Real-World Integrative Oncology in Patients With Cancer and Diabetes: Engagement Patterns, Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Integrative Medicine
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Integrative oncology (IO) programs aim to enhance quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients.
• Concurrent cancer and diabetes diagnoses present unique challenges in supportive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate adherence and outcomes of an IO program for patients with both cancer and diabetes.
• To assess the impact of IO on symptom burden and QoL in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Patients with cancer and diabetes undergoing active treatment were referred to a 6-week IO program.
• Adherence was categorized as high (attending ≥4 sessions) or low.
• Symptom and QoL assessments used the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and EORTC QLQ-C30.

Main Results:

• High adherence to IO care was associated with significant improvements in pain (ESAS and EORTC).
• Low adherence patients reported worse pain and significant deterioration in physical functioning.
• Nearly half of the 229 patients were in palliative care settings.

Conclusions:

• High adherence to IO care correlated with better pain management and stable physical functioning.
• Findings suggest potential benefits of IO but require confirmation due to possible selection bias.
• Controlled trials are necessary to establish the efficacy of IO interventions in this population.