Integrative and behavioral approaches to the treatment of cancer-related neuropathic pain.

Integrative oncology is the synthesis of mainstream cancer care and evidence-based complementary therapies. Complementary strategies include massage therapies, acupuncture, fitness, and mind-body techniques, which take advantage of the reciprocal relationship between the mind and body. Neuropathic pain--and pain more generally--is part of a complex process involving the whole physical and psychosocial being, therefore requiring an integrative management approach. Several studies have demonstrated, for example, that social context plays an important role in the perception of pain and that a patient's coping strategies can influence the persistence of pain. In this article, we briefly describe research illustrating the promise of integrative approaches for the treatment of cancer-related neuropathic pain.