Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment
Alternative mesothelioma treatments do not replace traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Instead, these treatments focus on relieving the side effects of cancer and improving quality of life. Examples include meditation, acupuncture, and biofeedback.
Currently, no alternative treatment method has been shown to extend life in mesothelioma patients. However, there are many options available that can help patients handle the side effects of their cancer and its treatment and improve their quality of life. Because certain approaches may interfere with the effectiveness of traditional therapies, you should discuss everything that you’re doing with your treatment team.
Can alternative medicine cure mesothelioma?
It’s important to be clear about what’s meant by the term “alternative medicine.” Some people may use this term to mean replacing traditional medical therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with other approaches. This may sound very enticing to some patients because it promises to avoid the side effects that are common with cancer treatment.
However, it’s also dangerous. There are no alternative medical treatments that have been proven to extend life in patients with mesothelioma. Alternative treatments have not been shown to be capable of killing cancer cells. If your goal is to live as long as possible, then traditional medical therapies are the only proven way to achieve this.
Although alternative therapies are not effective as a replacement for traditional cancer treatments, they may be useful adjuncts to help patients deal with side effects and improve their quality of life throughout their treatment journey. When used this way, they may be known as complementary medicine or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
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Medically Reviewed By:
Patricia Shelton, M.D.