Adrenal Cancer: Complementary Therapies and Supportive Care

Complementary therapies may improve quality of life during adrenal cancer treatment but do not replace standard care (surgery, mitotane, chemotherapy, radiation). Always discuss any complementary approach with your oncology team.

Evidence-Informed Options

1. Acupuncture

May reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea, neuropathy, pain, fatigue, and hot flashes. Seek a licensed practitioner experienced in oncology care.

2. Mind-Body Practices

• Meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
• Gentle/restorative yoga
• Guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation
• Benefits: anxiety, depression, sleep quality, fatigue, and coping.

3. Nutrition Support

• Registered dietitian (RD) specializing in oncology.
• Manage treatment side effects (nausea, taste changes, malabsorption).
• Prevent malnutrition and sarcopenia.
• No "anti-cancer diet" is proven; focus on adequate protein, calories, and micronutrients.

4. Exercise

• Individualized program (aerobic + resistance) per ACSM guidelines.
• Reduces cancer-related fatigue, preserves function, may improve treatment tolerance.

5. Herbal/Supplement Caution

• High interaction risk: St. John's wort, grapefruit, curcumin, green tea extract, and high-dose antioxidants can alter chemotherapy metabolism.
• Disclose all supplements to your oncologist and pharmacist.
• Choose USP/NSF verified products if supplements are used.

6. Psychosocial Support

• Counseling, support groups, peer mentoring.
• Early palliative care integration (not just end-of-life).
• Financial navigation, advance care planning.

7. Other Modalities (Limited Evidence)

• Massage (light pressure, avoid tumor sites)
• Music/art therapy
• Traditional Chinese Medicine / Ayurveda (coordinate with oncologist)
• Homeopathy (no robust evidence; placebo-level effects)

Red flags: Claims to "cure cancer," discouragement of conventional treatment, high-cost unproven regimens. Report suspicious practices to FDA/FTC.