What Do You Tell Patients About Alternative Treatments?
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Karen Selby, RN: What Do You Tell Patients About Alternative Treatments?

I do encourage patients and caregivers to look into complementary and alternative therapies when dealing with a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Here at the Advocacy Center, we provide them resources to get connected with experts in that field. We provide websites, and facilitate them getting connected with ones that can help answer the questions that they're looking for specifically.

I have had patients give good feedback on implementing alternative and complementary treatment along with conventional treatment that they're doing to help with symptoms that they're dealing with.

Integrative Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma

Integrative medicine for mesothelioma combines complementary therapies and standard medicine such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery. Most people with mesothelioma use them in addition to standard treatments rather than as a replacement.

Using complementary therapies in conjunction with standard cancer treatment is called integrative oncology. It uses safe, effective and evidence-based therapies for cancer. 

Common Complementary Therapies for Mesothelioma

  • Acupuncture
  • CBD and Medical Marijuana
  • Energy Therapies
  • Exercise
  • Herbal Medicine and Dietary Supplements
  • Meditation
  • Nutrition
  • Qigong and Tai Chi
  • Yoga

Patients with mesothelioma may use the same therapies in alternative and complementary medicine. Their intention and approach, however, are different. Alternative medicine replaces standard mesothelioma therapies.

Integrative and alternative medicine may help some mesothelioma patients. But a lack of evidence about their efficacy means they aren’t mesothelioma treatments. If you want to try complementary medicine, speak with your doctor. Some therapies may conflict with standard methods or drugs. Not getting treatment may hurt your prognosis. 

Types of Complementary Treatments and Alternative Therapies for Mesothelioma

Types of complementary and alternative treatment for mesothelioma include exercise, herbal medicine and mental health therapies. Always talk to your health care provider before starting any new therapy for your symptoms. 

Some therapies, like acupuncture and medical marijuana, can help manage treatment side effects. Mind-body techniques, like yoga and meditation, also lessen stress and negative emotions. Nutrition and exercise can boost your quality of life.

Kim-Madril-ASB-19-What alternative therapies helped complement your mesothelioma treatment

Survivor Story

Kim Madril: What alternative therapies helped compliment your mesothelioma treatment?

Some of the home treatments was this sort of cupping thing, which is really uncomfortable.

And there’s some, like, ancient, anecdotes that it does help this whole cupping thing, percussion and cupping. I mean, you know, there’s sort of holistic component to it and also medical. And so that was part of his protocol. Is I had to do this cupping thing. Somebody had to sort of pound my back. It was horrible. Then I had to, lean over a table and do sort of deep breathing.

I hated that.

But it was to expand my lung. There was some value to it. Now the physician was Kim. This is why you do the cupping so that you don’t develop too many secretions. You gotta get it out, not to be disgusting, but you’ve gotta, like, you know, cough it up, expectorate the phlegm.

And then you have to stretch out your lung. And that’s the purpose of this whole stretching thing. And then you’ve gotta walk. Because you wanna you you don’t wanna develop, like, a, you know, like a blood clot. You wanna keep your body active. So I did all that.

CBD and Medical Marijuana

Many people with mesothelioma use medical marijuana and CBD to ease nausea, pain and stress. This therapy lets patients pick their preferred delivery method. They can smoke the dried leaves, apply topicals to the skin or eat edibles and capsules. 

The Mesothelioma Center’s 2025 survey found 21% of patients under 50 used medical marijuana and 7% of patients over 81 used CBD oil. If you’re considering using cannabis, talk to your doctor. Medical marijuana isn’t legal in all states, and federal law prohibits its use.

Cupping

Some mesothelioma patients have used cupping therapy to stimulate blood flow. A practitioner heats the cup and then places it upside down on the patient’s skin. As the trapped air cools, the cup creates a vacuum, pulling up the skin. Cupping is an ancient therapy that may treat a variety of symptoms, such as inflammation, pain and stress. 

Some cancer patients report relief from symptoms with cupping. Pleural survivor Kevin Hession has used cupping for pain after his chest surgery. But evidence for cupping is scarce. It may be a useful treatment for lower back pain. Patients should discuss with their doctor if they want to use it for lung injury and respiratory diseases.

The Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments I Have Taken

Survivor Story

Kevin Hession: The Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments I Have Taken

This is our journey.

If you have mesothelioma, this is your journey.

You decide what your treatment is going to look like.

There’s a treatment I haven’t discussed at this point in time yet that I think is worthy of discussing at least to some degree. Now, it’s a little bit controversial.

I will open up this by saying if you like this as an idea, that’s an approach you need to consult with your healthcare provider. But I take acupuncture.

I go to a acupuncture called Doctor China in Jacksonville, Florida.

And he does a couple of things to me, but he was up upfront with me from the very beginning. He basically said, I cannot cure you if you’re mesothelioma.

What I can do is help you with some of the effects of some of the treatment that you’re receiving.

So, he does something called fire cupping which I would say doesn’t hurt but is uncomfortable when you’re going through it. And I’ve been going through it every Friday for the last four years. And what fire cupping does is it it puts pressure on your back and it allows for toxins in your body to be released and be eliminated from the body.

Why is this important? If you’re taking chemo, you have a certain amount of toxicity going through your body right now.

I am.

This helps alleviate some of the toxicity in my body.

Now, there’s risk associated with this and the risk that I understand it to be is that it does accelerate things going in your lymphatic system.

That’s where talking to a health professional, would come into play.

But I’m living evidence.

I’ve had thirteen CAT scans, no evidence of the disease. I’ve been able to tolerate all of my, chemo sessions.

Now I do have one, one net effect that I I haven’t really talked about yet either. And one of the things that help helps me with my chemo is a steroid.

On a scale of one to ten, the worst case of nauseousness I’ve ever had, on a scale of one to ten with ten being horrible and one being just enough to register had about I had one case where it was a three.

I owe that to the, the steroid that I’ve been receiving. Now over time, I guess that builds up something that’s also something you’re introducing to your body that your body probably doesn’t like. So I now have what’s called steroid flush.

And usually a day or two after I have had my infusion, my face will turn bright red. Yes, it has and they’ve reduced the dosage that I’ve been receiving so it’s not quite as traumatic as it was when it first started surfacing.

But the bottom line is it allows me to tolerate the chemo that I’ve been receiving. And by receiving the chemo, that’s allowed me to live.

So that’s an important thing. So when you’re looking at your treatment, sometimes talking to your healthcare professional about other types of treatment whether it be what’s normal kind of treatment like, steroid, or something that might be different than treatment that you might receive otherwise like acupuncture.

Sometimes they might be answers that might be part of your journey.

Exercise

Most oncologists recommend gentle exercise to mesothelioma patients. Light exercise can ease side effects, reduce fatigue and improve mood. It can also boost quality of life. Adding exercise to a patient’s treatment plan lowers the risk of death and cancer recurrence. 

Exercise improves cardiovascular fitness in mesothelioma patients. This helps them cope with surgery and chemotherapy. Gentle exercise can improve sleep. It helps people rest and recover better. Dr. Diana Molinares, director of oncology rehab at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, recommends frequent light exercise. It can help build a routine and fight fatigue. 

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Herbal Medicine and Dietary Supplements

Herbal medicines and dietary supplements, like vitamins and minerals, are another form of complementary medicine for mesothelioma patients. Sellers of herbs and supplements claim to boost wellness. But the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements. 

People with mesothelioma should be cautious with herbal medicines and supplements. These substances don’t have to pass the same safety tests as prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Herbal remedies, such as turmeric and mistletoe extracts, are popular choices among mesothelioma patients. These herbs are in traditional Chinese medicine.

Beta-Glucans

Beta-glucans are sugar compounds that may support the immune system in people with mesothelioma to fight infection and diseases. Beta-glucans don’t attack cancer directly, but they indirectly stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. Beta-glucans are first absorbed in the small intestine and broken into smaller parts, which then enter the bloodstream and interact with bone marrow and the immune system.

Beta-glucan may benefit mesothelioma patients, supporting the immune system through improved gut health. A 2023 study found that beta-glucan improved the gut health of colon cancer patients to reduce inflammation and promote cancer cell death. Taking a beta-glucan supplement carries a risk of side effects, including changes to blood pressure and gastrointestinal distress. 

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Learn About Herbal Medicine and Mesothelioma

Mental Health Therapies

Mental health therapy is vital for people with mesothelioma. It helps them cope with the mental, emotional and social challenges of their diagnosis. It’s as important as treating their physical symptoms. More cancer centers now offer counseling and support groups for patients and their families.

Mental Health Therapy for Mesothelioma

  • Mental health counseling: Counselors can help patients cope with their diagnosis and treatment. They help patients process their emotions. Many cancer centers offer free counseling to patients.
  • Pet therapy: Spending time with a dog or cat can comfort and boost a patient’s mood. Many treatment centers now offer pet therapy to patients.
  • Support groups: Talking with others who share similar struggles can help a patient feel understood. This type of support and compassion is invaluable to those with mesothelioma.

Mental health support is an integral part of the treatment of any disease. It’s often seen as a complementary therapy. Mesothelioma patients who use mental health therapy cope better with illness. 

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Learn About Mental Health and Mesothelioma

Mind-Body Therapies

Mind-body therapies have been scientifically proven to reduce symptoms in mesothelioma patients. These methods encourage the mind to stay present and aware of the body’s functions. They promote relaxation, reduce stress and can improve health.

Mind-Body Therapy Modalities

  • Meditation: This therapy asks practitioners to be mindful. They should focus on their breath or something constant. This therapy can help with sleep, mood and fatigue.
  • Qigong and tai chi: These practices mix slow movements with mindful breathing. They’re gentle and effective for fatigue, inflammation and mental health.
  • Yoga: Hatha and yin yoga are best for mesothelioma patients starting yoga. This therapy may improve breathing, sleep and mental health.

Not every mind-body therapy suits cancer patients. Mesothelioma patients should always consult their doctor. They need safe, gentle therapies that support the body and mind without adding strain. 

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Nutrition

Proper, balanced nutrition is vital before, during and after mesothelioma cancer treatment. A mesothelioma diet can help with nausea and trouble swallowing. Some cancer centers have dietitians to help mesothelioma patients. They can create personalized meal plans.

More oncology teams are stressing good nutrition for mesothelioma. It’s a key complementary therapy. Patients can change their diet to reduce inflammation, which may improve outcomes.

Eating well is crucial to feeling physically and mentally better. Good nutrition helps you to get through your treatments in the best way possible and helps the body heal.

Tejal Parekh
Tejal Parekh, Registered & Licensed Dietitian

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Learn About Nutrition and Mesothelioma

Additional Types of Complementary Medicine

Energy therapies, acupuncture and other complementary therapies have helped ease mesothelioma symptoms and side effects. Talk to your doctor about which option might be best for you.

Other Complementary Therapies

  • Acupuncture and acupressure: Acupuncture uses thin needles to stimulate points on the body. It helps relieve pain, stress and other symptoms. Acupressure is a therapy that uses finger pressure on points instead of needles.
  • Energy therapies: Energy therapies use “life force energy” to help heal a person. Energy therapy include reiki, music therapy, sound therapy and therapeutic touch.
  • TENS therapy: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation uses low-voltage electricity to relieve pain. Patients can do it at home. About 70% of patients report they’ve experienced reduced pain.
  • Therapeutic and lymphatic massage: Massage isn’t just relaxing. It can also stimulate lymph drainage to relieve fluid buildup. Other types of massage can reduce pain, fatigue and stress. But only use techniques approved for cancer patients.

Another type of complementary therapy is palliative care, which aims to ease symptoms and promote well-being. Some believe this type of care is specifically for end-stage patients. But using it earlier in treatment improves prognosis and life expectancy.

As with all complementary and alternative medicines, you should consult your doctor before using them. Some people may tout a supplement, such as Essiac tea, but your doctor is the only person whose medical and health advice you should follow.

The Dangers of Essiac Tea for Cancer Patients

Essiac is a blend of herbs, usually consumed as tea, promoted as a cure for cancer. No research of the herbal blend has been conducted on people with mesothelioma. Clinical studies show Essiac doesn’t cure cancer, and it may even promote the growth of certain cancers. An Essiac tea benefit is that it’s high in antioxidants.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cited a brand of Essiac tea on a list of fake cancer cures that consumers should avoid in 2009. Consumption of Essiac for cancer isn’t highly likely to cause serious side effects. But people with mesothelioma should get approval from their doctor before they try any herbal remedy. 

Essiac tea side effects include skin problems, heart problems, nausea and vomiting. A 2022 case report published in Heart Rhythm described a patient diagnosed who drank a homemade version of Essiac tea and experienced a complete heart block. The patient required a pacemaker to fix the block.

Integrative Oncology Programs at Mesothelioma Cancer Centers

Some mesothelioma cancer centers offer integrative oncology programs that include complementary therapies. These programs aim to treat the whole person, not just the disease.

Working with your doctor to find the right program for you is best. Find out what therapies may help your symptoms and support your treatment. 

Can Integrative Medicine Improve Mesothelioma Survival?

Integrative oncology doesn’t promise a cure for mesothelioma. It also may not always lead to better survival rates. The goal of complementary therapies is to increase comfort and improve quality of life. These therapies can also help people tolerate conventional mesothelioma treatments.

For example, people dealing with side effects from chemo, like nausea and vomiting, may find relief through complementary therapies. When people are better able to complete their full chemo regimen, it can have a positive effect on survival.

It’s important to follow your mesothelioma doctor’s treatment plan, even if complementary therapies give some relief. Skipping standard treatments can be harmful and may lower survival chances.

Mesothelioma Survivors Who Used Integrative or Alternative Treatments

Many people with mesothelioma choose to add complementary therapies to their conventional treatment plans. In the past, some people turned to alternative treatments because of limited effective options. Since alternative therapies don’t work consistently for everyone, most people prefer to combine complementary therapies with standard treatments like chemo and surgery.

Jim Huff
Pleural mesothelioma survivor

In 2016, doctors diagnosed Jim Huff with pleural mesothelioma. He didn’t want to endure the harsh side effects of chemotherapy. Instead, he used medical marijuana, taking a dose of CBD oil twice a day. For 15 months, his CT scans showed no new tumor growth. When his cancer progressed, Huff found success with Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug. “Something is working, a combination or whatever,” Jim said. “I’m just riding this wave as long as I can.”

Jerry Lampe
Peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

In 1980, doctors diagnosed Jerry Lampe with peritoneal mesothelioma. At the time, there were few treatments for the rare cancer. Doctors gave him only six to 12 months to live. A friend suggested Lampe check out the Immune Augmentation Therapy Clinic, an experimental cancer center in Freeport, Bahamas. He had daily injections of a protein mixture made from the blood of healthy donors. Today, Lampe may be the longest-living mesothelioma survivor in the U.S. “There is no way to prove now what it did or didn’t do for me back then,” Jerry said. “[The injections] built up my immune system, and I survived.”

Sissy Hoffman
Pleural mesothelioma survivor

In 1996, Sissy Hoffman had a radical surgery called an extrapleural pneumonectomy. Dr. David Sugarbaker, a pioneer in mesothelioma treatment, did the surgery. Hoffman thrives today. She eats well and does tai chi and water aerobics. It’s allowed her to take a lifetime trip to Italy and even snorkel despite having one lung. “Was it easy? No, it was not,” Sissy said. “But I am stronger for it, and I have a deeper appreciation for life.”

Common Questions About Alternative Treatments for Mesothelioma

Can integrative or alternative treatments for mesothelioma help with symptoms?

Supplemental mesothelioma treatment options often prove useful for managing the severity of symptoms. Many patients turn to complementary therapies. They want to ease the side effects of standard mesothelioma treatments and boost their health.

Patients considering complementary treatments should consult their doctor first. This is to avoid any negative interactions with new treatments. Doctors and a patient’s care team can recommend therapies. They can also provide info on integrative oncology centers that offer complementary and traditional treatments.

How do complementary therapies help manage treatment side effects?

Complementary therapies often help with the side effects of standard mesothelioma treatments, like chemo. The ability to tolerate conventional treatments to completion can help increase the patient’s chances of surviving mesothelioma.

Choose complementary therapies based on your symptoms, depending on your type and severity. Medical marijuana can often manage nausea. Proper nutrition boosts well-being. A meditation practice can reduce stress. The best approach is to combine several alternative therapies.

Are alternative, naturopathic and holistic medicine for mesothelioma the same?

These terms mean different approaches to treating mesothelioma. Alternative medicine for mesothelioma is any treatment that avoids standard methods. It uses only non-standard methods to treat or cure the disease. This can include a special diet instead of cancer drugs.

Naturopathic remedies are a type of alternative medicine. They use herbs and natural remedies to support the body’s self-healing. Holistic medicine treats the whole person. This approach often includes multiple therapies like integrative medicine, which combines conventional mesothelioma treatments with complementary therapies.

Can I use Essiac tea alongside my cancer treatments?

Certain chemo drugs, including the experimental chemo drug DX-8951f, can negatively interact with Essiac. This tea might slow the rate at which your body metabolizes certain drugs. This effect may increase a drug’s potency or prolong its effects. 

A report indicates that Essiac may inhibit liver enzymes known as cytochrome p450, which play a crucial role in eliminating some cancer medications from your system.

How can I incorporate beta glucan into my diet?

Eating more foods that contain this type of fiber is one way to incorporate beta-glucans into your diet. They appear in a range of plant-based foods, including oats, barley, seaweed and certain mushrooms. People with mesothelioma can speak to a dietitian to learn more about eating a diet with supportive nutrients.

While many medical providers prefer patients to get nutrients such as beta-glucans through their diet, supplements are available for those who are unable to get enough nutrients through dietary changes alone. If you’re considering taking supplements, speak with your doctor about possible beta-glucan benefits, adverse drug interactions or side effects. 

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