Efficacy of Inhaled Essential Oil Use on Selected Symptoms Affecting Quality of Life in Patients With Cancer Receiving Infusion Therapies

Cancer treatment can cause distressing symptoms, including decreased appetite, anxiety, fatigue, and nausea. In many patients, these symptoms adversely affect quality of life (QOL) and contribute to decreased adherence to treatment regimens. Infusion therapies, such as chemotherapy and biologic agents, are administered on a dosing schedule to optimize their anticancer effect. Managing symptoms ensures patient adherence to the dosing schedule. Pharmacologic management of symptoms can potentially lead to additional side effects such as sedation, constipation, and nausea.