Integrative oncology: Addressing the global challenges of cancer prevention and treatment

Abstract

The increase in cancer incidence and mortality is challenging current cancer care delivery globally, disproportionally affecting low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) when it comes to receiving evidence‐based cancer prevention, treatment, and palliative and survivorship care. Patients in LMICs often rely on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) that is more familiar, less costly, and widely available. However, spheres of influence and tensions between conventional medicine and TCIM can further disrupt efforts in evidence‐based cancer care. Integrative oncology provides a framework to research and integrate safe, effective TCIM alongside conventional cancer treatment and can help bridge health care gaps in delivering evidence‐informed, patient‐centered care. This growing field uses lifestyle modifications, mind and body therapies (eg, acupuncture, massage, meditation, and yoga), and natural products to improve symptom management and quality of life among patients with cancer. On the basis of this review of the global challenges of cancer control and the current status of integrative oncology, the authors recommend: 1) educating and integrating TCIM providers into the cancer control workforce to promote risk reduction and culturally salient healthy life styles; 2) developing and testing TCIM interventions to address cancer symptoms or treatment‐related adverse effects (eg, pain, insomnia, fatigue); and 3) disseminating and implementing evidence‐based TCIM interventions as part of comprehensive palliative and survivorship care so patients from all cultures can live with or beyond cancer with respect, dignity, and vitality. With conventional medicine and TCIM united under a cohesive framework, integrative oncology may provide citizens of the world with access to safe, effective, evidence‐informed, and culturally sensitive cancer care.

Analgesic Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Pilot Study

“…Recently, the incidence of cancer in the world is increasing year by year ( 1 ). According to the studies, at least 25-30% of newly diagnosed cancer patients are associated with pain, and the incidence of pain in patients with advanced cancer is as high as 74% ( 2 , 3 ).…”

Synthesis of Doped/Hybrid Carbon Dots and Their Biomedical Application

“…Approximately 10 million people die from cancer every year, and 18 million new cases are reported, according to the WHO (World Health Organization [ 134 , 135 ] There has been a significant increase in the number of drug-resistant tumors and tumor relapses even as significant advances have been made in therapeutics and diagnostics [ 135 ]. The current treatments consist of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.…”

Personalized Mind–Body Medicine in Integrative Oncology: Meeting the Moment with Each Patient

“…National practice guidelines by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Society for Integrative Oncology, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network now include MBM for active cancer care and in survivorship. 3 , 10 , 21 , 22 Guidelines for supportive care during and after cancer treatment incorporate meditation, yoga, stress management, and music therapy with other integrative therapies, including acupuncture, massage therapy, exercise, and nutrition.…”

“…MBM practices are recommended options in patients with cancer for cancer pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, cognitive dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, stress reduction, and quality of life. 3 , 21–24 Several large meta-analyses and systematic reviews summarize the benefits with yoga, Tai Chi, and qi gong on emotional health, improved sleep, and fatigue in patients with cancer and survivors. 3 , 11 , 13 , 15 , 21–24 The research continues to evolve, as studies begin to compare different cancer MBM therapies and consider moderating factors to predict outcome.…”

“… 3 , 21–24 Several large meta-analyses and systematic reviews summarize the benefits with yoga, Tai Chi, and qi gong on emotional health, improved sleep, and fatigue in patients with cancer and survivors. 3 , 11 , 13 , 15 , 21–24 The research continues to evolve, as studies begin to compare different cancer MBM therapies and consider moderating factors to predict outcome. 25 …”