Integrative Oncology and Palliative Care in Iran: Mind, Body, Religion, and Spirituality.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review critically examines the role of integrative oncology interventions, mind-body, spirituality, and religion-informed therapies, embedded within palliative care practices in Iran from 2021 to 2024.

RECENT FINDINGS: Quantitative studies reveal that mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive hypnotherapy, and spiritual therapies grounded in Quranic recitation significantly reduce pain, anxiety, and depression, while enhancing QOL and resilience. Qualitative research highlights persistent unmet spiritual needs related to meaning, hope, and social support. Small sample sizes, short follow-up, urban-centric studies, lack of consensus on spiritual-care definitions, and provider skepticism impede generalizability and implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Strengthening methodological rigor, developing culturally tailored evidence-based protocols, and fostering collaboration between palliative care clinicians and integrative oncology providers are imperative to advance holistic cancer care in Iran. Policy support and provider education will accelerate practice integration.