Integrative Oncology
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, depression, ...
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...
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...
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,...
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 ...
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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. Gary Deng, MD, PhD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, explore the use of omega-3 fatty acids, which have be...
Advancing the Science and Art of Integrative Oncology
Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE
In 2019, we will mark the 20th year of the establishment of the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), which helped lay the foundation for the emerging field of integrative oncology. Over the past 2 decades, academic cancer institutions, including The Univers...
Use of Valerian to Relieve Anxiety in Patients With Cancer
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. Eugenie Spiguel, MSN, ANP-BC, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, explore the use of valerian for relievi...
Addressing Patient Expectations Regarding the Use of Alternative Therapies
Shelly Latte-Naor, MD, and Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE
Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine and Chief, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. GUEST EDITOR The ASCO Post’s Integrative Oncology series is intended to facilitate the av...
Probiotics
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. Shelly Latte-Naor, MD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, explore some of the beneficial effects attributed ...
Acupuncture for Joint Symptoms Caused by Aromatase Inhibitors
Dawn Hershman, MD, MS, and Katherine Crew, MD, MS
Arthralgia is a common and debilitating adverse effect experienced by patients with breast cancer who are being treated with aromatase inhibitors, often resulting in poor adherence. And premature treatment discontinuation can negatively impact disease-free and overall breast cancer survival. Limit...
Exercise Therapy for Symptom Management and Treatment in Patients With Cancer
Neil M. Iyengar, MD; Lee W. Jones, PhD; and Jessica M. Scott, 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. Although physical activity is associated with many positive outcomes in the general population,...
Care for the Cancer Caregiver
Allison J. Applebaum, PhD
Providing care to patients with cancer can be overwhelming, and caregivers are at risk for physical and psychological distress, which can negatively impact their own health. Over the past decade, supporting caregiver well-being has gained prominence as a national health-care issue. In this article...
Coriolus versicolor
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. Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, present information on the potential antican...
Reishi 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. Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, present information on the use of reishi mushr...
Acupressure for Cancer-Related Fatigue
Suzanna M. Zick, ND, MPH, and Richard E. Harris, PhD
Difficult-to-treat, cancer-related fatigue is a common, distressing clinical issue. It impedes daily activities, severely affecting patients’ quality of life. Compounding the problem is a lack of consensus on an effective pharmacologic intervention. Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine tech...
Mindfulness in Cancer Care: Hype or Help?
Linda E. Carlson, PhD, RPsych
GUEST EDITOR Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine and Chief, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. “Mindfulness” has gained significant popularity in the lay press in recen...
Green Tea
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. Gary Deng, MD, PhD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, present information on the potential health benefits ...
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...
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...
Chamomile
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 commonly used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, focus attention on chamomil...
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...
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 information on Ashwaga...
Acupuncture for the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
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 acupuncture fo...
The State of Integrative Oncology: A New Era
Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE
Now that we have entered 2018, let’s take a moment to reflect on how far we have come and what lies ahead in integrative oncology care. Overview To cope with the physical, emotional, and spiritual effects of cancer, and in search of relief from symptoms that their conventional treatments have not ...
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...
St. John’s Wort
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 commonly used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, explore the role of St. Joh...
Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia: Sleeping Well With Cancer and Beyond
Sheila N. Garland, PhD, R Psych, and Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE
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, Sheila N. Garland, PhD, R Psych, and Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, present informati...
Melatonin
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 commonly used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, present information on mel...
Rhodiola
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 commonly used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, present information on Rhod...
Turmeric
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 commonly used by patients with cancer. In this installment, Gary Deng, MD, PhD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, present information on turmeric...
Music Therapy: Relevance in Oncology
Karen Popkin, LCAT, MT-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 commonly used by patients with cancer. In this installment, authors Karen Popkin, LCAT, MT-BC, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, present the case...
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 commonly used by patients with cancer. In this installment, authors Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, present the case...
The Role of Meditation in Cancer Care
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 commonly used by patients with cancer. In this installment, authors Shelly Latte-Naor, MD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, present the case s...
Cranberry
Gary Deng, MD, PhD, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
Scientific Name: Vaccinium macrocarpon Common Names: Mossberry, sassamanash, bounceberry Case Study M.C. is a 55-year-old woman with a history of stage I endometrial cancer, diagnosed and curatively treated 5 years ago. Since then, she has been having urinary tract infections from time to t...
Acupuncture for the Management of Hot Flashes
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 commonly used by patients with cancer. In this installment, authors Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, and Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, present a case study an...
Soy
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, Editor Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Scientific Name: Glycine max Common Names: Soybean, soya, tofu, miso, tempeh Overview An annual herb indigenous to East Asia, soy was domesticated more than 3,000 years ago for its pods and edible seeds. It is now the world’s most important legume crop and is grown in diverse climates. Foo...
Vitamin D and Cancer: A Uniform Dose Is Unlikely to Fit All Patients
Kathleen M. Wesa, MD, and Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Technically, vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone, not a vitamin. Increasing evidence indicates that vitamin D exerts effects beyond calcium homeostasis. Importantly, for example, higher serum vitamin D levels are associated with better cancer outcomes, including survival.1-3 The protective effec...
Valerian
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, Editor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Scientific Names: Valeriana officinalis, Valeriana radix Common Names: Garden valerian, Indian valerian, Pacific valerian, garden heliotrope Overview A perennial flowering plant prevalent in Europe, Asia, and North America, valerian has a long medicinal history as a relaxant. Its potential as a...
Sleep Disruption in Cancer Survivors: Yoga Offers a Low-Risk Intervention With High Potential for Benefit
Kathleen M. Wesa, MD, Lara Benusis, E-RYT 500, and Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD
Impaired sleep quality is a concerning problem for many patients with cancer, and pharmacologic treatments come with many negative effects. Several small studies indicate that yoga improves persistent fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and quality of life, in addition to reducing the need ...
Bromelain
By Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, Editor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Scientific Names: Sulfydryl proteolytic enzyme, cysteine proteinase Common Names: Ananase, Dayto Anase, Traumanase Overview Derived from the fruits and stems of pineapples, bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that is used to treat burns and skin conditions, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Popul...
The Role of Music Therapy in Cancer Care
Karen Popkin, LCAT, MT-BC, HPMT
Music therapy, an established adjuvant to standard cancer care, is offered in a growing number of cancer centers throughout the United States and internationally. Defined by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) as “the evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish indi...
Chamomile
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, Editor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Scientific Name: Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria chamomilla Common Names: Hungarian chamomile, wild chamomile Overview An aromatic annual herb prevalent in Europe, North Africa, and Northwest Asia, chamomile has been used as a medicinal plant for several centuries. It has b...
Acupuncture: Does It Alleviate Symptoms Associated With Cancer Care?
Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, and Ian Yarett, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
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...
Black Cohosh
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, Editor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Scientific Name: Cimicifuga racemosa Common Names: Black snakeroot, rattlesnake root, squawroot, bugbane, bugwort Brand Names: Remifemin, Menofem, Klimadynon Overview A perennial plant native to the eastern United States and Canada, black cohosh root was used by Native Americans to treat colds...
Fitness: Can Exercise Lengthen Survival in Patients With Cancer?
Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, Ian Yarett, and Dawn Lemanne, MD, MPH Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. Regular physical activity has long been associated with decreased risk of disease, including many types of cancer. Such benefits may translate into increased life expectancy o...
Boswellia
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 commonly used by patients with cancer. We chose Boswellia for this issue because of its increasing use by patients with cancer. Integra...
Benefiting From Mind-Body Therapy
Dasha Shkurpela
My diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer at age 35 was a shock, also because I come from a family with no history of cancer. In disbelief, I was literally speechless—I lost my voice completely for several days. I grew up in the former Soviet Union and then in the newly independent Kyrgyzstan. My un...
Mistletoe
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, Editor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Scientific names: Viscum album, Viscum coloratum Common names: Helixor, Iscador, Iscador Qu, Lektinol, Cefalektin, Eurixor, ABNOBAviscum, Abnoba-viscum Quercus Overview Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on many species of trees native to Europe and Western Asia. It has been use...
Acupuncture for Cancer Symptom Clusters
Lora M. A. Thompson, PhD, and Peter A. S. Johnstone, MD, FACR
Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in Eastern Asian cultures as a component of traditional Chinese medicine.1 In the United States, acupuncture became known to the public as a complementary and alternative medicine technique in the 1970s, but it took many years before it was recog...
Foot Care in Oncology: The Cancer Patient From Ankle to Toe
Mischa P. M. Nagel, David J. Kopsky, MD, Fiona Damstra, MD, Mario E. Lacouture, MD, and Barrie Cassileth, MS, PhD
There is as yet no clinical or research focus on foot complications that result from cancer therapies. Foot conditions, however, are common and have a considerable negative impact on patients’ ambulation, quality of life, and consistent dosing of antineoplastic agents.1-4 There are currently no guid...
Graviola
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased significantly over the past 25 years 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 ...
Alternative Therapies: Knowledge Is Power, but Consider the Source
Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD
The use of dietary supplements and other complementary and “alternative” therapies by patients with cancer has increased significantly over the past 20 years despite insufficient evidence of safety and effectiveness. Finding reliable sources of information about complementary therapies can be daunti...
Coriolus versicolor
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, Editor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased significantly over the past 20 years 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 ...
American Ginseng
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, Editor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased significantly over the past 20 years 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 ...
The Pediatric Fitness Program: A Mind-Body Approach
Robin Hardbattle, MS, LAc
The fundamental challenge in treating children with cancer centers on how to help relieve their suffering while they undergo difficult care. Typically, they do not yet have adult coping skills, and even if they had some ability to cope, many of the issues they face during treatment are overwhelming....
Maitake
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased 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...
Physiatry Has Become a Valuable Component of Survivorship Care in Cancer Centers
The role of a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at cancer centers continues to grow, as survivors live longer and national cancer organizations advocate for more rehabilitation services throughout the continuum of survivorship care. Working with physiatrists at your institution can help...
Staff Support Sessions in an Oncology Setting
Michele Schuman, LMSW, LMT
Work-related issues such as coping skills, stress management, burnout, and compassion fatigue are among the challenges faced by clinical and other staff in cancer treatment centers. Given the emotional consequences of professional caregiving, staff support group meetings are valuable resources for h...
Herbal Supplements: Increasing Problems
Jyothi Gubili, MS, K. Simon Yeung, PharmD, MBA, LAc, and Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD
In Don Quixote, the 1605 Spanish literary masterpiece by Miguel Cervantes, “Balsam of Fierabras” is mentioned often as a therapeutic panacea. It calls for mixing rosemary, wine, oil, and salt. As the story goes, the knight relied heavily on this herbal preparation to relieve him of pain from the man...
Capsaicin
Jyothi Gubili, MS
Scientific name: 8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide Brand names: Zostrix cream 0.025% or 0.075%, Salonpas Gel-Patch Hot, Sinus Buster (homeopathic intranasal spray). The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased significantly over the past 20 years despite insufficient evidenc...
Aloe Vera
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased 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...
Study Shows Integrative Medicine Can Relieve Pain and Anxiety for Cancer Inpatients
The ASCO Post
Researchers at The Penny George Institute for Health and Healing in Minneapolis have found that integrative medicine therapies can decrease pain and anxiety for hospitalized cancer patients. Their findings were published recently in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute Monographs.1 “Followi...
Acupuncture Treatment for Cancer Pain and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Bahar Javdan, BA, and Ting Bao, MD, DABMA, MS
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting and manipulating filiform needles into specific points of the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disruptions in the flow of “vital energy” (qi) throughout the body are the un...
Milk Thistle
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased 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...
The Role of Music Therapy in Cancer Care
Karen Popkin, LCAT, MT-BC, HPMT
Music therapy, an established adjuvant to standard cancer care, is offered in a growing number of cancer centers throughout the United States and internationally. Defined by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) as “the evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individual goals...
Red Clover
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased 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...
Avoiding Antioxidant-Drug Interactions During Cancer Treatment
Dan Labriola, ND, and Robert B. Livingston, MD
Many potential drug-nutrient interactions can affect cancer treatment. It is important to consider these interactions given the significant use of supplements and other self-treatment options during cancer care. Antioxidants account for a large portion of the $32 billion in supplement industry sales...
St. John's Wort
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased 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...
Maximizing the Benefits of Exercise in Patients With Cancer
Kathleen Wesa, MD, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Many nonpharmacologic therapies increase both physical and emotional strength during cancer treatment as well as throughout survivorship. These therapies include the mind-body practices of meditation, self-hypnosis, guided imagery, and breath awareness, touch therapies including massage and reflexol...
Haiku: To Take Herbs or Not to?
Jyothirmai Gubili
While botanicals are generally perceived as harmless, many reports in literature indicate that misuse of botanicals can be detrimental. Presented below are a few popular herbs in use today, along with their benefits and risks, especially when taken along with other medications. Soy isoflavonesgo...
Reishi Mushroom
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, Editor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Scientific name: Ganoderma lucidum Common names: Ling zhi, lin zi, mushroom of immortality Overview A fungus, reishi mushroom is an important component of the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. It is used to increase energy, stimulate the immune system,...
Survivorship: Living Well During and After Cancer
The ASCO Post
Barrie Cassileth, PhD, Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine and Chief, Integrative Medicine Service, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York has published a new book called Survivorship: Living Well During and After Cancer. Dr. Cassileth provides readers with u...
The Ketogenic Diet in Cancer Control
Donald Garrity, RD, CDN, Nutrition Counselor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Ketogenic (or very-low-carbohydrate) diets have been employed since the 1920s as nonpharmacologic therapies for epilepsy and, in some instances, have obviated the need for medication for that disease. Since the 1960s, the ketogenic diet has become better known as a means of managing obesity. This wa...
Kava
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
Kava Scientific Name: Piper methysticum Common Names: Kava-kava, kawa, kavain, rauschpfeffer, intoxicating long pepper, tonga, yagona, and yaqona. Overview Kava, a perennial shrub indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Rim, is known for its relaxant effects and used for social and rec...
Stress and Tumor Biology: Insights Into Managing Stress to Help Improve Cancer Care
By Lorenzo Cohen, PhD, Anil K. Sood, MD, PhD, Sarah Prinsloo, PhD, and Alejandro Chaoul, PhD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
Stress is ubiquitous in our society, especially for people diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. There is a common misconception that stress is derived from a particular negative event. However, the event itself (the stressors, such as cancer diagnoses and treatment) does not causes stress. Rat...
The Best of SIO
Jo Cavallo
The following four abstracts, which describe findings in three clinical studies and one basic science study, were singled out as the top abstracts at this year’s International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology. Self-Administered Acupressure Zick S, Wyatt G, Murphy S; et al: The ef...
Ginkgo biloba
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS Editor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased 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...
Yoga to Manage Sleep Disruption in Cancer Survivors: A Low-Risk Intervention With High Potential for Benefit
Kathleen M. Wesa, MD, Lara Benusis, E-RYT 500, and Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD
Impaired sleep quality is a concerning problem for many patients with cancer, and pharmacologic treatments come with many negative effects. Several small studies indicate that yoga improves persistent fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and quality of life, in addition to reducing the need for slee...
Omega-3
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
Common Name: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) Brand Names: Omegaven, Max-EPA The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased significantly over the past 2 decades despite insufficient evidence of safety and effectiveness. Finding reliable sources of information about dietar...
Herb-Drug Interactions in Oncology
K. Simon Yeung, PharmD, MBA, LAc, Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, and Barrie Cassileth, MS, PhD, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Guest Editor Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, Chief of the Integrative Medicine Service and Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York. The Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering C...
Ginseng
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
Guest Editor Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, Chief of the Integrative Medicine Service and Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York. The Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering C...
Acupuncture May Reduce Arm Lymphedema in Patients with Breast Cancer
Matthew Stenger
Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, Chief of the Integrative Medicine Service and Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York. The Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center d...
Shiitake Mushroom
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS Editor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
The use of dietary supplements by patients with cancer has increased 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...
Vitamin D and Cancer: A Uniform Dose Is Unlikely to Fit All Patients
Kathleen M. Wesa, MD, and Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD
Integrative Oncology is guest edited by Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, Chief of the Integrative Medicine Service and Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York. The Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center d...
Ginger
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS
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...
Symptom Management with Complementary Therapies for Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy
Stephen M. Sagar, MD, FRCPC
The supportive care of patients with cancer receiving radiotherapy is an important responsibility for the radiation oncologist, and complementary therapies are an integral component of many patients’ treatment strategy.A recent prospective study suggests that 54% of patients with breast cancer recei...
Qigong Practice Associated with Quality-of-life Benefits in Women Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
Matthew Stenger
Qigong (“qi” or “chi” = energy flow, “gong” = skill or achievement) is an integrated mind-body exercise and meditative practice that involves rhythmic breathing coordinated with repetition of fluid movements and calm focus on the body. A study reported in Cancer by Zhen Chen, MD, and colleagues from...
Flaxseed
Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, Guest Editor
Dietary supplement use by patients with cancer has increased 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 Interne...
Fitness: Can Exercise Lengthen Survival in Patients with Cancer?
By Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD, Ian Yarett, and Dawn Lemanne, MD, MPH Integrative Medicine Service Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Regular physical activity has long been associated with decreased risk of disease, including many types of cancer. Such benefits may translate into increased life expectancy of up to 4.5 years, with even the lowest levels of activity providing some survival advantage.1 Most strikingly, however, evid...
Turmeric
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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...
Grace C. Hillyer, EdD, MPH, on Enrolling Patients in Clinical Trials: Improving Clinician-Patient Communication
Ryan Huey, MD, on the Financial Toxicity of Early-Phase Clinical Trials
Daniel E. Spratt, MD, on the Impact of Antiandrogen Treatment in Prostate Cancer: NRG Oncology/RTOG 9601 Trial
Angela M. Stover, PhD, on Patient-Reported Outcome Performance Measures for Oncology Practice
Ryan Phillips, MD, PhD, on Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer: ORIOLE Trial on Observation vs Stereotactic Ablative Radiation
