Integrative Tumor Board: a case report and discussion from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Integr Cancer Ther. 2009 Sep;8(3):235-41. doi: 10.1177/1534735409343446.

Abstract

A 34-year-old woman carrying a BRCA1 gene and a significant family history was diagnosed with T1c, N1 breast cancer. The tumor was estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER-2/Neu negative. The patient received dose-dense chemotherapy with Adriamycin and Cytoxan followed by Taxol, and left breast irradiation. Later, a bilateral S-GAP flap reconstruction with right prophylactic mastectomy and left mastectomy were performed. During her treatment, the patient had an integrative medicine consultation and was seen by a team of health care providers specializing in integrative therapies, including integrative nutrition, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and yoga. Each modality contributed unique benefit in her care that led to a satisfactory outcome for the patient. A detailed discussion regarding her care from each modality is presented. The case elucidates the need for integrative approaches for cancer patients in a conventional medical setting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Academies and Institutes*
  • Acupuncture Therapy
  • Adult
  • Anxiety / therapy
  • BRCA1 Protein / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Complementary Therapies / methods
  • Diet Therapy
  • Drug Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Integrative Medicine / methods*
  • Massage
  • Mastectomy
  • Quality of Life
  • Radiotherapy
  • Stress, Psychological / therapy
  • Yoga

Substances

  • BRCA1 Protein