Understanding Cancer Treatment Options
Learning what to trust and choosing from the full menu.
Most of us are familiar with the conventional medical system. This is where a cancer diagnosis takes place and is sometimes also referred to as allopathic medicine; the standard, science-based system of modern medicine. Allopathic medicine is disease-focused and uses treatments like medications, surgery, and radiation to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. For over 50 years, we have invested billions into this system, looking for a cure for cancer. Some results are promising—helpful, and at times even leading to full remission. However, as time goes on, it becomes increasingly clear that there is no single “magic bullet” for preventing or curing cancer. Just as the cause of cancer is almost never one thing, neither is the cure. This is why it is important for every cancer patient to become familiar with all of the treatment options that are available. Not because you are going to choose one or the other but rather because you are going to choose from the full menu.
Includes standard medical treatments that are prescribed in the conventional medical system. These are based on scientific evidence with well documented risks, benefits, and side effects. For cancer, these are primarily surgery, radiation, and pharmaceuticals like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The particular combinations prescribed for different cancer types are often referred to as Standard of Care (SOC). Most cancer treatments utilize a team of oncologists who specialize in surgery, radiation, or medical oncology. Some conventional hospital systems make complementary care available to support quality of life.
Conventional
Includes treatments that intend to cure or slow the progress of cancer but have limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. This can include anything from the off-label use of conventional drugs (such as low-dose chemo) to supported activities (like long-term fasting) to a spiritual journey taken to a healing location in lieu of continuing cancer treatments. These treatments are often accessed through private cancer clinics or other independent providers who may or may not be trained in the conventional medical system. Essentially any non-conventional treatment could be categorized as alternative if it is done in the absence of conventional treatment or is selected instead of following Standard of Care (many people end up doing something alternative by the end of their treatment).
Alternative
Includes treatments that are used alongside conventional and alternative treatments often for the purpose of supporting holistic health (supporting the whole person/body to be resilient and healthy), improving quality of life, or even making conventional treatments more effective. These can be available within the conventional system but are more often accessed outside that system or from integrative providers. Some complementary therapies make claims and/or have evidence that they slow the progress of cancer but when used alongside conventional treatment they would be considered complementary rather than alternative. When choosing complementary therapies while you are also receiving Standard of Care, it is important to work with your oncologist to ensure there are no adverse interactions between treatment modalities.
Complementary
Clinical trials are an alternative treatment that is being offered within the conventional medical system. This is the pathway for alternative treatment modalities to become Standard of Care. Because clinical trials are expensive and require the resources of both research and medical teams, they are most often testing the efficacy of new pharmaceutical drugs (paid for by the pharmaceutical industry) or different combinations or dosages for treatments that are currently available in the conventional system. When choosing to participate in a clinical trial, it is important to be aware of which testing phase you are enrolling in. Phase I trials are testing the safety of the protocol (usually with varying doses), Phase II trials are comparing the chosen dose with a randomized control, Phase III trials expand the treatment to a larger population.
Clinical Trials
This term generally refers to the utilization of both conventional and complementary cancer care but can also include alternative cancer therapies. Every cancer patient could choose items from any of the modalities (at the same time or in series) and these together would become their unique integrative treatment plan. Most cancer patients use an integrative approach over time, even if they start out following Standard of Care. Adding an integrative medical provider, such as a naturopathic doctor (ND) who specializes in oncology (FABNO certified), or a cancer coach to your team from the beginning will build your awareness of complementary options earlier in your treatment.
Integrative
If you or someone you love needs help navigating available treatment options, we offer individualized support and guidance to cancer patients and their families through all stages of treatment followed by wellness education and coaching aimed at increasing the chances for long-term recovery after treatment.