Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: An Update on the Guidelines

Area of Science:

• Integrative Oncology
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Cancer Care

Background:

• ASCO and the Society for Integrative Oncology developed guidelines for integrative approaches in cancer care.
• Guidelines address anxiety, depression, fatigue, and the use of cannabinoids and cannabis in cancer patients.
• Focus on enhancing conventional treatment with integrative modalities to improve quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide evidence-based recommendations for integrative oncology.
• To guide the application of integrative approaches in managing cancer-related symptoms.
• To enhance conventional cancer treatment with complementary modalities.

Main Methods:

• Expert Panel review of studies informing guideline recommendations.
• Inclusion of patient advocates, methodologists, oncology providers, and integrative medicine experts.
• Assessment of evidence quality and strength of recommendations for each intervention.

Main Results:

• Strong recommendations for mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, tai chi, and qigong for cancer fatigue.
• Mindfulness-based programs recommended for cancer fatigue post-treatment.
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) strongly recommended for depression and anxiety during and after cancer treatment.
• Cannabis and cannabinoids not recommended as cancer-directed treatment outside clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• Growing evidence supports the benefits of integrative interventions in cancer care.
• Integrative interventions are beneficial across the entire cancer care continuum.
• Guidelines aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life through evidence-based integrative approaches.