Vitamin E and C
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables, and vegetable oils that has antioxidant properties. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that also has antioxidant properties. The combination of these two vitamins has been evaluated in patients with cancer for the treatment of radiation-induced diarrhea.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables, and vegetable oils. It is a type of antioxidant and helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive chemicals). It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Vitamin E has been used as an oral or parenteral supplement and as a solution for topical application. Vitamin E has been examined in management of diarrhea, mucositis, peripheral neuropathy, skin effects, cognitive impairment, and hot flashes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from foods or other sources. Vitamin C is found in abundance in citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, and lemons, as well as in green leafy vegetables, potatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, and cantaloupe. Its scientific or medical name is ascorbic acid or ascorbate. Vitamin C supplements are available in powder or chewable pill form.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality refers to a computer-simulated environment with sensual stimuli and interactive software and hardware that can create the feeling of physical presence in an imaginary environment. Virtual reality has been evaluated as a distractive intervention to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with cancer and for its effect on anxiety.
Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression and also sometimes is used to treat hot flashes in women who have experienced menopause or who are taking medication to treat breast cancer. Venlafaxine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Venlafaxine comes as a tablet or extended-release capsule to take by mouth.
Valerian
Valerian is a perennial herb. Extracts from the root of the valerian plant have been used in herbal medicine for anxiety and as a sleep aid. Valerian has been studied in patients with cancer for sleep and fatigue.
Withania Somnifera
Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is a plant that contains multiple chemical components that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It has been used as part of traditional Indian medicine for centuries to improve general well-being. A withania somnifera root extract was tested among patients with cancer for its effect on fatigue, anorexia, sleep-wake disturbances, and quality of life.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is the young grass of the wheat plant, and it is a source of vitamins A, E, and B12 and minerals, such as calcium, selenium, iron, and magnesium. Topical use of wheatgrass extract was examined for its effect on radiodermatitis. Wheatgrass extract appears to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Weight Management
Weight management involves the use of programmatic or informal strategies in which patients implement behaviors to lose weight or maintain an appropriate body weight. This is generally accomplished through diet and activity. Weight management has been evaluated in patients with cancer related to prevention and management of lymphedema.
Footbath
Soaking the feet in warm water has been examined for its effect on sleep disturbances in patients with cancer, due to the potential for a warm water foot bath to facilitate relaxation.