The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Vol. 24, No. 9-10 Invited Review Articles Free Access
Eran Ben-Arye, Noah Samuels, and Ofer Lavie
Published Online:24 Sep 2018
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0163
Abstract
Background: Integrative oncology provides a broad spectrum of complementary medicine therapies, many of which can augment the effects of supportive and palliative care for patients with gynecologic cancer.
Methods: The present review will focus on the findings of the research on the role of integrative medicine, within the challenges they face during treatment of gynecological cancer.
Results and conclusion: Integrative oncology focuses primarily on alleviating patients’ suffering by reducing the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiation, improving quality of life and function. At the same time, integrative oncology provides guidance on the safe and effective use of herbal and other dietary supplements during cancer treatment. This is a dynamic process requiring collaboration between conventional gynecologic oncologists and integrative physicians and practitioners, in an evolving process of care.