What Integrative Oncology Strategies Can Help Cancer Patients?

For those exploring integrative oncology options:

Most major centers—such as MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), and City of Hope—offer services under the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) framework. In my opinion, SIO can be somewhat dated and conservative in its approach.

For our integrative oncology patients, I often recommend a metabolic approach to cancer—specifically therapeutic ketosis—combined with low-dose naltrexone (LDN). I encourage you to look into the work of Berkson on this topic (search: "Berkson + LDN + Cancer"). This combination has yielded the most consistent clinical benefits in my practice, particularly for symptom management and quality of life during active treatment or in advanced disease stages. The original Berkson protocol also incorporates IV alpha-lipoic acid.

Another helpful resource is Jane McLelland’s book, which outlines the Care Oncology Clinic protocol using generic medications. While I have not adopted that specific protocol at this time, I do see its value. In fact, a recent patient of mine chose the Care Oncology route and declined the ketogenic approach; unfortunately, they later developed brain metastases. While anecdotal (n=1), it highlighted for me the potential neuroprotective advantages of ketosis.

Instead of pharmaceutical protocols, my practice focuses on matching medicinal mushrooms to cancer types, alongside an acupuncture protocol developed by a late Korean master. This protocol addresses energy balance, physical discomfort, and emotional well-being. Herbal support is customized based on each patient’s symptoms.

Most importantly, I always recommend patients read Bernie Siegel, MD’s work, especially Love, Medicine and Miracles, and begin cultivating a mindset of becoming an “exceptional cancer patient.” Mental health and resilience are vital—working with a therapist or counselor can be transformative.

During my time at the University of Kansas Integrative Medicine program, I participated in research on high-dose intravenous vitamin C. While it was found to be safe and supportive of quality of life, it did not improve survival outcomes.

Currently, I lead the Integrative Oncology program at the Memorial Institute of Health & Healing in Carthage, IL, where we accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Illinois Medicaid. Learn more here: Memorial Institute of Health & Healing.

I also have a telemedicine private practice serving Texas, Florida, and Georgia for those who cannot travel to Illinois.

For those located elsewhere:

California: I highly recommend Dr. Myrto Ashe for a functional medicine approach and Dr. Donald Abrams (UCSF) for a more conservative integrative oncology perspective.
New York City: MSK is a strong starting point.
Advanced cancer patients: I urge you to consider a second opinion at MD Anderson (Houston, TX). They tend to take the most aggressive approach, and I’ve seen them help patients outlive prognoses after other institutions had given up.

Finally, I encourage all patients to explore clinical trials and empower themselves with knowledge. As Bernie Siegel emphasized, the empowered patient often becomes the exceptional one.

Yoon Hang Kim MD MPH

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