What Is Integrative Oncology?
Integrative oncology combines evidence-based conventional cancer treatment with evidence-informed complementary therapies to improve quality of life, manage side effects, and support the whole person during and after cancer treatment. It does not replace conventional treatment — it works alongside it.
Definition of Integrative Oncology
Integrative oncology is a patient-centred, evidence-informed field that combines conventional cancer treatment with complementary therapies to improve quality of life, manage treatment side effects, and support the whole person during and after cancer treatment. It does not replace chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery — it works alongside them.
The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) defines integrative oncology as "a patient-centred, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilises mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments." The SIO publishes clinical practice guidelines updated regularly and used by integrative oncology physicians worldwide.
Studies consistently show that 40–80% of cancer patients in Europe use some form of complementary therapy during or after conventional treatment — most often without informing their oncologist. Integrative oncology provides a medically supervised framework for this, ensuring safety, evidence-based selection, and coordination with the conventional treatment team.
Evidence-Informed Complementary Therapies in Integrative Oncology
| Therapy | Evidence summary |
|---|---|
| Mistletoe Therapy (Viscum album) | Over 100 clinical studies; Cochrane review |
| IV Vitamin C (High-dose ascorbic acid) | Multiple Phase I/II trials; NCI PDQ summary |
| Medicinal Mushroom Therapy | Beta-glucan immunomodulation; established in integrative oncology |
| Nutritional Therapy | WCRF/AICR guidelines; strong evidence base |
| Homeopathy in Cancer Care | RLHIM clinical practice; symptom management focus |
| Hypnotherapy & NLP | NICE-recognised for anxiety; evidence for anticipatory nausea |
Goals of Integrative Oncology
Integrative oncology has four primary goals: improving quality of life during and after treatment; reducing the severity of treatment side effects (including fatigue, nausea, pain, and anxiety); supporting immune function and resilience; and reducing the risk of recurrence through lifestyle modification and evidence-based supplementation.
A fifth, often underappreciated goal is safety: ensuring that the complementary therapies a patient is already using do not interfere with their conventional treatment. Drug-herb interactions are a real and clinically significant risk. An integrative oncology physician assesses these interactions as a core part of the consultation.
Integrative Oncology in the UK
In the UK, integrative oncology is available through a small number of NHS cancer centres and privately through GMC-registered physicians. The Royal London Hospital for Integrative Medicine (RLHIM) offers integrative oncology services within the NHS. Dr Kloppenburg holds a Specialty Doctor position at the RLHIM and offers private integrative oncology consultations remotely, accessible UK-wide.
Frequently asked questions
Questions About Integrative Oncology
What is integrative oncology?
Integrative oncology is a patient-centred, evidence-informed field that combines conventional cancer treatment with complementary therapies to improve quality of life, manage treatment side effects, and support the whole person during and after cancer treatment. It does not replace chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery — it works alongside them.
What complementary therapies are used in integrative oncology?
Evidence-informed complementary therapies used in integrative oncology include mistletoe therapy (Viscum album), IV Vitamin C, medicinal mushrooms, nutritional therapy, acupuncture, mind-body therapies (including hypnotherapy and meditation), and homeopathy. Each therapy is assessed individually for evidence, safety, and appropriateness for the patient's specific diagnosis and treatment.
Is integrative oncology safe during chemotherapy?
Safety during chemotherapy depends on the specific complementary therapy and the patient's treatment protocol. Some therapies are well-evidenced and safe during chemotherapy; others may interfere with treatment or are contraindicated. A qualified integrative oncology physician will assess drug-herb interactions and contraindications before prescribing anything alongside conventional treatment.
What is the evidence base for integrative oncology?
The evidence base varies by therapy. Mistletoe therapy has over 100 clinical studies including RCTs. IV Vitamin C has multiple Phase I/II trials. Mind-body therapies have strong evidence for anxiety and quality of life outcomes. The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) publishes evidence-based clinical practice guidelines that are updated regularly.
Book an Integrative Oncology Consultation
Dr Kloppenburg offers 60-minute remote integrative oncology consultations — accessible UK-wide. No referral required. Call 07575 424024 or book online.
Remote consultations · UK-wide · 60 minutes · Book via call or online request