Cancer and Traditional Medicine: An Integrative Approach

Despite numerous advances in treatment, cancer still remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Given the significant health and economic burden this disease imposes, it is important to explore more effective treatment strategies. A major drawback of conventional cancer therapies is the persistence of drug resistance, adverse reactions to chemotherapy, digestive damage, reduced quality of life, and high treatment costs. To address these challenges, researchers have been investigating the utility of using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) alongside conventional cancer treatments. Some of these CAM approaches have been reported to enhance patients’ quality of life and reduce the severity of adverse effects from conventional therapies. This review explores the utility of traditional Chinese, Korean, Indian, Japanese, and South African medicines as supportive therapies for conventional cancer treatments. We also discuss the concept of integrative oncology and its global relevance, as CAM approaches typically emphasize whole-person care, including diet, lifestyle, and mental/emotional well-being. In addition, we identify key active phytochemicals and herbal medicines used in these traditional systems for cancer treatment. Our discussion aims to provide a foundation for future research into integrative oncology, fostering an interdisciplinary and complementary approach to cancer management.