Reviewed by SIO Research Committee Member Danielle Gentile, PhD, Health Services Researcher, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Supportive Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health

Block KI. Integrative Cancer Therapies: Learning From COVID-19. Integr Cancer Ther. 2020;19:1534735420932652. doi:10.1177/1534735420932652

Review: The coronavirus pandemic has changed many healthcare processes, including within Integrative Oncology. Telehealth may help to reduce barriers in access to integrative cancer therapies and consultations such as transportation and feeling well enough to leave home. Additional research on the practicality and efficacy of telehealth are needed and encouraged during this unprecedented public health event. 

Song S, Cohen AJ, Lui H, et al. Use of GoFundMe® to crowdfund complementary and alternative medicine treatments for cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2020;146(7):1857-1865. doi:10.1007/s00432-020-03191-0

Review: GoFundMe is an online crowdfunding platform that allows individuals to raise money for specific events or challenging circumstances including illnesses. Five hundred GoFundMe campaigns detailing financial need for cancer treatment were reviewed. Compared to non- complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) users, CAM users expressed high value in quality of life, comfort and autonomy. Healthcare providers should help patients to set realistic expectations for the risks and benefits of CAM whether used in combination with or in place of conventional cancer treatment.