Integrative Oncology à La Française. Evolution and Distinctive Features

Integrative Oncology (IO) in France aligns with the definition proposed by the Society for Integrative Oncology, combining conventional cancer treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies within an interdisciplinary, patient-centered framework. Unlike alternative approaches, integrative therapies are used alongside standard oncological care. In France, a wide range of complementary therapies are implemented, with some-such as homeopathy and acupuncture-more widely integrated, reflecting historical use and favorable safety profiles.Over the past decade, IO has developed through diverse organizational models, including hospital-based day care programs, dedicated consultations in cancer centers, and community-based structures. These models provide access to personalized and coordinated care pathways, with no out-of-pocket cost for patients, supported by the national health insurance system or alternative funding sources. In 2023, the French Society for Integrative Oncology was established to structure and promote this approach nationwide and to foster connections with the European branch of the Society for Integrative Oncology.Compared with international models, the French approach appears distinctive in combining hospital-based and community-based structures, thereby facilitating broader accessibility while maintaining coordination with conventional care. This hybrid organization contrasts with predominantly academic models in the United States and more systematically integrated hospital-based systems in countries such as Israel.Available data and patient-reported outcomes suggest improvements in quality of life and treatment adherence. However, marked heterogeneity across programs and a predominantly observational evidence base highlight the need for controlled trials specifically designed to evaluate the particularities of integrative oncology.Overall, integrative oncology in France represents a pragmatic and evolving model that may contribute to reshaping supportive cancer care by combining accessibility, coordination, and patient-centered approaches.