To outline the global evolution and future direction of Integrative Oncology (IO) and Wellbeing Therapies, emphasising the need for international standards that support equitable, safe, and evidence-based supportive cancer care across all settings.
Purpose:
Integrative Oncology aims to embed evidence-informed lifestyle, mind–body, and complementary approaches within multidisciplinary cancer care. This presentation explores how collaboration between MASCC, SIO, ASCO, and national bodies such as COSA can advance unified standards, guideline development, and implementation strategies that improve quality of life and care outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer.
Methods:
This analysis draws from global IO models, with a focus on the Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology (SCIO) service at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a MASCC Global Centre of Excellence. Data from clinical implementation, workforce development, and national advocacy through the Australian National Integrative Oncology and Wellness Alliance and the COSA Integrative Group inform this framework. Global partnerships and consensus-building activities were reviewed to identify opportunities for alignment and knowledge exchange.
Discussion:
Global IO development remains uneven, with significant variability in access, governance, and evidence translation. However, international collaboration provides an unprecedented opportunity to align standards, strengthen the evidence base, and embed IO within multidisciplinary supportive care. The implementation of ASCO–SIO clinical practice guidelines into real-world settings is a key lever for advancing workforce capacity, ensuring safety, and accelerating IO integration within comprehensive cancer care. The Australian model demonstrates how IO can be effectively embedded within clinical governance frameworks, supported by multidisciplinary collaboration and implementation research.
Conclusion:
Global standards for Integrative Oncology and Wellbeing Therapies are essential to achieving consistency, safety, and equity in supportive cancer care. Through harmonised guidelines, shared research priorities, and collaborative leadership, the international IO community can ensure that all people affected by cancer—regardless of geography—can live well and thrive during and beyond cancer.