Integrative oncology, a holistic approach to cancer treatment, combines conventional cancer care with evidence-based complementary therapies.
SeeBeyond Medicine collaborates with patients and their families to provide patient-centered care, addressing not only the physical aspects of cancer but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
This article explores the role of integrative oncology in comprehensive cancer care, focusing on the services provided by SeeBeyond Medicine.
Integrative Oncology: Bridging Conventional and Alternative Therapies
Integrative oncology understand the value of both conventional and alternative therapies in cancer treatment. The importance of evidence-based medicine and is dedicated to providing their patients with the best possible care by combining conventional cancer treatments with complementary therapies.
Conventional cancer care
Conventional cancare er treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, used to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth.
These treatments are often the foundation of a cancer patient’s care plan and have been proven effective in many cases.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent them from dividing. Integrative oncologists at SeeBeyond Medicine work closely with medical oncologists to determine the most appropriate chemotherapy regimen for each patient.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells, making it harder for them to grow and divide. Integrative oncologists collaborate with radiation oncologists to determine the best radiation therapy approach for each patient.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy aims to stimulate the patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. SeeBeyond Medicine’s integrative oncologists work with immunotherapy specialists to develop personalized treatment plans.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapies are designed to attack specific molecular targets in cancer cells. Integrative oncologists at SeeBeyond Medicine help identify patients who may benefit from these therapies and coordinate their care.
Complementary therapies in integrative oncology
Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments to enhance their effectiveness, manage side effects, and improve patients’ overall quality of life. Some of the complementary therapies employed by integrative oncologists include:
- Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining health during cancer treatment. Integrative oncologists provide personalized nutritional counseling and recommend dietary changes to support patients’ well-being.
- Stress reduction: Stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga, can help patients cope with the emotional challenges of cancer. Integrative oncologists teach these techniques and may recommend additional resources for stress reduction.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy. Some research suggests that acupuncture can help manage cancer-related symptoms, such as pain and nausea.
- Herbal medicine: Herbal medicine involves the use of plants or plant extracts to promote health and treat illness. Integrative oncologists at SeeBeyond Medicine may recommend certain herbs to support patients’ well-being during cancer treatment.
- Mind-body techniques: Mind-body techniques, such as guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation, can help patients manage stress and reduce anxiety. Integrative oncologists may recommend these techniques as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Exercise: Physical activity can help patients maintain strength, flexibility, and endurance during cancer treatment. Integrative oncologists work with patients to develop appropriate exercise programs that meet their unique needs.
- IV Therapy: Intravenous therapies can help manage certain side effects and symptoms in cancer patients. IV treatments for cancer may include nutrients, vitamins and minerals to combat fatigue, nausea and weight loss from chemotherapy. They can also provide antinausea medications, pain medications, and electrolytes to prevent dehydration, all common issues for cancer patients.
- Naturopathy: Naturopathy, a system of medicine that emphasizes natural healing, may include dietary modifications, herbal supplements, and homeopathic remedies.
- Mistletoe Injections: Mistletoe extract injections contain active compounds that may benefit some cancer patients. When injected, the lectins and viscotoxins spread throughout the body, where they can stimulate immune responses against the cancer by activating immune cells systemically and interfere with the processes that fuel tumor growth and metastasis.
Integrative oncologists at SeeBeyond Medicine may collaborate with naturopathic practitioners to incorporate naturopathic principles into patients’ treatment plans.
Patient-Centered Care at SeeBeyond Medicine
At SeeBeyond Medicine, the focus is on providing personalized, patient-centered care that addresses the unique needs of each individual. The integrative oncology team collaborates to create customized treatment plans that encompass various aspects of care, including evidence-based medicine, quality of life, and symptom management.
Personalized treatment plans
Integrative oncologists at SeeBeyond Medicine work closely with patients and their families to develop personalized treatment plans that combine conventional cancer treatments with complementary therapies. These plans are tailored to each patient’s specific cancer type, stage, and individual preferences.
Evidence-based medicine
SeeBeyond Medicine is committed to providing patients with the most effective treatments based on the latest scientific research. Integrative oncologists stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in cancer research and clinical trials, ensuring that their patients have access to cutting-edge care.
Quality of life and symptom management
A primary goal of integrative oncology is to improve patients’ overall quality of life during cancer treatment. SeeBeyond Medicine’s integrative oncologists work closely with patients to manage symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, and nausea, using both conventional and complementary therapies.
Support for patients and families
Cancer not only affects patients but also their loved ones. SeeBeyond Medicine provides comprehensive support services, including counseling, support groups, and educational resources, to help patients and their families navigate the complex world of cancer care.
The Holistic Approach to Cancer Treatment
Integrative oncology is grounded in the belief that the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected and must be treated together for optimal healing. The holistic approach to cancer treatment at SeeBeyond Medicine incorporates several key principles:
Understanding the mind-body connection
Integrative oncologists recognize the power of the mind-body connection and its impact on overall health. They may recommend mind-body techniques, such as meditation and mindfulness, to help patients cultivate a positive mindset during cancer treatment.
The role of nutrition in cancer care
Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining health and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Integrative oncologists at SeeBeyond Medicine provide personalized dietary counseling to help patients make informed choices about their nutritional needs during cancer treatment.
Stress reduction techniques
Managing stress is an important aspect of overall well-being during cancer treatment. Integrative oncologists teach patients various stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and yoga, to help them cope with the emotional challenges of their cancer journey.
The impact of exercise on cancer recovery
Physical activity can play a crucial role in cancer recovery by improving patients’ strength, flexibility, and endurance. Integrative oncologists work with patients to develop exercise programs tailored to their individual needs and abilities.
Transforming Cancer Care with Integrative Oncology: Discover the SeeBeyond Medicine Difference
The benefits of an integrative oncology approach, such as those provided by SeeBeyond Medicine, are numerous.
By combining conventional and complementary therapies, integrative oncology offers patients a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to cancer care that addresses not only the physical aspects of the disease but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
As the field of cancer treatment continues to evolve, integrative oncology is poised to play an increasingly important role in providing patients with the best possible care and support on their cancer journey.
Schedule a visit at SeeBeyond Medical to learn more about this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
We’re actively doing Integrative Oncology in the following nearby locations:
Scarsdale, NY
Service Areas:
