Non-Drug Therapies and Support Improve Cancer Care Outcomes

Non-drug therapies, counseling and telehealth improved pain, mood and communication in cancer care, though older adults and minorities remain underrepresented. Image generated by Google Gemini.

Non-pharmacological interventions, psychosocial support and communication strategies are shown to improve pain management and emotional well-being in patients with cancer, according to a study abstract presented at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting.

“Innovative care models like telehealth improve adherence and communication,” wrote Dr. Fnu Anamika, the lead study author. “However, underrepresentation of older adults and minorities in research limits the generalizability of these findings. Future research should prioritize inclusive recruitment strategies, explore the synergistic effects of combined interventions, and evaluate long-term outcomes to ensure equitable and effective care for all cancer patients.”

Anamika is a fellow physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Non-pharmacological interventions reduced pain severity by 35% and improved emotional well-being by 30%. Psychosocial support reduced perceived stress by 40% and depressive symptoms by 25%. Innovative care models, particularly telehealth, improved adherence by 50% and patient-care team communication by 45%. Demographic analysis revealed underrepresentation, with only 15% of trials including participants over age 65 and 20% focused on racial or ethnic minorities.

Of the 180 studies reviewed, 40% incorporated non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Psychosocial support, including therapy and peer programs, was reported in 30% of studies and 25% examined communication strategies like decision-making and symptom communication.

Researchers reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025. The analysis looked at outcomes such as pain levels, emotional well-being, treatment adherence and patient satisfaction, as well as whether people of different ages and ethnic backgrounds were represented in research.

Approaches like non-drug therapies, counseling and new models of care are showing positive results, but more data-driven research is needed, especially for groups who are often underrepresented, according to the study.

What are Non-Pharmacological Interventions?

Non-drug approaches to care, also called non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs), are gaining attention in health care as ways to support patients’ well-being, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine . Unlike medicines, NPIs are science-based strategies that focus on the mind and body without using drugs. They are meant to prevent, ease or help manage health problems, and many have been studied in clinical research to understand their impact on quality of life, symptoms and overall health.

Some common types of NPIs include:

• Psychological approaches such as stress management, relaxation techniques (like mindfulness and meditation), health education, hypnosis and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Acupuncture and related techniques including electroacupuncture and acupressure.
• Device-based therapies such as biofeedback or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
• Physical therapies including physiotherapy, massage, heat or cold therapy, osteopathy and chiropractic care.
• Although many NPIs are used in non-urgent settings, they can play an important role alongside other treatments by addressing both physical and emotional needs.

What are Psychosocial Support and Communication Strategies for Patients With Cancer?

Psychosocial support is given to help meet the mental, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families, according to the National Cancer Institute’s website, cancer.gov. Diseases, such as cancer, can affect a patient’s thoughts, feelings, moods, beliefs, ways of coping and relationships with family, friends and co-workers. There are different kinds of psychosocial support that can help cancer patients. These include counseling, education, group support and spiritual support.

Communication strategies are non-drug approaches that help patients better understand their condition, express concerns and take part in decisions about treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute’s website. These strategies can also ease anxiety, improve relationships with providers and support emotional well-being.

Some examples of communication strategies include:

• Shared decision-making: Patients and providers work together to weigh treatment options, considering both medical evidence and personal values.
• Symptom communication: Patients are encouraged to talk openly about pain, side effects or emotional distress, which helps providers adjust care plans more effectively.
• Health education and counseling: Clear, plain-language explanations about a diagnosis, test results or treatment help patients feel more informed and confident.
• Use of supportive tools: This can include written information, visual aids or digital apps that make complex information easier to understand.
• Active listening and empathy training for providers: Encouraging providers to listen closely and respond with empathy builds trust and makes patients feel heard.

References

1. “Advancing pain and symptom management in cancer: A data-driven analysis of care delivery, psychosocial support, and communication strategies,” by Dr. Fnu Anamika, et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology.
2. “Non-Pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Chronic Health Conditions and Non-Communicable Diseases,” by Carmina Castellano-Tejador. National Library of Medicine
3. “Communication in Cancer Care (PDQ®)–Patient Version,” National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/adjusting-to-cancer/communication-pdq

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