Integrative medicine in oncology - between science, ideology, and pragmatism

Integrative medicine, which combines evidence-based conventional and complementary approaches, can significantly contribute to symptom management, improvement of quality of life, and empowerment of cancer patients. However, its implementation requires strict adherence to principles of safety, transparency, and informed decision-making. Non-specific effects of care, such as the placebo effect, the therapeutic relationship, and the meaningfulness of intervention, have measurable impacts on health outcomes and represent a legitimate part of the therapeutic process. Integrative oncology is not an alternative to science but rather an extension that deepens the understanding of the complex human response to illness and treatment. Key elements include open physician-patient communication, respect for individual needs, and critical appraisal of available evidence. Integrative medicine thus enhances not only the effectiveness of cancer care but also its ethical and human dimensions.

This is a narrative review and reflection on current knowledge regarding the use of integrative and complementary therapies in oncology, emphasizing both potential benefits and risks, with a focus on critical evaluation of scientific evidence and a pragmatic approach to patient care. The aim of this article is to introduce the concept of integrative oncology as an ethical and evidence-based approach that extends standard cancer care by addressing psychosocial and existential dimensions of health, without abandoning the principles of evidence-based medicine.