1. President’s Lecture Series on Health Regis College
Naturopathic/Integrative Medicine for Cancer Care October 25, 2017 Amy Rothenberg ND

3. Integrative Medicine
Combines traditional western (or allopathic) and complementary approaches, but does not replace conventional therapy. In general may be used for:
Managing symptoms
Increasing wellness (quality of life, sense of well-being)
Improving treatment efficacy
resources/cimer/about-complementary-integrative-medicine/index.html. (Aug 2011)

4. Integrative Medicine
Practiced by many different kinds of licensed providers from MD, DO, DC, ND ,PA, NP etc.
Anyone can use the term. There are numerous training programs, some providers are self taught, some via internet training.
Training and regulation is not consistent.
Integrative medicine is increasingly offered in the Cancer Center setting.

5. Naturopathic Medicine
Doctor level practitioner of natural medicine
Diagnosis
Use conventional methods to support diagnosis including:
Patient history
Complete & relevant physical exam
Laboratory & imaging diagnostics
In addition, work to gain an understanding of patient’s lifestyle with special attention to diet, exercise and other factors in context of the major stressors in the patient’s life.

6. Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
1. Like all physicians, First, Do No Harm: Utilize the most natural, least toxic natural approaches
2. The Healing Power of Nature: Trust in the patient’s inherent wisdom & capacity to heal & in the healing capacity of natural substances
3. Identify & Treat the Cause(s): Look beyond symptoms to underlying cause(s)

7. Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
4. Doctor as Teacher: educate patients in steps to attaining and maintaining health
5. Treat the Whole Person: Understand the patient as an integrated whole with physical, emotional, spiritual and cognitive dimensions
6. Prevention: Emphasis on overall health, wellness & preventive measures

8. Training of an ND
Prerequisites similar to those needed to gain admission to medical & osteopathic school
Four year, in-residence, full-time postgraduate ND medical schools recognized by the Federal Department of Education. Students eligible for federally funded student loans
The Princeton Review Best Medical Colleges list includes all six North American accredited naturopathic medical schools

10. Why Cancer Patients Seek Integrative/Naturopathic Care
To complement conventional medicine
Key areas of concern:
Help support efficacy of treatment
Help prevent side effects
Address side effects that arise
Address more psychological and stress related aspects of care
Help to prevent recurrence

11. Categories of Treatment Modalities
Biologically Based Practices
Herbs, vitamins, dietary supplements and other natural therapies, specific dietary strategies (ketogenic diet, macrobiotic diet, fasting)
Energy Medicine
Therapies such as Qi gong, Reiki or Therapeutic Touch

12. Categories of Integrative Medicine
Manipulative and Body-Based Practices
Chiropractic, osteopathic, massage and acupuncture
Mind-Body Medicine
Meditation, prayer, art & music therapy, counseling and support groups
Whole Medical Systems
Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Homeopathic Medicine
Adapted from May 2013

13. Usage of Integrative Medicine
2010 MD Anderson survey of patients seen in a dedicated Phase I clinical trials clinic; 162/309 or 52% use CAM therapies
Pharmacologic (77% of users, 40% of respondents)
Vitamin, herbal and other dietary supplements
Non-pharmacologic (71%)
Prayer, meditation, hypnosis, massage, acupuncture
Both(48%)
Naing A, et al. Cancer Apr 28. doi: /cncr

14. Goals of Integrative or Naturopathic Medicine for Cancer Patients
General health support
Insure proper nutrition, appropriate exercise, weight management, sleep support
Pain Management
Symptom management during & after treatment
Address symptoms patients develop or which are aggravated with cancer treatments

15. Common Symptoms of Cancer Patients During or After Conventional Treatment
Anxiety
Peripheral neuropathy
Depression
Skin rash
Fatigue
Joint pains,
Insomnia
Muscle cramps
Mental fogginess
Restless leg syndrome
Hot flashes
Constipation
Loss of sexual desire/function
Diarrhea
Gas/bloating
Reflux
Taste changes

16. Overarching Advice to Patients & Providers
Use expert and trained professionals for guidance
Focus on foundations of good health
Keep the plan simple during active therapies (chemo, biologics, radiation)
Don’t underestimate the benefits of exercise!
Essential role of rest & sleep
Be flexible and forgiving

17. To Find a Naturopathic Physician or Integrative Physician
Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians
American Association of Naturopathic Physicianshttp://
Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine

18. Recommended Resources
Five to Thrive: Your Cutting Edge-Cancer Prevention Plan Lise N. Alschuler, ND & Karolyn A. Gazella
Anticancer: A New Way of Life – David Servan-Schreiber, MD
Integrative Strategies For Cancer Patients: A Practical Resource For Managing The Side Effects Of Cancer Therapy
Elena Ladas & Kara Kelly, MD
Integrative Medicine: About Herbs, Botanicals & More Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website
Integrative Oncology – D. Abrams, MD & A. Weil, MD

19. Practice site: www.nhcmed.com
Contact information for Dr. Rothenberg
Practice site: