Integrative cancer care: development of a therapeutic paradigm K. I. Block, P. B. Block, C. Gyllenhaal, D. Nathan, M. de la Torre Abstract: Background: A high percentage of cancer patients currently seek out complementary or alternative therapies to address perceived deficits in conventional care, often without notifying their physicians; many such patients have exhausted conventional treatment options, while some seek consultation on ways to avoid recurrence of disease. A comprehensive program to address the needs of such patients is a timely way to support their continued conventional treatment while presenting them with potential solutions to limited treatment options and prevention of recurrence. Methods: Based on assessment of the scientific literature, clinical experience with patients seeking individualized integrative cancer treatments, longitudinal studies of therapeutic interventions and case reviews, a paradigm for integrative cancer care has been developed that addresses the needs of patients seeking integrative regimens. Results: Comprehensive integrative cancer care as implemented at our center provides patients with individualized interventions combining therapeutic nutrition and selective supplementation, fitness and physical therapy and mind-spirit strategies with thorough exploration of conventional and experimental treatment options. A targeted series of tests of the patient’s biochemical status at particular points in the treatment trajectory, including parameters such as inflammation, glycemia, phytochemical intake and immune status as well as molecular tumor markers, allows tailoring of medical, supplemental and nutritional regimens to minimize factors that promote cancer cell proliferation, and may assist with treatment toxicity. Use of innovative therapeutic approaches such as chrono-chemotherapy may permit patients to undergo conventional treatments who have otherwise been unable to tolerate them. Conclusions: Integrative cancer care can address the individual needs of patients facing physical or psychological challenges with conventional cancer treatment, while providing survival outcomes that appear on the basis of longitudinal studies to exceed conventional care alone. Further research on this system, beginning with prospective studies of patient populations receiving conventional treatment, is warranted. Abstract No: 8280 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.