Integrative Oncology:

The Art and science of the healing Journey

Thank you to everyone who made it!

January 25, 2022 12pm-1:30pm

Learn about evidence-based holistic practices and integrative modalities from three clinical practitioners as they guide us on their patient’s healing journeys.

References:

Below are resources and publications that our speakers referenced during the symposium.

Society for Integrative Oncology: integrativeonc.org
Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP): oncanp.org
Find a reliable acupuncturist: acufinder.com
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture: medicalacupuncture.org
Society for Acupuncture Research: acupunctureresearch.org
NCCAM Acupuncture Information Resources: medicalacupuncture.org/nccam-acupuncture-information-and-resource-package/
California Acupuncture Board: acupuncture.ca.gov
Putting Integrative Oncology Into Practice: Concepts and Approaches
Latte-Naor, S., & Mao, J. J. (2019). Putting Integrative Oncology Into Practice: Concepts and Approaches. Journal of oncology practice, 15(1), 7–14. https://doi.org/10.1200/JOP.18.00554
Dietary supplement use in cancer care: help or harm
Hardy, M. L. (2008). Dietary supplement use in cancer care: help or harm. Hematology/oncology clinics of North America, 22(4), 581-617.

2019 Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors
Campbell, K. L., Winters-Stone, K. M., Wiskemann, J., May, A. M., Schwartz, A. L., Courneya, K. S., Zucker, D. S., Matthews, C. E., Ligibel, J. A., Gerber, L. H., Morris, G. S., Patel, A. V., Hue, T. F., Perna, F. M., & Schmitz, K. H. (2019). Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 51(11), 2375–2390. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002116

Impact of Yoga on Inflammatory Biomarkers
Djalilova, D. M., Schulz, P. S., Berger, A. M., Case, A. J., Kupzyk, K. A., & Ross, A. C. (2019). Impact of yoga on inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review. Biological research for nursing, 21(2), 198-209.

Mindfulness meditation and the immune system
Black, D. S., & Slavich, G. M. (2016). Mindfulness meditation and the immune system: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1373(1), 13.
Breathing Techniques
Twal, W. O., Wahlquist, A. E., & Balasubramanian, S. (2016). Yogic breathing when compared to attention control reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in saliva: a pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 16(1), 1-10.

Mary Hardy, MD, former medical director of the UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, discussed how integrative medicine can be incorporated in a standard oncology clinic. Aaron Cook, LAc, Director of Acupuncture Services for the UCSD Center for Integrative Medicine, explored how acupuncture can supplement oncology treatment, including pediatric and family care. Marisa Perdomo, PT, DPT, presented the enhanced power of combining complementary healing modalities such yoga, tai chi, and qi gong alongside traditional aerobic and strength training during recovery.

Integrative Oncology Defined:

Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments.
Integrative oncology aims to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during, and beyond cancer treatment.

Meet the panelists:

Mary Hardy, MD

Dr. Mary Hardy is board certified in internal medicine and a specialist in botanical and integrative medicine. After completing her undergraduate studies at Vassar College, she attended Louisiana State University Medical School. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Tufts New England Medical Center.

Dr. Hardy is a recognized leader in the field of Integrative Oncology. She is a founder of the Integrative Medicine Clinic at Cedars-Sinai and has been co-director of a fourth year medical school elective in Integrative Oncology. Additionally, Dr. Hardy served for two and half years as Associate Director of the UCLA Botanical Research Center where she identified botanical extracts to be used in studies on the efficacy of herbal products to interrupt carcinogenesis.

Dr. Hardy is currently teaching in the Integrative Fellowship Program of the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine. Dr. Hardy’s current research interests include conducting clinical trials of dietary supplements and lifestyle choices to reduce toxicity and to improve outcomes of conventional cancer treatment.

Read Mary Hardy's CV here

Aaron Cook, LAc

Aaron Cook, L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of Traditional East Asian Medicine, specializing in pediatrics and Integrative Healthcare. Aaron earned a Masters of Science of Traditional Oriental Medicine degree from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. While working at the UCSD student-run free clinic project, Aaron became passionate about Integrative Medicine and healthcare for the underserved. After graduating, Aaron taught pediatric acupuncture at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. He continued his work with the UCSD student-run free clinic and became a founding member of the UCSD Center for Integrative Medicine.

At UCSD, Aaron served as the Director of Acupuncture and Massage Services, and directed courses in Integrative Medicine for medical students and residents. Aaron is active in several volunteer activities including Camp Agape for Kids with Cancer, Fiji medical outreach team, LEAPS into Integrative Medicine, and US Navy Humanitarian missions. Aaron currently lives and works in Tucson, Arizona, where he teaches at the Arizona School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Read Aaron Cook's CV Here

Marisa Perdomo, PT, DPT

Marisa Perdomo, PT, DPT, is board certified as an Oncology Physical Therapy Specialist and is an Assistant Professor in Clinical Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. She has over 35 years of clinical practice focusing on orthopedic, oncologic, lymphatic dysfunctions and integrated health. She received her Master’s and Clinical Doctorate degrees at USC, where she developed a physical therapy practice for cancer survivors at the USC Faculty Practice. She received her lymphedema training and certification in 1997. She became a certified kundalini yoga instructor in 2013, and a certified Reiki Master in 2016. Other specialized certifications include a certified cancer exercise specialist in 2003.

Dr. Perdomo integrates her orthopedic manual therapy skills, manual lymphatic mobilization techniques and her yoga and meditation training to provide unique interventions that address the mind, body and spirit for individuals diagnosed with cancer. At USC, Dr. Perdomo developed the curricular content regarding the comprehensive management of oncological related impairments. Her teaching responsibilities include Differential Diagnosis, Cardiopulmonary and Medical Conditions, and Pharmacology. Her scholarly interests include oncology rehabilitation and management of peripheral edema.

Read Marisa Perdomo's CV Here

Irene Kang, MD

Moderator

Irene Kang, MD, is an Assistant Professor at the USC Norris Cancer Center. After getting a Bachelors of Science in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley, Dr. Kang attended the UC San Francisco School of Medicine and completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the Keck Medical Center of USC. Dr. Kang serves on the steering committee for the USC Institute of Integrative Health and Wellness.