Integrative Oncology: A Canadian and International Perspective

Abstract

We are pleased to present this special supplement of Current Oncology, which is generously financed by a grant from the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation. Integrative oncology is both a science and a philosophy that focuses on the complexity of the health of cancer patients and proposes a multitude of approaches to accompany the conventional therapies of surgery, chemotherapy, molecular therapeutics, and radiotherapy to facilitate health. As such, integrative oncology involves thinking outside the box, and so we are indeed fortunate to have attracted a plethora of manuscripts from innovative leaders both of Canadian and of international cancer treatment and control services. In line with the modern approach to media communications, we have “integrated” this issue with manuscripts published on the Current Oncology Web site. Readers will also have the opportunity to view and listen to slide presentations submitted to the Integrating Wellness into Cancer Care Conference held at the University of Toronto, October 4–5, 2007. The conference was organized by Dr. Paul Fortin in memory of his wife Dr. Veronique Benk. Veronique was a radiation oncologist, clinician, and researcher who specialized in breast cancer, and she was devoted to her patients. Her personal experience of breast cancer and myeloid leukemia was transformative, and she embraced a wider approach to cancer treatment. That approach prioritized state-of-the-art medical care with a new emphasis on spirituality, wellness, and quality of life. The conference was sponsored by a non-restricted educational grant from the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation, CV Technologies, Astra/Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Wellspring, and the University of Toronto Department of Radiation Oncology, with special thanks to Drs. Mary Gospodarowicz and Pamela Catton.