The Textbook of Naturopathic Oncology is an in-depth overview of the most well-researched naturopathic and integrative therapies and how these should be administered in the context of collaborative care. This 550-page reference is organized into the following 8 chapters:
- Introduction to Naturopathic Oncology
An outline of the principles of naturopathic medicine – this chapter details the naturopathic oncology approach to cancer care and how it integrates into larger framework of the conventional oncological care model.
- Critical Aspects of Foundational Care
An overview of basic research terminology and concepts as well as the medical emergencies more commonly encountered in an outpatient setting – this chapter lays down the foundational knowledge essential to help guide treatment decisions.
- Understanding Cancer Biology
An up to date explanation of cancer biology, the theories of carcinogenesis, the hallmarks of cancer, and the role of the gut microbiome during cancer treatment.
- Specialized Diets in Cancer Care
A thorough review of different diets and their impact in a cancer care setting – this compares and contrasts the various diets proposed for cancer and provides a definitive framework for dietary recommendations.
- Integration with Conventional Treatments
A concise chapter on current conventional therapies, including radiotherapy, surgery, targeted agents, immunotherapies, and cytotoxic agents; and how naturopathic and integrative therapies can or cannot be incorporated with these treatments.
- Common Side Effects
This section thoroughly examines 27 of the most common side effects encountered in an oncology practice and highlights the integrative treatment considerations necessary for addressing each of these often difficult symptoms. AS with all the chapters, these treatments are all well-referenced and have stood the test of time, with experience to back them.
- 24 Cancers: Brief Reviews and Integrative Treatment Recommendations
This chapter provides American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) summaries of the 24 most types of cancers and offers the integrative treatment considerations for each. The treatments presented are all substantiated by research, with those having human in vivo studies listed first, those with animal studies listed second, and finally substances with in vitro evidence listed last.
- Advanced Integrative Therapies
An exploration of the evidence for advanced integrative therapies, including intravenous ascorbate, repurposed drugs, hyperthermia (both loco-regional and whole-body hyperthermia), and mistletoe therapy.
Much of the most pertinent information in this textbook is provided in easy-to-read tables. Stay tuned for a sneak preview of these tables in the next blog post!
“The future of optimal cancer care is now. For too long, an artificial barrier between cancer treatment and strengthening the health of the patient with cancer has prevented the best outcomes. This excellent textbook by experts in integration of conventional and natural oncology is a critical resource for every clinician caring for patients with cancer.”
Joseph Pizzorno, ND, Founding President Bastyr University, Co-Author Textbook of Natural Medicine
