Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, 2025, Vol.13, No.6, 265-274 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 269 Although the results are positive, there are still some deficiencies in the relevant research. There are differences among the studies in terms of sample size, intervention methods and potential biases, which may affect the wide applicability of the conclusions (Yan et al., 2025). Furthermore, methods such as massage and acupuncture have relatively sufficient evidence, but the quality of evidence for some other mind-body interventions or natural products is still not high or clear, indicating that more high-quality research is needed in these fields (Mao et al., 2022). 4.2 The synergistic and complementary effects of non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical treatments In the latest clinical guidelines and practices, the combined use of non-pharmaceutical means with analgesic drugs has become a common practice. This type of non-pharmacological adjuvant therapy helps to better control pain, reduce the dosage of medication, alleviate adverse reactions, thereby enhancing patient cooperation and improving overall efficacy (Table 1) (Liu et al., 2023). For instance, studies have shown that conventional medication combined with massage, acupuncture or music therapy can significantly reduce patients' pain perception and improve their emotional state (Yan et al., 2025). This type of combined treatment approach is particularly suitable for patients who are intolerant to opioids or wish to reduce their drug dependence. Table 1 Behaviors and related contexts of non-pharmacological strategies for cancer pain management (Adopted from Liu et al., 2023) (Theme) (Category) Finding complementary therapy Seeking traditional Chinese medicine treatment Utilizing assistive skills Applying hot compress Applying cold compress Applying massage Using body positioning Combining multiple assistive skills Adapting to assistive skills Adapting to assistive skills outside of the house Adapting to assistive skills for situational barriers Diverting attention Adopting various methods to divert attention Seeking help Seek help for using assistive skills Authoritative institutions such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network of the United States recommend the adoption of multimodal strategies, that is, the combined use of drug and non-drug methods to comprehensively address different aspects of cancer pain (Mao et al., 2022; Liu et al., 2023). This strategy not only helps to better control pain, but also provides comprehensive care for patients, paying attention to their physical, psychological and social feelings. 4.3 Practical application and effect evaluation in typical cancer patients After receiving 50 minutes of essential oil aromatherapy massage, cancer patients experienced a significant reduction in pain, a decrease in discomfort, and an improvement in physical comfort compared with those without essential oil aromatherapy massage (Yan et al., 2025). Another randomized controlled trial for patients in the middle and advanced stages showed that combining massage with appropriate exercise could not only relieve pain but also improve psychological state, demonstrating the practical significance of patient-centered holistic care (Liu et al., 2023). Qualitative research also indicates that some patients who have been taking opioid painkillers for a long time will actively adopt non-pharmaceutical methods such as massage, acupuncture, mindfulness or hot compresses to assist in pain relief, thereby reducing their dependence on drugs. After receiving professional guidance, most of these patients indicated enhanced self-regulation ability, improved skills in coping with pain, and an improved quality of life (Liu et al., 2023). These practical experiences indicate that incorporating non-pharmaceutical interventions into the overall management of cancer pain is feasible and can bring about actual benefits. 5 Feasibility Analysis of Non-pharmaceutical Strategies 5.1 Institutional requirements and implementation conditions for non-pharmaceutical intervention To smoothly apply non-pharmaceutical interventions such as massage, acupuncture, reflexology and cognitive behavioral therapy in cancer pain management, support at the hospital or institutional level, trained professionals
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