The case of a treatment used in combination with a conventional therapy is commonly referred to as a complementary method.  These treatments might be aimed at reducing the side effects of conventional therapies or helping the patient cope with those side effects.  The complementary treatment is used in a multimodal capacity.

• Meditation.  Meditation is a practice aimed at helping a person to relax and manage pain, and refers to any mental activity that is calmly focused on the present moment.  Some meditation is more concerned with achieving better concentration, while other forms focus on mindfulness or stillness.
• Herbal treatments.  Herbal treatments are sometimes used alongside conventional therapy to assist the patient in dealing with side effects.  Again, the physician must be consulted prior to beginning any herbal treatment regimen.
• Massage.  Massage therapy can help a patient deal with pain and other side effects that stem from conventional cancer treatments.
• Acupuncture.  Acupuncture, which involves the short-term, strategic placement of extremely thin needles into the skin, and is sometimes recommended for the alleviation of pain.