Preferences for Non-Pharmacological Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Care: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

Patients' preference for TCM non-pharmacological therapies is driven by cultural affinity and interpersonal care needs rather than objective clinical evidence. This reminds us that while respecting patient preferences is essential for achieving patient-centered care, we must also adhere to evidence-based science to ensure safety and effectiveness. Future research should prioritize non-pharmacological therapies other than acupuncture (eg, massage, qigong) to bridge the evidence gap regarding their safety and efficacy. One limitation of this review lies in the overemphasis on acupuncture among cited studies and the cultural homogeneity.