Integrative medicine and the oncology patient: options and benefits

Abstract

Cancer is a major public health problem, and cancer patients and survivors face many physical and emotional challenges after the initial diagnosis, through treatment, and in the post-treatment period. Different integrative medicine (IM) modalities can be used to mitigate some of the physical issues that originate from the cancer itself or the treatment and to promote well-being and emotional health. Here, we discuss how an IM Department can function in a hospital system, particularly with regard to oncology patients, the modalities appropriate for oncology patients, how these modalities can benefit this patient population, and the role of IM in cancer survivorship. A dedicated IM Department that works with oncologists provides support and care for the whole person. These different modalities work together to reduce pain, anxiety, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and peripheral neuropathy, while promoting immune function and improving sleep, range of motion, and an overall sense of well-being. However, each modality has different contraindications for the oncology patient, and proper training is required for safe and effective care. We illustrate how IM can be a valuable component of the care of the oncology patient.

Integrative Medicine in Interventional Oncology: A Virtuous Alliance

“…To protect patients from potentially harmful treatments, and to manage symptoms and side effects before, during, or after treatment, some guidelines exist for the use of IM, such as in breast carcinoma [12,13]. A dedicated IM program helps to provide effective and appropriate care [14].…”

“…The development of skills that patients can use throughout their lives is encouraged. Less invasive procedures, which may include IO procedures, are preferred wherever possible and take full advantage of the effectiveness of techniques developed in IM [14].…”

“…Interactive wall projections in the IO waiting room can also be helpful. Having an IM service in a hospital system will certainly help to ensure coordinated patient care and to optimize the patient path to and from the operating rooms [14]. A specific data collection and analysis program must also be developed to obtain the mandatory high-quality scientific evidence of safety and efficacy, integrating new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).…”

“…Naturopathic medicine encourages the inherent process of self-healing [14]. Nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, lifestyle counseling, and mind-body medicine are promoted [14]. While many of these techniques are beyond the scope of this review, nutrition may be interesting to evaluate in IO.…”

“…Stress management techniques are very low-risk interventions inducing a parasympathetic response [14,[26][27][28]. They are only contraindicated in patients with psychotic disorders.…”