We recommend that patients consult medical, surgical and radiation oncologists as well as naturopathic physicians, specialists in Chinese medical oncology and other complementary medicine clinicians if interested in using the therapies mentioned in this website. We do not recommend that the therapies mentioned in this website be used instead of conventional cancer treatment.

The core of Integrative Oncology is the well coordinated use of conventional and complementary approaches that work synergistically with each other. Some complementary therapies, particularly those involving herbal compounds, may have synergistic effects with conventional cancer treatments or may interfere with them. Therefore it is crucial that patients consult with accredited complementary professionals to avoid interfering with their conventional treatment. Most complementary therapies, however, are used to enhance quality of life by means of helping the patient feel more relaxed and by helping manage pain, nauseas or other cancer or treatment related symptoms.

Integrative Oncology is an emerging field of medicine. There is no current official training that prepares oncologists to become "integrative oncologists." However, some naturopathic physicians are board certified in naturopathic oncology and have therefore received training on how to use complementary therapies along with conventional cancer treatments. Likewise, Chinese medical oncology is a distinct discipline and specialty. Clinical oncology nutritionists are also an excellent source of information about diet and nutritional supplements.

For a list of integrated oncology clinics within academic centers see resource list below:

Resource List

• Bastyr University Integrated Oncology Research Clinic
• MD Anderson Medical Center
• Memorial Sloan Kettering
• Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology

Curcumin

Curcumin, also known as turmeric, Indian yellow root or Indian saffron, is cultivated throughout Asia and used extensively as a spice. Curcumin also has a long history of use as a botanical medicine in both traditional Chinese and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine to treat a wide variety of conditions. Curcumin is perhaps the most widely researched botanical in cancer. It is safe for oral administration in humans and is recommended to prevent recurrences and as anti-cancer therapy. Patients taking curcumin during chemotherapy and radiation treatments should be carefully monitored as curcumin has been shown to act synergistically with chemotherapy.