Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Standard treatments for mesothelioma – chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery – are often not very effective, even when used in combination.  Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer so the goal of all treatment is palliative versus curative.  Because of the limited relief that frontline therapies provide, many alternative methods are continuously being researched.

One approach that has been used in the practice of treating cancers for a few decades now is called Integrative Medicine (IM).  The term integrative medicine was first coined by its pioneer,  Andrew Weil, MD of Harvard Medical School.  Weil now trains other physicians in the practice at the University of Arizona.

IM combines standard medical treatments with complementary or alternative approaches that address the patient on all levels, physical, mental and spiritual.  It combines the best of conventional, scientifically based interventions with complementary medicine that has been proven to have positive effects.

Specifically, IM includes developing a relationship with the patient that focuses not only on medicine, but also diet, exercise, stress management techniques, and the use of alternative medicines intended to address the emotional and spiritual as well as the physical well-being of the patient.

Combining IM with conventional treatment for mesothelioma can minimize side effects of treatment, maximizing quality of life.  The interventions are more natural and tend to be less invasive, taking into consideration all aspects that influence one’s health and providing support beyond traditional measures.

If you have been diagnosed with advanced stage mesothelioma, talk to your oncologist or palliative nurse about any available alternative or complementary therapies that can be integrated into your treatment plan.  You can also find out more information about IM from the National Cancer Institute website:  www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/thinking-about-CAM.