Integrative Oncology: Best of Both Worlds—Theoretical, Practical, and Research Issues

Table 1

Similarities and differences between the Integrative Oncology for Breast Cancer Program, Essen, Germany and the Integrative Medicine Program, Houston, USA [29].

	Integrative Oncology for Breast Cancer Program, Essen	Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
Center	Breast cancer center offering conventional and integrative medicine	Integrative medicine referral center open to all conventional departments
Setting	Inpatient and outpatient	Inpatient and outpatient
Philosophy	Holistic and patient-centered approach	Holistic and patient-centered approach
Treatments	Mind-body medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, naturopathic treatments, nutrition, exercise, phytotherapy	Mind-body medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition, exercise, music therapy, expressive arts, support groups
Professional team	Oncologists, physicians specialized in complementary medicine, mind/body medicine instructors	Physicians specialized in both oncology and complementary medicine, dieticians, meditation instructors, chaplains, physical therapists, acupuncturists, massage therapists, yoga instructors, music therapists
Research	Implementation of an evidence-based information database (“SenoExpert”)	Well-funded research program and cooperative projects with other departments