Fundamentals of Integrative Oncology - The Next Frontier in Cancer Care

The field of Integrative Oncology (IO) harmonizes evidence-based complementary practices with conventional cancer care to create a patient-centred, whole-person healthcare approach. Rising interest among patients has led to the widespread adoption of IO modalities such as mind–body practices, natural products, and culturally diverse lifestyle interventions alongside standard therapies. Reports indicate that up to half of cancer patients in countries dominated by modern medicine make use of complementary or alternative therapies, with leading cancer centres, particularly in the United States, offering IO services. Despite this increased demand and accumulating evidence from randomized controlled trials, significant challenges remain, including a shortage of formally trained IO providers and limited availability of structured educational programs.Recent years have witnessed the development of clinical guidelines for IO by respected organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). These professional guidelines have helped to standardize the safe application of integrative practices in oncology, yet practical questions persist regarding the optimal implementation, effectiveness, and mechanistic underpinnings of IO interventions. Studies have begun to illuminate the therapeutic potential of integrative strategies in reducing symptom burden, improving quality of life, and supporting better treatment adherence and recovery. Nonetheless, the integration of rigorously validated approaches within conventional treatment pathways remains variable, highlighting the need for continued innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration.This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of clinically relevant, scientifically grounded integrative oncology interventions and their role across the cancer continuum. We seek to elucidate the mechanisms by which these interventions support treatment response, manage side effects, and optimize quality of life, while providing clear historical context and outlining current practice guidelines. By clarifying the pathways to successful integration and advancing multidisciplinary team-based care, this collection aspires to set new standards in oncologic practice and patient empowerment.To gather further insights within the defined boundaries of integrative oncology, the focus will remain on interventions that are clinically validated, multidisciplinary, and supported by scientific evidence, without venturing into unproven or alternative therapies lacking rigorous support. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Integrative options for the management of anxiety and depression in cancer patients.- Nutrition in cancer patients.- The role of supplements in cancer care.- Cannabis in cancer care.- The role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in cancer care.- Botanicals and pharmaceutical interactions.Please note that manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases that are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of the scope of this Research Topic. Topic editors: Ting Bao, Massimo Bonucci, Judith Lacey Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78216/fundamentals-of-integrative-oncology---the-next-frontier-in-cancer-care