Evidence-based Complementary Therapies Research Articles

Identifying factors associated with disparities in accessing an Integrative Oncology program

Introduction: Integrative oncology (IO) programs provide patients with evidence-based complementary medicine therapies within a supportive and palliative cancer care setting. This study retrospectively examined characteristics of patients with lung cancer predicting utilization of a freely-provided IO consultation at two medical centers in Israel. Methods: Electronic medical files of 832 patients with lung cancer attending/not attending the IO consultation were searched for socio-demographic (age, gender, country of birth, place of residence, primary language spoken) and personal health (Body Mass Index; smoking; disability) characteristics; cancer-related parameters (primary tumor site, localized vs. metastatic); and reported pain- and emotional-related concerns. Results: Only 120 (14.4%) of eligible patients attended the IO consultation, with multivariate analysis finding a significantly lower likelihood of attendance among patients who were older (OR: 0.98, 95%CI=0.96-0.99; p=0.02); male (OR: 0.53, 95%CI=0.34-0.83; p=0.005); primarily non Hebrew-speaking (i.e., primarily Arabic or Russian speakers; OR: 0.34, 95%CI=0.14-0.82; p=0.016); without disability (OR: 0.52, 95%CI=0.33-0.92; p=0.025); and not reporting pain (OR=0.40,95%CI=0.17-0.98-; p=0.046). Conclusions: The present study suggests that age, gender and culture-related factors (reflected by the patient's primary language) may contribute to disparities in accessing a freely-provided IO consultation, as shown in a diverse population of patients with lung cancer from two medical centers in Israel. Further research is needed to better understand the role of these programs within a diverse, equitable and inclusive setting of effective and safe integrative care of oncology patients.

Integrative Medicine Across the Pediatric Cancer Care Trajectory: A Narrative Review.

Children and adolescents with cancer, along with their parents and other informal caregivers, often report using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during active oncology and hemato-oncology treatment. Some adopt an "alternative" approach to conventional medical care, which often entails the use of these practices without the knowledge of the treating pediatrician. In contrast, many others search for consultation provided by a pediatric integrative oncology (IO) practitioner working with the conventional medical team. IO seeks to provide evidence-based complementary medicine therapies, many of which have been shown to augment conventional supportive and palliative care, while ensuring the patient's safety. The present narrative review examines the current state of and future direction for the IO setting of care. A large body of published clinical research supports the effectiveness of leading Pediatric IO modalities, while addressing potential safety-related concerns. Despite the growing amount of clinical research supporting the beneficial effects and implementation of Pediatric IO models of care, there is still a need for further studies in order to establish clinical guidelines in the treatment of children and adolescents with cancer. Such IO-directed guidelines will need to address both the effectiveness and the safety of the CAM modalities being used in pediatric oncology and hemato-oncology settings, promoting a better understanding among pediatric healthcare professionals and helping them understand the indications for referral to the IO treatment service.

"Cancer Perspectives And Recent Advances In Anti-Cancer Drug Research: A Review In The Lens Of Siddha Medicine"

Introduction: Cancer is a global health challenge, demanding innovative approaches for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Despite ongoing research efforts, finding a definitive cure for cancer remains a formidable challenge. In response to these challenges, the concept of integrative oncology has gained prominence, aiming to combine conventional treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies. Objective: This review explores the integration of Siddha medicine, an ancient South Indian system, with modern oncology to offer holistic cancer care. Siddha perspectives on cancer, its classifications, etiopathogenesis, diagnostic methodologies, and treatment modalities are thoroughly analysed in comparison with modern approach. Recent research on Siddha medicines demonstrating anti-cancer potential is also being reviewed through a systematic literature analysis. Methodology: Analyses of various Siddha texts is done to know the terminologies and categories of cancer. Siddha's etiopathogenesis, diagnostic methodologies and Siddha treatment modalities are discussed, emphasizing the balance of humours. Recent research on Siddha medicines for cancer treatment is compiled through a systematic literature review. Discussion: The manuscript decodes Siddha's conceptual framework underlying cancer hallmarks, aligning Vatham, Pitham, and Kabam with the eight hallmark capabilities. Siddha diagnostic methodologies, including pulse reading and urine examination, are compared with modern techniques. Siddha treatment modalities, rooted in herbal formulations, are presented. A comprehensive compilation of Siddha drugs with anti-cancer potential is provided, supported by in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical studies. Conclusion: The multifaceted nature of cancer necessitates a comprehensive approach, and Siddha medicine provides unique insights. While Siddha may not directly align with modern diagnostics, its holistic principles contribute valuably to cancer discussions. Integrating Siddha into mainstream oncology requires scientific rigor, with further research and clinical trials to validate safety and efficacy. The fusion of Siddha wisdom with modern oncology holds promise for a more holistic and patient-centric cancer care approach.

Establishing an Integrative Oncology Service: Essential Aspects of Program Development.

Over the last 2 decades, integrative oncology (IO) has seen exponential growth within cancer care. It aims to combine evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional treatments to improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals dealing with cancer. The proliferation of integrative medicine programs in major cancer centers globally reflects varying approaches shaped by cultural, demographic, and resource-based factors. Drawing upon the expertise of leaders in IO from the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Clinical Practice Committee, this manuscript serves as a practical guide for establishing an IO practice. Collating insights from diverse professionals, including oncologists, integrative oncologists, supportive care physicians, researchers, and clinicians, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for initiating and advancing IO services. The primary objective is to bridge the gap between conventional cancer care and complementary therapies, fostering a patient-centric approach to address the multifaceted challenges encountered by individuals with cancer. This paper delineates several key sections elucidating different aspects of IO practice. It delves into the core components necessary for an IO service's foundation, outlines the initial medical consultation process, and presents crucial tools essential for successful consultations. By consolidating insights and expertise, this manuscript seeks to facilitate the integration of IO into mainstream cancer care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and experiences.

Modifying Whole Health Services for Successful Telehealth Delivery: Lessons from Veterans Health Administration's Rapid Transition During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is shifting care from a disease-oriented to health-creating approach that aims to provide whole person care. This Whole Health (WH) system combines person-centered care with delivery of WH services (e.g., health coaching, well-being education and skill-building classes, and evidence-based complementary and integrative health therapies), alongside conventional medical services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WH services were modified for delivery through telehealth (teleWH). This article characterizes modifications to WH services made to maintain continuity during the transition to telehealth formats. Materials and methods: We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of 51 providers delivering teleWH services at 10 VHA medical centers. We examined WH service modifications as well as facilitators and barriers to those modifications using rapid coding and directed content analysis. Results: Modifications were driven by (1) preparing for teleWH service delivery and (2) improving teleWH service delivery. To prepare for teleWH services, modifications were prompted by access, readiness, and setting and resources. Modifications to improve the delivery of teleWH services were motivated by engagement, community-building, safety, and content for a teleWH environment. One-on-one teleWH services required the fewest modifications, while more significant modifications were needed for well-being, skill-building, and movement-based groups, and reconfiguration of manual therapies. Discussion: Findings highlighted the need for modifications to ensure that teleWH services are accessible and safe and support interpersonal relationships between patients and providers, as well as in group-based classes. Successfully delivering teleWH services requires proactive preparation that considers access, readiness, and the availability of resources to engage in teleWH services. Tailoring strategies and considering the unique needs of different teleWH services are critical. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed teleWH service implementation, utilization, and sustainment. The challenges faced and modifications made during this transition provide lessons learned for other health care systems as they attempt to implement teleWH services.

Integrative nursing in Europe - A competency profile for nursing students validated in a Delphi-study

BackgroundIntegrative nursing is a framework for providing holistic care and includes complementary therapies and non-pharmacological interventions. There is no common European approach on how to educate healthcare professionals on complementary therapies and non-pharmacological interventions for symptom management. Nurses report a lack of formal education as the main barrier to applying integrative nursing. ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to develop and validate integrative nursing learning outcomes in a competency profile for bachelor nursing students. MethodsA two-round Delphi study was conducted with experts on integrative nursing and/or nurse education from eight European countries. The expert panelists rated their level of agreement with learning outcomes in relation to “Knowledge, Skills, Responsibility and Autonomy” on a nine-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree/9 = strongly agree) and were invited to add comments in an open text field. The Rand manual's description of levels of appropriateness was used, and experts' suggestions were analyzed thematically and used for reformulating or adding learning outcomes. ResultsIn the first round, 19 out of 23 experts participated, versus 18 in the second round. In all, thirty-five learning outcomes within the three areas Knowledge, Skills and Responsibility/Autonomy were rated. After two Delphi rounds, twenty-four included learning outcomes were classified as appropriate, with median levels of appropriateness between 7 and 9; none had been classified as inappropriate. The learning outcomes include general knowledge about selected complementary therapies and non-pharmacological interventions, safety, national rules and regulations, communication and ethical skills and competencies for self-care actions and for applying simple evidence-based complementary therapies and non-pharmacological interventions in nursing practice. ConclusionsThe competency profile consist of validated competencies; the high degree of consensus from the expert panelists makes the learning outcomes relevant for structuring a teaching module for nursing students about integrative nursing.

Traditional and complementary medicine perspectives of family physicians in Istanbul

Introduction: The World Health Organization, within the scope of the Traditional Medicine Strategy for 2014-2023, recommends the development of integrated health policies, particularly in the area of primary healthcare. However, family physicians often report feeling insufficiently trained to effectively integrate these practices into patient care. This study aims to assess the views, understanding, and experiences of family physicians regarding the utilization of Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM).Methods: The family physicians employed by the Istanbul Health Directorate Public Health Services were solicited to participate in an 18-question online survey to assess their level of education in T&CM methods, their views on integration of T&CM into family medicine, and the impact of these practices on patient care.Results: A total of 324 family physicians took part in the survey; 12.0% were specialists, 64.5% had worked in primary care for over 10 years, and 59.6% were in the age range of 31-50 years. Among the physicians, the majority (70.1%) reported a preference for integrating T&CM practices with conventional medicine (ConvM). The majority of the participants (71.6%) had no formal T&CM training, and 66.4% reported inquiring about T&CM in their patient consultations. Over half of the physicians (56.79%) believed that T&CM methods should be used in preventive medicine. The most widely recognized T&CM technique was cupping therapy (18.5%), which was also the most frequently recommended method by physicians.Conclusion: Most of the family physicians who participated in the study expressed a desire for integrative medicine, despite acknowledging limited formal education in this field. Offering physicians training in evidence-based complementary medicine therapies could provide them with additional non-invasive treatment options. However, patients' diffidence to inform their family physicians about T&CM practices they undergo may pose significant risks. As a result, incorporating education on integrative medicine into formal medical education and residency training may be necessary.Keywords: Family physician, complementary medicine, integrative medicine, traditional medicine

Is it Feasible? A Quality Improvement Project to Integrate Complementary Therapy Into a Pain Management Program on a Transitional Care Unit.

The cost of pain to society is high, not only in dollars but in physical and emotional suffering. Undertreated pain in the geriatric population can lead to functional impairments and diminished quality of life. A transitional care unit (TCU) described having higher levels of moderate to severe pain than state and national levels in like facilities. A team of university faculty and students, and staff members from the TCU developed a quality improvement project to examine the feasibility of integrating complementary therapies to treat pain into clinical practice. The team integrated three evidence-based complementary therapies into staff workflow. The nursing and therapy staff reported minimal to no interruption to their workflow when patients used the complementary therapies. Staff expressed satisfaction with an expanded menu of pain management options. Patients reported statistically significant lower (p = 0.002) pain levels after using the complementary therapies and benefits beyond pain relief, including relaxation, stress reduction, and improved sleep. Adding complementary therapies to the pain management program was feasible and the patients had less pain along with other benefits when using the therapies with standard care. Having additional methods for managing pain is beneficial and vital.

Experience with the evidence map in oral ozone therapy - importance for integrative and complementary health practices

medical and dental treatment in the form of ozonized water and oxygen / ozone gas mixture and associated with photobiomodulation therapy. The evidence map was based on the 3iE evidence searched in the databases: LILACS, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, seeking systematic and narrative reviews, analyzed in an excel characterization spreadsheet. Three independent literature reviewers screened the systematic review search output blinded at the software Rayyan. The full-text publications were screened against the specified inclusion criteria by thre independent reviewers; disagreements were resolved through discussion. Forty-two studies were found, 16 of which were systematic reviews and 26 narrative reviews, published between 2006 and 2021, with different levels of confidence. The intervention that most appeared in the literature was oral ozone therapy as a bacterial colony reduction and decontamination agent, with emphasis on topical oxygen-ozone gas mixtures, topical ozonized water. Oral ozone therapy can bring benefits to clinical practice and patients. The evidence map provides an easy visualization of valuable information for patients, health practitioners and managers, in order to promote evidence-based complementary therapies.

Üriner İnkontinansta Kanıt Temelli Tamamlayıcı ve Alternatif Tedaviler

Üriner inkontinans; medikal, psikososyal ve hijyenik sorunlara neden olan, bireylerin yaşam kalitesini olumsuz etkileyebilen, önemli ve yaygın bir sağlık sorunudur. Dünyada ortalama 200 milyon insan üriner inkontinans şikâyeti yaşamaktadır. Yaşam kalitesi üzerinde önemli bir etkiye sahip olan üriner inkontinans semptomlarının tedavisinde sağlık profesyonelleri sürekli olarak daha iyi müdahaleler aramaktadırlar. Tamamlayıcı ve Alternatif Tedavi yöntemlerinden olan davranış değişikliği, yaşam tarzı değişiklikleri, mesane eğitimi, Pelvik Taban Kas Egzersizleri, vajinal konlar, biofeedback, yoga, akupressure, akupunktur gibi uygulamalar mesane fonksiyon bozukluğunu önleyebilir veya azaltabilir. Derlememiz, üriner inkontinansta kullanılan kanıt temelli tamamlayıcı ve alternatif tedavi uygulamalarını incelemek amacıyla hazırlanmıştır. Derlemenin hazırlanma sürecinde, Cochrane ve PubMed’de yayınlanmış konuyla ilgili makaleler taranmış ve elde edilen makalelerin kanıt düzeyi Joanna Briggs Enstitüsünün kabul ettiği kanıt düzeyi sınıflandırmasına göre incelenmiştir. Elde edilen veriler sonucunda, tamamlayıcı ve alternatif tedavi yöntemlerinin yararlı olup olmadığı konusunda güvenilir, yeterli kanıt bulunamamıştır ve araştırma önceliği olması gerekmektedir.

Generating Evidence of Critical Care Nurses' Perceptions, Knowledge, Beliefs, and Use of Music Therapy, Aromatherapy, and Guided Imagery

Critical care settings are known to be fast-paced and technologically advanced. To optimize humanistic care, integration of evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies holds promise. However, evidence of critical care nurses' use of complementary and alternative therapies in clinical practice has not been evaluated recently. This study sought to determine critical care nurses' perspectives of music therapy, aromatherapy, and guided imagery (GI) including perceptions of legitimacy, self-reported knowledge, interest in gaining knowledge, beliefs of harm/benefits, professional use, personal use, recommendations for use in critical care practice, and requests for these therapies by critical care patients or families. A descriptive cross-sectional design with repeated measures was conducted with critical care nurses (N = 53) practicing in 3 intensive care units at a Midwestern academic-affiliated medical center. The nurses' current perceptions, knowledge, beliefs, and use of music therapy, aromatherapy, and GI were assessed. In addition, an evaluation of the consistency of participants' responses using the Critical Care Nurses' Use of Complementary Therapies survey was performed on a subset of the sample (n = 15) at 2 time points 4 to 6 weeks apart. Most nurses (66%-83%) endorsed the legitimacy of these therapies for use with their patients. Nurses had the most knowledge of aromatherapy, followed by music therapy and GI; they showed interest in gaining further knowledge of the therapies even when reporting "some" to "a lot" of knowledge. Nurses showed a positive response regarding their beliefs about the benefits of each therapy. Professional use was highest for aromatherapy (85%), followed by music therapy (75%), corresponding with greater self-reported knowledge and personal use. A majority recommended aromatherapy (79%) and music therapy in practice (64%) and reported that these therapies were requested by patients or families. Responses on the survey items at 2 time points of administration showed consistency. On the basis of the overall survey responses, developing a robust scientific base and addressing educational needs through expanding resources and continuing education programs may promote use of these therapies to benefit patients in critical care.

The Prevalence and Types of Complementary and Integrative Health Therapies Used by Caregivers of Patients with Cancer.

To assess rationale for usage and types of complementary and integrative health therapies used as self-care by unpaid cancer caregivers. CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Alt HealthWatch. Six articles provide updated information on caregiver preferences and desires relative to use of complementary and integrative health therapies. Findings largely focused on patients; whereas perceptions of caregivers were secondary. Given shifts in cancer care from clinics to home, clinicians can increase their effectiveness through a better understanding of the caregiving experience, allowing for delivery of supportive, personalized interventions. Such support may include evidence-based complementary and integrative health therapies for caregivers.

Understanding the relevance of herb-drug interaction studies with special focus on interplays: a prerequisite for integrative medicine.

Integrative medicine refers to the blending of conventional and evidence-based complementary medicines and therapies with the aim of using the most appropriate of either or both modalities for ultimate patient benefits. One of the major hurdles for the same is the chances of potential herb–drug interactions (HDIs). These HDIs could be beneficial or harmful, or even fatal; therefore, a thorough understanding of the eventualities of HDIs is essential so that a successful integration of the modern and complementary alternative systems of medicine could be achieved. Here, we summarize all the important points related to HDIs, including types, tools/methods for study, and prediction of the HDIs, along with a special focus on interplays between drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. In addition, this article covers future perspective, with a focus on background endogenous players of interplays and approaches to predict the drug–disease–herb interactions so as to fetch the desired effects of these interactions.

Abstract P1-11-25: The importance of social support and self-esteem in quality of life in patients with breast cancer

Abstract BACKGROUND: Among the changes that have occurred in the practice of oncology in the last decade is the recognition that the patient well-being is important for the treatment. Another one was to have a greater focus on Quality of Life (QoL) and its questionnaires to evaluate this well-being. Self-esteem is a factor that can be promoted through integrative oncology, through support groups and other forms of social support (such as meditation, yoga, massage, recreation, etc.). It is believed that promoting self-esteem is of great value for the improvement of patients' Quality of Life. Integrative oncology coordinates the delivery of evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional cancer care. Complementary therapies encompass a broad range of mind and body practices, natural products, and lifestyle modifications, and are commonly used by patients with breast cancer and survivors of breast cancer. METHODS: A prospective cohort study conducted at three institutions to compare the patients' responses to the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSS - 12) questionnaire, before and after watching two videos of SOCIAL SUPPORT, where women received care for the promotion of increase of SELF-ESTEEM. The study included 109 patients with breast cancer in different stages of the disease, and it was carried out between December 2017 and June 2018. For all the patients the Free and Informed Consent Term was applied. RESULTS: 18% of the patients were between 30-40 years old, 28% between 40-50, 28% between 50-60 and 26% had more than 60 years. 55% were in neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment, while the rest were in palliative treatment. 94% of the patients reported having family support during treatment and 48% of the patients were married. Of the 10 questions in the questionnaire, four presented a positive change in more than 35% after applying the questionnaire. In these four, the remaining percentage remained with unchanged answers. The four questions are those of numbers 4, 8, 9 and 10 and refer to: 4) ability to do things with the same quality as the general population; 8) feeling of self-respect; 9)feeling useless and 10)feeling a good person at all. It is important to emphasize that question 8 presented a positive change in 53% of respondents. In the rest of the questions, most of the other questions remained unchanged in more than 30% of the time. CONCLUSION: It can be suggested that projects carried out for the promotion of social support must be carried out continuously so that the well-being is promoted in a continuous and permanent way, thus leading to an increase in the quality of life of patients in general. Citation Format: Chagas SR, Chagas CR, Barros BP, Constancio MF, Assunção DS. The importance of social support and self-esteem in quality of life in patients with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-11-25.

Establishing an integrative oncology service in the Australian healthcare setting-the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Hospital experience.

Comprehensive cancer centres are on the rise as patients seek a more holistic approach to maintaining their wellbeing when living with a cancer diagnosis. Many cancer centres worldwide now incorporate a selection of evidence-based complementary therapies and qualified therapists into their offerings. The Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, a comprehensive cancer centre in Sydney, Australia, provides integrative oncology services including acupuncture, massage, reflexology, dietetics and exercise physiology for individual patients, along with group programmes, and an integrative and supportive care medical specialist. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on one model of integrative oncology service and approach to integration and team and service development.

Gender Differences in Use of Complementary and Integrative Health by U.S. Military Veterans with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

The Veterans Health Administration promotes evidence-based complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapies as nonpharmacologic approaches for chronic pain. We aimed to examine CIH use by gender among veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain, and variations in gender differences by race/ethnicity and age. We conducted a secondary analysis of electronic health records provided by all women (n=79,537) and men (n=389,269) veterans age 18 to 54years with chronic musculoskeletal pain who received Veterans Health Administration-provided care between 2010 and 2013. Using gender-stratified multivariate binary logistic regression, we examined predictors of CIH use, tested a race/ethnicity-by-age interaction term, and conducted pairwise comparisons of predicted probabilities. Among veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain, more women than men use CIH (36% vs. 26%), with rates ranging from 25% to 42% among women and 15% to 29% among men, depending on race/ethnicity and age. Among women, patients under age 44 who were Hispanic, White, or patients of other race/ethnicities are similarly likely to use CIH; in contrast, Black women, regardless of age, are least likely to use CIH. Among men, White and Black patients, and especially Black men under age 44, are less likely to use CIH than men of Hispanic or other racial/ethnic identities. Women veteran patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain are more likely than men to use CIH therapies, with variations in CIH use rates by race/ethnicity and age. Tailoring CIH therapy engagement efforts to be sensitive to gender, race/ethnicity, and age could reduce differential CIH use and thereby help to diminish existing health disparities among veterans.

Group NADA acupuncture at an FQHC: Creating mental health with the underserved

Integrative Oncology is an emerging field internationally that aims to amalgamate evidence-based complementary therapies with mainstream medical practices. This editorial outlines the key issues surrounding the development of Integrative Oncology for Australian cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Further discussion considers current research for the efficacy of concurrent CAM in the setting of radiotherapy and the numerous obstacles to a truly integrative model of cancer care in Australia; including financial/research limitations and clinician acceptance.

Methods for a Science Café on chronic pain and technology

Integrative Oncology is an emerging field internationally that aims to amalgamate evidence-based complementary therapies with mainstream medical practices. This editorial outlines the key issues surrounding the development of Integrative Oncology for Australian cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Further discussion considers current research for the efficacy of concurrent CAM in the setting of radiotherapy and the numerous obstacles to a truly integrative model of cancer care in Australia; including financial/research limitations and clinician acceptance.

Recruitment, adherence, and retention methods in a culturally tailored Spanish language yoga program for overweight and obese hispanic cancer survivors and their support providers using a community engaged research approach

Integrative Oncology is an emerging field internationally that aims to amalgamate evidence-based complementary therapies with mainstream medical practices. This editorial outlines the key issues surrounding the development of Integrative Oncology for Australian cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Further discussion considers current research for the efficacy of concurrent CAM in the setting of radiotherapy and the numerous obstacles to a truly integrative model of cancer care in Australia; including financial/research limitations and clinician acceptance.

The interventional efficacy of nutrition (low FODMAP diet) & mindfulness through hypnotherapy on inflammatory bowel syndrome

Integrative Oncology is an emerging field internationally that aims to amalgamate evidence-based complementary therapies with mainstream medical practices. This editorial outlines the key issues surrounding the development of Integrative Oncology for Australian cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Further discussion considers current research for the efficacy of concurrent CAM in the setting of radiotherapy and the numerous obstacles to a truly integrative model of cancer care in Australia; including financial/research limitations and clinician acceptance.