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Mind–Body Therapies in Integrative Oncology

  • Integrative Oncology
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Opinion statement

There is growing interest in mind–body therapies as adjuncts to mainstream cancer treatment, and an increasing number of patients turn to these interventions for the control of emotional stress associated with cancer. Increased research funding has enabled many such interventions to be evaluated for their efficacy, including studies of mind–body interventions to reduce pain, anxiety, insomnia, anticipatory, and treatment-related nauseas, hot flashes, and improved mood. Mind–body treatments evaluated for their utility in oncology include relaxation therapies, biofeedback, meditation and hypnosis, yoga, art and music therapy, tai chi, and qigong. Although studies are not always methodologically sound and results mixed, a growing number of well-designed studies provide convincing evidence that mind–body techniques are beneficial adjuncts to cancer treatment. The evidence is sufficient to recommend further investigation and adoption of these techniques in mainstream oncology care.

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Acknowledgment

This study was supported in part by NCCAM grant 5U01AT004634 to Dr. Gary Elkins.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mind–Body Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, 77 Cottonwood Drive, Waco, TX, 76706, USA

    Gary Elkins PhD, ABPP, William Fisher MA & Aimee Johnson BA

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  1. Gary Elkins PhD, ABPP
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  2. William Fisher MA
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  3. Aimee Johnson BA
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Correspondence to Gary Elkins PhD, ABPP.

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Elkins, G., Fisher, W. & Johnson, A. Mind–Body Therapies in Integrative Oncology. Curr. Treat. Options in Oncol. 11, 128–140 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-010-0129-x

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