Oncology Acupuncture 101: Guideline-Based Foundations and Safety Strategies
This workshop, Oncology Acupuncture 101: Guideline-Based Foundations and Safety Strategies, offers a comprehensive introduction to the integration of acupuncture into oncology care. Hosted at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), a leader in cancer care and research, and supported by SIO Acupuncture SIG, the session is designed for acupuncturists as well as other integrative oncology professionals, including oncologists, nurses, and allied health providers. By broadening its scope, the workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to integrate acupuncture into multidisciplinary cancer care teams and improve referral pathways. The first half of the session provides foundational knowledge on oncology acupuncture, including its evidence-based applications for managing symptoms such as pain, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and hot flashes. Presenters will review major integrative oncology guidelines (ASCO, SIO, NCCN) and discuss how acupuncture complements conventional cancer treatments. Specific attention will be given to safety protocols, including lab value interpretation and infection control, ensuring that all participants understand how to safely refer or administer acupuncture in complex oncology settings. The second half emphasizes experiential learning through interactive breakout sessions. These sessions will cater to both acupuncturists and non-acupuncturist attendees: For Acupuncturists: Hands-on demonstrations of electroacupuncture, safe needling techniques and modifications for high-risk patients. For Oncologists, Nurses, and Allied Professionals: Case discussions on identifying appropriate candidates for acupuncture referrals, understanding its clinical benefits, and addressing common patient concerns about safety, efficacy and qualifications of acupuncturists To foster interdisciplinary collaboration, the workshop will conclude with a panel discussion featuring experts from diverse fields, including medical oncology, research, and acupuncture. This session will explore strategies for integrating acupuncture into comprehensive cancer care plans while addressing barriers such as cost concerns or misconceptions about training and competency. Participants will leave with actionable insights to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based integrative practices. Oncologists and nurses will gain confidence in making informed referrals for acupuncture, while acupuncturists will deepen their understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, all attendees will receive curated resources tailored to their professional roles. To further enrich the learning experience, all full-time participants will receive a certificate of completion signed by DFCI and the SIO Conference Organizing Committee. Additionally, CME credits will be offered for eligible attendees.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this 105-minute workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize the Role of Oncology Acupuncture in Integrative Cancer Care • Understand how acupuncture is effectively integrated at leading cancer centers like Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). • Appreciate the evolving status of oncology acupuncture as a subspecialty, supported by professional groups like SIO’s Acupuncture Special Interest Group (SIG).
2. Understand Foundational Oncology Concepts and Safety Essentials • Summarize basic cancer biology, staging, and treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies) relevant to acupuncture. • Identify typical side effects (pain, neuropathy, hot flashes) caused by general cancer treatments and incorporate risk management strategies for immunocompromised or high-risk patients.
3. Apply Major Oncology Practice Guidelines to Acupuncture • Reference and interpret key cancer care recommendations from ASCO, SIO, and NCCN for integrative oncology. • Integrate these guidelines into evidence-based acupuncture protocols for symptom management.
4. Implement Practical Safety and Risk-Management Strategies • Utilize essential lab values (platelet counts, neutrophils) and imaging cues (bone metastases) for safe needling. • Practice infection control measures and appropriate referral processes within an interdisciplinary setting.
5. Engage in Interactive, Hands-On Breakout Sessions • Collaborate in small groups, guided by DFCI’s practicing oncology acupuncturists, to apply guideline-based safety and symptom management protocols. • Discuss strategies for integrating acupuncture across the oncology continuum—from active treatment through survivorship and palliative care.
Target Audience:
This introductory workshop is designed for licensed acupuncturists, medical acupuncturists, acupuncture students with minimal oncology experience, and other integrative oncology professionals, including oncologists, nurses, and allied health providers. Hosted by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute—an affiliate of Harvard Medical School and an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—it provides foundational knowledge in cancer care, guideline-based safety practices, and evidence-based acupuncture protocols. Participants will work closely with DFCI’s oncology acupuncturists in interactive breakout groups, gaining essential skills and clear pathways toward advanced training. They will leave equipped to integrate acupuncture into multidisciplinary cancer care teams and improve referral processes.
Facilitators:
Weidong Lu, MB, MPH, PhD, is oncology acupuncturist and team leader at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He is principal investigator at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and leads the Chinese Medicine Initiative. Dr. Lu is Instructor at Harvard Medical School, Professor Emeritus at the New England School of Acupuncture, and chairs Massachusetts’ Acupuncture Committee. An active member of the Society for Integrative Oncology since 2003, he is a former SIO board member and founding co-chair of its Acupuncture SIG. Since 2000, his research has focused on symptom management, drug–herb interactions, and clinical trials. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers and presented globally.
Iris Zhi, MD, PhD, is a breast medical oncologist and integrative oncology expert, serving as Associate Professor and Medical Director of Clinical Operations in Medical Oncology at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center – Long Island. Her research focuses on breast cancer in older adults and integrative approaches, including acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. A 2019 Young Investigator Awardee from the Society for Integrative Oncology and Gateway Foundation grant recipient, she has published extensively and contributed to the evidence base for integrative oncology. Dr. Zhi serves on the SIO Board of Trustees and leads efforts in research, mentorship, and program development.
Susan Veleber, DACM, MS, LAc is the Lead Oncology Acupuncturist in the Integrative Medicine Program and Research Associate with the Greenlee Lab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Having practiced at Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, Susan has advanced training in oncology acupuncture and extensive clinical experience. She incorporates scholarship, research, clinical experience and evidence-based medicine into patient care. Her research interests are in the safe use of acupuncture during cancer treatment and survivorship to ease treatment-related side effects and support overall health and well-being. Susan serves on the Board of Trustees of the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and is the Co-Chair of the SIO Acupuncture Special Interest Group (SIG).
Dr. Yair Maimon, PhD, OMD is a leading expert in Integrative and Chinese Medicine, with over 30 years of clinical and research experience across the U.S., Europe, China, and Israel. He founded and served as Director of the Integrative Oncology Research Center at Sheba Medical Center. Dr. Maimon is President of the European TCM Association (ETCMA) and Vice President of WFAS. He has conducted outstanding research in botanical and integrative oncology, with publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at UNESCO. He founded the TCM Academy (TCM.AC), where he advances international academic collaboration and education. He lectures globally and contributes to innovation in cancer care.