Aromatherapy entails the controlled use of essential oils that have been extracted from a variety of plant sources. Therapy is usually given via massage, inhalation or a foot- or full-body bath. In cancer care, aromatherapy is primarily used as a supportive treatment to manage symptoms and adverse effects associated with cancer and its treatment, especially for anxiety, nausea, sleep and some pain. It acts mainly through olfactory/limbic modulation and specific molecular targets.

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. 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.

In Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT) insulin is used alongside conventional chemotherapy. It is claimed that insulin enhances the effects of chemotherapy, enabling a 75–90% reduction in the usual doses of anticancer drugs and thus reducing the risk of adverse effects. Although some hypotheses have been put forward, the mechanisms of the claimed insulin potentiation of chemotherapy remain unclear and the few published in vitro studies do not help to clarify this.

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.

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.

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

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.