any impact on Targeted therapy (lorlatinib) with aromatherapy oils?

Dear VonA17,

My name is Liz, and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan support line.

Thank you for reaching out for information about the use of aromatherapy, essential oils and massage while your husband is prescribed lorlatinib to treat his lung cancer.

As Macmillan is not part of the NHS, we don’t have access to your husband’s medical notes. For this reason, his treatment team is better placed to answer specific questions about the safety of any complementary therapies. I would suggest you check with them before booking anything for him.

As you mentioned, massage and other touch therapies can help with relaxation of body and mind, relieving tension and enhancing mood.

Some people are worried that having a massage might cause cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body. Research has not found any evidence of this, but massage therapists will avoid any areas affected by cancer. Talk to your husband’s cancer doctor or specialist nurse if you are worried. Your husband can discuss with the massage therapist where he would like to have massage and what they suggest will be comfortable and safe for him.

He should only have a massage from a therapist who is trained and qualified to treat people with cancer. They should have some knowledge of cancer and its treatments. It is important to tell the therapist about the cancer and the treatment he is having. You can contact the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) to find a qualified massage therapist. You will need to check that they are trained and experienced in working with people who have cancer.

With aromatherapy it is important to ask a qualified aromatherapist for advice before using essential oils at home, some essential oils may interact with other medicines and again it’s important to speak to your husband’s cancer team first.

Some people find that mind-body therapies such as meditation and relaxation help improve overall wellbeing. You might wish to explore local support services to see if there are any groups or resources in your area which could support relaxation for both of you.

Caring and supporting a loved one with cancer is exhausting so please make sure that you are looking after yourself as well. I’m pleased to see that you have joined one of our forums, some people also find the family and friends forum supportive.

Please contact us whenever we can help, you might find it useful to contact our support line.  We often find we can explain our answers in a bit more detail over the phone, giving you the opportunity to ask more questions if needed.

Take care, 

Liz 

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

 Ref LZD/DC