Milk thistle herbal products are made from seeds of Silybum marianum. Milk thistle has a long history of medicinal use, particularly in the treatment of digestive and liver disorders. Claims in relation to cancer are that milk thistle prevents cancer initiation and development, reduces adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and supports the action of some anticancer drugs.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the skin. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy, acupuncture balances the flow of energy, or "qi", through pathways in the body. Western medical acupuncture is based on neurophysiological concepts; acupuncture points are needled to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue thus influencing various bodily functions.

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa) is a medicinal plant belonging to the Ranunculacea family, originating from Eastern North America. Black cohosh rhizome is used primarily for menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes.  Women with a history of breast cancer often experience menopausal symptoms as a result of cancer treatments, and thus this herb is of interest.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant produced by the body. CoQ10 is utilised by cells for growth and maintenance. As CoQ10 is produced naturally in the body, CoQ10 deficiency is rare in the healthy population. Nevertheless, CoQ10 supplements are widely used and have been studied for various health indications. Research on CoQ10 has focused primarily on cardiovascular disease, although it has also been used in the context of cancer for chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, cancer-related fatigue, inflammation and anti-tumour effects. The underlying mechanisms of action are thought to be antioxidant, immunomodulatory and possible anti-inflammatory.

Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) is industrially produced by fermenting wheat germs of the genus Triticum vulgaris with the addition of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The medicinally active substances of FWGE are not yet known. FWGE has been marketed as a dietary supplement for cancer patients. In the context of cancer, FWGE is believed to increase efficacy of chemo- and radiotherapy, to reduce their adverse effects and to improve quality of life.

Carnitine is the generic term for several compounds including L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and propionyl-L-carnitine. It is a substance occurring naturally in humans, where it is synthesized endogenously in the liver, kidneys, and brain from the aminoacids lysine and methionine. The name carnitine comes from the Latin word for meat ('caro', genitive 'carnis'), as it was first discovered in muscle tissue. Carnitine is naturally present in many foods and most of the daily requirements of L-carnitine is provided through the diet. It is also available as a dietary supplement. In the context of cancer, L-carnitine has been mainly investigated for alleviating adverse effects of chemo- or radiotherapy treatment.

Biofeedback is a therapeutic technique that helps individuals learn to control physiological functions that are typically involuntary, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and blood pressure. By employing electronic monitoring devices, biofeedback provides instant feedback on these bodily functions. This feedback supports individuals in making conscious adjustments to improve their health and well-being

Shark cartilage is obtained from the cartilage of mainly two shark species. It has been promoted as an over-the-counter supplement for a variety of diseases including cancer. Its use as an anti-cancer remedy was based on the misconception that sharks cannot get cancer. Some in vitro and animal research suggested that shark cartilage has anti-angiogenic and cytotoxic effects.

Hypnotherapy is a procedure with which behaviour, cognition and affective patterns are influenced by means of hypnosis and the shift in consciousness it induces. This makes it possible to restructure distressing events and perceptions while supporting the biological changes needed for healing processes. Hypnosis has been suggested to be a useful adjunct for pain reduction in cancer patients. Hypnosedation is sometimes chosen by patients as an alternative to sedation/anaesthesia during cancer surgery. In addition, it is used for anxiety, insomnia, pain management and stress-related illnesses.

Music intervention includes music therapy and music medicine. Music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. The interventions used include playing instruments, vocal and instrumental improvisation, singing, composing/song writing, music-guided imagery, and music listening. Music medicine is different, defined as listening to pre-recorded music offered by medical staff. It has been suggested that music interventions can promote wellbeing, stress management, pain alleviation, emotional expression, memory enhancement, improved communication and physical rehabilitation.