Research
The Integrative Medicine Program’s research focus is on intervention programs to reduce the negative consequences of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. Many patients, under the careful guidance of their physicians, are involved in mind/body and acupuncture research, research studying dietary supplements and other regimens, biopharmacologic agents such as vitamins and herbal preparations and other biologically based products.
Within the Integrative Medicine Program and across M. D. Anderson, we are:
- Studying the bio-behavioral effects of mind/body-based interventions such as stress management including Indian-based yoga, Tibetan-based yoga, qigong, meditation, music therapy, expressive writing and other behavioral approaches
- Examining the anti-cancer potential of natural animal or plant compounds such as dietary supplements, vitamins and herbal remedies. Products being studied include green tea, turmeric, oleander, melatonin, shark cartilage, fish oil, mushrooms and many others
- Using acupuncture to treat some common cancer treatment related side effects including pain, xerostomia, nausea and others. Determining the biological bases of acupuncture also is an important part of this research endeavor
- Examining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for cancer. Part of this research is being done with colleagues at the Fudan University Cancer Hospital
For a list of studies being conducted within the Integrative Medicine Program and across M. D. Anderson, please see Clinical Trials in Integrative Oncology.
Using Natural Defense in Cancer Prevention and Care
David Servan-Schreiber, M.D., Ph.D., renowned psychiatrist and researcher in neurocognitive function, cofounder of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), spoke at an Integrative Medicine Program Lecture Series special program on July 12, 2009. Dr. Servan-Schreiber is the author of the acclaimed book, "Anticancer: A New Way of Life", a New York Times bestseller translated into more than 33 languages.
What health behaviors can help to stimulate our natural mechanisms against developing cancer? What has been happening since World War II in societies of developed nations that has promoted a dramatic rise in the occurrence of cancer?
Using Natural Defense in Cancer Prevention and Care (58:24)
Read more about Dr. Servan-Schreiber's visit to M. D. Anderson in Focused on Health.