Integrative Therapies for Radiation-Related Toxicities in Hematological Malignancies

Hematological malignancies are the fourth most common cancer type, with lymphoma as one of the most common hematological malignancies in this group. Radiation therapy plays a critical role in the treatment of hematological malignancies, particularly lymphoma, plasmacytoma, and leukemia. Radiation toxicities include side effects such as pain, dermatitis, mucositis, xerostomia, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and pneumonitis. With emerging therapies in hematology, including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, and transplant, patients are presented with unique side effects that may impact their ability to tolerate radiation. Integrative therapies, such as mindfulness-based interventions and yoga, have shown to have strong evidence in managing radiation-related fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Acupuncture has shown to be efficacious for radiation-related pain, xerostomia, and anxiety. As survival has continued to increase over the years, survivorship has become crucial. For patients who have undergone radiation, survivorship concerns such as increased cardiovascular risk, psycho-social concerns, secondary malignancy risk, and others may uniquely be addressed with integrative approaches. This review aims to give an overview of the current evidence for integrative therapies in managing toxicities secondary to radiation and improving the survivorship of patients who have received radiation therapy.