Integrative Oncology

Omega-3 fatty acids have gained popularity over the past decade as growing scientific evidence supports their use in preventing cardiovascular disease, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma, and in slowing cognitive decline.

The Mediterranean diet, which includes food consumed in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, has gained popularity in the United States over the past decade. The Mediterranean diet is an established dietary approach for the prevention of many diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

Although no adverse effects have been reported with use of boswellia, consequences of long-term use are not known. The notion that herbs are safe because they are natural is not necessarily correct, and herb-drug interactions remain a concern.

Due to its antioxidant effects, Juice Plus may interfere with the actions of some chemotherapeutic agents. Cancer patients should discuss use of this and any dietary supplement with an oncology professional.

Ginger, the rhizome or the underground stem of ginger plant, is native to Asia and has been used as a culinary spice and medicine since ancient times. It is used to treat upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, arthritis, and heart conditions.

Promoters of metabolic therapies claim that special diets, detoxification, and immune stimulation can treat and prevent a variety of diseases including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and cancer.

Reishi has demonstrated immunomodulatory and antitumor effects in a few studies. It is purportedly used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including fatigue, high cholesterol, AIDS, hypertension, inflammation, and viral infections.

Music is a powerful tool that can evoke latent emotions, induce a range of emotional states, and enhance communication. It also offers a creative, lyrical, and symbolic means of addressing spiritual needs, and is increasingly used in end-of-life care.

Despite the widespread perception that herbal products are safe because they are “natural,” few of these products have been subjected to rigorous research. The potential risks associated with many herbal dietary supplements remain unknown.

A substantial number of cancer patients turn to unconventional agents used as anticancer therapies. However, “alternative cures” are unproved and may be harmful. They are not supported by clinical research and they can jeopardize patients’ lives, especially when patients delay needed care.

Despite the widespread perception that herbal products are safe because they are “natural,” few products have been subjected to rigorous research. The potential risks of taking many herbal dietary supplements are not known.

The recommendation to minimize sun exposure to prevent skin cancer has produced a pandemic of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D has generated considerable interest in the past decade, as accumulating evidence suggests an association between vitamin D deficiency and other cancers.

Because acai has antioxidant effects, there is substantial potential for interference with chemotherapeutic drugs. Patients should be cautioned against use of acai and other herbal supplements when on treatment.

Acupuncture is being used in the palliative care of cancer patients, to alleviate pain and a variety of treatment side effects. It is generally safe when performed by trained practitioners and is well tolerated by patients, including children.

This compound has been shown to exert anticancer effects in vitro by stimulating various subsets of the immune system. A small study of maitake extract in cancer patients found the substance to be beneficial.