For mesothelioma patients facing a median survival rate of just 12-21 months, exploring every possible avenue for relief becomes crucial. Alternative medicine for mesothelioma offers additional options that may help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and potentially complement conventional treatments. While these therapies aren’t meant to replace standard medical care, they can provide comfort and support throughout the treatment journey.
Alternative therapies can provide comfort and symptom relief for mesothelioma patients when used alongside conventional treatments.
What Is Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma?
Alternative medicine encompasses therapies used outside conventional medical practice. When discussing mesothelioma care, it’s important to distinguish between two approaches:
Alternative Medicine
Treatments used instead of conventional medical care. This approach is generally not recommended for mesothelioma, as there’s no scientific evidence that alternative therapies alone can cure cancer or extend survival.
Complementary Medicine
Therapies used alongside conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. This integrative approach aims to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
“When my husband and I started researching mesothelioma alternative treatments, I think that’s what saved my life. It’s really important for patients to do their research and make the choices that are best for them.”
According to recent studies, more than 30% of cancer patients use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) alongside traditional treatments. For mesothelioma patients specifically, these therapies can help manage treatment side effects, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing.
Important: Always consult your oncologist before trying any alternative therapy. Some treatments may interact with conventional cancer treatments or cause harmful side effects.
Top 5 Evidence-Backed Alternative Therapies for Mesothelioma
While alternative medicine for mesothelioma cannot cure the disease, several therapies have shown promise in helping patients manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Here are five evidence-backed options to consider:
Acupuncture is one of the most researched alternative therapies for cancer symptom management.
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. This traditional Chinese medicine practice has been extensively studied for cancer symptom management.
Evidence: According to the National Cancer Institute, acupuncture can help relieve nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, and other potential side effects of cancer treatment. A 2018 study published in JAMA Oncology found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain in cancer patients compared to standard care alone.
Benefits for mesothelioma patients: May help manage chemotherapy-induced nausea, reduce pain, improve breathing, and decrease anxiety.
Find a Qualified Acupuncturist
Look for practitioners certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) who have experience working with cancer patients.
2. Mind-Body Practices
Mind-body practices like meditation, yoga, and tai chi focus on the connection between mental and physical health. These practices can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall wellbeing.
Gentle yoga can help mesothelioma patients improve flexibility, reduce stress, and manage pain.
Evidence: A 2017 systematic review in Current Oncology Reports found that yoga improved quality of life, fatigue, and sleep disturbances in cancer patients. Similarly, a 2019 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that meditation reduced anxiety, depression, and pain in cancer patients.
Benefits for mesothelioma patients: May improve breathing capacity, reduce anxiety and depression, enhance sleep quality, and decrease fatigue.
Meditation
Focuses on mindful breathing and present-moment awareness to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Even 5-10 minutes daily can provide benefits.
Yoga
Combines gentle movement, breathing exercises, and meditation. Chair yoga and restorative yoga are particularly suitable for mesothelioma patients.
3. Nutrition Therapy
Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) uses diet and nutrition to support cancer treatment and manage symptoms. A registered dietitian can create a personalized plan based on your specific needs.
A personalized nutrition plan can help mesothelioma patients maintain strength during treatment.
Evidence: Research published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics shows that cancer patients who receive nutrition therapy experience better treatment outcomes, fewer complications, and improved quality of life.
Benefits for mesothelioma patients: May help maintain weight, preserve muscle mass, reduce treatment side effects, boost energy levels, and support immune function.
Beneficial Foods for Mesothelioma Patients
- Protein-rich foods (lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes)
- Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts)
- Whole grains for sustained energy
- Turmeric and ginger for anti-inflammatory properties
Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide
Download our comprehensive nutrition guide with meal ideas, recipes, and tips for managing treatment side effects.
4. CBD and Medical Marijuana
Cannabidiol (CBD) and medical marijuana contain compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. These products come in various forms, including oils, capsules, edibles, and topicals.
CBD products may help manage pain, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep for mesothelioma patients.
Evidence: A 2019 review in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that cannabinoids helped reduce cancer-related pain, nausea, and vomiting. A survey by The Mesothelioma Center found that 20% of mesothelioma patients aged 61-70 used CBD or medical marijuana as part of their care.
Benefits for mesothelioma patients: May help manage pain, reduce anxiety and stress, improve appetite, decrease nausea, and enhance sleep quality.
Note: The legal status of medical marijuana varies by location. Always check your local laws and discuss with your healthcare provider before use.
5. Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage involves manipulating muscles and soft tissues to promote relaxation and relieve tension. Oncology massage is specifically adapted for cancer patients.
Oncology massage therapists are specially trained to work safely with cancer patients.
Evidence: A 2018 study in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that massage therapy significantly reduced pain, fatigue, and anxiety in cancer patients. Lymphatic drainage massage has also shown benefits for cancer patients experiencing lymphedema.
Benefits for mesothelioma patients: May reduce pain, decrease muscle tension, improve circulation, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall wellbeing.
| Alternative Therapy | Potential Benefits | Possible Risks | Evidence Level |
| Acupuncture | Pain relief, reduced nausea, improved breathing | Bruising, infection (rare), bleeding in patients with low platelets | Strong |
| Mind-Body Practices | Reduced anxiety, improved sleep, better quality of life | Minimal; physical strain if not properly modified | Moderate to Strong |
| CBD/Medical Marijuana | Pain relief, reduced nausea, improved appetite | Drowsiness, potential drug interactions, legal concerns | Moderate |
Additional Alternative Therapies for Mesothelioma
Beyond the top five evidence-backed therapies, several other alternative approaches may benefit mesothelioma patients:
Herbal Medicine
Some herbs and supplements may have anti-inflammatory or immune-supporting properties. Examples include turmeric, green tea extract, and medicinal mushrooms.
Caution: Many herbs can interact with chemotherapy drugs or affect blood clotting.
Energy Therapies
Practices like Reiki, healing touch, and therapeutic touch aim to balance energy fields. While scientific evidence is limited, some patients report feeling more relaxed after sessions.
Art & Music Therapy
Creative expression through art or music can provide emotional release, reduce stress, and improve mood during cancer treatment.
Music therapy can provide emotional support and stress relief during mesothelioma treatment.
Patient Case Studies: Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma
While individual experiences vary, these case studies illustrate how some mesothelioma patients have benefited from alternative therapies:
John P. – Pleural Mesothelioma
- Conventional treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation
- Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, meditation, and nutritional support
- Benefits experienced: Reduced nausea during chemotherapy, improved breathing capacity, better sleep quality, and less anxiety
- Approach: Worked closely with his oncology team to integrate alternative therapies safely
Maria S. – Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Conventional treatment: HIPEC surgery and immunotherapy
- Alternative therapies: Medical marijuana, yoga, and massage therapy
- Benefits experienced: Better pain management, improved appetite, reduced anxiety, and enhanced mobility
- Approach: Consulted with an integrative oncologist to create a comprehensive treatment plan
Risks vs. Rewards of Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma
When considering alternative medicine for mesothelioma, it’s essential to weigh potential benefits against possible risks:
Potential Benefits
- Reduced treatment side effects
- Improved symptom management
- Enhanced quality of life
- Greater sense of control over health
- Holistic approach to wellbeing
Potential Risks
- Interactions with conventional treatments
- Delay in receiving proven therapies
- Financial costs (often not covered by insurance)
- Unregulated products and practitioners
- False hope from unproven claims
Open communication with your healthcare team is essential when considering alternative therapies.
“In general, elements in certain herbs and supplements may disrupt the way the body processes chemotherapy drugs, making them either less able to fight cancer cells or more toxic to the body than intended.”
Safety Concerns with Alternative Medicine
Mesothelioma patients should be particularly cautious about these safety issues:
Potential Interactions with Conventional Treatments
Some herbs and supplements can interfere with chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. For example:
- St. John’s Wort can reduce the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs
- Vitamin E supplements may decrease radiation effectiveness
- Antioxidant supplements in high doses might protect cancer cells
Always inform your oncologist about any supplements you’re taking or considering.
Pharmacists can help identify potential interactions between conventional treatments and supplements.
Unregulated Products
Many herbal supplements aren’t approved or regulated by the FDA. This means:
- Product quality and purity can vary significantly
- Actual ingredients may differ from label claims
- Contamination with harmful substances is possible
Unproven Claims
Be wary of alternative treatments that claim to cure mesothelioma. No alternative therapy has been scientifically proven to cure cancer or significantly extend survival on its own.
Red Flags: Be cautious of treatments that claim to “cure all cancers,” require you to stop conventional treatment, are promoted through personal testimonials rather than research, or are described as “natural” and therefore completely safe.
How to Integrate Alternative Medicine with Conventional Mesothelioma Treatment
The most effective approach to mesothelioma care often combines conventional and complementary therapies. Here’s how to integrate alternative medicine safely:
A multidisciplinary approach ensures all aspects of care are coordinated.
Steps for Safe Integration
- Communicate openly with your healthcare team about your interest in alternative therapies.
- Work with an integrative oncologist if possible, who specializes in combining conventional and complementary approaches.
- Research potential therapies thoroughly using reliable sources like the National Cancer Institute or Memorial Sloan Kettering’s About Herbs database.
- Choose qualified practitioners with experience treating cancer patients.
- Start one therapy at a time to monitor effects and potential side effects.
Need help finding an integrative oncologist?
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team
Which alternative therapies might be helpful for my specific symptoms?
Different therapies target different symptoms. Your doctor can help identify which approaches might address your particular challenges, whether it’s pain, fatigue, nausea, or anxiety.
Could any alternative therapies interfere with my current treatment plan?
Some supplements and herbs can interact with chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. Your oncologist can advise on potential interactions specific to your treatment regimen.
Does your cancer center offer any integrative medicine services?
Many comprehensive cancer centers now offer services like acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition counseling, and mind-body programs as part of their care.
Open communication with your oncologist is essential when considering alternative therapies.
Finding Reputable Integrative Oncology Programs
Many major cancer centers now offer integrative oncology programs that combine conventional and complementary approaches:
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Offers acupuncture, massage therapy, mind-body therapies, music therapy, and nutritional counseling through their Integrative Medicine Service.
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Provides acupuncture, massage, meditation, music therapy, and yoga through their Integrative Medicine Center.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Offers acupuncture, massage, Reiki, and nutritional services through their Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies.
Connect with a Mesothelioma Specialist
Our patient advocates can help you find oncologists experienced in integrative approaches to mesothelioma care.
Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions About Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma
Alternative medicine for mesothelioma offers valuable options for symptom management and quality of life improvement when used as part of a comprehensive care plan. The most effective approach combines evidence-based conventional treatments with carefully selected complementary therapies.
An integrated approach to mesothelioma care can help maintain quality of life during treatment.
Remember these key points when considering alternative medicine:
- Always consult your oncologist before trying any new therapy
- Choose evidence-based approaches with demonstrated benefits
- Work with qualified practitioners experienced in cancer care
- Be wary of claims that seem too good to be true
- Focus on improving quality of life rather than seeking a cure
“Deciding to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy is a personal decision but one that should be made after talking to your doctor. Together, you can look for information on whether CAM therapy is safe and may help.”
By taking an informed, integrative approach to mesothelioma care, patients can access the best of both conventional and alternative medicine to support their healing journey and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
Get Your Free Mesothelioma Resources
Access our comprehensive guides on alternative medicine, nutrition, and symptom management for mesothelioma patients.
Always consult your oncologist before trying new therapies. This information is not intended as medical advice and should not replace consultation with qualified healthcare providers.