Review of Under-Recognized Adjunctive Therapies for Cancer

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This review presents cancer and primary care providers with an overview of underappreciated adjunctive measures that may improve their patients’ quality of life and survival. This is not a comprehensive review but adjunctive recommendations which may be easily addressed by the provider and acceptable to the cancer patient. These include exercise, diet, stress-reduction techniques, recognition and management of sleep problems, advice on smoking cessation, and use of selective nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals as adjuvants. In addition, patients may be more compliant if suggestions and referrals are made by their trusted providers. ABSTRACT: Patients and providers may not be aware that several adjunctive measures can significantly improve the quality of life, response to treatment, and possibly outcomes for cancer patients. This manuscript presents a review of practical under-recognized adjunctive therapies that are effective including exercise; stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, massage, yoga, Tai Chi, breathing exercises; importance of sleep quality; diet modifications such as calorie restriction at the time of chemotherapy and avoidance of high carbohydrate foods; supplements such as aspirin, green tea, turmeric, and melatonin; and repurposed prescription medications such as metformin and statins. Each recommendation should be tailored to the individual patient to assure no contraindications.