Unconventional Treatments for Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly common among pancreatic cancer patients due to cultural influences, psychological factors, and the poor prognosis of the disease. Many patients seek unconventional treatments to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and enhance adherence to standard therapies. However, there is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness and safety of unconventional treatments due to a lack of scientific validation. This systematic review examines various CAM therapies, including curcumin, mistletoe extract, Chinese herbal medicine, and electroacupuncture, highlighting their potential benefits as complementary treatments within integrative oncology. Despite some promising findings, the absence of rigorous clinical trials hinders their integration into standard cancer care. This review underscores the widespread use of CAM and stresses the need for further scientific research. Proper regulation, adherence to ethical principles, and high-quality studies are essential to ensure these treatments can be safely incorporated into holistic patient care.