Palliative Care and Phytotherapy in Patients with Cancer

Cancer is defined as a complex disease that occurs with the uncontrolled proliferation of cells and develops under the influence of genetic and environmental conditions. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are frequently used in cancer treatment. Side effects related to these treatments are observed in most of the patients. Palliative care, which is an important part of cancer management today, aims to alleviate the symptoms and side effects of these treatments and to increase the quality of life of the patient. A growing number of patients with cancer are inclined towards complementary and integrative medicine, including herbal medicine. The interest in this field is increasing because it has been shown by preclinical and clinical studies that some phytotherapeutic products can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This review summarizes phytotherapeutic approaches supported by clinical studies for palliative care in cancer patients.