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Establishing an Integrative Oncology Service: Essential Aspects of Program Development

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Over the last 2 decades, integrative oncology (IO) has seen exponential growth within cancer care. It aims to combine evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional treatments to improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals dealing with cancer. The proliferation of integrative medicine programs in major cancer centers globally reflects varying approaches shaped by cultural, demographic, and resource-based factors.

Recent Findings

Drawing upon the expertise of leaders in IO from the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Clinical Practice Committee, this manuscript serves as a practical guide for establishing an IO practice. Collating insights from diverse professionals, including oncologists, integrative oncologists, supportive care physicians, researchers, and clinicians, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for initiating and advancing IO services. The primary objective is to bridge the gap between conventional cancer care and complementary therapies, fostering a patient-centric approach to address the multifaceted challenges encountered by individuals with cancer.

Summary

This paper delineates several key sections elucidating different aspects of IO practice. It delves into the core components necessary for an IO service’s foundation, outlines the initial medical consultation process, and presents crucial tools essential for successful consultations. By consolidating insights and expertise, this manuscript seeks to facilitate the integration of IO into mainstream cancer care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and experiences.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Judith Lacey, Alissa Huston, and Gabriel Lopez are co-first authors.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia

    Judith Lacey

  2. Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center, Wilmot Cancer Institute University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA

    Alissa Huston

  3. Integrative Medicine Center, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Gabriel Lopez & Santhosshi Narayanan

  4. Onconature Integrative Oncology Center Orgiva, Granada, Spain

    Julia Ruiz Vozmediano

  5. School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong

    Chun Sing Lam

  6. Zakim Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Weidong Lu

  7. Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

    Ursula Wolf

  8. Cancer Care Equity and Professional Wellness, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA

    Ishwaria M. Subbiah

  9. Radiation Oncology, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, Boulder, CO, USA

    Patrick Richard

  10. Integrative Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Cherry Hill, Cherry Hill, NJ, USA

    Ana Maria Lopez

  11. Integrative Oncology, University Hospitals Connor Whole Health. Beachwood, Beachwood, OH, USA

    Santosh Rao

  12. Complementary and Integrative Medicine Service, Oncology Division, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel

    Moshe Frenkel

  13. Department of Family Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA

    Moshe Frenkel

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  1. Judith Lacey
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  2. Alissa Huston
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  3. Gabriel Lopez
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  6. Santhosshi Narayanan
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  9. Ishwaria M. Subbiah
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  11. Ana Maria Lopez
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All authors reviewed and contributed to the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Moshe Frenkel.

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Lacey, J., Huston, A., Lopez, G. et al. Establishing an Integrative Oncology Service: Essential Aspects of Program Development. Curr Oncol Rep 26, 200–211 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-024-01504-x

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