More Research Needed on Complementary Therapies

Behind the Cancer Headlines®

November 19, 2004

A Cancer Research UK scientist has called for more clinical trials to evaluate the benefits of complementary therapies for cancer patients.

Prof. Leslie Walker says that many people benefit from relaxation therapy, hypnotherapy and guided imagery in which patients are taught to visualize their bodies' defenses vanquishing tumors and promoting good health.

He has carried out trials over the last 25 years to show how quality of life can be improved when patients are offered these therapies. But, he says, more trials should be undertaken to evaluate cost effectiveness and safety of other complementary therapies.

In a presentation to the International Union Against Cancer Conference in Dublin , Walker argued that patients can benefit psychologically when information, support and access to evidence-based complementary therapies are offered.

Cancer Research UK's Walker, who is director of two oncology health centers and the Institute of Rehabilitation at the University of Hull, is currently evaluating the effect for relaxation therapy and guided imagery on patients having chemotherapy for bowel cancer.

A further trial is studying the effects of reflexology and scalp massage on 180 women with early breast cancer.

Earlier studies have indicated that relaxation and guided imagery have improved quality of life.

Walker says: "The idea that guided imagery may have powerful psychological and biological effects goes right back to Aristotle who said: 'The soul never thinks without a picture.'

"Relaxation techniques involve muscular exercises. Some patients like to imagine a battle scene between the cancer and the drug treatment; others prefer to imagine a healing process like a white light promoting wellbeing and a return to health."

Professor Robert Souhami, Cancer Research UK 's Director of Policy and Communication, said: "It is important that cancer patients should have access to treatments that have been shown to be beneficial to their health.

"Although some complementary therapies have been shown to be of value in some clinical situations, it is essential that all such approaches undergo rigorous assessment in randomized clinical trials."

SOURCE:

Cancer Research UK (http://www.cancerresearchuk.org)