Introduction to Integrative Oncology (2025-2027)

It is estimated that a great majority of cancer patients are using complementary therapies in addition to conventional care. As patients face a life-threatening diagnosis out of their control, they turn to therapies that offer hope and a regained sense of empowerment. Learn about controlling weight, the impact of nutrition, dietary supplements, stress reduction, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chemo-CAM interactions and more.

Educational Purpose

This educational activity is designed to provide practitioners with an overview of integrative modalities and treatments that are beneficial for cancer care for patients in active treatment and survivorship, as well as prevention strategies.

Learning Objectives

  1. Define integrative oncology and summarize the nature of complementary and integrative medicine use by cancer patients.
  2. Describe integrative cancer care for patients receiving conventional cancer treatment and also for post-treatment cancer survivors.
  3. Describe dietary guidelines for cancer patients.
  4. Describe published evidence relating to the indications, limitations, and contraindications of botanicals and supplements in cancer care.
  5. Evaluate the benefits of mind-body medicine approaches for cancer supportive care using an evidence-informed perspective.
  6. Assess the potential applications for whole systems of medicine in oncology and examine the evidence for acupuncture in oncology.

Curriculum

  • Introduction to Integrative Oncology - Gain an understanding of the role of integrative care in oncology.
  • Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity - Explore the role of dietary risks on cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Botanicals & Dietary Supplements - Evaluation of botanical & dietary supplement recommendations with a look at supplement-chemotherapy interactions.
  • Mind-Body Approaches - Comprehensive review of mind-body approaches to utilize during treatment and survivorship.
  • Whole Systems of Medicine - Understand the use of Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine as complementary use in treatment and survivorship of cancer.
  • Evaluation
  • Course Exam

Completion Requirements

Complete all the course work, course evaluation, and the final test with a score of 70% or better. Upon successful completion, you will be able to print your certificate of completion.

Target Audience

This enduring material educational program is intended for physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, psychologists, and psychiatrists in any specialty. In addition, all healthcare professionals who have an interest in an integrative approach to healing are targeted.

Certificate

When all of the above requirements are met (during the agreed-upon timeline), a link for the completion certificate is available to download and print anytime from "My Account." If a specific credit type was selected at registration, your certificate will indicate earned credits.

Disclaimer

This course does not constitute medical advice. Healthcare providers should exercise their own independent medical judgment.

All case studies and patient scenarios in this course are used for illustrative purposes. All depictions of persons (other than faculty) are models and not actual patients.

Introduction to Integrative Oncology (2025-2027) Disclosure & Education Credit Info

ACCME/AMA PRA Accreditation and CME Designation Statement

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson designates this enduring material for a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Current Approval Period - CME

January 7, 2025 - January 6, 2027

Most Recent Review by Author: November 7, 2024

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the final test with a score of 70% or better. You are allowed unlimited re-attempts. Upon successful completion, you will be able to print your certificate of completion.

Relevant Financial Relationship Disclosure Information

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Continuing Medical Education adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Dr. Alschuler has disclosed that she is an advisor for Vitazan; is a speaker for NFH Inc., Gaia Herbs, and OptimalRX (relationship has ended); referral commission through Fullscript; receives sponsorship from Kyowa Hakko, American Biosciences, Essential Formulas, and Integrative Therapeutics; and received grant/research support from Pharmavite (relationship has ended).

Dr. Abrams has disclosed: Advisor-Cannabotech.

All other individuals in a position to control the content of this activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that would constitute a conflict of interest concerning this activity.

Commercial Support

There is no commercial support for this activity.

Faculty / Authors

Lise Alschuler, ND; Associate Director, Fellowship Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine; Professor, Department of Medicine University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson

Karolyn Gazella; Founder, Natural Medicine Journal; Host, Natural Medicine Journal Podcast; Host, Five to Thrive Live! Podcast

Donald Abrams, MD; Immediate Past Chief, Hematology-Oncology, Zuckerberg San Francisco General; Integrative Oncology UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health; Professor Emeritus of Medicine, University of California San Francisco

Anand Dhruva, MD; Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine University of California San Francisco

Planning Committee

Lise Alschuler, ND; Associate Director, Fellowship Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine; Professor, Department of Medicine University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson

Molly K. Burke, CMT, MFA; Director of Online Education, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine