Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-based approach that combines conventional cancer treatments—such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and endocrine therapy—with complementary interventions that have demonstrated safety and scientific support. The goal is to improve patients’ quality of life, reduce treatment-related side effects, and support their physical and emotional well-being without compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Unlike alternative medicine, integrative oncology does not replace standard cancer therapies. Instead, it complements them with personalized strategies such as nutrition counseling, exercise programs, stress management, sleep optimization, psychological support, and selected complementary therapies supported by clinical research.

Every patient has unique needs. For this reason, an integrative oncology plan should always be individualized and supervised by a medical oncologist who understands both cancer treatment and the scientific evidence behind supportive therapies. This holistic approach focuses not only on treating the disease but also on caring for the whole person throughout the cancer journey.

No. Integrative oncology never replaces medical oncology—it complements it.

Evidence-based cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy remain the foundation of modern cancer care because they have been proven to improve survival and, in many cases, achieve cure.

The role of integrative oncology is to support patients throughout treatment by helping manage symptoms, reduce side effects, improve quality of life, and encourage healthy lifestyle habits that may enhance recovery.

It is important to distinguish integrative oncology from alternative therapies that claim to cure cancer without conventional medical treatment. There is currently no scientific evidence supporting such claims, and delaying evidence-based treatment may negatively affect patient outcomes.

Any complementary therapy, dietary supplement, or lifestyle intervention should therefore be discussed with the treating oncologist to ensure it is both safe and compatible with cancer treatment.

Integrative oncology aims to improve patients’ well-being throughout every stage of cancer treatment. Although it does not treat the cancer itself, it can significantly improve how patients experience treatment and recovery.

Scientific studies have shown that evidence-based supportive interventions may help reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve sleep quality, decrease anxiety and emotional distress, preserve physical function, and improve overall quality of life.

Maintaining adequate nutrition, preserving muscle mass through exercise, and addressing emotional health are also associated with better treatment tolerance and faster recovery in many patients.

The greatest benefit comes from creating a personalized supportive care plan based on the patient’s diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, and individual goals rather than applying general recommendations.

Integrative oncology may benefit patients with virtually any type of cancer and at every stage of their journey.

It can be introduced at diagnosis, during active treatment, after completing therapy, during survivorship, or in advanced cancer when symptom management and quality of life become priorities.

Some patients seek help to reduce treatment side effects, while others want to improve nutrition, maintain physical fitness, manage stress, enhance sleep, or receive guidance about supplements and lifestyle changes.

Because every patient’s medical situation is different, recommendations should always be individualized and based on the best available scientific evidence.

Cancer affects far more than the tumor itself. It often impacts physical health, emotional well-being, family life, work, and daily functioning.

Integrative oncology addresses these broader aspects of care by combining medical treatment with evidence-based supportive interventions aimed at improving nutrition, physical activity, emotional resilience, sleep, symptom management, and overall wellness.

By proactively addressing issues such as fatigue, pain, anxiety, insomnia, muscle loss, or treatment-related complications, patients often feel more empowered and better able to maintain independence throughout treatment.

Research increasingly shows that comprehensive supportive care plays an important role in improving quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

Complementary therapies should always be selected according to each patient’s clinical situation and supported by scientific evidence.

Common evidence-based interventions include personalized nutrition counseling, exercise programs, psycho-oncology, physiotherapy, lymphedema management, rehabilitation, mindfulness, stress reduction techniques, and sleep optimization.

Supportive technologies such as scalp cooling, which helps reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss, and hilotherapy, which may reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in selected patients, are also increasingly incorporated into comprehensive cancer care.

In specific clinical situations, certain nutritional supplements may be recommended when there is a documented deficiency or medical indication. However, supplements should never be taken without medical supervision because some may interact with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, or hormonal treatments.

The first oncology consultation focuses on understanding the patient’s medical history and developing an individualized treatment plan.

During the appointment, the oncologist reviews pathology reports, imaging studies, laboratory results, previous treatments, and the patient’s general health. Symptoms, medical history, medications, and personal concerns are also discussed in detail.

Following this assessment, the oncologist explains the diagnosis, discusses available treatment options, answers questions, and outlines the proposed care plan based on the latest scientific evidence.

Within an integrative oncology consultation, additional attention is given to nutrition, physical activity, emotional well-being, lifestyle habits, and supportive care strategies that may improve treatment tolerance and quality of life.

Dr. Carmen Murias sees patients at Hospital Universitario San Roque in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

She provides comprehensive care for patients with different types of cancer, combining evidence-based medical oncology with an integrative approach focused on improving quality of life throughout treatment.

Patients receive individualized treatment plans based on the latest scientific evidence, together with personalized recommendations regarding nutrition, exercise, supportive care, symptom management, and healthy lifestyle interventions whenever appropriate.

Consultations are available for newly diagnosed patients, second medical opinions, long-term follow-up, survivorship care, and integrative oncology assessments.

A medical oncologist specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, hormonal therapy, and coordination with surgery and radiation oncology.

An integrative oncologist has the same medical training but also incorporates evidence-based supportive care strategies that improve quality of life throughout cancer treatment.

The difference is not about using alternative medicine but about expanding cancer care to include nutrition, exercise, emotional health, sleep, supportive therapies, and symptom management while maintaining the highest standards of evidence-based oncology.

Not all dietary supplements are safe during cancer treatment.

Some vitamins, antioxidants, herbal products, and natural remedies may interfere with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, or radiation treatment, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing toxicity.

For this reason, patients should always consult their oncologist before taking any supplement.

When clinically indicated, specific supplements may be recommended to treat documented deficiencies or particular medical conditions, but they should always be prescribed individually and based on scientific evidence.

This is one of the most common misconceptions about cancer.

There is currently no scientific evidence showing that eliminating sugar cures cancer or prevents tumor growth.

All cells in the human body—including healthy cells—use glucose as an energy source. While cancer cells consume glucose, completely avoiding sugar does not “starve” cancer because the body carefully regulates blood glucose levels.

Instead of eliminating carbohydrates, patients are encouraged to follow a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins while limiting added sugars and ultra-processed foods.

Yes. For most patients, exercise during chemotherapy is both safe and strongly recommended by international organizations such as ASCO and ESMO.

Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce cancer-related fatigue, preserve muscle mass, improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall quality of life.

Exercise programs should always be individualized according to the patient’s diagnosis, treatment, physical condition, and medical status, ideally combining aerobic exercise with resistance training.

There is no single “cancer diet” suitable for every patient.

Nutritional recommendations should be personalized according to the type of cancer, treatment, nutritional status, and treatment-related symptoms.

In general, an eating pattern similar to the Mediterranean diet is recommended, emphasizing vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, fish, nuts, and high-quality protein sources.

Patients should be cautious about restrictive “anti-cancer diets” or nutritional plans claiming to cure cancer, as these are not supported by scientific evidence and may increase the risk of malnutrition.

Intravenous vitamin C should never replace standard cancer treatment.

Current research suggests that it may have a role as a complementary supportive therapy in selected patients, particularly for improving fatigue and quality of life. However, evidence remains limited, and it is not considered a standard anti-cancer treatment.

Before receiving intravenous vitamin C, patients should undergo careful medical evaluation to determine whether it is appropriate and safe, considering kidney function, G6PD deficiency, ongoing treatments, and individual clinical circumstances.

Not every supplement is harmless.

Some antioxidants, herbal medicines, and over-the-counter natural products may interfere with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, or radiation therapy.

For this reason, patients should never start supplements without discussing them with their oncology team.

Integrative oncology focuses on recommending only those supplements that are evidence-based, medically indicated, and safe within the context of each patient’s treatment plan.

Scalp cooling is an evidence-based supportive treatment used to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

The technique involves wearing a cooling cap before, during, and after chemotherapy. Lowering the scalp temperature temporarily reduces blood flow to hair follicles, limiting exposure to chemotherapy drugs and helping preserve hair.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that scalp cooling significantly reduces hair loss in selected patients, particularly those receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Beyond preserving hair, it may also improve self-esteem, body image, and emotional well-being during treatment.

At Hospital Universitario San Roque, we use the Paxman® Scalp Cooling System, one of the most extensively studied and internationally recognized scalp cooling technologies. Eligibility depends on the chemotherapy regimen and is assessed individually by the oncologist.

Hilotherapy is a controlled cooling therapy designed to reduce certain chemotherapy-related side effects, particularly peripheral neuropathy affecting the hands and feet.

During chemotherapy, specially designed cooling cuffs maintain a constant temperature around the extremities. By temporarily reducing blood flow, the technique may decrease exposure of peripheral nerves to certain chemotherapy drugs, particularly taxanes.

Scientific evidence supporting hilotherapy continues to grow, with studies showing promising results in reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in selected patients.

At Hospital Universitario San Roque, hilotherapy is incorporated into a comprehensive supportive care program alongside scalp cooling, personalized nutrition, exercise medicine, and evidence-based symptom management strategies, helping patients tolerate treatment more comfortably while maintaining their quality of life.