,

Integrative Oncology Approaches to Supporting Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment of Solid Tumours

Authors

Nina Fuller‐Shavel, Jonathan Krell


Published

December 22,  2023

Abstract

Purpose of Review The goal of this review was to examine the role and practical applications of integrative oncology strategies in supporting immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment of adult solid tumours.

Recent Findings Beyond tumour-intrinsic factors, several patient-associated factors afect ICI response, including germline genetics, systemic infammation, the gut microbiota, and diet. Current promising supportive interventions include a Mediterranean-style diet with over 20 g of fbre, regular exercise, use of live biotherapeutics, minimisation of PPI and antibiotic use, and ensuring vitamin D repletion, with many other integrative oncology approaches under study. Caution around medical cannabis use in patients on ICIs is advised due to previously documented adverse impact on overall survival, while VAE (Viscum album extract) therapy studies have not highlighted any safety concerns so far.

Summary With expanding ICI use, it is important to investigate and apply low-cost integrative oncology strategies to support better treatment outcomes and minimise adverse events. Further research may lead to pre-treatment assessment of both tumour and patient-associated biomarkers and personalised multimodal prehabilitation care plans, as well as on-treatment support with targeted nutrition, physical activity, and supplementation regimes, including both systemic infammation and gut microbiome modulating strategies. Given the emerging understanding of chronic stress impact on ICI treatment outcomes, mind-body approaches require further investigation.

DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01492-4

Citations

Fuller-Shavel, N., & Krell, J. (2024). Integrative Oncology Approaches to Supporting Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment of Solid Tumours. Current Oncology Reports, 1-11.