The journey through bone cancer treatment is demanding.
The standard medical treatments that are proven to save lives—surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation—are powerful and can take a significant toll on the body and mind. In response to this, many patients and their families look for ways to support their health and improve their quality of life during this challenging time.
One of the most well-established systems of complementary care is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This article will explore how practices like acupuncture and certain mind-body exercises are being carefully integrated with standard medical care to support bone cancer patients, helping them manage side effects and maintain their strength throughout the treatment process.
Before looking at complementary therapies, it is essential to understand the foundation of bone cancer care. This foundation is built on modern medical treatments that have been rigorously tested and are proven to be effective at fighting the disease.
Common Types of Bone Cancer:
Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most common types of bone cancer in children, teenagers, and young adults. They are often found in the long bones of the arms and legs.
Chondrosarcoma is a cancer that starts in cartilage cells and is the most common type in adults over the age of 40, often affecting the pelvis and hips.
The Pillars of Conventional Treatment: The treatment plan for bone cancer is aggressive, with the clear goal of curing the cancer. It almost always involves a combination of the following:
Surgery: This is the primary method for removing the tumor. The goal is to remove the entire cancerous section of bone, which is then often rebuilt using a metal implant or a bone graft.
Chemotherapy: These are powerful drugs that travel throughout the bloodstream to kill cancer cells. For osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, chemotherapy is a vital part of the treatment, given both before and after surgery to shrink the tumor and eliminate any cancer cells that may have spread.
Radiation Therapy: This uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It is a key component in the treatment of Ewing sarcoma and may be used in other situations where surgery is not possible.
These treatments are the reason that survival rates for bone cancer have improved so dramatically over the past several decades. However, they also bring with them a host of challenging side effects, including intense fatigue, nausea, pain, and emotional distress. This is where integrative medicine can play a valuable role.
It is crucial to be clear about the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in cancer care. In the United States, TCM is used as a complementary therapy, not an alternative one. This means it is used alongside conventional medical treatment, not as a replacement for it.
The goal of integrating TCM is not to treat the cancer itself. Instead, the focus is on:
Managing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Reducing pain and discomfort from surgery or the cancer itself.
Improving the patient's quality of life, including energy levels, sleep, and emotional well-being.
Supporting the body's overall strength and resilience to help the patient better tolerate and complete their prescribed medical treatments.
The key to a safe and effective integrative approach is open communication. A patient should always inform their oncology team of any and all complementary therapies they are considering, from acupuncture to herbal supplements.
Several components of Traditional Chinese Medicine have been studied for their benefits in supporting cancer patients.
Acupuncture Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. It is one of the most widely accepted and researched complementary therapies in Western medical settings. For bone cancer patients, it can be particularly helpful for:
Nausea and Vomiting: This is one of the most well-documented benefits. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Pain Management: Pain can be a major issue, both from the tumor and after surgery. Acupuncture can help stimulate the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, potentially reducing the need for high doses of pain medication.
Fatigue: The deep exhaustion that comes with cancer treatment can be debilitating. Studies have shown that acupuncture may help improve energy levels and reduce the severity of cancer-related fatigue.
Peripheral Neuropathy: Some chemotherapy drugs can cause damage to nerves in the hands and feet, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain. Acupuncture may help to alleviate these symptoms for some patients.
Mind-Body Practices: Tai Chi and Qigong Tai Chi and Qigong are traditional Chinese practices that combine slow, gentle movements with deep breathing and mindfulness. They are essentially a form of moving meditation. Because they are low-impact, they can often be adapted for people of all fitness levels, even during or after cancer treatment. Their benefits include:
Stress and Anxiety Reduction: A cancer diagnosis is incredibly stressful. The gentle, focused movements of Tai Chi and Qigong can help calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.
Improved Balance and Strength: After surgery, regaining physical function is a long process. These practices can help improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength in a safe and gentle way.
Better Sleep and Less Fatigue: By reducing stress and providing light physical activity, these practices can lead to better quality sleep and help combat fatigue.
Herbal Medicine: An Area Requiring Extreme Caution TCM also uses complex formulas of herbs to help restore balance in the body. While some of these herbs may have properties that can help with energy or appetite, this is the area that requires the most caution.
High Risk of Interaction: Herbal supplements can be very powerful. They can interact with chemotherapy drugs and other medications in dangerous ways. Some herbs can interfere with how the liver breaks down chemotherapy, either making the drugs less effective or increasing their toxic side effects.
Professional Guidance is Essential: A patient should never take any herbal remedies or supplements for their cancer without first discussing it with their oncologist. If an oncologist is open to the idea, any herbal formulas should only be prescribed by a licensed TCM practitioner who has extensive experience working with cancer patients and who is willing to communicate with the medical team.
