The market is full of supplements and multivitamins, especially antioxidants. However, some studies show that taking antioxidant supplements during treatment may actually reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Eating at least five servings of non-starchy fruits and vegetables daily provides far greater benefits than pills.
Since its introduction in 2016, immunotherapy has been widely applied in many cancers (National Cancer Institute, 2022). However, its effectiveness depends on the number and activity of immune cells. Adequate nutrition = stronger immune cells, enabling treatment to work at its best (ESPEN, 2021).
Over the past two decades, cancer treatment has made tremendous progress. With the continuous development of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, the overall five-year survival rate for cancer has risen from 40% to over 60% (American Cancer Society, 2023). However, standard therapies alone often eliminate only 90–95% of tumor cells, leaving behind “minimal residual disease (MRD)” or “circulating tumor cells (CTCs)” (Alix-Panabières & Pantel, 2014). These residual cancer cells may lead to recurrence or metastasis after treatment. Therefore, clinical research increasingly focuses on how nutritional support, anti-inflammatory strategies, and immune modulation can improve overall treatment outcomes.
Proton therapy leverages the Bragg Peak effect, concentrating radiation energy at the tumor target with minimal impact on surrounding and posterior tissues. Compared to conventional X-ray radiotherapy, proton therapy delivers significantly lower doses to the bladder, rectum, and neurovascular bundles related to sexual function (Moteabbed et al., 2021).
Head and neck cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, represent some of the most treatment-intensive malignancies. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy improve tumor control and survival rates but are often accompanied by severe side effects such as oral mucositis, xerostomia, taste alterations, dysphagia, malnutrition, and fatigue. These not only compromise quality of life but may also lead to treatment interruptions, ultimately reducing efficacy (Sonis, 2012; MASCC/ISOO, 2020).
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Hong Kong, with incidence rates continuing to rise. According to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry (2022), breast cancer accounts for approximately 27% of new female cancer cases, posing a significant public health challenge. Conventional radiotherapy usually follows breast-conserving surgery, requiring several weeks of treatment, which can be a heavy burden on patients’ daily lives and work.
Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide, with a five-year survival rate of only 15–20%. Standard treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. However, patients often experience dysphagia, weight loss, and side effects, which reduce adherence to treatment ([Enzinger & Mayer, 2003]). Relying solely on conventional treatment is often insufficient, highlighting the need for integrative approaches that incorporate nutrition, exercise, and mind–body interventions.
High-dose Photon Knife, clinically applied as Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) or Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), is a highly precise, high-dose local radiotherapy technique. Its main advantage lies in delivering multiple high-energy photon beams converging on the tumor, inducing irreparable DNA damage in tumor cells while sparing surrounding normal tissues (Guckenberger et al., 2020).
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality (Sung et al., 2021). While early-stage breast cancer has a relatively high cure rate, treatment options for patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer remain limited. Even though immune checkpoint inhibitors (such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) have shown promise in certain subtypes of breast cancer, overall response rates remain low, and there is still a significant unmet clinical need (Emens, 2018).
Modern breast cancer treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal, and targeted therapies. Each phase places significant stress and metabolic burden on the body. Integrative oncology advocates for combining standard treatment with personalized nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and psychological support to enhance therapeutic outcomes and quality of life (Silicon Valley Oncology Nursing Society).
