Time to study benefits of complementary therapies

says senior cancer research scientist

Professor Leslie Walker

Professor Leslie Walker, Director of the Institute of Rehabilitation and Oncology Health at Hull University says earlier studies have already indicated the benefits of relaxation therapy and guided imagery of the type frequently used in hypnotherapy

But at the November 2004 International Union Against Cancer Conference in Dublin he said it was now time to look at the cost effectiveness and safety of other complementary therapies.

Jointly funded by the National Health Service and Cancer Research UK, Professor Walker recently launched a study to look into the effects of relaxation and guided imagery or visualisation for bowel cancer patients. It will cover some 180 patients all of whom will be undergoing chemotherap

This follows a similar study by Professor Walker of 80 women with breast cancer, half of whom were taught relaxation techniques and "guided imagery" alongside conventional treatment.

In that earlier study the women were shown images of cancer cells being destroyed, swept up with a shovel or being pierced with a bayonet, then asked vividly to imagine their bodies attacking the cancer.

Those trained in the visualisation coped better and enjoyed a better quality of life. More controversially they all had more T-cells - the type of white blood cells which combat cancerous invaders.

As well as that the study showed that 37 weeks later the women's own natural immune systems were more active.

Professor Walker maintains that research within Hull University indicate that many people benefit from relaxation therapy, hypnotherapy and guided imagery when patients are taught to visualise their bodies' defences vanquishing tumours.

He told the Dublin conference that more trials need to evaluate the cost effectiveness and safety of other complementary therapies.

Posted March 2005