Integrative Oncology Approaches to Reduce Recurrence of Disease and Improve Survival

Overview

Journal Curr Oncol Rep

Publisher Current Science

Specialty Oncology

Date 2024 Jan 5

PMID 38180690

Authors

Catherine Powers-James

Meroe Morse

Santhosshi Narayanan

Lois Ramondetta

Gabriel Lopez

Richard Wagner

Lorenzo Cohen

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose Of Review: After a cancer diagnosis, patients ask what they can do in addition to the recommended treatments to increase their survival. Many turn to integrative medicine modalities and lifestyle changes to improve their chances of survival. Numerous studies have demonstrated that lifestyle changes can significantly improve survival rates for cancer patients. Less support exists for the use of natural products or supplements to improve cancer survival. In this manuscript, we review key findings and evidence in the areas of healthy eating habits, physical activity, stress management and social support, and sleep quality, as well as natural products and supplements as they relate to the cancer recurrence and survival.

Recent Findings: While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the associations between lifestyle changes and cancer survival, findings suggest that lifestyle modifications in the areas of diet, physical activity, stress management and social support, and sleep quality improve clinical cancer outcomes. This is especially true for programs that modify more than one lifestyle habit. To date, outside of supplementing with vitamin D to maintain adequate levels, conflicting conclusion within the research remain regarding the efficacy of using natural products or supplement to improve cancer recurrence of disease or cancer survival. A call for further research is warranted. Lifestyle screening and counseling should be incorporated into cancer treatment plans to help improve patient outcomes. While the scientific community strives for the pursuit of high-quality research on natural products to enhance cancer survival, transparency, dialogue, and psychological safety between patients and clinicians must continue to be emphasized. Proactive inquiry by clinicians regarding patients' supplement use will allow for an informed discussion of the benefits and risks of natural products and supplements, as well as a re-emphasis of the evidence supporting diet and other lifestyle habits to increase survival.

Citing Articles

Lifestyle modification program (IM Healthy) for cancer survivors: Implementation of a reimbursable telehealth group program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christie A, Powers C, Cohen L, Cusimano A, Wagner R, Nelson M Support Care Cancer. 2025; 33(3):157.

PMID: 39912954 PMC: 11802590. DOI: 10.1007/s00520-025-09162-w.

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