Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment: Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma Treatment: Improving General Health; Complementary Therapies

Many mesothelioma patients find that they can benefit from a good diet and appropriate exercise, which may improve general health, strength, and mood. Doctors are also exploring the use of various stress reduction programs for cancer patients. These are considered “complementary therapies”—methods that supplement conventional medical practices, but that do not replace them.

Nutrition for Mesothelioma Cancer Patients

Good nutrition can play a big part in making you feel better and in keeping up your energy, although there is no definitive proof that eating well improves survival rates for mesothelioma cancer patients. Some limited studies suggest that eating fruit and vegetables lowers the risk of developing mesothelioma (Cancer Res. 1988 May 15; 48(10): 2911–5; Br J Cancer. 1996 May; 73(9): 1122–5). Researchers theorize that anitoxidents such as beta–carotene and carotenorids and other vitamins contained in these foods may have a protective effect. Experiments with antioxidant supplements rather than whole foods have produced mixed results, however (Int J Cancer. 1998 Jan 30; 75(3):355–61; Int J Cancer. 1998 Jan 30; 75(3): 362–7).

The American Cancer Society recommends that cancer patients eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, whole grains rather than processed grains and sugars, and limit the consumption of fatty red meats. It stresses that cancer patients need enough protein and suggests a diet that includes lean meat, fish, and low–fat dairy products, which are all good protein sources. It also suggests avoiding salt–cured, pickled, and smoked food.

Unfortunately, a mesothelioma cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and even the disease itself may affect your appetite and ability to tolerate certain foods. Temporary nausea or loss of appetite is not uncommon. You may have to eat smaller meals, include liquid supplements, or adjust your diet in other ways in order to cope and get the best nutrition. (See Mesothelioma Treatment: Side–effects of Chemotherapy, including the subsection on relieving nausea and vomiting during mesothelioma chemotherapy.)

We recommend consulting with both your doctor and dietitian to find the best food plan for you. Your doctor may also suggest vitamin supplements and minerals depending upon your particular mesothelioma treatment. For example, patients who were given the enzyme inhibitor pemetrexed or ALIMTA^® were able to reduce their nausea from this treatment by taking B vitamins.

Fitness, Exercise, and Mesothelioma Cancer

Exercise can improve both the physical and emotional well–being of cancer patients. Benefits include improved muscle strength, reduced fatigue, and less anxiety and depression, according to one review (Physician and Sportsmedicine, Vol. 28 (5), May 2000). Another study showed that an exercise program may be used to minimize the fatigue, muscle wasting and energy loss in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (Support Care Cancer. 2003 Jul 24).

The cancer literature suggests that exercise may improve survival times by bolstering the immune system, according to researchers at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. They reached this preliminary conclusion after reviewing six studies that included patients with various types of cancer, but not mesothelioma. They emphasized that more extensive information is required before making a definite connection between improved longevity in cancer patients and exercise (Cancer. 2002 Jan 15; 94(2): 539–51).

One recommendation in cancer cases is a regimen of moderate exercise on 3 to 5 days a week for 20 to 30 minutes (Physician and Sportsmedicine, Vol. 28 (5), May 2000). However, major modifications are in order if there are fatigue periods during treatment, and physical problems from surgery. The National Cancer Institute for example, suggests very short walks and only light exercise when coping with fatigue. We recommend that you take up the matter of exercise with your doctor and health care team to fashion a program that meets your needs and takes into account the particular situation of a mesothelioma patient, including reduced lung function.

Role of Meditation and Other Stress Reduction Therapies in Mesothelioma Treatment

Studies show that meditation and biofeedback help cancer patients relax and can often ease nausea and pain (J Am Board Fam Pract. 2003 Mar–Apr;16(2):131–47; Psychosom Med. 2003 Jul–Aug; 65(4): 571–81; J Behav Med. 1981 Mar; 4(1) : 65–78). Anecdotal evidence suggests that meditation and support groups can prolong the survival of cancer sufferers. Some preliminary studies with melanoma and breast cancer patients support this idea, although research work has not been done with mesothelioma patients (Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003 Jan; 60(1):100–3).

Whether or not relaxation methods effect survival rates, we believe that they can certainly enhance mesothelioma treatment by improving your quality of life during a very stressful time. We would weigh in on the side of support groups and relaxation techniques, but urge you to consult your health care professional for advice and recommendations. You may also want to review our Mesothelioma Support page for suggestions.

Complementary and Alternative Mesothelioma Cancer Treatments

Meditation, massage, and relaxation techniques usually fall within the categories of “complementary therapies,” which are treatments that are used in tandem with more conventional medical practices rather than in place of them. Vitamins and supplements may be considered complementary therapies when they are given in addition to radiation or chemotherapy treatment.

In contrast to complementary therapies, alternative therapies are used in place of regularly accepted medical treatments. Examples of alternative therapies include various herbal products, special diets, and alternate medical systems such as homeopathic medicine. Many alternative treatments such as laetrile (amygdalin, extracted from fruit pits) and high–dose vitamin C have been discredited. However, some alternative therapies may later be tested in clinical trials and found to be helpful, although they are as yet unproven.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a branch of the National Cancer Institute, recommends asking these questions of your health care team before considering either a complementary or alternative cancer therapy:

• » What benefits can I expect from this therapy?
• » What are its risks? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
• » What side effects can be expected?
• » Will the therapy interfere with conventional treatment?
• » Is this therapy part of a clinical trial? If so, who is sponsoring the trial?

For a list and description of complementary and alternative cancer treatments having varying degrees of effectiveness and safety, see the NCCAM summary of cancer treatments. The article, Evaluating Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer Patients also analyzes various medical alternatives (CA Cancer J Clin. 1999 Nov–Dec; 49; also see J Nurs Care Qual. 2003 Jan–Mar; 18(1): 22–6). If you are interested in recent medical journal articles about complementary and alternative cancer therapies, consult the National Library of Medicine/NCCAM index (click on CAM on PubMed). In addition, NCCAM provides a list of clinical trials involving complementary and alternative therapies for cancer patients.

We have presented this brief overview about diet, exercise, and complementary and alternative medicine as a means of keeping you informed. We want to emphasize however, that some complementary and alternative therapies may interfere with standard medical practices or may even be harmful when used with more conventional mesothelioma cancer treatments. Therefore, always let your doctor know if you are taking a herbal, vitamin, or other preparation. Even better, discuss your situation carefully with your physician and medical team before considering a complementary or alternative medical treatment.