A Clinician's Guide to Integrative Oncology

Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cancer Management

“…These include stress, anxiety and depression, poor sleep, nausea and vomiting (associated in particular with chemotherapy), pain, neuropathy (e.g., associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy), oral mucositis (e.g., associated with chemotherapy and head/neck radiation therapy), cancer-related fatigue, cachexia, and anorexia. CBD may have a role as part of an integrative approach to the management of many of these, in conjunction with orthodox treatment as well as consideration of diet, exercise/physical activity, promotion of good sleep, adequate vitamin D levels and stress reduction [ 122 ]. See Figure 1 .…”

“…Anxiety and depression often co-exist in cancer patients [ 122 ]. A large epidemiological study of women diagnosed with breast cancer found that 10.8% had combined anxiety/depression symptoms, 14.9% had only anxiety symptoms, and 2.8% had only depressive symptoms [ 124 ].…”

Integrative Approaches to the Treatment of Cancer

“…Factors that can contribute to poor health are numerous; however, some key ones that are modifiable by individuals include stress, poor nutrition/diet, a lack of physical activity, poor sleep and inadequate levels of vitamin D, which have all been found to be associated with cancer [ 12 ]. These factors can contribute, at the very least, to a less than optimal quality of life.…”

“…Research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology has demonstrated ways in which the nervous system exerts complex effects on anti-cancer immunity [ 23 ]. Stress can impact on the immune system and endocrine systems, as well as the gut–brain axis (leading to abnormal gut flora) and these can impact on immunity and hormones (such as cortisol, growth hormone and prolactin) to promote tumour growth, as set out in Figure 1 [ 12 ]. Mravec [ 23 ] explains that cancer is also able to manipulate the nervous system.…”

“…An effective integrative approach facilitates a collaborative relationship between practitioner and patient, and importantly should empower the patient to be proactive in improving their health and well-being; that is, be involved in their self-care [ 12 ]. The notion of self-care was espoused in an Australian report, The State of Self Care in Australia which states that: “A healthy population is achieved through a functional relationship between active and informed individuals, health care services that empower and support people, and governments that invest in the capabilities of individual communities to look after their health” [ 13 ].…”