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PeopleBeatingCancer supports an evidence-based integrative approach to cancer care. For most newly diagnosed patients, FDA-approved therapies form the foundation of treatment, while evidence-based complementary therapies may help reduce side effects and improve survivorship.

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Integrative Oncology: Combining Conventional and Natural Cancer Therapies

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Integrative Oncology: Combining Conventional and Natural Cancer Therapies- Cancer treatment has traditionally focused on surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs. These treatments remain the foundation of modern oncology.

This focus makes sense simply because conventional oncology focuses mainly on those therapies that are studied and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Off-label” therapies can be prescribed by oncologists as well as standard-of-care therapies. 

However, a growing number of cancer patients and survivors are exploring ways to combine conventional cancer therapy with evidence-based natural therapies to improve outcomes and quality of life.

This approach is called integrative oncology.

Comparison Table

Conventional Oncology Integrative Oncology Alternative Medicine
Surgery Surgery + Exercise Herbs only
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy + Nutrition Avoid chemotherapy
Radiation Radiation + Acupuncture Replace radiation
FDA approved Evidence-based supportive therapies Often unsupported

What is Integrative Oncology?

  • How Is It Different From Alternative Medicine?
  • How Is It Different From Complementary Therapy?
  • Is Integrative Oncology Evidence-Based?
  • What Therapies Have the Strongest Evidence?
  • Can Integrative Therapies Improve Survival?
  • Can They Reduce Side Effects?
  • Can They Be Dangerous?
  • How Do I Build My Own Integrative Treatment Plan?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is integrative oncology evidence-based? 
Yes, integrative oncology is evidence-based. It safely combines traditional cancer treatments (like chemotherapy and surgery) with scientifically validated complementary therapies. The core philosophy is to treat the whole person—managing side effects, reducing stress, and improving overall quality of life. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Major medical organizations, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society for Integrative Oncology, publish rigorous guidelines for these therapies. [1, 2]
  • Is integrative oncology covered by insurance?

Integrative oncology—which combines conventional cancer treatments (like chemotherapy and surgery) with evidence-based complementary therapies (like acupuncture and massage)—is partially covered by insurance. While physician consultations and services like physical therapy are generally covered, many complementary therapies require out-of-pocket payment. [1, 2, 3, 4]

  • Can supplements interfere with chemotherapy?

Yes, supplements can interfere with chemotherapy. Some vitamins and herbs can make chemotherapy drugs less effective, speed up or slow down how your body breaks down the drugs, or worsen harsh side effects. [1, 2, 3, 4]

  • Is acupuncture safe during treatment?
Acupuncture is highly safe if performed by a licensed professional using sterile needles. Common, minor side effects include mild soreness, bruising, or tiny drops of blood at the needle sites. The risk of infection is extremely low because most practitioners use single-use, disposable needles. [1, 2, 3]
Acupuncture is often safe as a complementary therapy alongside other medical treatments, such as cancer care, to help manage pain, nausea, and fatigue. However, certain health factors require special caution. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
  • What is the difference between complementary and alternative medicine?

The difference comes down to how the treatment is used. Complementary medicine is used alongside conventional medical treatments (like using acupuncture to manage chemotherapy side effects). Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medical treatments (like trying unproven herbal remedies to cure an illness rather than seeing a doctor). [1, 2, 3]

  • Can exercise improve survival?

Yes, regular exercise significantly improves survival and can help you live longer. It lowers the risk of dying from heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. For example, research shows that cancer patients who exercise can reduce their risk of mortality by over a third. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

No. Not every patient needs to take supplements. If you eat a healthy, balanced diet, your body usually gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Pills are not a shortcut to health, and taking extra vitamins you do not need can be a waste of money or even harmful. [1, 2, 3, 4]

  • Is there an integrative oncologist near me?

Hospitals sometimes have integrative oncology departments. Ask your oncologist.

  • Can nutrition improve immunotherapy?

Yes, nutrition can help immunotherapy work better. Eating a diet full of healthy foods helps build a strong gut microbiome (the good germs in your stomach). When these good germs are well-fed, they help your immune system fight cancer. [1, 2, 3]

  • Does meditation affect cancer?

Meditation does not cure or treat cancer itself, but it significantly improves the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing treatment side effects and psychological distress. Major oncology organizations, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center, recommend meditation as a complementary therapy alongside standard medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Integrative oncology combines standard medical treatments with complementary therapies such as nutrition, exercise, mind-body medicine, and selected natural compounds.

Importantly, integrative oncology does not replace conventional treatment. Instead, it uses research-supported therapies alongside medical care to help patients tolerate treatment better and support long-term recovery.

I am a long-term survivor of an incurable blood cancer called multiple myeloma.

Looking back on my cancer experience, I would be the first person to explain that surgery and local radiation were essential to stabilize my cancer.

However, my research and experience with Integrative Oncology are the reasons why I have lived in complete remission from my incurable blood cancer since achieving complete remission in early 1999. I have learned that the best way to manage aggressive cancers is to combine the best of conventional and evidence-based non-conventional therapies.

Please watch each video in the posts linked below to learn more about evidence-based therapies that can enhance your therapy plan and reduce side effects.

Scroll down the page and post a question or a comment if there’s anything you’d like to know about breast cancer.

Good luck,

David Emerson

Concepts Central to Managing Your Cancer-

Possible Conventional Therapies To Combine with Integrative Therapies-

What Is Integrative Oncology?

Integrative oncology is a cancer care approach that combines conventional medical treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies such as nutrition, exercise, acupuncture, and mind-body practices.

The goal of integrative oncology is to improve treatment outcomes, reduce side effects, and enhance quality of lifefor cancer patients and survivors.

Research describes integrative oncology as a patient-centered model of cancer care that addresses the physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors affecting health.

Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6333385/

What is Integrative Oncology?

Why Integrative Oncology Is Growing

Cancer patients increasingly seek therapies that support the whole body during treatment.

Integrative oncology has grown rapidly because research shows that supportive therapies can help reduce:

  • Cancer-related fatigue
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Pain
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Treatment side effects

Evidence reviews show that integrative oncology approaches can significantly improve quality of life and symptom management in cancer patients.

Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10526744/

Because of this evidence, organizations such as the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) now publish guidelines recommending certain complementary therapies for cancer care.

Guideline:
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/EDBK_431554

What Are Examples of Integrative Oncology Therapies?

Common evidence-based integrative oncology therapies include:

  • • Exercise and physical activity
  • • Nutrition therapy
    • Mindfulness and meditation
    • Yoga and Tai Chi
    • Acupuncture
    • Massage therapy
    • Selected nutritional supplements
  • curcumin

These therapies are used alongside conventional cancer treatment, not as replacements.

Exercise: One of the Most Powerful Integrative Cancer Therapies

Exercise is now considered one of the most effective supportive therapies for cancer patients.

Research shows exercise can:

  • Improve survival rates
  • Reduce cancer recurrence
  • Reduce treatment side effects
  • Improve fatigue and mood

Clinical research demonstrates that structured exercise programs improve outcomes in cancer survivors, including reduced recurrence risk and improved overall survival.

Study:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30320466/

Exercise is now recommended by many cancer organizations as part of standard survivorship care.

Common forms include:

  • Walking
  • Resistance training
  • Yoga
  • Cycling
  • Swimming

Can Exercise Help Cancer Survivors?

Yes. Research shows exercise can reduce cancer recurrence, improve survival, and decrease treatment side effects in many cancer survivors.

Regular physical activity can also improve fatigue, sleep quality, mood, and physical functioning during and after cancer treatment.

Study:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30320466/

Nutrition in Integrative Oncology

Nutrition plays a critical role in inflammation, metabolism, and immune function.

Integrative oncology programs often emphasize:

  • Anti-inflammatory diets
  • Whole-food nutrition
  • Gut microbiome support
  • Blood sugar control

Research suggests that dietary and metabolic strategies are important components of integrative cancer care.

Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12608554/

  • Healthy nutrition may help:
  • Support immune function
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Maintain strength during treatment
  • Improve recovery after therapy

What Diet Is Best for Cancer Patients?

Many integrative oncology programs recommend a plant-forward, anti-inflammatory diet that includes:

• Vegetables and fruits
• Whole grains
• Healthy fats (olive oil, omega-3s)
• Lean proteins
• Minimal processed foods

This type of diet supports metabolic health and immune function during cancer treatment.

Mind-Body Medicine and Cancer Recovery

Cancer treatment often brings emotional and psychological challenges.Mind-body therapies help reduce stress and improve mental well-being during cancer treatment.

Research shows yoga and mindfulness practices can improve:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress levels
  • Sleep quality
  • Overall quality of life

Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10299099/

  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction programs have also shown benefits for cancer survivors coping with fear of recurrence and chronic fatigue.

Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11021235/

Do Mind-Body Therapies Help Cancer Patients?

Yes. Studies show meditation, yoga, and mindfulness programs can reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue, and stress in cancer patients.

These therapies improve emotional well-being and quality of life during and after treatment.

Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10299099/

Acupuncture for Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Acupuncture is one of the most widely studied complementary therapies in oncology. Clinical studies show acupuncture may help manage:

  • Chemotherapy-induced nausea
  • Cancer-related pain
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Fatigue
  • Hot flashes

Systematic reviews show acupuncture improves patient-reported symptoms and quality of life during cancer treatment.

Study:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10526744/

  • Many major cancer centers now offer acupuncture as part of integrative oncology programs.

Does Acupuncture Help Cancer Patients?

Acupuncture can help reduce chemotherapy side effects such as nausea, fatigue, pain, and neuropathy.

Research reviews show acupuncture improves symptom control and quality of life for many cancer patients.

Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10526744/

Natural Compounds in Integrative Oncology

Some natural compounds are also being studied in cancer research.

Examples include:

These compounds may support immune function, reduce inflammation, or improve treatment tolerance. However, supplements should always be used under medical supervision, because some may interact with cancer drugs.

Can Natural Supplements Help Cancer Patients?

Some supplements such as curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, and medicinal mushrooms have shown potential benefits in cancer research.

However, supplements should only be used with guidance from an oncology professional, because some natural compounds can interact with cancer treatments.

The Goal of Integrative Oncology

Integrative oncology aims to treat the whole patient—not just the tumor.

The approach focuses on:

  • Managing side effects
  • Supporting immune health
  • Improving physical and emotional well-being
  • Helping patients recover after treatment

Research suggests integrative oncology approaches can improve quality of life and overall patient outcomes when used alongside standard cancer treatment.

Study:
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/12/3946

Evidence Pyramid

Therapy Evidence Main Benefit
Exercise ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Survival + fatigue
Nutrition ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Health, weight, microbiome
Meditation ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Anxiety
Acupuncture ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nausea, pain
Yoga ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fatigue
Sleep optimization ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recovery
Vitamin D ⭐⭐⭐ Selected patients
Curcumin ⭐⭐⭐ Selected cancers
Probiotics ⭐⭐ Specific settings
Hyperbaric oxygen ⭐ Limited evidence

How PeopleBeatingCancer Evaluates Integrative Therapies

Rating Meaning
★★★★★ Multiple randomized trials + clinical guidelines
★★★★☆ Strong clinical evidence
★★★☆☆ Promising human evidence
★★☆☆☆ Early human studies
★☆☆☆☆ Laboratory or animal research only

The Bottom Line

Integrative oncology represents an evolving model of cancer care that combines the best of conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies.

For many cancer patients and survivors, integrative oncology may help:

  • Reduce treatment side effects
  • Improve physical and emotional health
  • Support recovery after treatment
  • Enhance long-term survivorship

When guided by evidence and medical supervision, integrative oncology empowers patients to play an active role in their own health and recovery.

Where Should You Start?

If you’re newly diagnosed, focus on:

  1. Follow your oncology team’s recommended treatment plan.
  2. Build an evidence-based exercise routine.
  3. Improve nutrition.
  4. Prioritize sleep.
  5. Discuss supplements with your oncology team.
  6. Learn about symptom management using evidence-based complementary therapies.
  7. Explore PeopleBeatingCancer’s disease-specific integrative therapy guides.

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