Cancer Mythbusters: Alternative Therapies

Understanding Cancer | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

The search for new and better cancer treatments has resulted in some incredible discoveries in recent years. Immunotherapy, a kind of cancer therapy that harnesses the immune system to fight cancer, has monumentally changed the way that some cancers are treated. Chemotherapy and radiation have greatly improved. And researchers are working on bringing more treatment options to patients every single day. However, despite the many advances in cancer therapy, not all patients respond to these new treatments. Cancer treatments also often lead to side effects that may last for months to years after treatment. Given this, many cancer patients turn to alternative or complimentary therapies as potential cancer treatments or as ways to alleviate side effects. In this episode, we explore the evidence behind the use of alternative therapies in patients with cancer with Dr. Jennifer Ligibel, director of the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living. We also talk about the power of integrative therapies, which cancer patients can use enhance their quality of life during and after cancer treatment.