Integrative Oncology
Digital Integrative Medicine Intervention for Patients Undergoing Active Cancer Treatment
Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, and Bobby Daly, MD, MBA
Cancer and its treatments often contribute to burdensome symptoms that negatively impact patients’ quality of life and treatment outcomes, including fatigue, anxiety, and depression.1 Many patients experience multiple symptoms concurrently2 that can disrupt their treatments and lead to unplanned hos...
Exercise Therapy as Candidate Anticancer Strategy
Lee Jones, PhD
Guest Editor’s Note: With growing evidence indicating that regular physical activity helps control cancer symptoms, oncology guidelines recommend exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment. Observational data also demonstrate a promising association between physical activity and favorable c...
Participation in Virtual Prehabilitation and Outcomes Following Thoracic Cancer Surgery
Krupali Desai, MD (Ayurveda), MPH
Guest Editor’s Note: Oncology guidelines recommend prehabilitation exercises to minimize postoperative complications. However, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed severe restrictions on patient access to in-person exercise programs offered by hospitals and clinics. In this article, Dr. Krupali Desai descr...
Whole-Person Cancer Care: A Transformative Vision for Oncology
Alyssa McManamon, MD, FACP; Ana María López, MD, MPH, MACP, FRCP, FASCO; AND Wayne B. Jonas, MD
Guest Editor’s Note: Advances in cancer treatments have led to an increase in survival rates, but the quality of life is often diminished during survivorship. Because modifiable personal behavior contributes to health-care outcomes, interventions that support healthy behaviors may improve health whi...
Update on Lifestyle, Exercise, and Nutrition Early After Diagnosis (LEANer) Trial in Patients With Breast Cancer
Tara Sanft, MD, and Melinda L. Irwin, PhD, MPH
Guest Editor’s Note: Chemotherapy and its side effects can lead to decreased physical activity and poor diet quality, resulting in unfavorable changes in physical functioning and quality of life. However, adopting healthy behaviors during cancer treatments can be challenging because of physical, emo...
Dance/Movement Therapy for Pediatric Oncology Patients and Their Caregivers
Karolina Bryl, PhD, DMT/DMP, CMA, RSMT/E and Suzi Tortora, EdD, LCAT, LMHC, BC-DMT
Guest Editor’s Note: Children with cancer and their caregivers face physical and psychosocial challenges during and after treatment. Dance/movement therapy has been used to improve well-being, promote healthy coping, and mitigate the impact of illness, but limited knowledge exists regarding its ...
Comparative Effectiveness of Acupuncture vs Massage for Relieving Pain in Patients With Advanced Cancer
Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE and Andrew S. Epstein, MD
Pain, a debilitating consequence of cancer and its treatments, is highly prevalent among patients with advanced cancer.1 Often persistent and undertreated, it is associated with poor functional and emotional well-being and typically occurs along with insomnia and fatigue.2 The use of opioids, t...
Integrative Approaches to Managing Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Adults With Cancer
Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC
Guest Editor’s Note: Psychological distress is highly prevalent in cancer populations throughout the disease trajectory. Integrative modalities are being increasingly used for managing the associated symptoms. In this article, Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC, summarizes the latest joint guideline published...
Exploring the Role of Intravenous Mistletoe Extract in Treating Metastatic Solid Tumors
Channing J. Paller, MD, and Alexandra Maertens, PhD
Guest Editor’s Note: The use of mistletoe extract to support systemic therapy and improve quality of life for patients with cancer, though common, remains controversial. Promising results have been reported, but largely in trials that were not placebo-controlled nor properly randomized. In this inst...
Medical Cannabis: Patterns of Use Among Patients With Cancer
Nirupa Raghunathan, MD
Guest Editor’s Note: Cannabis products are rising in popularity and increasingly used for medical purposes. For appropriate counseling and guidance in an oncology setting, clinicians must understand current cannabis use patterns among patients with cancer. In this article, Nirupa Raghunathan, MD, su...
Society for Integrative Oncology Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence
Linda E. Carlson, PhD, RPsych; Lynda G. Balneaves, RN, PhD; and Jodi MacLeod, BA
Guest Editor’s Note: The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) held its 20th international conference in Banff, Alberta, Canada. The conference focused on the theme “Integrative Oncology as Standard of Care: The Time Is Now.” The mood was festive, and the weather cooperated with warm temperatures, ...
Understanding Patient Engagement in Virtual Mind-Body Therapies
Tony K.W. Hung, MD, MBA, MSCR
Guest Editor’s Note: Virtual platforms have grown increasingly popular for health- and wellness-promoting activities. But given patients’ unique backgrounds, capabilities, interests, and goals, promoting engagement represents a complex challenge both in the context of care delivery as well as resear...
Psilocybin
Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on ...
There’s an App for That: Digital Health Solutions for Treating Insomnia in Cancer Survivors
Sheila N. Garland, PhD, R Psych, Samlau Kutana, BA, and Eric S. Zhou, PhD
Guest Editor’s Note: Insomnia is common in patients with cancer and cancer survivors, and it has significant negative consequences. Cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective approach for managing insomnia but is not easily available to many patients. In this installment of The ...
Targeting Depressive Symptoms in Younger Breast Cancer Survivors
Patricia A. Ganz, MD, FASCO, and Julienne E. Bower, PhD
Guest Editor’s Note: Psychological distress is highly prevalent in women diagnosed with premenopausal breast cancer and has a significant negative impact on their quality of life. Thus, effective strategies are urgently needed to reduce the symptom burden. In this installment of The ASCO Post’s Inte...
Berberine
Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on the use of ber...
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbal Formula Suan Zao Ren Tang for Insomnia
Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on ...
Addressing Racial Disparities in Cancer Pain Management: A Potential Role for Music Therapy
Kevin T. Liou, MD
Guest Editor’s Note: Despite its high prevalence, cancer pain remains undertreated. Racial disparities present further challenges to assessing and managing pain. Music therapy, a nonpharmacologic intervention, has been documented to be effective in controlling cancer pain. In this article, Kevin T. ...
Personalized Mind-Body Medicine in Integrative Oncology
Kavita K. Mishra, MD, MPH
Guest Editor’s Note: Substantial evidence supports the value of practices that focus on the interactions among the mind, body, and behavior for promoting health and well-being. In this article, Kavita K. Mishra, MD, MPH, summarizes a clinical model for personalized mind-body medicine in cancer care ...
Use of Low-Dose Naltrexone
Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus...
Novel Herbal Oncology Program for Management of Cancer Symptoms at an NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, and Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, Guest Editor of the Integrative Oncology series, and Yen ...
Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes From a Randomized Clinical Trial
Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS
Guest Editor’s Note: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common and potentially debilitating side effect of neurotoxic chemotherapy. It worsens the quality of life for many cancer survivors, with limited treatment options. In this installment of The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology serie...
Determining the Role of Muscadine Grape Skin Extract in Treating Prostate Cancer
Nicholas I. Simon, MD, and Channing J. Paller, MD
Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of many diseases including cancer. Antioxidants prevent cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals and are being investigated as potential therapeutic strategies against cancer. In this installment of The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series,...
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbal Formula Shen Ling Bai Zhu San for Chronic Diarrhea
Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on ...
2022 Society for Integrative Oncology Annual International Conference
SANTOSH RAO, MD, ABOIM; DENISE MILLSTINE, MD; and LINDA E. CARLSON, PhD, RPsych
Guest Editor’s Note: In October, the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) held its 2022 Annual International Conference in a hybrid format (virtual and in Scottsdale, Arizona). It was centered on the basic science, education and training, and implementation of integrative oncology in diverse setti...
Integrative Approaches to Managing Pain in Patients With Cancer: SIO-ASCO Guideline
Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE and Eduardo Bruera, MD, FAAHPM
Pain is highly prevalent in people with cancer throughout the disease trajectory. Often persisting for years after initial diagnosis and undertreated, it is associated with poor functional, mental, and cancer-related outcomes.1 Consequently, the need for effective pain management strategies has ...
Exercise Therapy Across the Cancer Care Continuum
Jessica M. Scott, PhD, and Neil M. Iyengar, MD
Guest Editor’s Note: Several studies have shown that regular physical activity helps to reduce the symptom burden and improve disease-related outcomes in patients with cancer. In this article, Jessica M. Scott, PhD, and Neil M. Iyengar, MD, summarize the current evidence surrounding exercise therapy...
Dong Quai
Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on the herb dong quai...
Affirming Health Equity: A Model for Integrative Health Care
Ana Maria López, MD, MPH, MACP, FRCP
Guest Editor’s Note: Despite the increasing use of complementary modalities that include mind-body therapies and natural products, significant disparities exist in integrative health care. Contributing factors include access to care and affordability. In this installment of The ASCO Post’s Integrati...
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbal Formula Ma Zi Ren Wan for Constipation
Eugenie Spiguel, MSN, ANP-BS, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Eugenie Spiguel, MSN, ANP-BS, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on Ma Zi Ren Wan...
Music Interventions for Improving Psychological and Physical Symptoms in People With Cancer
Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC
Guest Editor’s Note: Cancer and its treatments are associated with both physical and psychological symptoms that can have substantial impact on patients’ quality of life. Music therapy is a complementary modality that is being increasingly used for cancer symptom management. In this article, Joke Br...
Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbal Formula Xiao Yao San to Relieve Depression and Anxiety
Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on ...
Massage for Pain Management in the Cancer Population
Colleen M. Smith, LMT; Jane S. Greene, RN, LMT; and Eva Pendleton, MA, LMT
Guest Editor’s Note: Pain is a debilitating symptom experienced by many patients with cancer that negatively impacts their quality of life. Massage therapy, historically used for relaxation and pain relief, plays an important supportive role in oncology settings. In this installment of The ASCO Post...
Mindfulness in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients With Cancer
Nirupa Raghunathan, MD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
Guest Editor’s Note: Mindfulness has gained immense popularity in recent years. Growing evidence suggests the benefits of mindfulness-based practices, which include concentration meditation and guided imagery, for managing symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments. In this article, Niru...
Shiitake Mushroom
Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on shiitake mushroom ...
Acupuncture vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Cognitive Function in Cancer Survivors With Insomnia
Kevin T. Liou, MD
Guest Editor’s Note: Cancer-related cognitive difficulties, experienced by many cancer survivors, include perceived or objective deficits in memory, attention, and concentration, which can negatively impact quality of life. Given the important role that healthful sleep plays in cognitive processes, ...
Kombucha
Yen Nien Hou, PharmD, DipIOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Yen Nien Hou, PharmD, DipIOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on kombucha...
Music Therapy for Cancer-Related Fatigue
Kevin Liou, MD, and Karen Popkin, LCAT, MT-BC, HPMT
Guest Editor’s Note: Despite the high prevalence of cancer-related fatigue, there are few effective management strategies for this debilitating condition. Music therapy is a nonpharmacologic modality that has been shown to reduce anxiety in oncology settings. In this installment of The ASCO Post’s I...
Gut Microbiome and Cancer
Ying Taur, MD, MPH
In recent years, the gut microbiome has garnered considerable attention as a scientific field, with far-reaching potential for clinical good. The trillions of microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tract form an incredibly complex community, which participates in countless interactions with its h...
American Ginseng
Eugenie Spiguel, MSN, ANP-BC, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Eugenie Spiguel, MSN, ANP-BC, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on American gins...
Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Launches Redesigned Culinary Website for Cancer Patients and Survivors
Heather Greenlee, ND, PhD
Guest Editor’s Note: Healthful nutrition plays an important role throughout the cancer continuum. Given the proliferation of online dietary resources, there is a clear need for reliable information. In this article, Dr. Heather Greenlee describes the website Cook for Your Life, launched in collabora...
Cannabis
Nirupa Raghunathan, MD, Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this article, Nirupa Raghunathan, MD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on the increasing use ...
Yoga in Oncologic Care: An Evidence-Based Treatment to Improve Outcomes
Lorenzo Cohen, PhD, and Santosshi Narayanan, MD
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. Increasingly, patients with cancer desire nonpharmacologic strategies for managing their symptom...
International Perspectives on Integrative Medicine for Cancer Prevention and Management
Alejandro Salicrup
Guest Editor’s Note: Although many cancer centers recognize the value of integrative therapies in oncologic care, cancer prevention, its treatment, and survivorship care continue to pose a challenge in many low- and middle-income countries. In this article, Alejandro Salicrup, PhD, highlights the pr...
Kratom
YEN NIEN HOU, PharmD, DipIOM, LAc, AND JYOTHIRMAI GUBILI, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Yen Nien Hou, PharmD, DipIOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on krat...
COVID-19 and Integrative Oncology: Meeting the Global Challenges of Health Equity
Linda E. Carlson, PhD, RPsych, and Channing Paller, MD
Guest Editor’s Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) held its 2020 international conference in a virtual format. It focused on key issues of health disparities in integrative cancer care, innovative integrative oncology service delivery models, and globalizat...
Virtual Mind-Body Services for Patients With Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on the role of virtual i...
Using Meaning-Centered Interventions to Address Suffering on the Cancer Journey
Wendy G. Lichtenthal, PhD, FT
A large body of research has shed light on how the cancer experience and related losses often leave patients and their families struggling to find a sense of meaning in their lives.1-7 The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified these difficulties, as meaningful activities and experiences have been compro...
Astragalus
Yen Nien Hou, PharmD, DipIOM, LAc and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies sometimes used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Yen Nien Hou, PharmD, DipIOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on the ...
A Brief Primer on Managing Anxiety in Older Adults With Cancer
Kelly M. Trevino, PhD, Rebecca M. Saracino, PhD, and Andrew J. Roth, MD
Cancer-related anxiety has negative impacts on emotional, physical, and social well-being, with data indicating older patients are likely to remain undiagnosed, leading to poor outcomes. In this installment of The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series, Drs. Trevino, Saracino, and Roth highlight th...
