Cancer is still one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, necessitating continued research into viable treatment alternatives. A growing number of patients are turning to traditional and alternative medicine treatments to supplement their cancer treatment, in addition to standard procedures such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the role of traditional and alternative medicine in cancer therapy, emphasizing their possible benefits and limitations. Traditional medicine includes methods such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), traditional Persian medicine, and Kampo which are anchored in cultural practices and ancient understanding. Many of these techniques have been practiced for generations and are thought to improve overall health and the body’s ability to fight cancer. Herbal medications, for example, have gained popularity due to their anti-cancer characteristics and capacity to reduce treatment adverse effects. Acupuncture has also shown potential in treating cancer-related discomfort and enhancing quality of life. Alternative medicine, on the other hand, refers to non-traditional therapies that are utilized in addition to or instead of conventional cancer treatments. Mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness are among these therapies, as are energy-based approaches such as Reiki and therapeutic touch. While some alternative medicines lack scientific evidence to support their efficacy, others have shown to benefit cancer patients. Mind-body approaches, for example, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, potentially increasing psychological well-being and treatment success. Integrative medicine, which combines traditional and complementary approaches, has gained popularity as a cancer therapy strategy. Integrative medicine seeks to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual requirements of cancer patients by combining evidence-based orthodox and alternative therapy. This approach recognizes that cancer treatment extends beyond tumor targeting and emphasizes the necessity of holistic care in order to improve patient outcomes. Regardless of the possible benefits, it is critical to recognize the limitations and hazards involved with standard and alternative treatment. The lack of defined methods, little scientific evidence, and potential herb-drug interactions make incorporating these medicines into regular cancer care difficult. Furthermore, delaying or excluding evidence-based treatments in favor of alternative therapies may have a negative impact on patient outcomes. Role of traditional and alternative medicine in cancer therapy is highlighted in the present chapter.

Role of Traditional and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Therapy

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发表日期：

2024年

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Amnuay Kleebayoon,
Viroj Wiwanitkit

摘要

Cancer is still one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, necessitating continued research into viable treatment alternatives. A growing number of patients are turning to traditional and alternative medicine treatments to supplement their cancer treatment, in addition to standard procedures such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the role of traditional and alternative medicine in cancer therapy, emphasizing their possible benefits and limitations. Traditional medicine includes methods such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), traditional Persian medicine, and Kampo which are anchored in cultural practices and ancient understanding. Many of these techniques have been practiced for generations and are thought to improve overall health and the body’s ability to fight cancer. Herbal medications, for example, have gained popularity due to their anti-cancer characteristics and capacity to reduce treatment adverse effects. Acupuncture has also shown potential in treating cancer-related discomfort and enhancing quality of life. Alternative medicine, on the other hand, refers to non-traditional therapies that are utilized in addition to or instead of conventional cancer treatments. Mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness are among these therapies, as are energy-based approaches such as Reiki and therapeutic touch. While some alternative medicines lack scientific evidence to support their efficacy, others have shown to benefit cancer patients. Mind-body approaches, for example, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, potentially increasing psychological well-being and treatment success. Integrative medicine, which combines traditional and complementary approaches, has gained popularity as a cancer therapy strategy. Integrative medicine seeks to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual requirements of cancer patients by combining evidence-based orthodox and alternative therapy. This approach recognizes that cancer treatment extends beyond tumor targeting and emphasizes the necessity of holistic care in order to improve patient outcomes. Regardless of the possible benefits, it is critical to recognize the limitations and hazards involved with standard and alternative treatment. The lack of defined methods, little scientific evidence, and potential herb-drug interactions make incorporating these medicines into regular cancer care difficult. Furthermore, delaying or excluding evidence-based treatments in favor of alternative therapies may have a negative impact on patient outcomes. Role of traditional and alternative medicine in cancer therapy is highlighted in the present chapter.