Complementary therapies and myeloma

Many people living with myeloma are interested in exploring complementary therapies as a way of improving their wellbeing. 

Some complementary therapies can be helpful, while others can interact with myeloma treatment, causing the treatment to be less effective or to cause more side effects. That’s why the single most important thing to know about complementary therapies is to be honest and open with your treating team about any therapy you are interested in trying. 

We have outlined some key information about complementary therapies and myeloma on this webpage. If you would like to read more, see our infosheet below.

What are complementary therapies and why do people use them?

Complementary therapies are ones that are used alongside prescribed treatments for myeloma. 

Many people with myeloma are interested in using complementary therapies to support them during their time both on and off treatment. Because both myeloma and its treatment cause many symptoms that affect quality of life, many people are interested in trying these therapies to help: 

• enhance treatment 
• ease myeloma symptoms, like pain and fatigue 
• reduce side effects of myeloma treatments, like nausea and peripheral neuropathy
• relieve stress and tension 
• improve sleep 
• increase overall health and sense of wellbeing 
• provide a greater sense of control over their treatment and life. 

There are many different types of therapies and sometimes they are grouped into:

• Supplements, which may include vitamins, minerals, herbal and other plant-based medicines. 
• Mind-body therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, art and music therapy, qi gong, mindfulness, and meditation. 
• Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet 

I’ve always enjoyed having massages, so after I was diagnosed with myeloma, I looked for an oncology massage therapist who knew about myeloma and extra precautions they would need to take for me. I now schedule in a monthly massage, which I always look forward to, and find it really helps me to release tension and leaves me feeling very relaxed.

-Rosa, Queensland

What about alternative therapies?

Alternative therapies are treatments that are promoted instead of conventional treatments, and tend to be used by people who have opted out of having the recommended conventional treatment for myeloma. 

These alternative treatments are unproven, usually expensive, and may be harmful. Be wary of any therapy that claims to cure cancer, is very expensive, requires you to stop conventional treatment, or asks that you don’t tell your treating team about it. 

Examples of alternative therapies include megadoses of vitamins, shark cartilage and juice fasting. 

If you would prefer to explore alternative therapies to manage your myeloma, it’s important to discuss these with your doctor. This is especially important if you want to return to conventional treatments later, as it may impact the treatments that you can safely use.

Where does integrative oncology or integrative medicine fit in?

You may hear other terms, integrative oncology, or integrative medicine being used. These terms are used when conventional treatments and evidence-based complementary therapies are used together. Some cancer centres adopt this approach to treatment. 

Talking to your treating team

Tell your treating team about any complementary therapies you are using or interested in trying — including herbs, spices, vitamins, minerals, hands-on, and natural or home remedies. This will help your team to manage your care and keep you safe. 

Research shows that people with myeloma generally don’t talk to their treating team about complementary therapies they are using because they feel embarrassed or that their team won’t approve, but it’s really important to have input from your team. 

Ask if your cancer treatment centre has any complementary therapy programs available, such as yoga, massage and meditation. Alternatively, your team may be able to recommend a qualified therapist who understands the role of complementary therapies in cancer care. 

If you are considering taking any supplements or herbal medicines, your team will ask the hospital pharmacist to do a cross-check between the proposed complementary medicine and each of your conventional treatments to see if there might be any interactions between the two. 

The hospital pharmacist recommended magnesium for cramps I was experiencing as a side effect from thalidomide. They cross-checked magnesium with my myeloma treatments to make sure there wouldn’t be any interactions. The magnesium has been really helpful in reducing night-time cramps in my calves. I think it’s helping me to sleep better too.

– Luisa, Western Australia

Popular complementary therapies

Below is a list of some of the most popular complementary therapies that people with myeloma might be interested in exploring. It’s not possible to advise which of these will be helpful or safe for you. 

Please see our infosheet for further information on these complementary therapies and safety information. We have provided this information as a starting point for you to discuss with your treating team.

• Massage therapy 
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Medicinal cannabis 
• Turmeric 
• Green tea and vitamin C
• Supplements for peripheral neuropathy 
• ‘Immune-boosting’ supplements

There are many other complementary therapies in addition to the ones that we have highlighted in our infosheet. You may hear about aromatherapy, qi gong and tai chi, reflexology, reiki, Chinese herbal medicine and others. The same rules apply to all these therapies: chat to your treating team first so they can assess whether the therapy can be safely used alongside your current treatment.

I was bothered by the tingling and burning in my hands and feet caused by peripheral neuropathy. A friend who had also been treated for cancer said that they’d found acupuncture helpful. I checked with my haematologist, who agreed it was worth a try. It has definitely helped, and also seems to be reducing my overall level of pain.

– Derek, New South Wales