Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM)

Cancer rates and deaths are increasing, making it harder to provide proper cancer care worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). People in these countries often rely on traditional and alternative medicine because it is more familiar, cheaper, and easier to access. However, the tension between standard medical treatments and these alternative practices can complicate the delivery of proven cancer care.

Integrative oncology is a growing field that aims to combine safe and effective traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) with standard cancer treatments. It helps close gaps in healthcare by using approaches like lifestyle changes, mind-body therapies (e.g., acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga), and natural products to better cancer patients' symptoms and quality of life.

Based on the challenges in global cancer care and the current state of integrative oncology, the authors suggest the following:

1. Educate and involve TCIM providers in cancer care to help prevent cancer and promote healthy lifestyles that fit with different cultures.
2. Develop and test TCIM treatments to address cancer symptoms or side effects from treatments (e.g., pain, insomnia, fatigue).
3. Share and use proven TCIM treatments as part of palliative care and survivorship programs so patients from all cultures can live with or beyond cancer with respect and dignity.

Integrative oncology, which combines conventional medicine and TCIM under a unified system, may offer better care for people worldwide (Zhang et al., 2020).

Combining traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) with artificial intelligence (AI) offers exciting possibilities for healthcare. TCIM focuses on the patient, blending conventional medicine with alternative therapies to support overall well-being. AI can change healthcare using data to help make better decisions and create personalized treatment plans. This article examines how AI can improve TCIM, as both fields aim to improve patient care, outcomes, and holistic health.

The merging of TCIM and AI brings new opportunities but also challenges. AI can help TCIM by detecting diseases early, tailoring treatments to individual needs, predicting health patterns, and increasing patient involvement. However, there are difficulties, such as ensuring data privacy, navigating regulations, maintaining the personal connection between patients and doctors, and reducing bias in AI systems. It is important to consider patient trust, informed consent, and legal responsibilities, as these considerations are the foundation of a patient-centric healthcare system.

Looking ahead, AI could advance personalized medicine, study the effectiveness of herbal remedies, and explore how patients and doctors interact. Research on reducing bias and understanding how patients accept and trust AI-based TCIM is crucial. This article highlights the potential for TCIM and AI to improve healthcare by personalizing treatments, enhancing preventive care, and engaging patients. However, addressing the challenges and encouraging collaboration between AI experts, TCIM practitioners, and policymakers is essential for realizing the full benefits of this integration (Ng et al., 2024).

References

Zhang, J.J., Rothberg, M.B., Misra-Hebert, A.D., Gupta, N.M. and Taksler, G.B., 2020. Assessment of physician priorities in delivery of preventive care.?JAMA Network Open,?3(7), pp. e2011677-e2011677.?

Ng, J.Y., Cramer, H., Lee, M.S. and Moher, D., 2024. Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine and artificial intelligence: Novel opportunities in healthcare.?Integrative Medicine Research, p.101024.