CLINICAL HYPNOSIS IN ONCOLOGICAL PALLIATIVE CARE: A CRITICAL NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Patients with advanced cancer often experience refractory pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, and vomiting, symptoms that impair quality of life even when pharmacological treatment is optimized. Clinical hypnosis has been investigated as an adjuvant intervention in this setting, but the literature is methodologically heterogeneous and presents important gaps. This critical narrative review synthesizes evidence on mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and limitations of hypnosis in oncological palliative care. It argues that although there are promising signs of benefit — particularly in pain, anxiety, and nausea management — the empirical basis remains insufficient for definitive recommendations. Integrating hypnosis into palliative practice requires professional training, individualization, and a multidisciplinary approach, as well as further research with greater methodological rigor.