The use of essential oils in improving symptoms in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment: a study protocol

Authors

  • Lara Carelli Bachelor School of Nursing, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - "San Paolo" Campus https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6945-4877
  • Bonfà Melissa IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi Milan, Italy
  • Nicola Santoro IRCCS Humanitas Clinical Institute, Rozzano, Italy
  • Paolo Ferrara Bachelor School of Nursing, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - "San Paolo" Campus
  • Elena Sala Bachelor School of Nursing, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - "San Paolo" Campus
  • Paola Loche ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - San Paolo Hospital
  • Rita Boaria ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - San Paolo Hospital
  • Carmela Lombardi ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - San Paolo Hospital
  • Mauro Moroni ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - San Paolo Hospital
  • Stefano Terzoni Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milano
  • Laura Di Prisco Bachelor School of Nursing, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - "San Paolo" Campus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54103/dn/28124

Keywords:

aromatheraphy, Chemotherapy, symptomy, nurse, cancer

Abstract

This quasi-experimental clinical study protocol aims to describe a study designed to assess the effectiveness of aromatherapy in alleviating chemotherapy-related symptoms  (pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, and general discomfort) in cancer patients. The study involves the diffusion of essential oils through cold ultrasonic diffusers between May 2025 and December 2026, within designated areas of the Oncology Day Hospital at ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo. Symptom intensity and quality of life will be measured using the Italian version of the ESAS and SF-12 questionnaires. The study will also explore the perceptions of patients and healthcare professionals through semi-structured interviews. Ethical Committee approval will be required, and appropriate informed consent will be provided to participants.

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References

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Published

2025-07-31

How to Cite

Carelli, L., Melissa, B., Santoro, N., Ferrara, P., Sala, E., Loche, P., … Di Prisco, L. (2025). The use of essential oils in improving symptoms in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment: a study protocol . Dissertation Nursing, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.54103/dn/28124
Received 2025-01-27
Accepted 2025-06-06
Published 2025-07-31