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IMAGINE Project News

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

The IMAGINE Project is advancing integrative oncology care by implementing evidence-based acupuncture and massage therapy in cancer centers across the United States. The project, a partnership between SIO and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, facilitates implementation of evidence-based acupuncture and massage therapy for cancer-related pain across 35 cancer centers in the United States. 

Scholarship Applications – SIO 2026 Annual Conference

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in conference, Latest News.

Deadline to submit is July 19: Now closed

Are you a trainee or patient advocate in the field of Integrative Oncology?

The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) is pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships to support in-person travel and attendance to the 2026 SIO Conference being held in Detroit, Michigan, from September 29 to October 1.

These scholarships are intended to improve accessibility and encourage participation from emerging professionals and advocates in the field of integrative oncology.

We have limited scholarships available

Applicants Location/Residence Amount of Conference Travel Scholarship

    • US / Canada – up to $1,500 USD
    • Outside US / Canada – up to $2,000 USD

These amounts are based on the following expenses:

  • In-person Early Bird conference registration
  • Transportation to the Conference
  • Hotel accommodations for a maximum of 4 nights (September 28 to October 1, 2026)

*Scholarship funds cannot be used towards gala dinner tickets or food expenses

Eligibility:

Scholarships are available to individuals who demonstrate a strong interest or active involvement in integrative oncology and identify as either:

  • Trainees– including medical or graduate students enrolled in programs relevant to integrative oncology
  • Patient Advocates– individuals with lived cancer experience (patients, survivors, or care partners) who are actively engaged in advocacy or related efforts

How to Apply:

Please wait to register until you are notified of receiving a scholarship.

You must be a current SIO member to apply (renewal date must be after the conference dates). To be considered, applicants must complete the online application form and upload a current resume or CV . Please note that online applications and CV’s will be shared with a committee of SIO volunteers for review and selection.

Application Requirements:

  • Interest in Integrative Oncology (maximum 1000 characters)
    Briefly describe your current work, studies, or involvement in integrative oncology.

Patient advocates should clearly outline their lived experience and involvement in advocacy.

  • Statement of Financial Need (maximum 1000 characters)
    Explain how this scholarship would support your ability to attend the SIO 2026 conference.

Please read all instructions carefully before submitting.

Note: There will be a meeting prior to the conference inviting scholarship awardees to attend. Scholarship award will be sent when post-conference reflection summarizing their experience at SIO 2026.

Ivermectin-Benzimidazole Prescribing Following Celebrity Endorsement | Public Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

By Dr. Stacy D. D’Andre

Background & Objective

In early 2025, Joe Rogan and Mel Gibson did a podcast in which Mel Gibson claimed that his personal friends were cured of cancer using ivermectin/fenben.  This study evaluated the temporal association between this media event and actual clinical prescribing patterns of combination ivermectin-benzimidazole in the United States.

Methods

Using de-identified electronic health record (EHR) data from the TriNetX network (representing 68,373,949 patients across 67 US healthcare organizations), the authors conducted an observational cohort study. They analyzed same-day co-prescribing of ivermectin and any benzimidazole (albendazole, fenbendazole, mebendazole, thiabendazole) between January 1, 2018, and July 31, 2025. Age- and sex-adjusted Poisson regression models were used to calculate Rate Ratios (RR), comparing the post-endorsement period (Jan–Jul 2025) with the baseline period (Jan–Jul 2024).

Key Findings

  • Overall Prescribing: Total population co-prescribing rates nearly doubled after the podcast (RR = 1.97; 99.5% CI, 1.70–2.29).
  • Cancer Patient Cohort: Among patients with an active cancer diagnosis, co-prescribing increased 2.63-fold (99.5% CI, 2.08–3.24).
  • Demographic Hotspots: The relative increases in prescribing were disproportionately concentrated in specific demographics matching the core audience profile of the media platform:
    • Race: Strongly driven by White patients (Overall RR = 2.61; Cancer Cohort RR = 3.05) compared to minimal, non-significant changes in Asian and Black populations.
    • Geography: Heavily concentrated in the US South (Overall RR = 3.12; Cancer Cohort RR = 3.91).
    • Age & Sex: More pronounced in individuals aged 18–64 and males (Cancer Cohort RR = 2.79).

Discussion & Conclusions

This study shows a huge increase in RX after celebrity endorsement of an unproven cancer treatment.  The strengths of this study are the large size of the database and statistical methods utilized.  It highlights a demographic that is more likely to use these alternative treatments.  This does seem to fit with what we have seen in clinical practice, although most patients I have discussed this with are getting ivermectin online or through feed stores (no prescription) so I do think this study actually underestimates the actual usage.

Weaknesses: 

Likely underestimates the true increase in usage, as it did not account for RX on multiple days, or from patients obtaining these products at vet/feed stores, from overseas/online.  Also, cannot state causation, just an association (authors recognized this).  Finally, some patients may get the prescription, but not take the medications.

Implications/Discussion

Patients are falling prey to medical misinformation, especially when endorsed by celebrities.  This study tracks what we are seeing in the clinic.  This is not only potentially unsafe but creates a burden on health care providers to check for interactions, and/or explain why patients should not be using these unproven treatments.  Medical misinformation is now widespread on the internet and is challenging to deal with.

Research Highlights: May 2026

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

Compiled by the SIO Research Committee, May 2026

Each month, the SIO Research Committee reviews recently published integrative oncology literature and shares highlights with the broader membership. This month, we reviewed articles and highlighted two studies selected by member vote: one examining electroacupuncture for cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms in breast cancer survivors, and one evaluating Panax ginseng extract for cancer-related fatigue in gastrointestinal cancer survivors.

Integrative Oncology Research: Two Studies Worth Knowing

The SIO Research Committee selected two papers this month for research highlights. A randomized controlled pilot trial compared electroacupuncture at neuropsychiatric-specific acupoints versus non-neuropsychiatric acupoints in breast cancer survivors, finding improvements in both groups but limited between-group differences — best interpreted as hypothesis-generating evidence for precision acupuncture (see full review below). A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of standardized Panax ginseng extract in 70 gastrointestinal cancer survivors demonstrated a large effect size in reducing cancer-related fatigue over four weeks, though product characterization and follow-up limitations temper the conclusions (see full review below).

We provide in-depth reviews of both articles below.

Electroacupuncture for Cognitive Function and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors

Journal: Reviewed in May 2026  ·  Reviewed by Yin Ting Cheung

Study Type

Design Randomized controlled pilot trial; patient- and assessor-blinded
Population Breast cancer survivors, outpatient setting
Sample Size N = 35 (18 intervention, 17 control)
Intervention Electroacupuncture (EA) at neuropsychiatric-specific acupoints (EA1) for 4 weeks
Comparator Electroacupuncture at non-neuropsychiatric acupoints (EA2) — active comparator, not a true inert sham
Outcomes Cognitive function (objective + subjective), fatigue, psychological distress, quality of life; biomarkers (inflammatory markers, BDNF) and neuroimaging measures

Background

There is a recognized lack of evidence-based pharmacological interventions for neuropsychiatric symptoms in cancer survivors, particularly cognitive impairment. Safe and effective non-pharmacological strategies are needed. This pilot trial aimed to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of two electroacupuncture regimens targeting different acupoint sets, using a novel biobehavioral framework that integrates clinical, biomarker, and neuroimaging outcomes.

Key Results

  • Both EA1 and EA2 groups showed improvements in subjective cognition, fatigue, and quality of life from baseline to end of treatment and at 4-week follow-up.
  • Psychological distress improved in the EA1 (neuropsychiatric) group but not in the EA2 group.
  • Between-group differentiation was limited: only two cognitive domains — response speed and attention — favored EA1 over EA2.
  • Biomarker and neuroimaging analyses found correlations between cognitive/fatigue domains and inflammatory markers, BDNF, gray matter volume, and brain connectivity — however, effects were present in both groups.

Strengths & Caveats

Strengths

  • Novel biobehavioral framework combining validated cognitive testing (objective and subjective), patient-reported outcomes, biomarkers, and neuroimaging to explore mechanistic pathways.
  • Addresses a clinically meaningful gap: cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivorship with limited pharmacological options.
  • Rigorous outcome assessment methodology.

Caveats

  • Active comparator, not a true sham: EA2 used clinically active acupoints — the committee agreed this is better framed as a comparative effectiveness or point-specificity study, not an active-vs.-sham design. Linda Carlson recommended the study avoid the term “sham” entirely.
  • Small sample size with multiple endpoints and potentially correlated outcomes (neuroimaging, biomarkers) makes interpretation difficult; findings should be treated as hypothesis-generating.
  • No placebo acupuncture devices were used, limiting full blinding of acupuncturists and patients.
  • Conclusion overreach: The published conclusion — that EA targeting neuropsychiatric acupoints improves cognition and distress — was judged too strong given the pilot scale and limited between-group separation.
  • Acupoint specificity is inherently difficult to establish: electroacupuncture at any site stimulates nerve pathways, making clean compartmentalization of neurological effects across acupoints uncertain.

Bottom line: An innovative biobehavioral framework that generates testable hypotheses about acupoint specificity and mechanisms of acupuncture on cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms in breast cancer survivors. Results are preliminary and should be interpreted cautiously. A larger, adequately powered trial with true placebo control and pre-specified primary endpoints is warranted.

Reviewer name Yin Ting Cheung
Month / Year May 2026
Article title Electroacupuncture improves cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms in breast cancer survivors: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors Ding Quan Ng, Matthew Heshmatipour, Julia Trudeau, Apeksha Sridhar, Brock Pluimer, Olivia G G Drayson, Sayeh M Lavasani, Ritesh Parajuli, Sanghoon Lee, Anshu Agrawal, Munjal M Acharya, Charles L Limoli, Richard E Harris, Lifang Xie, Shaista Malik, Alexandre Chan
Journal Journal of the National Cancer Institute (impact factor 7.2)
DOI doi:10.1093/jnci/djag096
Study type Randomized, patient and assessor-blinded pilot trial; breast cancer survivors; electroacupuncture on neuropsychiatric-specific acupoints vs electroacupuncture on non-neuropsychiatric-specific (non-disease-related specific) acupoints as comparator
COI disclosure No COI to disclose
Background • Breast cancer survivors may be affected by neuropsychiatric symptoms, including cognitive impairment, fatigue, distress, and insomnia, even years after treatment. With the lack of evidence-based pharmacological interventions (especially for cancer-related cognitive impairment), there is a need for effective, safe nonpharmacological strategies to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms in survivors.

• This study evaluated the preliminary efficacy and safety of 2 different electroacupuncture regimens administered at neuropsychiatric-specific acupoints (n=18 survivors; neuropsyEA) versus non-neuropsychiatric-specific acupoints (n=17 survivors; active-controlEA) on cognition, fatigue, distress, and insomnia. Survivors were assessed at baseline, at end-of-treatment, and at four weeks after.
Key results (Figure 3 provides a succinct graphical summary of the results)

•  Improvement observed in both neuropsyEA and active-controlEA groups: From baseline to end-of-treatment: both groups showed significant improvement in self-perceived cognition (neuropsyEA: Δ=0.685; active-controlEA: Δ = 0.730, both Padjusted<0.05) and fatigue (neuropsyEA: Δ=0.978; active-controlEA: Δ=0.853, both Padjusted<0.05).

•  Regimen-specific effects: The neuropsyEA group showed significant improvement in objective attention performance (Δ=0.562 at end-of-treatment; Δ=0.708 at four weeks after, both Padjusted<0.05) and distress (Δ=0.764 at end-of-treatment; Δ=0.711 at four weeks after, both Padjusted<0.05). The active-controlEA group did not show significant improvement in attention and distress at end-of-treatment, though improvements were observed in other outcomes.

•  Association with blood biomarkers and neuroimaging measures: Improvements in several cognitive domains and fatigue were associated with blood biomarkers (inflammatory markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor) brain structural changes (total gray matter volume) and brain connectivity measures in the neuropsyEA group.
Strengths • The active-controlEA group with electrical stimulation but varied needle placement may allow the isolation of the unique therapeutic effect of specific acupoints relevant to neuropsychiatric symptoms. This offers a novel perspective on the mapping of acupoints to symptomatology.

•  Outcomes assessed using validated cognitive testing (both objective and subjective) and patient-reported outcome measures, corroborated with biomarkers and neuroimaging measures.

•  Specific acupuncture points linked to neurological and psychological function. The summary of evidence base presented in the Supplementary materials is particularly informative.
Caveats •  Placebo acupuncture devices were not used, limiting full blinding of acupuncturists and patients. This is a common problem in RCTs involving acupuncture.

•  Although this is acknowledged as a pilot study, the small sample size combined with multiple endpoints introduces challenges in interpreting the results. To note, some of these outcomes may be correlated (e.g., neuroimaging measures and biomarkers). It’s hard to draw firm conclusions about the overall effectiveness of the intervention from this pilot study. Some analyses should be interpreted with caution and considered as hypotheses generating.
Clinical takeaways OR Research implications •  Future work should adopt a three‑arm randomized design comparing electroacupuncture, traditional acupuncture, and a waitlist control. This structure would help isolate the specific therapeutic contribution of electrical stimulation while accounting for natural symptom progression.

•  Building on pilot data, the next study should streamline its focus on the most pertinent neuropsychiatric symptoms and extend follow‑up duration to better capture the trajectory of symptom burden across groups.

•  The selection of biomarkers and neuroimaging measures should be guided by a specific hypothesis or linked to defined neuropathophysiological pathways.
Bottom line • This study illustrates a novel bio-behavioral framework that could potentially generate rigorous evidence for electroacupuncture efficacy, while advancing the mapping of symptomatology and its underlying mechanisms.

 

Panax Ginseng Extract for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Gastrointestinal Cancer Survivors

Journal: Reviewed in May 2026  ·  Reviewed by Sara Izadi-Najafabadi

Study Type

Design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; single center
Population 70 cancer survivors with gastrointestinal malignancies
Sample Size N = 70 (randomized 1:1)
Intervention Standardized Panax ginseng extract capsules (250 mg) for 4 weeks
Comparator Placebo capsules for 4 weeks
Outcomes Primary: Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) total score. Secondary: BFI subscales (activity, walking, mood, enjoyment of life). Exercise minutes logged but not analyzed.

Background

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most prevalent and distressing symptoms in cancer survivors, with limited effective pharmacological options. Ginseng has been explored as a natural intervention, with Wisconsin ginseng (American ginseng) already integrated into fatigue management guidelines based on Mayo Clinic trial data. This study examines Panax (Asian) ginseng in GI cancer survivors — a different ginseng species with a distinct pharmacological profile.

Key Results

  • Significantly reduced fatigue in the intervention vs. placebo group after 4 weeks (primary outcome met).
  • Large effect size (d = 1.26); between-group difference in BFI change score approximately 1.38 points.
  • BFI subscale improvements in the intervention group: general activity, walking ability, mood, and enjoyment of life (all patient-reported via BFI interference items).
  • No follow-up data beyond the 4-week treatment period.

Strengths & Caveats

Strengths

  • Placebo-controlled, double-blind design with a clinically relevant primary outcome.
  • Large effect size is notable if confirmed in a more rigorous replication study.
  • Authors acknowledged limitations transparently.

Caveats

  • Critical product characterization gap (raised by Eran Ben-Arye): The paper reports use of a “standardized” Panax ginseng extract but does not specify the standardization compound (e.g., ginsenoside percentage or specific ginsenoside profile). Without this, the quality of the product cannot be assessed and results cannot be meaningfully compared to other trials.
  • Ginseng species matters: Panax (Asian) ginseng has a substantially different drug-interaction profile from Wisconsin (American) ginseng used in prior guideline-informing trials (e.g., Mayo Clinic, 1,000 mg BID). These should not be conflated.
  • Short 4-week observation window with no post-treatment follow-up; 4 weeks is also the period of peak placebo effect, which may inflate apparent benefits.
  • Small single-center sample; results may not generalize.
  • No objective measures (e.g., actigraphy, performance testing); all outcomes are patient-reported via a single instrument.
  • Exercise data were collected but not reported — a missed opportunity.
  • No MCID reported: The clinical significance of a 1.38-point BFI difference is unclear without a minimally clinically important difference benchmark for this instrument.

Bottom line: Promising findings in a placebo-controlled design, but the absence of product standardization details is a critical gap that limits interpretability and reproducibility. Future trials should fully characterize the investigational product, extend follow-up beyond active treatment, and incorporate objective outcome measures. Results should not be used to draw clinical practice conclusions at this stage.

Reviewer name Sara Izadi-Najafabadi
Month / Year May 2026
Article title The effect of ginseng extract on fatigue in cancer survivors:

a randomized double-blind clinical trial
Authors Rahmani et al.
Journal Supportive Care in Cancer  ·  2026  ·  Impact factor: 2.698
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-026-10398-3
Study type Single-center RCT (Randomized double-blind clinical trial), adults with GI Cancer receiving 250mg of ginseng extract daily for 4 weeks compared to placebo,
COI disclosure None
Background This research question matters because cancer-related fatigue is a highly prevalent and persistent symptom that significantly impairs quality of life among cancer survivors, yet effective and evidence-based treatment options remain limited. While integrative therapies such as Panax ginseng are widely used and recommended as complementary approaches, existing evidence is inconsistent and key uncertainties—particularly around optimal dosing—remain. This study addresses an important gap by evaluating the effectiveness of ginseng in a specific survivor population, contributing to the growing but still limited evidence base guiding integrative management of cancer-related fatigue.
Key results ·       70 participants randomized; 65 completed (intervention = 34, placebo = 31); no significant baseline differences between groups (all p > 0.05)

·       Fatigue scores (4 weeks):

    • Intervention: 5.36 ± 1.18 → 3.99 ± 0.86 (significant reduction)
    • Placebo: 5.35 ± 1.23 → 5.37 ± 1.27 (no change)

·       Adjusted mean difference: −1.38 (95% CI: −1.90 to −0.86), p < 0.001

·       Large effect size: Cohen’s d = −1.26

·       ANCOVA: significant group effect on post-intervention fatigue (F(1,37) = 15.41, p < 0.001; R² = 0.79, adjusted R² = 0.70)

·       Pre-test fatigue also a significant predictor (F(1,37) = 12.80, p = 0.001); all other covariates non-significant (p > 0.05)

·       Significant improvements in general activity, walking, mood, and enjoyment of life in the intervention group only

·       No adverse events reported
Strengths ·       Robust study design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, minimizing selection, performance, and detection bias

·       Allocation rigor: Block randomization with stratification (cancer type, sex, stage) ensured balanced groups on key prognostic variables
Caveats ·       Small sample size

·       Short intervention duration

·       Single-center design

·       Self-reported outcome measure only and lack of objective outcome measures (mood, physical activity), etc.

·       Narrow patient population: Included only gastric and colorectal cancer survivors who had completed treatment ≥4 months prior, limiting applicability to other cancer types or patients in active treatment

·       Insufficient detail regarding the composition and standardization of Panax ginseng preparations.
Clinical takeaways OR Research implications ·       Panax ginseng (250 mg/day) demonstrated a significant and clinically meaningful reduction in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) over 4 weeks, with a large effect size (d = −1.26) and no reported adverse events

·       Improvements extended beyond fatigue to functional and quality-of-life domains (activity, mood, walking, enjoyment of life), supporting a multidimensional benefit

·       The favorable safety profile suggests it may be a low-risk addition in survivorship care, though clinical judgment is needed given dosing uncertainties
Bottom line In this small study of individuals who had finished treatment for stomach or colon cancer (GI Cancer), taking 250 mg of ginseng daily for 4 weeks led to a meaningful reduction in cancer-related fatigue compared with placebo, along with improvements in daily functioning and mood. No side effects were reported. However, because the study was small, short, and done at a single center, the results are promising but not yet strong enough to prove ginseng works broadly or to establish it as a standard treatment. More research is needed to confirm the benefit and determine the right dose and duration.

A Note on Our Review Process

The SIO Research Committee identifies new RCTs and high-impact observational studies in integrative oncology each month via a systematic PubMed search. From the resulting monthly digest, members discuss and highlight articles for in-depth review. Two members volunteer as reviewers each month and prepare structured summaries covering study design, key results, strengths, and caveats. The committee discusses each paper collectively, and final summaries incorporate group feedback. We aim to share work that is methodologically sound and clinically meaningful — and to provide honest context when promising findings require further validation. We welcome article nominations from members for future monthly reviews.

References

  • Ng et al. Electroacupuncture improves cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms in breast cancer survivors: a pilot randomized controlled trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2026 Apr 2
  • Rahmani et al. The effect of ginseng extract on fatigue in cancer survivors: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. Support Care Cancer. 2026 Mar 16;34(4):327.

MASCC/ISOO 2026 Annual Meeting

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

June 25 – 27, 2026, Melbourne, Australia

The MASCC/ISOO Annual Meeting is the foremost international and interdisciplinary conference on supportive care in cancer. It covers the entire spectrum of problems experienced by patients as a result of their cancer and cancer treatment.
2026 Meeting Themes:
  • Overall Theme: Coordinated and Individualized Supportive Cancer Care
  • “Mind the Gap”: Maximizing Access to Supportive Care for All
  • Lifestyle and Behavioral Support in Cancer Care
  • Optimizing Toxicity Management of Novel Therapies

Learn more and register

Research Highlights: April 2026

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

Compiled by the SIO Research Committee  ·  April 2026

Each month, the SIO Research Committee reviews recently published integrative oncology literature and shares highlights with the broader membership.

What About the Caregivers? Music Medicine as a Tool for Improving Psychological Wellbeing Among Caregivers During Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment

JCO Oncology Practice, 2026 March·  Reviewed by Ana Maria Lopez

Study type

Multi-site randomized controlled trial (227 participants, block randomization by day). Patient-caregiver dyads enrolled during outpatient chemotherapy infusions lasting ≥60 minutes. Single-center; 60-minute self-selected music medicine session via iPod vs. standard care control.

Background

Caregivers of cancer patients experience significant psychological burden, yet most integrative oncology interventions target patients. Music medicine — passive listening to self-selected music facilitated by a health professional — is distinct from music therapy (individualized sessions with a certified therapist) and has demonstrated mood and distress benefits in patients. This study is among the first to test it in caregivers.

Key results

  • Caregivers: There were significant changes in caregiver self-reported positive mood and distress from pre-intervention to post-intervention between the music and control groups. Caregivers: no significant reduction in negative mood (unlike the patient arm, where negative mood also improved).
  • Dyadic analysis: caregivers and patients who listened to self-selected music at the same time showed only actor effects of the intervention.
  • Exploratory finding: differential effect on negative mood in African American participants and those with baseline anxiety/depression — numbers small, warrants follow-up.

Strengths & caveats

  • Strength: Addresses a data-sparse population — caregiver-focused RCTs in integrative oncology are rare.
  • Strength: Novel dyadic analysis design; builds on the same group’s prior patient-focused work.
  • Strength: Low-cost, easily scalable, no clinician-administered component required.
  • Caveat: Not blinded (inherent to music interventions); block randomization by day may introduce site-level confounds.
  • Caveat: Single 60-minute session only — no longitudinal follow-up; optimal dose unknown.
  • Caveat: Individual (not shared) music selection may explain the absence of dyadic mood transfer; a future trial pairing dyads on music choice could test this hypothesis.

Bottom line: Well-designed proof-of-concept supporting music medicine as a caregiver-targeted adjunct during infusion. Future work should examine shared dyadic listening, repeated sessions, and longer-term mood outcomes.

Preoperative Hypnosis versus Mindfulness for Reducing Postoperative Symptoms in Breast Surgery: A Randomized Trial

Anesthesiology, 2026 March ·  Reviewed by Dave James 

Study type

Two-arm RCT (203 participants). Women undergoing breast cancer surgery randomized to a single 15-minute live hypnosis session vs. a 15-minute pre-recorded mindfulness audio intervention, both administered 2 hours before surgery.

Background

Current ASCO/SIO guidelines support hypnosis for preoperative anxiety and pain, but evidence for surgical (intraoperative/postoperative) pain has been inconsistent. This trial tests a brief, pragmatic hypnosis protocol against an active comparator in a large surgical oncology sample.

Key results

  • Hypnosis significantly reduced post-operative fatigue and emotional distress vs. mindfulness (moderate effect size).
  • Hypnosis reduced intraoperative fentanyl use — a clinically meaningful opioid-sparing effect.
  • No significant difference between arms for post-operative pain, nausea, or discomfort.

Strengths & caveats

  • Strength: Large, well-powered RCT with active (not usual-care) comparator; published in a high-impact anesthesiology journal, signaling mainstream recognition.
  • Strength: Pragmatic design — 15-minute intervention is feasible in standard preoperative workflows.
  • Strength: Opioid-sparing finding has immediate clinical relevance in the context of perioperative opioid stewardship.
  • Caveat: Delivery imbalance — hypnosis was live (therapist-administered) while mindfulness was pre-recorded audio. This may introduce expectancy bias favoring hypnosis.
  • Caveat: Does not address whether repeated sessions or longer protocols would extend benefits to pain outcomes.

Clinical takeaways

  • Target high-anxiety patients: brief, well-timed (2 hours pre-surgery) hypnosis sessions are feasible and effective.
  • Frame hypnosis as adjunct for symptom burden and opioid reduction — not as a primary analgesic.
  • Both in-person and digital delivery tools (including those developed by the International Oncology Working Group) exist to improve access.

Bottom line: Practice-informing evidence that strengthens the case for incorporating brief preoperative hypnosis into perioperative oncology care, particularly for fatigue, emotional distress, and opioid reduction. A standardized delivery protocol and a pain-powered trial are logical next steps.

A Note on Our Review Process

The SIO Research Committee identifies new RCTs and high-impact observational studies in integrative oncology each month via a systematic PubMed search. From the resulting digest (15 articles this month), members vote on articles to highlight. Two members volunteer as reviewers each month and prepare structured summaries covering study design, key results, strengths, and caveats. We aim to share work that is methodologically sound and clinically meaningful — and to provide honest context when promising findings require further validation. We welcome article nominations from members for future monthly reviews.

References

  1. Harper FWK, Moore TF, Heath AS, Kim S, Heath EI.What about the caregivers? Music medicine as a tool for improving psychological wellbeing among caregivers during cancer chemotherapy treatment. JCO Oncology Practice. 2026 Mar;22(3):434-444. doi: 10.1200/OP-24-00818.
  2. Reme SE, Munk A, Montgomery GH, Schnur JB, Falk R, Smits M, Jacobsen HB. Preoperative Hypnosis versus Mindfulness for Reducing Postoperative Symptoms in Breast Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Anesthesiology. 2026 Mar 1;144(3):559-569. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005821.

IMAGINE Project News

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

The IMAGINE Project is advancing integrative oncology care by implementing evidence-based acupuncture and massage therapy in cancer centers across the United States. The project, a partnership between SIO and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, facilitates implementation of evidence-based acupuncture and massage therapy for cancer-related pain across 35 cancer centers in the United States. 

  • The project’s second SIO Research Blog, “IMAGINE & Implementation: Advancing Evidence-Based Integrative Oncology Care,” explores how implementation science can help move promising therapies from research into routine oncology practice. 
  • The American Massage Therapy Association sits down with Dr. McConnell, PhD, and Rocco Caputo, LMT, the IMAGINE project’s lead massage therapist, to discuss the IMAGINE Project and what it might mean for the future of integrative oncology care. Read and listen to “Advancing Massage Therapy in Integrative Oncology Care: The IMAGINE Project” on the AMTA website. 

The IMAGINE Team is thrilled to announce that its pre-conference workshop exploring implementation science in the context of the IMAGINE Project will be held the morning of September 29, 2026, at the SIO 2026 International Conference in Detroit, Michigan. For more information go to: https://integrativeonc.org/sio-2026-conference/

IMAGINE & Implementation: Advancing Evidence-Based Integrative Oncology Care

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Research Blog Postings.

Authors: Janet Liu, MA, C-IAYT, SIO Project Coordinator; Kelly McConnell, PhD, IMAGINE Project Co-Principal Investigator; IMAGINE Project Team

Introduction

The Implementing Massage & Acupuncture to Achieve Better Pain Management in Oncology Care (IMAGINE) project is a large-scale, patient-centered implementation initiative designed to translate evidence from the Integrative Medicine for Pain in Patients with Advanced Cancer Trial (IMPACT) into routine oncology care. IMPACT was a two-arm randomized controlled trial that compared acupuncture and massage for pain and symptom management among 300 patients with advanced cancer experiencing moderate to severe pain. Both interventions were found to be safe and equally effective in reducing pain and co-occurring symptoms.1

Building on this evidence, IMAGINE focuses on implementing the IMPACT acupuncture and massage protocols across 35 diverse cancer care settings in the United States. The overarching goal is to improve access to effective, non-pharmacologic symptom management strategies that reflect patient priorities, are feasible in real-world practice, and can be sustained over time. The project is a collaboration between Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Society for Integrative Oncology. Both IMAGINE and IMPACT were funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).

What Is Implementation and Why It Matters

Implementation science addresses the persistent gap between what is known to work and what is delivered in real-world care—the “know–do gap.” 2, 3 Historical and contemporary examples demonstrate that publication of evidence alone rarely leads to timely uptake of efficacious treatments. Factors such as clinical culture, professional roles, institutional workflows, and resource constraints strongly influence whether evidence-based practices are adopted. Implementation research explicitly examines these contextual factors and tests strategies to promote equitable, timely, and sustained use of effective interventions.4

IMAGINE is an implementation project because its primary aim is not to generate new efficacy data, but to support the adoption, integration, and sustained use of existing evidence-based interventions – acupuncture and massage therapy from IMPACT – in routine clinical practice. Rather than asking “Does this work?,” IMAGINE asks: How can this work for patients, clinicians, and health systems in everyday practice?

Why Implementation Matters for Integrative Oncology Clinicians

Integrative oncology includes numerous evidence-based treatments that improve patient symptoms and quality of life.5, 6 However, barriers in clinical care settings such as lack of knowledge about integrative oncology among oncology clinicians, inconsistent referral pathways, and variable practice standards make provision of these treatments difficult.7 Implementation science offers tools to overcome these barriers to:

  • Embed evidence-based integrative therapies into routine clinical workflows
  • Strengthen consistency, quality, and credibility of care delivery
  • Improve communication and collaboration with patients, clinicians, and health systems

Implementation Strategies

IMAGINE employs a multi-component implementation strategy, as combined approaches are more effective than single interventions in achieving practice change.

Educational Courses
A key barrier to implementation of acupuncture and massage in cancer care settings is limited oncology-specific training among licensed acupuncturists and massage therapists.7 IMAGINE provides structured educational courses to prepare acupuncturists and massage therapists to deliver the IMPACT protocols safely and consistently in oncology settings. These courses address clinical considerations unique to cancer care and support protocol fidelity.

Educational Materials
Patient- and clinician-facing educational materials support shared understanding and informed decision-making between integrative oncology clinicians and patients. These resources also address common knowledge gaps among oncology clinicians and patients, increase awareness of the evidence supporting acupuncture and massage, and facilitate communication within care teams. Materials include patient handouts, short videos, concise informational blogs, and recommended language for discussing integrative therapies in oncology contexts.

External Facilitation Meetings
Many integrative oncology clinicians report feeling siloed at their institution with few opportunities to consult with other clinicians in the field.8 To address this need, IMAGINE provides group external facilitation meetings to provide ongoing, tailored support to address site-specific barriers to implementation. Facilitated meetings create opportunities for peer learning, problem-solving, and feedback, particularly important for integrative medicine clinicians who often work in relative isolation within cancer centers. Facilitation focuses on IMPACT protocol fidelity, implementation progress, and effective engagement with oncology clinicians and patients.

IMAGINE Outcomes

The primary outcome for IMAGINE is reach or the number of patients with pain who are treated with the IMPACT protocol. Reach is an indicator of the impact of the implementation strategies on patient care.

Other IMAGINE outcomes include:

  • Adoption: The number of sites and providers who use the IMPACT protocols
  • Effectiveness: The number of acupuncture/massage referrals and visits and patient self-report ratings of pain and co-morbid symptoms pre- and post-treatment
  • Fidelity: Provider utilization of the core components of the IMPACT protocol

Conclusion: From Evidence to Impact

Closing the research-to-practice gap requires more than strong evidence—it requires intentional implementation. IMAGINE uses multiple implementation strategies to support the reach, adoption, sustainability, and real-world impact of evidence-based acupuncture and massage therapy for pain in people with cancer. These strategies, combined with the community being created among IMAGINE sites creates the foundation for ongoing collaboration and national growth of integrative oncology.

**Learn more about IMAGINE and implementation science at the 2026 International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology pre-conference workshop, “Applying Implementation Science to Advance High-Quality Integrative Oncology Care: Lessons from the IMAGINE Project,” on September 29, 2026. The SIO Conference will be held September 29–October 1 at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit, Michigan. For details, visit https://integrativeonc.org/sio-2026-conference/.

References

  1. Epstein AS, Liou KT, Romero SAD, Baser RE, Wong G, Xiao H, Mo Z, Walker D, MacLeod J, Li Q, Barton-Burke M, Deng GE, Panageas KS, Farrar JT, Mao JJ. Acupuncture vs massage for pain in patients living with advanced cancer: the IMPACT randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(11):e2342482. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.42482
  2. Chu F. Implementation science: why should we care? J Med Libr Assoc. 2024;112(3):281-285. doi:10.5195/jmla.2024.1919
  3. Bauer MS, Damschroder L, Hagedorn H, Smith J, Kilbourne AM. An introduction to implementation science for the non-specialist. BMC Psychol. 2015 Sep 16;3(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s40359-015-0089-9. PMID: 26376626; PMCID: PMC4573926.
  4. Schmitt M, Hawkins M, Florsheim P. Key determinants in implementation processes: a systematic review using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Implement Sci Commun. 2025;6(1):89. doi:10.1186/s43058-025-00712-1
  5. Semeniuk G, Bahadini B, Ahn E, Zain Z, Cheng J, Govindarajan A, Rose J, Lee RT. Integrative oncology and the clinical care network: challenges and opportunities. J Clin Med. 2023;12(12):3946. doi:10.3390/jcm12123946
  6. Gowin K, Muminovic M, Zick SM, Lee RT, Lacchetti C, Mehta A. Integrative therapies in cancer care: an update on the guidelines. ASCO Educ Book. 2024;44:e431554. doi:10.1200/EDBK_431554
  7. Veleber S, Cohen MR, Weitzman M, Maimon Y, Adamo CA, Siman J, Lu W, Sajdyk T, & Stone JAM. Characteristics and challenges of providing acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in oncology treatment: report of survey data and experience of five unique clinical settings. Integr Cancer Ther. 2024;23:15347354241226640. doi:10.1177/15347354241226640
  8. Zia FZ, Olaku O, Bao T, Berger A, Deng G, Fan AY, Garcia MK, Herman PM, Kaptchuk TJ, Ladas EJ, Langevin HM, Lao L, Lu W, Napadow V, Niemtzow RC, Vickers AJ, Shelley Wang X, Witt CM, Mao JJ. The National Cancer Institute’s conference on acupuncture for symptom management in oncology: state of the science, evidence, and research gaps. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. Nov 1 2017;2017(52)doi:10.1093/jncimonographs/lgx005.

Research Highlights: March 2026

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

Compiled by the SIO Research Committee  ·  March 12, 2026

Each month, the SIO Research Committee reviews recently published integrative oncology literature and shares highlights with the broader membership.

TCM Granules Added to Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Lung Cancer

Study type: Extended follow-up (116 months) of a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT in resected stage IB–IIIA NSCLC. Primary endpoint was QoL (reported 2017); survival was secondary¹

Key results

  • A positive DFS trend favored TCM granules, reaching significance only in the stage IB subgroup (p = 0.02); results were non-significant across other stages.
  • No harm signal: TCM did not reduce survival in any subgroup. Median OS was not reached in either arm.

Strengths & caveats

  • Strength: Long observation window (~10 years) with balanced treatment arms.
  • Caveat: Not powered for survival; the significant finding is a subgroup analysis only.
  • Caveat: Standardized TCM preparation does not reflect individualized traditional practice.

Bottom line: Encouraging safety and trend signal; a survival-powered prospective trial is needed before clinical conclusions can be drawn.

Mandala Art Therapy for Symptom Management in Pediatric Oncology

Study type: Single-center RCT (Turkey, 2024). Children and youth aged 9–17 receiving outpatient chemotherapy. Intervention (n = 30) vs. standard care (n = 31)²

Key results

  • Significant within-group reductions in nausea, vomiting, pain, and anxiety in the mandala art therapy arm (p < 0.01); no change in controls.
  • Instruments: Nausea-Vomiting Thermometer, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale, STAIC.

Strengths & caveats

  • Strength: Addresses a data-sparse population – pediatric RCT evidence for mind-body interventions is scarce.
  • Caveat: Single-center; within-group analysis only – between-group comparisons were not reported, which is the expected analytic approach for an RCT.
  • Caveat: Age range 9–17 spans divergent developmental stages; cultural context (Turkey) merits consideration for generalizability.

Bottom line: Promising proof-of-concept. Multi-center trials with proper between-group analyses are needed before clinical recommendations.

Music Therapy vs. CBT via Telehealth for Anxiety in Cancer Survivors

Study type: Two-arm, parallel-group non-inferiority RCT (MELODY trial). 300 adult cancer survivors with elevated anxiety randomized to 7 weekly telehealth sessions of music therapy or CBT. Published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2026.³

Key results

  • Music therapy was noninferior to CBT for anxiety reduction at both week 8 and week 26 (HADS-A; non-inferiority margin 1.30; p < 0.001).
  • Both arms exceeded the MCID of 1.7 points; improvements were durable at 6-month follow-up.
  • Secondary gains (fatigue, depression, insomnia, pain, cognitive function, QoL) were similar across arms.

Strengths & caveats

  • Strength: Rigorous head-to-head design; diverse sample (English- and Spanish-speaking); standardized telehealth delivery.
  • Strength: JCO publication signals growing mainstream recognition of IO research.
  • Caveat: No usual-care control group; no formal psychiatric diagnostic assessment at enrollment.

Bottom line: High-quality, practice-informing evidence. Music therapy should be considered alongside CBT to expand access to evidence-based anxiety treatment in survivorship.

In Focus: JAMA Network Open CAM & Breast Cancer Survival – A Critical Appraisal

Study type: Retrospective cohort study. National Cancer Database; 2,157,219 women with breast cancer (2011–2021). Published JAMA Network Open, March 2, 2026.⁴

Key results

  • Four groups: traditional therapy only, traditional + CAM, CAM alone, no treatment. CAM-alone survival closely mirrored the no-treatment curve (aHR 3.67 vs. traditional therapy).
  • Media widely misrepresented findings – headline: “CAM increases risk of dying by 400%.”

Strengths & caveats

  • Strength: Large, population-level dataset spanning all breast cancer stages.
  • Caveat: The “CAM alone” group represents patients who forewent conventional treatment – not integrative oncology. The study does not evaluate IO.
  • Caveat: CAM-alone and CAM + traditional groups each comprised <0.1% of the cohort – far below documented real-world prevalence of >50%. This reflects data capture failure, not true utilization.
  • Caveat: CAM is undefined and undifferentiated; acupuncture and harmful supplements are conflated. The survival signal reflects the danger of forgoing conventional care.

Bottom line: This study does not show that integrative oncology harms patients. The committee is submitting a formal comment to JAMA Network Open. Members are encouraged to use this summary when addressing patient or media inquiries.

A Note on Our Review Process

The SIO Research Committee reviews articles collectively before amplifying them to the membership and public. We aim to share work that is methodologically sound and clinically meaningful – and to provide honest context when promising findings require further validation. We welcome article nominations from members for future monthly reviews.

References

1. Wang Y, Jiao L, Chen Z, et al. Adjuvant chemotherapy with traditional Chinese herbal granules vs. placebo in resected NSCLC: updated survival analysis. Integr Cancer Ther. 2026;25:15347354251409081. doi:10.1177/15347354251409081

2. Yürük E, Todil T, Aşkan F, et al. Effects of mandala art therapy (coloring) on nausea, vomiting, pain and anxiety in children and youth receiving outpatient chemotherapy. J Pediatr Nurs. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2025.11.006

3. Liou KT, Bradt J, Currier MB, et al. Music therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy via telehealth for anxiety in survivors of cancer: a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Oncol. 2026. doi:10.1200/JCO-25-00726

4. Ayoade OF, Caturegli G, Canavan ME, Resio BJ, Berger ER, Boffa DJ. Use of complementary and alternative medicine in the management of breast cancer. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(3):e260337. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.0337

Whole Person Health Index (WPHI) Overview

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

The WPHI (9-question tool) was developed through NIH and CDC collaboration and is now implemented in All of Us, National Health Interview Survey, and cancer centers. It engages patients in whole-person care, supports holistic documentation, and enables systematic evaluation with longitudinal research potential. The WPHI questions are free to use and can be administered in person or online. University of Vermont is developing an implementation process, and more information will be available soon.

Implementation and Value of WPHI in Integrative Oncology

“We have implemented WPHI in all patients seen at UCI integrative oncology for a few months. I find it valuable in that it 1) gives us a snapshot of a patient’s life and put their cancer in the context of their life, 2) serves as a conversation starter for discussing holistic whole person health, 3) helps us identify the shortest plank in their health and prioritize it so that we can make the most impact, 4) helps the patient focus on positive changes they can make rather than mere reducing the negatives (symptoms), 5) demonstrates with actions that at UCI we are caring for you as a whole person, and 6) lays the foundation for integrative whole person cancer care outcome research.”

– Gary Deng, MD, PhD; Professor of Medicine, University of California Irvine; Associate Director, UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center; Director of Integrative Oncology, UCI Health.

Whole Person Health Index Nine Questions  

All items use the same response scale:

1 = Poor     2 = Fair     3 = Good     4 = Very Good     5 = Excellent  

Self-Rated Health How would you say your health is in general?
Quality of Life How would you rate your quality of life, focusing on what matters most to you?
Social and Family Connections How would you rate your social and family connections?
Diet In general, how healthy is your overall diet?
Physical Activity How would you rate your physical activity, compared with people in your age group?
Ability to Manage Stress How would you rate your ability to manage stress?
Sleep How would you rate your sleep?
Meaning and Purpose How would you rate your ability to find meaning and purpose in your daily life?
Health Management How would you rate your ability to manage your health, focusing on aspects of your health that matter most to you?

 

The nine questions are currently posted on the UVM Osher Center website at: https://www.uvm.edu/osher/osher/research/whole-person-health-index

For information: Contact UVM Osher Center Team: oshercenter@uvm.edu

IMAGINE Project News

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

The IMAGINE Project is advancing integrative oncology care by implementing evidence-based acupuncture and massage therapy in cancer centers across the United States. The project, a partnership between SIO and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, facilitates implementation of evidence-based acupuncture and massage therapy for cancer-related pain across 35 cancer centers in the United States. 

  • The project’s first SIO Research Blog post has already generated strong social media engagement, reflecting growing interest in bringing integrative therapies into mainstream cancer care. IMAGINE represents a broader shift in oncology toward evidence-based, whole-person care that will reach over 10,000 patients. 
  • In February 2026, the second of four cohorts (small groups of participating cancer centers) began the active implementation phase, with site team members highly engaged in monthly external facilitation meetings. 

The IMAGINE Team is thrilled to announce that its pre-conference workshop exploring implementation science in the context of the IMAGINE Project will be held the morning of September 29, 2026, at the SIO 2026 International Conference in Detroit, Michigan. Registration information coming soon. 

SIO 2026 Dr. Barrie Cassileth New Investigator Scholarship Application

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in conference, Latest News.

The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) is committed to developing talented young investigators in integrative oncology with its Dr. Barrie Cassileth New Investigator Forum on integrative oncology research methods. This award is open to advanced doctoral students, postdoctoral trainees, and junior faculty members. Research submitted may be a trial in its planning stages or a trial that has been opened but not yet completed. A group of scholars will be selected to become an SIO Dr. Barrie Cassileth New Investigator Scholar. During the New Investigator Forum, scholars will present their research and receive guidance from expert integrative oncology clinician scientists in SIO. The forum is a three-hour event and will include a snack break.

Call for Applications

The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) is committed to developing talented young investigators in integrative oncology with its New Investigator Forum on Integrative Oncology Research Methods. We are accepting New Investigator Forum applications for the 2026 International Conference that will be held in Detroit, MI, U.S.A.  from September 29 to October 1st. Open to advanced doctoral students, postdoctoral trainees and junior faculty, a selected group of scholars will be chosen to meet with internationally recognized leaders in the field and present their research for discussion and constructive feedback. The research may be in its planning stages or work in progress that is not yet completed.

Purpose

Provide students, trainees and junior faculty with an opportunity to have planned research or research in progress reviewed, discussed and critiqued in a supportive environment by experienced and highly regarded integrative oncology experts who have varied clinical and scientific expertise.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants may be: 1) doctoral students who are working on any phase of their dissertation, or 2) postdoctoral trainees or faculty who are within the first three years of their first academic appointment, or who are new to integrative oncology research and working on any phase of their research project from design to analysis. Participants’ research designs may be correlative or interventional.

Description of Forum

Participants will attend a 2-hour forum in a small group setting consisting of experts and trainees/junior faculty in integrative oncology where ideas, information, feedback and guidance will be exchanged. The forum will be held the day before the SIO International Conference on 9/28/2026.

Scholarship Details

Investigator participants will receive a waiver of the conference fee and reimbursement up to $1,500 for related travel and accommodation expenses. All expenses are subject the SIO Travel Policy and must be submitted with the SIO reimbursement form and accompanied by receipts.

NOW CLOSED.

The 2nd SIO Europe Congress

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

The 2nd SIO Europe Congress and the 12th ARTOI International Congress constitute an important international forum for scientific and clinical exchange in the field of integrative oncology, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients to promote a shared, evidence-based approach to cancer care.

The primary objective of contemporary oncology is to develop treatments that are increasingly effective, safe, and personalized. This goal requires the continuous development of innovative therapeutic strategies and clinical protocols, as well as a rigorous evaluation of integrative therapies and their measurable impact on patients’ quality of life.

The Congress is grounded in Evidence-Based Medicine and a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates oncology, medicine, nursing, and integrative care. Within this framework, personalized and precision medicine emerge as central elements, supporting a model of care that combines scientific rigor with ethical responsibility and attention to the individual.

Learn more here

Call for abstracts

Register for the Congress

SIO and SIO Europe members can register at the reduced rate.

Updates and Accomplishments of Ayurveda SIG

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

Update on the Pre-conference Workshop from Ayurveda SIG at SIO 2025

  • A pre-conference workshop, titled “Integrative oncology with Ayurveda and culinary medicine” was held at SIO 2025 conference on Oct 27, 2025.
  • The workshop explored the integration of Ayurvedic principles into oncology care, focusing on the culinary applications of Ayurvedic herbs and spices. With a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the role of diet and gut microbiome in cancer symptom management, the session provided both theoretical insights and practical applications of Ayurvedic principles. Participants engaged in hands-on learning and discussions on how Ayurvedic dietary principles, including the pharmacological properties of herbs and spices, can support personalized symptom management, improve nutritional intake, and enhance quality of life (QoL) for patients undergoing and recovering from cancer treatment.

 

 

Ayurveda SIG Pre-conference workshop facilitators: from right – Shraddha Ravani, Julia Arnold, Krupali Desai, Santhosshi Narayanan, Eran Ben-Arye, and Herbert Newton

Ayurveda SIG Accomplishments 2024-2025:

A manuscript titled, “The Role of Ayurvedic Medicine in Integrative Oncology: A Comprehensive Exploration of Traditional and Modern Approaches for Patients with Cancer” has been submitted to the Journal of Integrative Cancer Therapies. Awaiting response.

A book chapter has been written on Ayurveda in Integrative Oncology in Comprehensive Integrative Oncology Textbook.

The IMAGINE Project has officially launched!

Written by Peter Traversa on . Posted in Latest News.

On October 1, 2025, the first subgroup of US cancer centers began the 1-year External Facilitation phase. A total of 35 participating sites will receive online training in oncology acupuncture and massage therapy protocols, meet monthly with implementation experts, disseminate educational materials, and build community. SIO is proud to partner with Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) in this PCORI-funded project, which brings previous research (IMPACT Trial) into real world settings. Over the next four years, this project will help standardize high-quality, evidence-based integrative care for thousands of people with cancer in the US. Visit the SIO IMAGINE Project webpage under “Knowledge Center” and look for upcoming webinars, podcasts, and updates.