Integrative oncology interest in persons with a cancer diagnosis.

Abstract

11100 Background: Integrative oncology (IO) is an evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind-body practices, natural products, and lifestyle medicine from different traditions alongside conventional therapies. With growing evidence of benefit and inclusion in guideline recommendations, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) at Thomas Jefferson University’s integrative oncology program assessed patients’ understanding of integrative health, their utilization of integrative medicine approaches, and interest in formal IO consultations. Methods: Persons with a history of cancer who presented for care at a SKCCC clinical site received an electronic record invitation to complete a brief survey with binary and free-response questions regarding current knowledge, experiences, and interest in IO. At the end of the survey, patients also had the option to express their interest in IO consultations at SKCCC. Results: Demographics for the 1681 responders were: 1116 (67.1%) were female; 1285 (76.4%) were between 45-75 years of age; 313 identified as Black or African American (19.0%) and 1276 as White (77.5%). Breast cancer (494, 29.37%) and hematologic cancers (289, 17.18%) were the most reported malignancies. Overall, 446 (27.4%) and 153 (9.3%) had previously utilized in-person IO services and virtual IO services, respectively. 1,133 (67.36%) reported that IO was never discussed during their care. 1201 (73.9%) expressed interest in an IO consultation. Black or African American participants had 117% higher odds of expressing an interest in IO consultation (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.52 – 3.09, p<0.001) compared to all other participants. Conclusions: In contrast to the prevalence of IO approaches in literature, only one third of patients who completed the survey had previously used an IO modality. However, nearly 70% expressed interest in a formal IO consultation. Due to the overwhelming interest, an IO information session hosted by a Board-Certified Medical Oncologist and Integrative Oncologist is being offered. 250 (14.9%) participants have requested appointments so far. With the increasing evidence of benefit for IO care and the inclusion of these recommendations in clinical guidelines, expansion of IO services, especially those which focus on Black or African American participants who are usually not reached by these interventions, is indicated. IO consultations can address knowledge gaps, enhance implementation of guideline-based care, and, perhaps, improve clinical outcomes.