Chemotherapy for cancer is an important part of the standard of care. Efficacy is high in cancers such as testicular and acute leukemia, but low in many cancers such as pancreatic and glioblastoma. Few chemo drugs are selective against cancer cells, and even those that are more focused on rapidly dividing cells have adverse effects on normal cells that cycle rapidly, such as the lining of the gut, and bone marrow. Patients facing chemotherapy often have to endure adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, critical anemias, clotting disorders, fatigue, neuropathies, and brain fog. While anti-nausea drugs and steroids mitigate the worst acute effects, there is a need for other effective sustainable interventions. The general policy of oncologists and oncology pharmacists is to recommend against any form of supplements or “alternative” medicines. The primary rule is no antioxidants and is applied arbitrarily. At best, most are told to avoid anything other than their prescriptions for the duration of therapy. There is a considerable body of evidence to support the adjunctive use of natural medicines and dietetics for improved quality of life in chemo patients.
By the end of this lecture, the clinician will be aware that:
- Distinguish his role in the care of patients undergoing the standard of care therapies of medical oncology
- Discern classes of chemo drugs and common adverse effects
- Prescribe antioxidants, botanicals, nutraceuticals and other naturopathic interventions for chemo AEs
- Have a fullsome awareness of interactions, cautions and contra-indications of natural agents during chemotherapy
CE Credits
CONO: Category A – 0.75 credit (General), 0.25 credit (Pharmacology)
British Columbia: Category C – 1.00 credit
AANP: 0.5 credit (General), 0.5 credit (Pharmacy)
OANP/OBNM: For Oregon attendees seeking OBNM approved CE credits, please note that this event has not been submitted for approval to the OBNM. CE certificate will be issued upon individual request.
Dr Neil McKinney, ND
Dr. McKinney has a BSc. in Biosciences from Simon Fraser University, studied kinesiology at the University of Waterloo, and received a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from National College of Naturopathic Medicine (1985). Trained 3 years in TCM at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. He was in cancer research for several years including novel radiation therapies and radiosensitizing drugs. He has held many positions in the regulation of the profession including Registrar of CNPBC. He has received a number of awards for contributions to advancing the scope and standards of the naturopathic profession. Founded the BC Naturopathic Association www.bcna.ca and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine www.binm.org Professor of Naturopathic Oncology, and author of six textbooks of naturopathic oncology. Mentors and lectures to doctors internationally; contributes to publications for professionals and the public. Now retired from decades of practice with a focus on integrative oncology, he is actively engaged in cancer research, professional education and publishing.
