A Systematic Review of Complementary Therapies in Colorectal cancer patients: Summarizing the Current Global Options

Abstract

Colorectal cancer patients have been experiencing various side effects related to the therapies, both physically and physiologically. Complementary medicine was used to help patients alleviate complaints and increase their quality of life. This systematic review aimed to sort out complementary medicines that could be advised to be used for colorectal cancer patients. Search limitations include the population of colorectal cancer patients, published between 2015 and 2021 and written in English. We found that traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy massage, acupuncture, and mindfulness-based stress reduction tests were beneficial in improving patients’ physical and physiological complaints. However, dosing and herb-herb interactions in Chinese traditional medicine and the beneficial persistency effect of other modalities needed further investigation, especially in colorectal cancer patient therapy. Complementary modalities are generally safe; however, some therapies still warrant further investigation to confirm safety and beneficial consistency.