Complementary therapies are one of the most popular and rapidly growing options to help relieve some of the side effects of breast cancer treatment or the cancer itself. In fact, a recent national survey showed that 73% of breast cancer patients in the U.S. reported using at least one type of complementary therapy after their diagnosis, far more than oncologists estimated.
In this installment of Spotlight on Clinical Trials, we explore the potential benefits of three different clinical trials that are testing the safety and effectiveness of complementary therapies in breast cancer care.
Complementary vs. Alternative Medicines
Although complementary and alternative therapies are often grouped together, they differ in important ways. Alternative therapies are used in place of proven treatments, which can pose serious risks for patients by delaying or avoiding effective evidence-based medical care.
In contrast, complementary therapies (such as acupressure) are used alongside standard, scientifically vetted medical treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. This allows patients to receive trusted, evidence-based care while at the same time helping to ease symptoms and improve a person’s wellbeing. Complementary therapies alone do not treat breast cancer.
Improving Outcomes through Diet and Exercise
The Komen-funded Breast Cancer WEight Loss (BWEL) Study (NCT02750826) is a phase 3 clinical trial that is investigating whether healthy lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can help prevent breast cancer from coming back. The study specifically focuses on women with early-stage breast cancer who are overweight or obese (having a body mass index more than 30).
This trial includes a telephone-based weight loss intervention, including dietary coaching and increased physical activity. Participants of the study are randomized to either weight loss intervention or to a control group that receives health education materials.
Initial results from the BWEL study show promise for those participating in the weight loss intervention. They not only reported a noticeable reduction in weight compared to those in the control group but also saw a significant increase in their weekly exercise. Preliminary study results also showed that participants who lost weight saw improvements in things like metabolism and inflammation in the body. To determine the long-term outcomes from the BWEL clinical trial, researchers will follow participants for up to 10 years following the study.
“There’s a lot that we still need to learn, and I think it’s why it’s so important that trials like the breast cancer weight loss study are going on, to really be able to study how making changes in your exercise, in your diet impact outcomes,” says Jennifer Ligibel, M.D., principal investigator of the BWEL study.
Easing Treatment Side Effects through Acupuncture
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a type of drug that helps reduce the amount of estrogen in the body that fuels the growth of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. AIs are generally prescribed to women with ER+ breast cancer who are past menopause. While AIs are effective in lowering estrogen levels and lowering the risk of breast cancer recurrence, they often cause people significant joint pain, which can impact their quality of life.
Previous research has shown that acupuncture, a technique where very thin needles are placed at specific points on the body, may help relieve the joint pain caused by AIs. However, most studies thus far have included mostly white women.
The Researching the Implementation of Acupuncture for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Diverse Underserved Cancer Survivors (ReIMAGINE) clinical trial (NCT06814977) is investigating whether acupuncture can help reduce joint pain in Black, Asian, and Hispanic women who are receiving AIs for treatment of stage 0 to 3 breast cancer. This study aims to see if acupuncture can be an easier, more effective way to manage joint pain for a more diverse group of breast cancer survivors.
Study participants in one group will receive weekly acupuncture treatments as complementary therapy over the course of 10 weeks, and their results will be compared to another group that is receiving only standard medical care. Researchers hope that these findings will promote the expansion of acupuncture to more accessible areas like community clinics.
Studies for acupuncture like ReIMAGINE are ongoing, and more research is needed to determine the full benefits and risks associated with this complementary therapy.
Restoring Emotional Balance Through Mindfulness Training
Mind-body therapies are another type of complementary therapy under study in clinical trials for their potential to help alleviate emotional stress in women with breast cancer. Young women (under age 50) with breast cancer often struggle with fatigue, sleep issues and hormone-related symptoms from treatment that affect their mental health. Mindfulness meditation is a technique that can help women stay calm and respond to these stressors better. It has also shown evidence of reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.
The HEAL-ABC clinical trial (NCT06748222) is exploring three different ways to deliver mindfulness meditation to young women with stage 0 to 3 breast cancer to determine which method best supports their mental health and well-being. Study participants are either guided by an instructor in a live online class, through a self-guided app or by using audio-guided meditation.
By comparing feedback from participants in these different groups, researchers can determine whether apps or pre-recorded sessions are as effective as live classes, as many patients don’t have time to attend live classes.
Enhancing Standard Medical Treatments, Not Replacing Them
Complementary therapies are a promising option in breast cancer care, combining a holistic approach that supports physical and psychological well-being, alongside conventional medical treatments. Integrative practices such as diet and exercise, acupuncture and mindfulness are becoming more recognized for their ability to reduce treatment-related side effects, improve quality of life and empower patients throughout their cancer experience.
It should be noted that some complementary therapies, like supplements and herbal remedies, can interfere with breast cancer medications or recovery from surgery, so it’s important to learn about these risks and talk with your doctor before taking them. Unlike standard medical treatments, many complementary therapies are not regulated by the federal government and may not have quality controls, so you have to be careful about safety. That’s why it’s always a good idea to make decisions about complementary therapies jointly with your doctor.
As evidence from clinical trials grows and patient demand increases, the integration of complementary therapies with standard treatments marks a promising shift toward more patient-centered breast cancer care. Remember to always speak with your doctor before adding any complementary therapies to your treatment plan.
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