What is Integrative Oncology?

Author(s)

Pamela Siegel ^[1] ; Nelson Filice de Barros ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Estadual de Campinas. FCM. Departamento de Saúde Coletiva - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Estadual de Campinas. FCM. Departamento de Saúde Coletiva - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Cad. saúde colet.; v. 21, n. 3, p. 348-354, 2013-09-00.

Abstract

Integrative Oncology (IO) is a branch of Integrative Medicine (IM), which integrates the following evidence-based complementary practices into conventional medicine: biologically based practices; mind-body techniques; body manipulation; energetic practices and whole systems. The purpose of this article is to present the results of a critical literature review on the state of the art of IO. Two procedures for selecting the material were applied: a systematic literature review undertaken in the PubMed-MEDLINE, in which 26 articles were selected; a selection of books published since 2006, mentioned in the references of the selected articles and in exploratory interviews with specialists at two international events: the ninth conference of the Society of Integrative Oncology and the MD Observer Programme. In conclusion, firstly the concept of IO is already steadily being applied in the main North-American cancer health centers and there is a consistent bibliographic production concerning this new field of knowledge. Secondly, when combined with conventional care, the integrative modalities can stimulate the effectiveness and reduce the adverse symptoms of cancer. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/19680-3 - Creating integrative care in cancer, an exploratory study
• Grantee: Pamela Siegel
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral