Efficacy of Essential Oils in Relieving Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Over 80% of patients affected by cancer develops cancer-related pain, one of the most feared consequences because of its intractable nature, particularly in the terminal stage of the disease. Recent evidence-based recommendations on integrative medicine for the management of cancer pain underline the role of natural products. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims at appraising for the first time the efficacy of aromatherapy in cancer pain in clinical studies with different design according to the most updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations. The search retrieves 1002 total records. Twelve studies are included and six are eligible for meta-analysis. The present study demonstrates significant efficacy of the use of essential oils in the reduction of the intensity of pain associated with cancer (p < 0.00001), highlighting the need for earlier, more homogeneous, and appropriately designed clinical trials. Good certainty body of evidence is needed for effective and safe management of cancer-related pain using essential oils by establishment of a step-by-step preclinical-to-clinical pathway to provide a rational basis for clinical use in integrative oncology. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023393182.

Role of Creative Therapies in Gynecological Oncology: Results of a Multigenerational Survey in Patients and Caregivers

“…In this context, studies on aromatherapy with essential oils conducted by Corasaniti et al led to a reduction in the intensity of pain in cancer-related pain, especially in the final stages of the disease [31]. Inhaled aromatherapy, in particular, appears to be beneficial here.…”

Effect of essential oils on pain management: what do we know and where do we go?

“…However, a general rule of thumb is to use essential oils once or twice a day, or as needed, for acute or mild pain, and three or four times a day, or as directed, for chronic or severe pain. The frequency can be adjusted according to the effect and comfort of the user, but it is advisable to avoid overusing or underusing essential oils for pain relief [13].…”

“…Some examples of effective combinations are lavender and chamomile, peppermint and eucalyptus, rosemary and ginger, or frankincense and myrrh. The combination can be customized according to the preference and response of the user, but it is advisable to test the combination before using it and to avoid mixing too many essential oils at once [12][13][14].…”