Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, 2025, Vol.13, No.6, 265-274 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 265 Meta Analysis Open Access Evaluating the Effectiveness and Practical Use of Non-Drug Therapies for Cancer Pain Management Xiaopen Liu, Jie Zhang Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhengjiang, China Corresponding author: jie.zhang@jicat.org Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, 2025, Vol.13, No.6 doi: 10.5376/cge.2025.13.0027 Received: 01 Sep., 2025 Accepted: 03 Oct., 2025 Published: 20 Nov., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Liu and Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu X.P., and Zhang J., 2025, Evaluating the effectiveness and practical use of non-drug therapies for cancer pain management, Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, 13(6): 265-274 (doi: 10.5376/cge.2025.13.0027) Abstract This study explored the effect of drug-free treatment methods on cancer-related pain and the possibility of practical application. It effectively alleviates pain, improves mood and psychological state, enhances the quality of life, and is less likely to cause side effects. This article also investigated the feasibility of integrating these methods into a multidisciplinary collaborative treatment model, and the patients' acceptance of these methods was also relatively good. Non-pharmaceutical therapies can not only directly relieve pain but also be used in combination with drugs, thereby reducing the dosage of painkillers and lowering their potential risks. The key to promoting the long-term use and wide popularization of these methods lies in establishing unified norms, strengthening the training of professionals, and seeking policy support. Non-pharmaceutical intervention can be regarded as a type of safe, economical and patient-centered comprehensive management approach for controlling cancer pain, and it is worthy of being more comprehensively incorporated into daily medical work and policy planning. Keywords Cancer pain management; Non-pharmacological interventions; Acupuncture and massage therapy; Mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy; Efficacy and feasibility 1 Introduction Pain is a common and uncomfortable feeling among cancer patients. More than half of the patients in the advanced stage will experience moderate to severe pain. Even with conventional treatment, the pain of many people still fails to be effectively relieved (Chapman et al., 2020; Mestdagh et al., 2023). At present, cancer pain mainly relies on drug treatment, especially opioid painkillers, and follows the pain relief steps recommended by the World Health Organization. However, this approach has many problems. For instance, nearly 40% of patients have persistent pain, and the drugs may bring side effects, tolerance or addiction risks. Some survivors may also experience long-term pain. In addition, the types of pain are diverse, often including tissue damage, neurological problems or mixed pain, thus requiring more comprehensive and personalized coping approaches (Mestdagh et al., 2023; Dave, 2024; Khojayeva et al., 2025). Due to the limited therapeutic effect of drugs and the potential adverse effects, non-pharmaceutical methods are gradually being valued as auxiliary or alternative means to control cancer pain (Mestdagh et al., 2023; Ye et al., 2024; Khojayeva et al., 2025). These methods cover psychological support (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness training), physical therapy (such as massage, acupuncture, exercise), and comprehensive intervention (such as music therapy, yoga), etc. (Yan et al., 2025). Studies have shown that these interventions can help reduce the degree of pain, improve the quality of life, and pay attention to the psychological and emotional state of patients, with a relatively low risk (Deng, 2019; Yan et al., 2025). Although the research results are sometimes inconsistent, more and more evidence supports its inclusion in routine treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to further evaluate its efficacy and the feasibility of practical application (Warth et al., 2020; Park and Lee, 2021). This study will explore the effect and practical feasibility of non-pharmaceutical methods in relieving pain in cancer patients, thereby providing a scientific basis for clinical practice. Non-pharmaceutical intervention methods include reflexology, aromatherapy, acupressure, massage, acupuncture, music therapy and psychological education, etc. This study will also assess the feasibility of incorporating these interventions into routine pain
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==