What is Integrative Oncology?
Integrative Oncology combines complementary medical treatments that have been researched and found effective and safe in alleviating symptoms and distress among cancer patients as part of the supportive care system in collaboration with the oncology team.
How can Integrative Medicine alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life?
Numerous studies published in scientific literature support the effectiveness and safety of a wide range of integrative medicine treatments that can significantly alleviate symptoms and distress among cancer patients. Some of these treatments have even been included in the guidelines of bodies like the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). These treatments include:
- Chinese acupuncture for nausea, oncological pain, neuropathy, and hot flashes
- Mind-body therapies (meditation, guided imagery, yoga) for stress, anxiety, and depression
- Healing plants like ginger for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Are Integrative treatments safe?
Integrative medicine treatments have also been found to be safe when administered by trained and experienced healthcare professionals and under medical supervision. It is important to note that herbal remedies and "natural" supplements have the potential to interact negatively with oncological treatment and may have side effects that need to be carefully considered.
What is the Integrative Oncology Clinic?
The Integrative Oncology Clinic provides counseling and guidance for oncology patients concerning complementary medicine treatments, including nutrition, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements.
Literature references:
- Ben-Arye E, et al. Impact of acupuncture and integrative therapies on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A multicentered, randomized controlled trial. Cancer. 2022 Oct;128(20):3641-3652.
- Lyman GH, et al. Integrative Therapies During and After Breast Cancer Treatment: ASCO Endorsement of the SIO Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Oncol. 2018 Sep 1;36(25):2647-2655.
- Mao JJ, et al. Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO Guideline. J Clin Oncol. 2022 Dec 1;40(34):3998-4024.
- Samuels N, Ben-Arye E. Exploring Herbal Medicine Use during Palliative Cancer Care: The Integrative Physician as a Facilitator of Pharmacist-Patient-Oncologist Communication. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2020 Dec 11;13(12):455.