Integrative Oncology and Conventional Cancer Treatment

Integrative medicine addresses the physical and emotional needs of the patient (according to existing scientific evidence) coordinated with conventional medicine. An alternative therapy that puts all the available knowledge at the service of the patient to offer a medicine that ensures healing, well-being and quality of life. As these unconventional disciplines become more integrated into medical practice, there are greater number of investigations and search for scientific evidence

What is integrative oncology and its techniques?

Currently, many cancer centers in the United States, Canada and Europe have integrative oncology services for the care of their patients. In Spain is starting now in a reference center. The complementary therapies that are integrated into the Oncology services of the United States are:

• Acupuncture: suitable for the management of nausea and vomiting, anxiety and pain.
• Nutrition: essential to improve results and improve the quality of life of the patient.
• Mind-body practices:, yoga or tai chi that help control stress and anxiety, while providing adequate physical activity to the patient's basal state
• Massage: interesting in relieving anxiety and.
• Art therapy (music, writing and plastic arts).

What is the goal of integrative oncology?

Integrative oncology seeks to guarantee comprehensive, rigorous and quality care, making available to the patient all current medical knowledge, combined with conventional cancer medicine and treatments:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Surgery
• Targeted therapy
• biological agents

The end goal is improve quality of life and the well-being of the patient, in all phases of treatment, regardless of prognosis.

Relieve the side effects of cancer treatment

One of the most relevant aspects in Integrative Oncology is alleviate side effects of cancer treatments, reducing as much as possible the polypharmacy. If the person with cancer is in the best possible condition to receive treatment, the outcome will be better. Has been shown clear improvement or potential in:

• Relief from nausea and vomiting.
• Fight asthenia.
• Relieve diarrhea and constipation.
• Neuropathic pain relief.
• Treat cancer pain.
• Stress and anxiety management.
• Minimize dry mouth and changes in the mucous membranes.

Physical and emotional well-being

Techniques such as yoga, tai chi or Mindfulness techniques, can help in managing the anxiety, depression and insomnia. Treating and providing tools to promote the well-being of patients is a primary objective in the care of cancer patients.

Changes in lifestyle

Promote healthy habits such as: exercise practice, the relaxation techniques and follow a proper nutrition During and after treatment, it is another objective. Although published studies reveal that lifestyle changes in childhood cancer do not have as much impact as in adults. But we can affirm that it has it in long-term health care, to prevent metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases and obesity.

• It combines conventional oncology treatments (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, biological agents, surgery, and radiation therapy) with complementary, evidence-based therapies.
• One of the most relevant aspects in Integrative Oncology is to alleviate the side effects of treatments in all phases of the disease.

Dra. Esther Martínez Pediatric Specialist Advance Medical collaborating physician