What is Integrative Oncology?
Integrative oncology is an evolving evidence-based specialty that uses complementary therapies as a primary treatment or in concert with conventional medical treatment (such as chemotherapy) to enhance its efficacy, improve symptom control, alleviate patient distress and reduce the overall suffering of cancer patients. Integrative oncology has a whole person focus instead of the traditional disease focus approach to treatment. This unorthodox methodology makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, allied healthcare professionals, disciplines, natural health and nutrition to achieve optimum health and healing. One could say that it is a healthier way to fight cancer.
Welcome to the ASCF Integrative Oncology Information Centre.
There are more and more people living with and beyond cancer who seek integrative interventions to complement or substitute conventional cancer care. The ASCF provides information on Integrative Oncology using the most updated techniques and treatment options including Nutrition Oncology.
Integrative medicine is defined as healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit) as well as all aspects of lifestyle. This style of medicine emphasises this therapeutic relationship and makes use of appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative. The stated goal is to combine the best ideas and practices of conventional and alternative medicine into cost effective treatments without bias.
The expert medical teams here and overseas boast a vast array of scientific disciplines apart from speciality focused oncology and functional medicine. Our patients receive tailored treatment plans.
Circulating Tumour Cells
A growing tumour is made up of many different cancer cells. If a cancer is malignant, a select population of cancer cells can escape the tumour mass and invade the blood stream. When this happens, the cancer is at a turning point. Escapee cancer cells in the blood stream can travel to another site in the body and grow a second tumour at a later stage, called a metastasis. These escapee cancer cells in the blood are called Circulating Tumour Cells, abbreviated as CTCs.
Our European allied partners have a genetic testing laboratory lab which specialises in molecular and cell biology.
Our Physicians consider the Cancer Cell Sensitivity Test (CCST) to be an extremely powerful tool in obtaining a comprehensive analysis.
The test uses a blood sample to detect what are known as circulating tumour cells (CTCs) as well as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Both CTCs and CSCs are understood to be responsible for most of the cancerÕs spread within the body.
By detecting these cancer cells in the blood as early as possible, a profile for each patientÕs specific cancer cell types can be generated.
These CTCs and CSCs are then tested against over 50 common chemotherapy drugs as well as approximately 50 natural substances including Cananbidiols, Curcumin and GcMAF to see which ones have the greatest potential to destroy your cancer cells.
This potential is rated as a percentage.
The Cancer Cell Sensitivity Test (CCST) is effective in several different patient populations:
1. Patients with metastatic cancer who need to address cancer at its source.
2. Patients with non-metastatic cancer who want to survey their body for potential metastatic disease.
3. Cancer survivors who want to reduce their risk for developing a cancer recurrence in the future.
Physicians order the Cancer Cell Sensitivity Test as part of the initial workup. The sample is sent to our allied partners across Europe and the results are generally back in two weeks from the day the sample has been sent. At this time, the treatment protocol can be altered if necessary, based on the test results obtained.
Initial Consultation:
Physicians understand that the process of investigating all of your treatment options can be overwhelming, but are prepared to answer any questions you might have about the services we offer.
The first step toward becoming a patient is to have your case evaluated by one of our specialty Integrative Oncology Physicians.
To receive an initial assessment it is necessary to fill out the ASCF online application and submit. Upon receiving your application we will then organise one of the Physicians to talk through your options. ASCF members receive preferential benefits:
FILL OUT THIS APPLICATION FORM
This Consultation includes:
- A thorough review of your cancer diagnosis, including tumour staging, prognosis, and treatments which have already taken place;
- In-depth analysis of lab testing and imaging you have had performed;
- Review of the remainder of your medical and surgical history, including other medical issues (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroid, etc.);
- Review of your current medications and supplements;
- Discussion regarding your treatment goals;
The physicians will need a copy of your pertinent medical records prior to your visit, as our specialty Physicians always review everything prior to meeting you. The initial consultation with the Physician may last up to approximately one hour; it is an opportunity for you to learn more about the range of innovative treatment approaches that may or may not be suitable for your specific condition. It is also an opportunity for the Physician to determine if you are a good candidate for a tailored programme. It is possible to have a consultation by phone for country and interstate patients. Please note that our Physicians do not accept every case.
You are encouraged to have a spouse, family member, or close friend with you for the visit/phone interview since a lot of information will be covered. At the conclusion of this initial consultation, the Physician will summarise their findings with you. If you are accepted as a patient you will be notified quickly.