How To Safely Incorporate Complementary Medicine in Cancer Care

Finding a low-cost, over-the-counter product that claims to improve your health might sound ideal. Many of these compounds flood the market each year, from so-called ‘superfoods’ to herbs. They claim to ease common symptoms like fatigue, inflammation, or digestive issues, or even provide bigger benefits.

But knowing which claims are true can be a challenge. And, more importantly, relying on alternative therapies can be harmful, especially if you're living with a serious or chronic condition.

This article explores what you need to know before trying supplements or alternative therapies, and how to do so safely.

What is complementary and alternative medicine? 

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to health practices that fall outside mainstream healthcare, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine, chiropractic, aromatherapy, and meditation. The key difference lies in how these practices are used: 

• A complementary therapy is a non-conventional treatment that is combined with conventional medicine.
• An alternative therapy is a non-conventional therapy that is used in place of standard medical care.

Finding and understanding scientific research about these therapies may be difficult. But more and more research is being done into how complementary therapies can be used alongside medication and standard treatments. Knowing when a complementary is safe and helpful is important, and you should always talk to your doctor before starting a new complementary therapy. 

Why does it take so long to approve a new drug?

Developing a new medication is a highly regulated and lengthy process. On average, it takes 10 years of research, clinical trials, and safety testing before a drug is approved and made available to the public.

This process includes:

• Evaluating safety and side effects through multiple trial phases.
• Monitoring how the drug works in different groups (age, gender, other medications).
• Checking for unintended benefits or harms the drug may cause.
• Going through an approval process that ensures a new treatment provides a benefit compared to existing treatments.

Even after a drug is released, pharmaceutical companies are required to conduct pharmacovigilance studies, which track a treatment’s long-term safety and effectiveness. These studies may uncover new uses for a drug or lead to updated dosing recommendations.

Every approved medication has been closely studied for years before it's offered to patients. This contrasts with most supplements and alternative therapies, which are not required to undergo strict controls before reaching the market. 

Are natural remedies safer because they're "natural"?

It’s understandable to want a more natural approach, especially if you’ve had side effects from medications in the past. Many people are drawn to herbs, teas, or supplements that feel gentler and easier to access. 

But “natural” does not always mean safe or effective. Here’s what to consider:

How is alternative and complementary medicine regulated?

Unlike prescription drugs, supplements are not held to the same safety or testing standards. In the United States, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 allows companies to sell products without proving their safety or effectiveness first. This means:

• Manufacturers don’t have to test for side effects or interactions.
• Labels may not fully disclose all ingredients or dosages.
• Claims made on packaging or ads are loosely regulated.

Supplements are not reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way as medications, so you can’t always trust their safety or claims.

Can natural therapies cure chronic illness?

No natural therapy has been proven to cure serious chronic conditions like cancer or autoimmune disease. Lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet, may help prevent or slow progression of conditions such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease

In other cases, research is ongoing to understand how lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of precursor conditions into cancer. For example, in the Nutrivention-2 study, researchers are linking the incorporation of a plant-based diet and specific supplementation to slow the progression of smoldering myeloma to multiple myeloma. 

However, most diseases are driven by genetics or other factors outside of your control. Natural therapies alone cannot replace medical treatment.

Can natural remedies be risky?

Many modern medications are derived from plants, but in purified, carefully measured doses. For example, atropine is used to treat certain heart conditions and poisoning caused by organophosphorus agents or carbamate insecticides. Atropine is derived from the belladonna plant (also known as deadly nightshade). However, in its original state, the belladonna plant is toxic. 

Plant-based ingredients can be powerful, but their unregulated use can be harmful, even life-threatening.

Can supplements interact with my current medications?

There is always a chance of interaction, especially if your doctor doesn’t know you are taking a new supplement. Keep in mind that even herbal remedies and teas can interact with prescribed treatments.

Everything you ingest from medications to foods, is processed through your body either by the liver or kidneys. For example:

• Grapefruit can interfere with a liver enzyme (CYP450) used to break down many medications, like metformin or chemotherapy drugs.
• Vitamins, most commonly Vitamin D and Vitamin C, commonly used in cancer care, must be prescribed by a healthcare professional monitored to avoid toxicity.

Always let your care team know about every supplement, tea, or natural product you’re taking. It could change how your treatment works.

How can I safely try a natural supplement?

Supplements can sometimes improve energy, sleep, or well-being, if used with guidance. If you’re interested in trying something new:

1. Talk to your healthcare provider first. Ask if the supplement is safe with your condition and medications. Your provider may also check lab tests to decide on dosage or frequency.
2. Be clear about your motivation. Are you curious because of a friend’s recommendation or an ad you saw online? Or are you hoping to ease specific symptoms? Being honest about your expectations can help guide better decisions.
3. Avoid overdosing on “healthy” vitamins. Conditions like hypervitaminosis (too much of a vitamin) are real, especially with fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Too much can cause harm.

Are natural therapies being studied in cancer care?

Yes! Some plant-based or mind-body therapies are being evaluated in clinical research, including:

• Papaya leaf extract: studied for its possible role in increasing platelet counts
• Plant-based diets: being researched for slowing smoldering myeloma progression. 
• Cannabis: used to manage pain, nausea, and appetite
• Acupuncture: is recommended to treat cancer pain, as one of integrative interventions, in combination with medical and pharmacological interventions as needed.
• Tai Chi and other movement therapies: shown to help with stress and fatigue.
• Vitamin D: widely used in cancer care, but requires lab monitoring
• Vitamin C: under study for use in some regimens, but not proven to treat cancer
• Omega-3: possible benefits for heart and immune health
• Green Tea extract: being explored for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Note: It is important to remember that therapies are not a substitute for medical treatment. You should always discuss complementary treatments with your care team.

Complementary medicine can be safely incorporated into your cancer treatment

Trying a supplement or natural remedy doesn’t have to be risky, but it requires careful thought and guidance. Your healthcare team is there to help you weigh the benefits and risks. Keep in mind that natural therapies can aid your treatment, but it can never replace the anti-cancer activity that your prescribed line of treatment has. 

To learn more about managing side effects and how to safely use supplements, visit HealthTree’s Side Effect Solutions page.

Sources: 

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cancer-treatment/in-depth/cancer-treatment/art-20047246
• https://academic.oup.com/oncolo/article/11/7/732/6397108 
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388118307679 
•  https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements 
• https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam 
• https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/