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The majority of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease. Convalescence from mild-to-moderate (MtoM) COVID-19 disease may be supported by integrative medicine strategies. Integrative Medicine (IM) is defined as healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. Integrative medicine strategies that may support recovery from MtoM COVID-19 are proposed given their clinically studied effects in related conditions. Adoption of an anti-inflammatory diet, supplementation with vitamin D, glutathione, melatonin, Cordyceps, Astragalus and garlic have potential utility. Osteopathic manipulation, Qigong, breathing exercises and aerobic exercise may support pulmonary recovery. Stress reduction, environmental optimization, creative expression and aromatherapy can provide healing support and minimize enduring trauma. These modalities would benefit from clinical trials in people recovering from COVID-19 infection.

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The systematic nomination and questioning of a panel of experts provides a foundational and educational resource to assist in clarification of clinical ethics, philosophy, and research development in the emerging field of naturopathic oncology.

15585 Background. CAM therapy in pts receiving RT has been questioned due to possible interference with oxidative mechanisms aimed at killing tumor cells. We addressed this controversy by analyzing tumor response, control and recurrence in PCpts treated with RT + CAM. Methods. The population consisted of 125 RT-treated PCpts with localized tumors: CAM cohort (n=69; median age=62.5 yrs; range=46–81); nonCAM cohort (n=56; median age=61.0 yrs; range=48–80). For the CAM cohort, 41%, 42%, 9% and 7% had T1c, T2a, T2b and T2c tumors respectively with 1 T3b tumor; for the nonCAM cohort, 39%, 38%, 14% and 7% had T1c, T2a, T2b and T2c tumors respectively with 1 T3a tumor. RT consisted of external beam therapy (4500–5000 cGy) in conjunction with high dose rate brachytherapy (600- 650 cGy/fraction x 2–3 fractions) administered over 6–8 weeks; this occurred for 65/69 CAM and 52/56 nonCAM pts. The remaining pts received either HDR monotherapy, tomotherapy, or IMRT + tomotherapy. In addition, 5/69 CAM and 2/56 nonCAM pts received hormonal therapy. CAM regimens included at least one antioxidant (range=1–7) including Green Tea Extract; Melatonin; and high-potency multivitamins. All pts were monitored ≥ 24 months post radiation therapy. Results. In the CAM cohort, median pretreatment PSA was 5.95ng; nadir PSA was 0.08ng; and last PSA was 0.18ng with median followup of 28.96 (range=24–46) months; 3 biochemical failures were seen at 6, 10 and 12 months. In the nonCAM cohort, median pretreatment PSA was 6.4ng; nadir PSA was 0.06ng; and last PSA was 0.166ng with median followup of 28.26 (range=24–43) months; 2 biochemical failures at 13 and 28 months with 1 death at 37 months were seen. Conclusion. Concomitant CAM treatment does not effect RT-mediated tumor response, control or recurrence rates in PCpts with localized disease. Neither the magnitude of the response or its durability for at least 2 years are negatively affected by CAM-based antioxidant supplements designed to improve patient tolerance and quality of life. Investigations in well-defined populations receiving consistent CAM regimens offer the opportunity to elucidate positive benefits for patient management. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) is a critical condition in which platelet counts are abnormally reduced following the administration of chemotherapeutic compounds. CIT poses a treatment conundrum to clinicians given the increased risk of spontaneous bleeding, obstacles to surgical management of tumors, and exclusion from clinical trials. Treatment of CIT involves the removal of the offending agent combined with platelet infusion or thrombopoietin agonist treatment. However, due to the autoimmune and infection risks associated with infusions, this treatment is only reserved for patients with critically low platelet counts. One potential solution for patients in the mid to low platelet count range is Carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE). In this case, we report the novel use of CPLE as a method of bolstering platelet counts in a patient presenting with CIT. The patient was initiated on CPLE therapy consisting of 1 tablespoon twice daily with meals. Following CPLE treatment, the patient’s platelet counts rebounded from less than 10,000/µL to 113,000/µL. This clinical vignette supports the use of CPLE in the clinical context of CIT when thrombopoietin agonists are not a viable option. The potential benefits of CPLE as a method for increasing platelet count deserve further exploration, especially as a treatment option for refractory patients or those ill-suited for other traditional thrombocytopenia therapies.

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