially help patients improve their survivability chances while reducing complicating factors that can lead to a precipitous decline in quality of life.

In this sense, oncology nutritionists aim to provide specific benefits and advice tailored to patients’ needs while addressing their overall health and eating habits from a holistic standpoint.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicines have been in use since humans first walked the earth. Researchers assert that humans — and all animals — have an instinct to seek out plant-based remedies to their ails.[6]

Over time, scholars and medicinal specialists coalesced around an agreed-upon group of remedies. They also speculated and experimented with various herbal cures, often making breakthrough medical discoveries in the process. The advent of the printing press coincided with the first mass manufacture and distribution of herbal medicines, which included Dioscorides, Galen, and Avicenna.[7]

Many modern medicines are derived from these original plant-based remedies. New research highlights the ability for specific plants to address symptoms of cancer, side effects of treatment, and sometimes even potentially aid the body in fighting cancer’s spread. A survey of cancer patients found that up to 60% use some form of herbal remedy.[8]

Never begin a regimen of herbal supplements without first coordinating with your medical care team. Certain herbal compounds could have negative reactions with chemotherapy and other medicines.[9] Other compounds can potentially worsen side effects of cancer or its treatment.

Common herbal medicines used for mesothelioma include:

There are also many others, which can have specific applications for specific medical needs or health goals. You can coordinate with an herbal medicine specialist, but be sure they have at least some medical credentials. And, again, consult with your oncologist and healthcare team before adding any herbal medicines to your care regimen.

You will find descriptions of some of the most common herbal remedies for mesothelioma patients.

Astragalus

Astragalus is a flowering plant that has been used in Chinese medicine and herbal medicine for hundreds of years. Common English names include “milk vetch,” and Chinese names include, huang qi, ogi, and bei qi. The active ingredient is obtained from the roots and added to teas, soups, capsules, and extracts.[10]

The purported effect of astragalus is that it can boost the immune system and temper certain side effects of chemotherapy. It is also used to treat diabetes and heart disease. There are no high-quality studies that have observed these effects objectively.[11]

Astragalus should not be taken during cancer treatment, before surgery or while you are taking certain medications.

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw, or uña de gato, is a woody climbing vine native to tropical Central and South America, including the Amazon rainforest. Its thorns resemble sharp cat’s claws. Active compounds in the vine are used to create extracts, teas, and capsules.[12]

Many people take cat’s claw to provide an immunity boost and aid in the production of white blood cells. Cat’s claw may also potentially help relieve pain in rheumatoid arthritis.[13] More clinical research is needed to objectively confirm these effects.

Ozone Therapy

Ozone is a gaseous compound formed from three oxygen molecules. It is used in the medical community to sterilize, decrease the risk of infection, and experimentally treat certain diseases and conditions.[14]

More recently, ozone has been the subject of studies operating under the theory that tumors are less likely to grow and metastisize in an oxygen rich environment. Early results suggest that ozone therapy for mesothelioma can be used as an adjuvant treatment in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation.[15] More research is needed before it can be concluded that ozone therapy is safe and effective.[16]

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient derived from many natural and plant-based sources. It acts as a critical component of protein metabolism and the creation of collagen, a connective tissue. It also serves as an antioxidant capable of limiting the damaging effects of free radicals.[17] Deficiencies in vitamin C have been shown to slow wound healing.[18]

Experimentally, some oncologists theorize that high doses of vitamin C could create a toxic environment to tumors, providing anticancer benefits. Vitamin C administered via IV tends to have a much greater absorption effect compared to orally-taken supplements. Some studies indicate that cancer patients who take IV-delivered vitamin C have higher quality of life scores and fewer side effects. Certain animal and cellular-based studies have shown that direct exposure to high volumes of vitamin C can kill cancer cells.[19]

There is currently no evidence that vitamin C alone can cure cancer, but it might be able to boost the effectiveness of treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.[20]

Iscador

Iscador is an extract of the European mistletoe plant that has been developed as a supplement to be used as an adjuvant treatment of cancer. Its reputation in the medical community and status as one of the first cancer drugs has led it to become, “the most commonly used oncological drug in Germany.”[21]

Mistletoe extracts like Iscador are commonly given via skin injection or, less commonly, through IV or as a direct injection into the pleural cavity or directly into a tumor.[22]

Many studies have been conducted measuring the effectiveness of mistletoe extracts in cancer patients; minor positive benefits for survivability have been recorded, but the medical consensus is that more rigorous studies are warranted before anyone can conclude that Iscador has measurable benefits.[23]

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a procedure originally developed in Ancient Chinese medicine. It involves the insertion of small, thin needles into strategic points of the body. The modern explanations for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture hypothesize that the needles stimulate nerve activity in a way that can stimulate nerve activity and boost the body’s production of natural painkillers.[24]

A study compared the effectiveness of acupuncture versus morphine for the purpose of reducing dyspnoea (shortness of breath). It concluded that acupuncture can reduce the body’s dependence on morphine to relieve dyspnoea while achieving similar benefits.[25]

The use of acupuncture has generated inconsistent results, especially outside the realm of pain management, but the treatment is generally considered safe when performed hygienically under the supervision of trained medical professionals.[26]

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of medicine that originated in India over three millennia ago. It has parallels to Ancient Chinese medicine in that it involves a wide range of disciplines and practices across several modes of treatment with the central aim of bringing holistic balance to the body’s health.[27]

Ayurveda treatment encompasses several primary areas that include:

Yoga, massage, and meditation can provide measurable quality of life benefits that can improve the sleep patterns and stress levels of cancer patients.[28],[29] Some subject matter experts also urge the furthering of research surrounding traditional Indian herbal treatments.[30]

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves the use of scent-heavy essential oil extracts from plants like lavender. Research proving the medical effects of aromatherapy is limited, but possible benefits include: relief of depression and anxiety, improved sleep patterns, and improved quality of life in people with chronic diseases like cancer.[31]

Massage Therapy

Massage can improve anxiety levels in patients and also relieve pain, especially pain related to joints or muscle soreness. However, the quality of evidence proving these benefits is considered low, especially in cancer patient populations.[32] Further research is needed to separate the perceived effects of massage from the actual physiological response of the body.[33]

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a form of gentle massage that allegedly stimulates key contact points on the head, neck, torso, feet, and knees. The idea of this therapy mode is to remove restrictions in the flow of nervous system activity, with purported benefits that include the relief of migraines, chronic pain, stress, and post-surgical recovery aid.[34]

Unfortunately, evidence supporting any beneficial effects has been deemed to be extremely weak and insufficient.[35] Individuals with mesothelioma should be cautious about their expectations of the benefits craniosacral therapy can provide.

Healing Touch

Healing touch alleges that skilled practitioners can directly sense imbalances in a patient’s energy field in order to accelerate healing and improve quality of life. It is commonly used in conjunction with other therapies and usually does not purport to be a cure when used in isolation.[36]

Study of healing touch therapies is incredibly difficult because practitioners cannot precisely explain how the therapy works. Minor benefits have been observed in isolated studies and could include pain relief, stress reduction, post-op recovery, and the management of symptoms of cancers like mesothelioma.[37] No formal clinical studies have been conducted regarding the practice or its effectiveness.[38]

Biofeedback

Biofeedback involves teaching patients to consciously control their body’s responses to the environment, disease, and certain stimuli. Attaching sensors to the patient allows them to observe these effects and learn to prompt them with greater control over time. Body functions purported to be controllable (to an extent) include heart rate, brain activity, breathing, muscle contractions, sweating, and temperature regulation.[39]

More research is needed to evaluate the effects of biofeedback training and its possible benefits for medical patients, including those with mesothelioma.[40]

Meditation, Imagery, and Relaxation Techniques

Guided imagery involves the use of conjuring certain mental images or concepts in order to aid the body in relaxation and the clearing of thoughts that prompt mental stress. It is often used in conjunction with meditation and other relaxation techniques in order to reduce the impact of anxiety.[41]

Meditation and guided imagery practices has been shown to improve mindfulness in cancer patients while reducing stress and improving general sense of well-being. It can alleviate depression and anxiety while decreasing the impact of long-term emotional and physical stress factors.[42] Some cellular effects have been observed in cancer patients who use meditation versus those that do not[43], but more research is needed to draw conclusive recommendations.

Prayer

Prayer involves the invocation of religious or spiritual mantras with the purpose of providing mental — and possibly medical — benefits to the patient.

Studies have shown variable results, with one study concluding that prayer tends to have more effective self-reported mental benefits among populations that have closely held and community-based religious beliefs.[44] Other studies have found that prayer can improve mental disposition, reduce stress, and help individuals achieve a more positive and proactive outlook.[45]

However, given the subjective nature of prayer and its myriad cultural and sociological definitions, it may be impossible to ever objectively measure whether prayer provides consistent and measurable medical benefits.[46]

Energy Therapies

Energy therapies encompass a wide range of new age “healing” disciplines, each with their own set of principles and observable medical benefits — or lack thereof. Their central belief is that the well-being of a person is manifest within “energy fields” that can be manipulated to allegedly provide certain benefits.[47]

Energy therapies include:

Be cautious about the use of energy-based healing therapies, especially those that lack supportive evidence that they are safe and effective.

Jin Shin Jyutsu

Jin shin jyutsu is a form of healing therapy that originated in Japan. It uses light touch to stimulate acupressure points, similar to acupuncture but without any needed insertions or devices. The aim is to “restore the flow of energy” within patients to alleviate their symptoms and improve disposition.[48] Some studies have observed positive effects in cancer patients in terms of self-reported physical and mental well-being,[49] but more research is needed.

Reiki

Reiki is a form of energy-based healing similar to jin shin jyutsu, except direct touch is not always needed. Some practitioners proclaim that the technique can be performed over long distances as a form of prayer.[50]

There is no evidence to back up the health claims of reiki practitioners or demonstrate that it can be used to treat or cure cancer with any measurable benefits.[51]

Exercise and Movement Therapies

Exercise and movement science is a discipline that straddles physical fitness and medicine with a foundation in basic sciences like physics, biology, chemistry, psychology, and math.[52] It potentially encompasses the use of physical therapy or the establishment of physical fitness guidelines and recommendations.

A substantial amount of research shows that habitual exercise and non-sedentary lifestyles can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer and colon cancer.[53] Exercise can also prevent obesity while simultaneously improving multiple quality of life markers.

In cancer patients, medical professionals highly recommend that patients incorporate some form of light to medium-impact exercise in coordination with their treatment regimen. Nearly all studies involving the subject have measured some degree of physiological benefit and improvement of overall quality of life.[54]

Common exercise recommendations for cancer patients include at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of intense aerobic exercise each week. Individuals should also use moderate to intense resistance training (e.g. weight training or calisthenics) in at least 2-3 sessions each week.

Exercise must be tailored to the patient’s current condition in light of their symptoms and capabilities. Mesothelioma patients often experience shortness of breath, but there are still aerobic exercises that can be used, such as walking or cycle training. These provide measurable benefits to physical capability and overall quality of life in mesothelioma patients.[55]

[1] https://www.cancer.net/blog/2014-04/foods-avoid-during-cancer-treatment

[2] https://www.cancer.net/blog/2016-02/spotlight-oncology-dietitians

[3] https://www.oncologynutrition.org/on/erfc/eating-well-when-unwell/radiation/bloating-and-radiation

[4] https://www.oncologynutrition.org/on/erfc/eating-well-when-unwell/surgery/diet-and-c-difficile

[5] https://books.google.com/books?id=r2sdFAEPOm0C&lpg=PR9&ots=jcDImvtBoo&dq=oncology%20nutrition%20research&lr&pg=PA28#v=onepage&q=oncology%20nutrition%20research&f=false

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358962/

[7] http://exhibits.hsl.virginia.edu/herbs/brief-history/

[8] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/herbal-medicine

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30334243

[10] https://nccih.nih.gov/health/astragalus

[11] https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/astragalus

[12] https://nccih.nih.gov/health/catclaw

[13] https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/cat-claw

[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312702/

[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC442111/

[16] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6151231/

[17] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/

[18] https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/vitamin-c

[19] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/vitamin-c-pdq

[20] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/expert-answers/alternative-cancer-treatment/faq-20057968

[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11347286

[22] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/mistletoe-pdq

[23] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK77840/

[24] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763

[25] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27156228

[26] https://nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction

[27] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda

[28] https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ayurveda

[29] https://nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm

[30] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3111701/

[31] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/aromatherapy/faq-20058566

[32] https://nccih.nih.gov/health/massage/massageintroduction.htm

[33] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1891200/

[34] https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/craniosacral-therapy

[35] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK117171/

[36] https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/healing-touch

[37] https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/healing-touch/what-does-research-say

[38] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21228402

[39] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biofeedback/about/pac-20384664

[40] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2939454/

[41] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=34&contentid=18413-1

[42] https://www.ascopost.com/issues/may-25-2017/the-role-of-meditation-in-cancer-care/

[43] https://www.sciencealert.com/world-first-evidence-suggests-that-meditation-alters-cancer-survivors-cells

[44] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3494290/

[45] https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/your-brain-prayer-meditation-ncna812376

[46] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802370/

[47] https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-are-energy-therapies

[48] https://medschool.ucsd.edu/som/fmph/research/cim/clinicalcare/Pages/jinshinjyutsu.aspx

[49] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21825093

[50] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/integrative_medicine_digestive_center/services/reiki.html

[51] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/reiki

[52] https://kinesiology.education.wisc.edu/academics/undergrad/ems/

[53] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet

[54] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/exercise-as-part-of-cancer-treatment-2018061314035

[55] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4247671/