Abstract P1-08-02: Implementation of Integrative Medicine Program for Breast Medical Oncology Professionals in an Academic Cancer Center

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Integrative medicine such as acupuncture, meditation, yoga and massage are highly desired by breast cancer survivors. Breast medical oncology professionals including physicians, advanced nurse practitioners and physician assistants are often the first clinicians that patients would expect to discuss the use of integrative medicine. Many distressing symptoms, such as hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, and pain, are common and remain challenging to manage with limited pharmacological intervention available and potential toxicities. Evidence-based integrative medicine approaches, including acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and massage, may help reduce this symptom burden and improve quality of life. However, many breast medical oncology professions are not familiar with current evidence and knowledge in integrative medicine. Therefore, there is an urgent need to educate them on the fundamentals of evidence-based integrative medicine interventions that could improve quality of life for breast cancer survivors. METHODS: We designed the Integrative Oncology training Program for breast medicine professionals at our institution. The program faculty are composed of five breast medical oncologists, five integrative medicine faculty, and one education coordinator. RESULTS: We developed an online, interdisciplinary five-hour course on evidence-based integrative oncology with essential knowledge on integrative medicine approaches for breast cancer survivors. We determined the topic of interest based on feedback from the program faculty. The integrative medicine approaches in management of hot flashes, arthralgia, insomnia, are cannabis uses are some examples that were highly in-demand. The program summarizes high-quality evidence in herbal supplements, acupuncture, meditation, and yoga, pertinent to the audience, as well as the referral flow to our Integrative Medicine Service. CONCLUSIONS: Integrative medicine education programs for oncological professionals are needed to disseminate integrative medicine knowledge and to prepare them to guide our patients on integrative and complementary approaches during and after anticancer treatments. Citation Format: W. Iris Zhi, Rui Wanq, Ting Bao. Implementation of Integrative Medicine Program for Breast Medical Oncology Professionals in an Academic Cancer Center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-08-02.