8th International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology

It is concluded in Cleveland the Eighth Conference of the SIO (Society for Integrative Oncology). We publish a summary by Dr. Massimo Bonucci:The complete overview on the treatment of cancer has been the subject of extensive study during all three days of the 8^th International Conference of the American Society for Integrative Oncology, held in Cleveland (Ohio, USA). The American Society for Integrative Oncology was founded about 10 years ago for the will of oncology colleagues, researchers and medical specialists who wanted to meet and discuss to find new solutions for the welfare of cancer patients.In this conference with the title “Innovating Integrative Oncology: New Science, New solution. The focus is the Patient” were addressed all the problems of cancer therapy and evaluated all the opportunities to improve the results.

An “open” vision of treatment, which has touched all areas: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, phytotherapy, mind-body therapy, acupuncture.

One of the focuses of the conference was to assess the integration of natural substances with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. One concerned the “oxidative stress and cancer” and how antioxidants can or not interfere with the chemo and radiation. These reports were taken by Prof. Aggarwal of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. His data have helped to clarify how many natural substances and many antioxidants compounds (vitamins and minerals are an example) lead to an improvement in the quality of life as well as an adjuvant synergistic effect in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Curcumin and resveratrol are now considered molecules able to interact positively in combination with chemotherapy for various solid tumors (lung, breast, colon).

It was held discussion on clinical evidence of case studies of integrative cancer therapy and particularly appreciated the work done by Dr. Bonucci and his colleagues, Dr. Pastore and Dr. Ferrera on cases of peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer.

Another focus was acupuncture, with its effectiveness in preventing and reducing several side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Then, great interest has been given to therapy “mind-body” with all the psychosocial aspects but also its influence on the results as a possible “epigenetic” intervention on the tumor itself.

The hope is that all these innovations and scientific opportunities may become the heritage of all, doctors and patients, so we may give a greater knowledge and awareness to those who face, although in different locations, the neoplastic disease.