Abstract: This paper described the concept, application, outcome and theoretical basis of painting therapy, focusing on the application of painting therapy in symptom management of patients with malignant tumors. Painting therapy, as an auxiliary medical method to relieve the symptoms of patients with malignant tumors, could relieve the pain experience, anxiety and fear level of patients, improve the depressive symptoms of cancer patients, and relieve cancer-related fatigue. It could help the patients to manage symptoms by non-verbal expression, projecting adverse symptom experience and promoting the production of optimal psychological state. It is expected to provide information for oncology nursing staff to carry out painting intervention related research and clinical practice.

Key words: painting therapy; malignant tumor; symptom management