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Purpose: This project evaluated the dietary supplement (DS) use of patients referred to an integrative oncology program and documented the frequency and reasons for recommending stopping DS. Many patients with cancer are taking dietary supplements and may not disclose such to their care teams. There is potential for harm in several ways: (1) interactions with their medications that may increase side effects, (2) interactions with their treatment that may lead to decreased efficacy, and 3) direct toxicity from the supplement. Methods: Patient data (N = 100) were collected prospectively from an Integrative Oncology Clinic. The number and type of DS were documented. Using the Natural Medicines Database, we determined whether supplements interacted with the patient’s other medications or cancer therapies. We calculated the percentage of patients in which a recommendation for discontinuation (DC) of DS was provided, along with the supporting reasons. Results: We found that 91% of patients took DS, averaging 5.5 per patient (range 0–20). In 35% of patients, we recommended stopping some of their DS or other therapies, the reasons being: DC antioxidants, vitamin B12/iron while on chemo/RT (unless deficient or part of protocol) 32%; DC due to taking excess amounts (i.e., fat-soluble vitamins, calcium, iron) 13.5%; DC supplements with known toxicity (i.e., laetrile, Miracle mineral solution) 13.5%; DC due to interactions with other medications (i.e., anticoagulants) 13.5%; DC DS with potential to increase cancer growth (i.e., estrogenic potential in those with hormone-sensitive cancers, glutamine) 11%; DC due to potential for increased toxicity with chemotherapy (i.e., increased risk of bleeding, CIPN) 11%; DC probiotics, immune stimulants, and cannabis while on immunotherapy 5.4%. Conclusions: Patients with cancer referred to an integrative oncology clinic use large numbers of DS with the potential for adverse effects and/or decreasing efficacy of treatments. This study highlights the prevalence of DS usage in cancer patients referred to an integrative oncology clinic and demonstrates the need for counseling about safe supplement use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress is ubiquitous in our modern society and contributes to many disease states. This narrative review describes the effect of stress/distress on cancer development and progression. Seminal randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews/meta-analyses, and distress management guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the Society for Integrative LinearOncology (SIO) are highlighted. We describe the physiological effects of distress, distress assessment, and management. Psychological treatments are summarized. Evidence-based lifestyle modifications and integrative therapies are reviewed in detail, including mindfulness-based techniques, yoga, guided imagery, breathing techniques, hypnosis, exercise, music therapy, qigong/Tai Chi, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and improving sleep and heart rate variability. Recognition and treatment of distress can improve quality of life. More research is needed to determine the effects of managing distress on cancer outcomes, as well as the best type and duration of intervention, noting that the benefits of interventions may be specific for patients with different cancer types., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Dr Markovic has research support from Bristol-Myers Squibb., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s).)