Read time: 2 minutes.
Integrative oncology combines conventional cancer treatments with complementary therapies to provide comprehensive care. It focuses on treating the whole person—addressing physical and mental well-being.
Complementary therapies are treatments used alongside standard medical care, not as replacements. This approach emphasizes science-backed therapies to enhance quality of life and minimize side effects. Examples include:
- Acupuncture to help manage pain and nausea
- Massage therapy for relaxation and stress reduction
- Nutrition counseling to optimize health
- Mind-body practices like meditation and yoga to promote emotional well-being
As part of LUNGevity’s International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference last September, we hosted an educational session about integrative oncology with Edward S. Kim, MD, MBA, of City of Hope Orange County.
The virtual International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference is the place to learn about state-of-the-art treatments and cutting-edge developments in lung cancer from experts around the world. Sign up here to be notified when registration opens for the 2025 conference.
Introduction: 00:00–2:50
Amy Moore, PhD, moderates the discussion and introduces Dr. Kim as a long-standing expert in the field of integrative oncology.
Conventional, Alternative, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine: 2:51–9:14
Dr. Kim addresses the biggest issue facing people with lung cancer and caregivers as they consider introducing alternative or Eastern approaches into their cancer treatment plan—quackery.
He explains the differences between conventional medicine, alternative medicine, complementary medicine, and integrative medicine.
Data Behind Integrative Oncology: 9:15–25:39
Dr. Kim reveals the key to successfully using alternative or complementary approaches in healthcare. They must be supported by strong scientific evidence that has gone through rigorous analysis and peer review by other top researchers.
He digs into the data and showcases examples of supplements that have been found to be effective, and some that have not. He raises important questions for people to consider when using unregulated products, such as supplements. In addition, he discusses the challenge of managing Interactions between supplements and conventional treatments.
Benefits of Integrative Oncology: 25:40–30:42
Integrative medicine also aims to address symptoms such as stress, depression, insomnia, fatigue, and general quality of life using healthy living practices for the mind and the body—such as yoga, hypnosis, music therapy, aromatherapy, and more.
Adding Complementary Therapies to Your Life: 30:43–37:36
Dr. Kim explains how integrative medicine can be applied to everyday clinical practice, including the use of integrative approaches to control symptoms. Additional studies continue building data and improving our understanding of how to bring effective integrative approaches to patients.
Conclusion and Audience Q&A: 37:37–62:09
Dr. Kim wraps up his webinar with a few key conclusions. Then he joins Dr. Moore for an interesting Q&A session to address important questions, such as:
- How do we get more oncology teams to embrace integrative oncology practices?
- What are trusted resources for vetted, evidence-based information about integrative oncology?
- What are options for medical insurance coverage of integrative oncology approaches?
- And more!
To learn about integrative oncology combined with immunotherapy, you can read a summary or watch this video.