Is there a role for complementary therapy in the management of leukemia?
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: cancer pain, explained
Patients with leukemia often seek additional treatments not prescribed by their oncologist in an effort to improve their cancer treatment outcome or to manage symptoms. Complementary therapies are used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments to decrease symptoms and side effects associated with cancer or cancer treatment, and to improve patients' overall quality of life. Complementary therapies are distinct from so-called 'alternative' therapies, which are unproven, ineffective and may postpone or interfere with mainstream cancer treatment. Complementary therapies are pleasant, inexpensive, nonpharmacologic and effective. For patients with leukemia, the complementary therapies that are always appropriate include mind-body interventions, such as self-hypnosis, meditation, guided imagery and breath awareness. Massage and reflexology (foot massage) decrease symptoms with effects lasting at least 2 days following treatment. Acupuncture is very beneficial for symptom management without adverse consequences. Physical fitness with regular exercise and healthy dietary habits can significantly decrease side effects of cancer treatments and may prolong survival. Botanical extracts and vitamin supplements may interfere with active cancer treatments, and should be discussed with the oncologist or pharmacist before use.
Key Findings: what this observational study found about cancer pain
- ✓Complementary therapies such as massage and reflexology decrease symptoms in leukemia patients with effects lasting at least 2 days following treatment.
- ✓Mind-body interventions including self-hypnosis, meditation, guided imagery, and breath awareness are always appropriate complementary therapies for patients with leukemia.
- ✓Complementary therapies are pleasant, inexpensive, and nonpharmacologic interventions that improve overall quality of life and manage symptoms in leukemia patients alongside traditional cancer treatments.
What This Means for You
Reflexology may help reduce leukemia-related symptoms with effects lasting several days, but discuss it with your oncologist first to ensure it doesn't interfere with your cancer treatment.
What This Means for Practitioners
Reflexology is positioned as an appropriate complementary therapy for leukemia patients to manage symptoms, but practitioners should encourage clients to coordinate care with their oncology team.
Cancer pain: common questions
What does this study say about cancer pain?
Reflexology may help reduce leukemia-related symptoms with effects lasting several days, but discuss it with your oncologist first to ensure it doesn't interfere with your cancer treatment.
What did this study find?
Complementary therapies such as massage and reflexology decrease symptoms in leukemia patients with effects lasting at least 2 days following treatment. Mind-body interventions including self-hypnosis, meditation, guided imagery, and breath awareness are always appropriate complementary therapies for patients with leukemia. Complementary therapies are pleasant, inexpensive, and nonpharmacologic interventions that improve overall quality of life and manage symptoms in leukemia patients alongside traditional cancer treatments.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a observational study and we rate its evidence limited. It was published in Expert review of anticancer therapy. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.
Related Research
Complementary therapy in practice
Engaging Patients in Research That Involves Meditation: Religious Concerns and Nursing Implications
Improving Quality of Life in The Constipated Older Person: Reflexology or Abdominal Massage? A Two-Group, Randomized Comparative Trial
Mind-Body Interventions for People With Cancer: Evidence, Innovation, and Implementation
Therapeutic Massage for Cancer Survivors: An Umbrella Review
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