Integrating Complementary and Traditional Practices in Middle-Eastern Supportive Cancer Care

Area of Science:

• Integrative Oncology
• Cross-cultural Medicine
• Supportive Cancer Care

Background:

• Middle East as a key region for exploring traditional medicine and supportive cancer care in integrative oncology.
• Focus on herbal medicine and mind-body-spiritual modalities rooted in traditional medical practices.
• Initiation of a regional, multinational, and interdisciplinary collaboration by the Middle-East Research Group in Integrative Oncology (MERGIO).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness and safety of traditional herbal remedies in cancer care.
• To develop a patient-tailored integrative oncology model for supportive-palliative care.
• To address individual health beliefs and socio-cultural-religious contexts in cancer care.

Main Methods:

• Regional, multinational, and interdisciplinary collaboration through MERGIO.
• Conducting educational, basic science, and clinical research projects.
• Designing a pragmatic "bedside-to-bench" and "back-to-bedside" approach.

Main Results:

• Ongoing research into the effectiveness and safety of traditional herbal remedies.
• Development of a patient-tailored integrative oncology model.
• Consideration of individual and community health-related values.

Conclusions:

• The Middle East presents a unique setting for integrative oncology research.
• MERGIO's collaborative efforts are advancing the understanding and application of traditional medicine in cancer care.
• A patient-centered approach integrating cultural contexts is crucial for supportive-palliative care.