Clinical reports show the usefulness of hypnosis in the adult oncology setting, and how the quality of life of cancer patients can benefit from a comprehensive multidisciplinary cancer treatment approach in oncology centres. Apart from its proven efficacy in actual symptom management, (pain, nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing pills, insomnia and anxiety, hot flushes etc), Hypnosis does not produce adverse effects or drug interactions. Cancer patients regulate their immune system and obtain relief from conventional cancer related symptoms without destructive or unpleasant effects.

HYPNOSIS IN CANCER CARE, Christina Liossi, University of Southamptom, UK (2006) – Link to PDF Hypnosis and Cancer Care 2006
Abstract
Despite conclusive evidence for the efficacy of clinical hypnosis in the management of many cancer related symptoms and particularly acute and chronic pain, hypnosis is currently under-utilized in these applications. This paper gives a brief overview of the contemporary uses of hypnosis in paediatric and adult oncology and shows how hypnosis can be integrated into a total therapeutic process based on the needs and goals of the patient and the health care team treating them. The first section describes studies that have evaluated hypnosis in adult oncology. The second half consists of a review of the hypnosis literature in paediatric oncology. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research, and implications for clinical practice, which at the moment lags behind. Copyright © 2006 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Link to PDF Hypnosis and Cancer Care 2006

EFFICACY OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS IN THE ENHANCEMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF TERMINALLY ILL CANCER PATIENTS (2001)
Christina Liossi1 and Paul White2
1Department of Psychology, University of Wales Swansea and 2Faculty ofComputer Studies and Mathematics, University of the West of England, UK
Abstract
The fact that terminal cancer patients experience considerable psychological distress is now undisputed, but the effectiveness of psychological treatments in relieving this suffering is less clear. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the efficacy of clinical hypnosis in the enhancement of quality of life of patients with far-advanced cancer. Fifty terminally ill cancer patients were randomly assigned to two groups: standard care and hypnosis. Link to PDF Efficacy of Hypnosis Cancer 2001


HYPNOSIS AND CANCER: HOST DEFENCES, QUALITY OF LIFE AND SURVIVAL
Leslie G. Walker
Behavioural Oncology Unit, University of Aberdeen Medical School, Aberdeen
Abstract
In recent years it has become increasingly clear that the diagnosis and treatment of cancer are stressful experiences. Not surprisingly, therefore, high levels of psychiatric morbidity and psychological distress have been reported (Derogatis et al., 1983). There is now evidence, however, from prospective, randomized, controlled trials, that psychological interventions can enhance the quality of life of patients with cancer (see Meyer and Mark, 1995 for a meta-analysis). In addition, psychological interventions, including hypnosis, can modulate the immune response in a way that might be relevant to the progression of malignant disease (Walker and Eremin, 1995). Link to Hypnosis Cancer Quality of Life 1998

PARTICIPATING IN THE CULTURE OF CANCER: A DEMILITARIZED APPROACH TO TREATMENT 1997
Douglas G. Flemons and Judith A. Shulimson*
Nova Southeastern University
ABSTRACT
This case study describes the use of hypnosis with an anthropologist diagnosed with breast cancer. The therapist utilized the client’s sense of identity as a qualitative researcher, as well as her knowledge of and respect for indigenous cultures, to help her actively engage in her chemotherapy treatment and to help her better tolerate the side-effects of the medication. He also used hypnosis to attempt to improve the functioning of her immune system, employing, at her request, an alternative approach to standard military-based images. Considering immunity to be a cognitive process, the therapist designed metaphors that focused on improving the immune system’s ability to perceive, learn, and achieve balance. Link to Hypnosis and breast Cancer 1997