Psychological Interventions with Integrative Medicine in the Primary Cancer Patients

Submission Deadline: 30 March 2025 View: 79 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Prof. Ansheng Lee Zhang

Email: Anshengzhang867@gmail.com 

Affiliation: Professor of Medicine and Visiting Professor Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center

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Research Interests: Oncology and Clinical Research

Dr. Gaurav Goyal

Email: dr.gaurav867@gmail.com

Affiliation: Professor, Subdivison of head and neck cancer, Oral Medicine, GIDSR, Punjab, India

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Research Interests: Oncology, Precision Medicine and Clinical research

Dr. Katarzyna Nowak

Email: author1212@outlook.com

Affiliation: Professor, Uzdrowisko Ustroń Health Resort, Poland

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Research Interests: Psychological interventions and Yoga Therapy

Summary

Cancer treatment has evolved beyond traditional medical interventions to incorporate psychological and integrative medicine approaches, aimed at improving the overall well-being and quality of life for primary cancer patients. This special issue explores the intersection of psychological interventions and integrative medicine in cancer care, focusing on how these therapies work together to enhance patient outcomes. With cancer-related psychological distress being a significant factor affecting patients' mental health, there is growing evidence that psychological support can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Simultaneously, integrative medicine practices, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, yoga, and mindfulness, are increasingly recognized for their role in supporting cancer treatment and patient recovery. This issue brings together key research articles, clinical studies, and patient-centered perspectives to highlight the benefits of combining psychological and integrative interventions. It begins with a systematic review of psychological interventions for cancer patients, emphasizing cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and supportive-expressive group therapy. Next, the issue explores various integrative medicine approaches, including mind-body practices and their effects on cancer-related fatigue, immune function, and overall treatment response. By presenting evidence from clinical trials, case studies, and patient experiences, the articles demonstrate how these therapies not only improve mental health outcomes but may also contribute to longer survival and reduced recurrence rates.

A critical examination of the future directions for psycho-oncology and integrative medicine is also provided, considering the integration of emerging technologies like AI-driven psychological tools and the role of personalized medicine in shaping future treatments. This special issue aims to provide healthcare practitioners, researchers, and policy-makers with insights into the practical implementation of psychological and integrative therapies, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach in cancer care for improving patient quality of life and treatment success.

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