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

Green Tea

Camellia sinsensis, the common tea plant, has been drunk as an infusion throughout Asia since at least 3000 B.C. and remains the most widely consumed hot beverage on the planet. The only difference between green tea and black tea is that, to make green tea, leaves are steamed while to make black tea there is a fermentation process involved. This difference in processing yields a different concentration in the main active ingredient of tea. Research suggests that green tea may be useful in cancer prevention. Although green tea is a safe beverage to drink during active chemotherapy and radiation, it should not be taken in higher doses (extract) until after completion of primary treatment.