Integrative oncology for young adults with cancer: A prospective pragmatic controlled trial

Research on the impact of integrative oncology (IO) programs on quality of life (QoL) among young adults with cancer is limited. The present study explored the impact of a patient-tailored IO program for young patients undergoing active oncology care. This pragmatic, prospective and preference-controlled study examined patients aged 18-45 referred by oncology healthcare providers to an IO consultation and 6 weekly treatments addressing QoL-related concerns. High adherence to integrative care (high-AIC, vs. low-AIC) was defined as attending ≥ 4 IO sessions, with baseline and 6-week symptoms assessed using ESAS (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale); EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire) and MYCAW (Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing) tools. Of 180 patients, 137 (76%) were high-AIC, with similar baseline demographic, cancer-and QoL-related characteristics in both groups. At 6 weeks, high-AIC patients reported greater improvement on ESAS (p = 0.046) and MYCAW (p = 0.008) wellbeing; ESAS nausea (p = 0.027); EORTC dyspnea; and EORTC role functioning (p = 0.031). Significant within-group improvement was observed in older high-AIC patients (aged 40-45, n = 72), as opposed to no improvement in young high-AIC patients (aged 18-39, n = 65) on ESAS fatigue (p = 0.033), anxiety (p = 0.001), and breathing (p = 0.016); and wellbeing on ESAS (p = 0.006) and MYCAW (p < 0.001). Young patients with cancer highly adherent to a 6-week IO program reported significantly improved wellbeing, more significantly among older patients. Further research is needed to explore the impact of IO programs on young patients with cancer, addressing their unique psychological, social, and spiritual needs.