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Cancer-Related Fatigue—Is There a Role for Complementary and Integrative Medicine?

  • Integrative Care (C Lammersfeld, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review aims to assess recent data on possible effective and safe complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) modalities that can be of help to patients affected by cancer that suffer from cancer-related fatigue (CRF).

Recent Findings

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common, persistent, and challenging symptoms among cancer patients and survivors. Many world-leading cancer centers incorporate CIM into routine cancer care including integrating multiple approaches to address CRF. Approaches that are supported by clinical evidence on the use of CIM during and following conventional oncology treatments are being discussed in this review.

Summary

The review suggests that some CIM modalities might have a potential role in alleviating cancer-related fatigue. These modalities include acupuncture, touch therapies, nutrition, nutritional supplements, stress reduction, homeopathy, and circadian rhythm management. Additional research is still needed to better support the process of integrating CIM into a routine approach to cancer-related fatigue.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tal Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Oncology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel

    Adi David & David Hausner

  2. Palliative Care Service, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel

    David Hausner

  3. Department of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA

    Moshe Frenkel

  4. Complementary and Integrative Medicine Service, Oncology Division, Rambam Health Care Campus, Hashoftim 1 B, Zichron Yaacov, 30900, Haifa, Israel

    Moshe Frenkel

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David, A., Hausner, D. & Frenkel, M. Cancer-Related Fatigue—Is There a Role for Complementary and Integrative Medicine?. Curr Oncol Rep 23, 145 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-021-01135-6

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