Integrative Oncology
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...
Acupuncture vs Sham Procedure and Usual Care for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating and enduring adverse effect of many antineoplastic agents, which negatively impacts the quality of life of patients with cancer and survivors. Current pharmacotherapy has limited efficacy and causes undesirable effects. In this installment...
Ashwagandha
Gary Deng, MD, PhD, 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, Gary Deng, MD, PhD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, present updated information on...
Elderberry
Yen Nien 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 Hou, PharmD, DiplOM, LAc, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on elde...
Integrating Physical Activity Into Cancer Care
Justin Brown, PhD
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. Accumulating evidence suggests the benefits of physical activity through the cancer continuum. Howev...
Sleeping Well After Cancer: Patient-Centered Research for Treatment of Insomnia
Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, and Christina Seluzicki, MBE
Insomnia is a persistent sleep disorder that affects nearly 60% of people with cancer, diminishing their quality of life.1,2 Chronic insomnia disorder is defined by trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early three times per week for 3 months or more.3 Standard care comprises pharmac...
Yoga for Pediatric and Adolescent Patients With Cancer
Nirupa Raghunathan, 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. Despite significant improvements reported in survival rates, symptom management in pediatric patie...
Budwig Diet
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 Budwig die...
Mind-Body Therapies for Relieving Anxiety and Stress in Patients With Cancer During COVID-19 Pandemic
Shelly Latte-Naor, MD, and Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE
The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has dramatically disrupted societal life within a very short time. Patients with cancer in particular can be affected by delays in routine medical care in addition to experiencing heightened anxiety and stress associated with the threat of...
Active Hexose Correlated Compound
Gary Deng, MD, PhD, 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, Gary Deng, MD, PhD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on active hexose correlate...
Addressing Symptom Control and Palliative Care Needs
GABRIEL LOPEZ, 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. In this installment, Gabriel Lopez, MD, emphasizes the importance of effective communica...
Society for Integrative Oncology’s 16th International Conference
Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS, and Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE
The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) hosted its 16th International Conference in New York City, October 19-21, 2019, in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). The conference theme, “Advancing the Science and Art of Integrative Oncology,” focused on deepening the under...
Role of Integrative Therapies for Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Richard T. Lee, 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. In this installment, Richard T. Lee, MD, describes the symptoms associated with colorectal cancer ...
Boswellia
Gary Deng, MD, PhD, 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, Gary Deng, MD, PhD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus on the herbal extract bosw...
Mindfulness Training for Men Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer Who Are on Active Surveillance
David Victorson, PhD
GUEST EDITOR Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine and Chief of Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate th...
Graviola
Eugenie Spiguel, MSN, ANP-BC, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
GUEST EDITOR Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine and Chief of Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate...
Flaxseed
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 flaxseed because o...
Light Intervention for Cancer-Related Fatigue, Depression, and Sleep Disturbance
William H. Redd, PhD; Kathryn Sommer, PhD; Mariana G. Figueiro, PhD; Joanne Mortimer, MD; Christopher Buettner, MD, PhD; Stacyann Bailey, PhD; William Dale, MD, PhD; Gary Winkel, PhD; and Heiddis B. Valdimarsdottir, PhD
GUEST EDITOR Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine and Chief of Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. Cancer and its treatments are associated with severe fatigue, depressio...
Healthy Lifestyle for Young Adult Cancer Survivors
Emily S. Tonorezos, MD, MPH
GUEST EDITOR Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine and Chief of Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. The survival rates of adolescent and young adults with cancer have ri...
Echinacea
Yen Nien Hou, PharmD, DipIOM, 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, Yen Nien Hou, PharmD, DipIOM, LAc, explores the potential health benefits of th...
Integrative Medicine in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients With Cancer
Nirupa Raghunathan, MD
GUEST EDITOR Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine and Chief of Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate th...
Capsaicin
Shelly Latte-Naor, MD, 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, Shelly Latte-Naor, MD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, explore the use of capsaicin,...
Chaga 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, explore the current researc...
Dance/Movement Therapy: Getting to Feelings That Have No Words
Suzi Tortora, EDD, BC-DMT, LCAT, LMHC
Dance/movement therapy is a complementary modality that is being explored for symptom control and for improving the quality of life of patients with cancer, especially pediatric patients. Self-expression as well as the creative and interpersonal aspects of dance/movement therapy can help patients ...
Maitake Mushroom
Gary Deng, MD, PhD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
GUEST EDITOR Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine and Chief of Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended ...
Pomegranates and Other Polyphenols: New Evidence to Share With Prostate Cancer Patients
Channing Paller, MD
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies commonly used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Channing Paller, MD, explores the role of pomegranate- and grape-based supplemen...
Massage Therapy for Patients With Cancer
Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS
The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the availability of evidence-based information on integrative and complementary therapies commonly used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS, reviews the current data on the use of massage to reduc...
Supporting Patients During and After Cancer Treatment: Evidence-Informed Approach to Lifestyle and Behavior Change
Lorenzo Cohen, PhD, and Alison Jefferies, BA, MEd
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, Lorenzo Cohen, PhD, and Alison Jefferies, BA, MEd, summarize research findi...
Tai Chi for the Treatment of Insomnia in Breast Cancer Survivors
Michael R. Irwin, MD
Underrecognized and inadequately managed, insomnia is a significant burden for many cancer survivors. Often persistent over several years following diagnosis and treatment, sleep problems negatively affect quality of life and elevate the risk of depression and anxiety. In this installment of The A...
A Conversation with Barrie R. Cassileth, PhD
Barrie R. Cassileth, PhD, Chief, Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York, recently spoke with The ASCO Post about her quest to stamp out the illegitimate use of alternative medicine in cancer care and the results from her latest research. A researc...
Integrative Medicine Offers Added Value for Patients with Cancer
Carolyn M. Matthews, MD
Addressing a patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs during the cancer journey, integrative medicine combines such time-honored therapies as nutrition, exercise, and meditation alongside allopathic approaches to cancer care, with the ultimate goal of improving survival rates and reducing ...
Acai Berry
Barrie R. Cassileth, PhD
The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has risen significantly over the past 2 decades despite insufficient evidence of safety and effectiveness. Finding reliable sources of information about dietary supplements can be daunting. Patients typically rely on family, friends, and the Int...
Soy Phytoestrogens and Breast Cancer: An Enduring Dilemma
Barrie R. Cassileth, PhD, and Ian Yarett
The impact of soy consumption on breast cancer diagnosis and outcome has remained of concern to clinicians and researchers for the past 20 years. Although studied extensively in epidemiologic studies as well as lab and animal research, no medical consensus on soy’s effects has emerged. Many studies ...
Astragalus
Barrie R. Cassileth, PhD, Guest Editor
The use of dietary supplements by cancer patients has risen significantly over the past 2 decades despite insufficient evidence of safety and effectiveness. Finding reliable sources of information about dietary supplements can be daunting. Patients typically rely on family, friends, and the Internet...
Antioxidant Supplementation in Patients with Cancer: Is It Safe and Effective?
Barrie Cassileth, PhD, and Ian Yarett
Antioxidant supplements are widely used by healthy individuals as a preventive measure against cancer and heart disease and by patients with cancer to promote healing and prevent recurrence. Studies suggest that dietary supplements are used by up to 81% of cancer survivors, and that 14% to 32% begin...
Dong Quai
Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD
Scientific Name: Angelica sinensis Common Names: Chinese angelica, dang gui, tang kuei, tan kue Overview Dong quai is a perennial herb indigenous to China, Japan, and Korea. Its root has been used for centuries as a spice, tonic, and medicine. Dong quai is mentioned in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, the...
Acupuncture: Does It Alleviate Symptoms Associated with Cancer Care?
Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, and Ian Yarett
A therapeutic modality of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been extensively investigated in Western medical settings. Its clinical use is increasingly common for the management of pain and other conditions. In the oncology setting, research demonstrates that acupuncture can significantl...
Green Tea
Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, Guest Editor
The use of dietary supplements by cancer patients has risen significantly over the past 2 decades despite insufficient evidence of safety and effectiveness. Finding reliable sources of information about dietary supplements can be daunting. Patients typically rely on family, friends, and the Internet...
