Cancer care can be complex and overwhelming, but preparation can make medical appointments more productive and less stressful. This practical checklist offers 18 strategies to help patients communicate effectively with providers, organize their care, explore treatment options, and build a collaborative medical “dream team.”
Table of Contents | 2026
Botanical Immunomodulation for Pancreatic Neoplasia: An Integrative Medicine Case Report
Can botanical immunomodulation play a supportive role in patients with pancreatic neoplasia? This case report describes the clinical course of a patient who declined surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and pursued a physician-directed botanical regimen alongside nutrition, exercise, meditation, and other lifestyle measures, with subsequent imaging reportedly demonstrating stabilization followed by reduction in lesion size.
Serial ctDNA in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: Bridging Naturopathic and Conventional Oncology Care
Serial ctDNA testing provided an evolving molecular picture of advanced ovarian cancer, helping inform treatment decisions as the patient moved between naturopathic and conventional care. This case illustrates how multiple liquid-biopsy platforms can complement CA-125 while adding molecular detail relevant to treatment response and progression.
The Future of Precision Oncology: Molecular Profiling and Personalized Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
How can precision oncology move beyond simply matching a mutation to a drug? Through a case of KRAS G13D metastatic colorectal cancer, this article demonstrates how serial molecular profiling can help clinicians interpret tumor evolution and integrate genomics with metabolism, nutrition, immune-directed strategies, natural medicines, repurposed pharmaceuticals, and conventional oncology.
The Naturopathic Therapeutic Order in Cancer Care: A Framework for Integrative Oncology
How can naturopathic therapies be thoughtfully integrated across the continuum of cancer care? This article applies the Naturopathic Therapeutic Order to oncology, illustrating through a breast cancer case how foundational care, self-healing strategies, system support, symptom management, and conventional treatments can be organized within a comprehensive integrative approach.
Topical Calendula Oil for Cancer Pain: An Opioid-Sparing Analgesic Approach in Recurrent Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Can topical calendula help manage severe cancer-related anal pain? This case report describes a rapid, sustained reduction in pain following topical Calendula officinalis oil in a patient with recurrent anal squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting its potential as a well-tolerated, opioid-sparing adjunct worthy of further clinical investigation.
Viscum album for High-Grade Cervical Dysplasia: A Novel Direct-Application Protocol
This case report describes a novel protocol using direct cervical application of Viscum album in a patient with persistent high-grade cervical dysplasia who was awaiting LEEP. Although causality cannot be established, treatment was well tolerated and was followed by an unexpected absence of residual dysplasia on the excised specimen, supporting further investigation of localized Viscum album therapy as a potential adjunctive approach.
Micronized Progesterone in Advanced Endometrial Cancer: Two Integrative Naturopathic Oncology Case Reports
Could micronized progesterone have a broader role in supportive care for advanced endometrial cancer? These two case reports describe its integration primarily for sleep support in women with high-risk disease, alongside naturopathic and conventional oncology therapies, and discuss its potential hormonal and anticancer relevance as an area for further investigation.
Optimizing Preoperative Nutrition in Cancer Surgery: The Role of Tumor Type, Glycemic Load, and Hydration
Preoperative nutrition in cancer surgery is not a one-size-fits-all intervention. This article examines how tumor metabolism and malnutrition risk can guide protein intake, carbohydrate selection, immuno-nutrition, pancreatic enzyme support, and hydration strategies to better prepare oncology patients for surgery and recovery.
Mebendazole and Fenbendazole for Cancer: Examining the Evidence, Risks, and Potential Harms
Mebendazole and fenbendazole have attracted attention as unconventional cancer therapies, but how strong is the clinical evidence supporting their use? This critical review examines proposed anticancer mechanisms, reported outcomes, potential neurotoxicity and drug resistance, and the importance of informed risk-benefit discussions with cancer patients.
Integrative Supportive Quality of Life Care in Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report
This case report describes the treatment and recovery of a 45-year-old woman with Stage II Classic Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed following COVID-19 infection. Alongside standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy, a structured integrative supportive care plan—including intravenous nutrient therapy, nutritional optimization, and restorative modalities—was implemented to reduce treatment-related toxicities, support immune resilience, and enhance long-term quality of life.
The Infection Nobody Thought to Look For: Post-Infection Autoimmune Conditions
Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA, FMCP-M Emerging research links pathogens such as Epstein-Barr virus, SARS-CoV-2, Lyme disease, and other infections to autoimmune disease through molecular mimicry, chronic inflammation, and immune...
Paresthesias, White Matter Hyperintensities, and Possible Preclinical Multiple Sclerosis: The Emerging Role of Environmental Mycotoxin Screening
Saied Mushtagh, ND Patients with paresthesias and nonspecific white matter hyperintensities often present diagnostic challenges when imaging is inconclusive for multiple sclerosis. This review examines differential diagnosis, neurologic risk stratification, and...
Rethinking the Thyroid Panel: Thyroid Antibodies, T3, and Brain Fog
Andrea Sulyok, ND Can patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis experience persistent cognitive symptoms despite normal thyroid hormone levels? This article examines the potential roles of thyroid antibodies, tissue-level T3 activity, and objective brain...
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as an Adjunctive Therapy for Autoimmunity and Chronic Inflammation: A Collaborative Case Report
Fatima Hamade, PharmD, BCACP This case report explores the use of compounded low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as an adjunctive therapy for persistent autoimmune symptoms, highlighting its proposed immunomodulatory mechanisms, individualized dosing strategies, and the...
Archived Case Studies and Featured Content
Medication-Induced Kidney Injury: Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Medications may account for an estimated 20% of community- and hospital-acquired acute kidney injury, with risk amplified by CKD, older age, chronic disease, dehydration, and polypharmacy. This review examines the major mechanisms of drug-induced nephrotoxicity and practical strategies for medication review, hydration, renal monitoring, and prevention.
Low Testosterone and Cardiovascular Disease: Risk Marker, Mediator, or Both?
Low testosterone is consistently associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but whether it is a cause of vascular disease or a marker of underlying metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction remains unresolved. This review examines the epidemiology, vascular mechanisms, hypertension and atherosclerosis data, TRAVERSE findings, and the cardiovascular implications of TRT-induced erythrocytosis.
Male Infertility and Pain Medication: When Analgesic Exposure Becomes a Fertility Clue
Could overlooked pain-medication use provide an important clue in male infertility? This case follows a 40-year-old man with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia whose total motile sperm count increased from 2.72 million to 26.5 million over 111 days following analgesic discontinuation and a multicomponent integrative fertility plan.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Men: A Naturopathic Cardiology Perspective
Cardiovascular risk extends beyond LDL cholesterol and the standard lipid panel. This review explores how plaque biology, inflammation, oxidation, metabolic and hormonal health, advanced biomarkers, CGM, and cardiovascular imaging can complement established therapies to create a more individualized approach to cardiovascular risk assessment in men.
Paresthesias, White Matter Hyperintensities, and Possible Preclinical Multiple Sclerosis: The Emerging Role of Environmental Mycotoxin Screening
Saied Mushtagh, ND Patients with paresthesias and nonspecific white matter hyperintensities often present diagnostic challenges when imaging is inconclusive for multiple sclerosis. This review examines differential diagnosis, neurologic risk stratification, and...
Rethinking the Thyroid Panel: Thyroid Antibodies, T3, and Brain Fog
Andrea Sulyok, ND Can patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis experience persistent cognitive symptoms despite normal thyroid hormone levels? This article examines the potential roles of thyroid antibodies, tissue-level T3 activity, and objective brain...
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as an Adjunctive Therapy for Autoimmunity and Chronic Inflammation: A Collaborative Case Report
Fatima Hamade, PharmD, BCACP This case report explores the use of compounded low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as an adjunctive therapy for persistent autoimmune symptoms, highlighting its proposed immunomodulatory mechanisms, individualized dosing strategies, and the...
ClarityTx Launches Clinical Decision-Support Platform for Integrative Medicine
ClarityTx, a healthcare technology company, announced the launch of its clinical decision-support platform designed specifically for integrative and functional medicine practitioners. Created by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, the platform helps practitioners...
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Mitochondrial Perspective on Recovery and Root Causes
Wiet van Helmond, Classical Homeopath Drawing from decades of clinical experience and a representative case study, this article explores how mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, post-viral illness, psychosocial stress, and individualized homeopathic...
Brain Death Reconsidered Brain Death Reconsidered: Examining the Medical, Legal, and Ethical Debate Over Organ Donation
Heidi Klessig MD This commentary explores ongoing debates surrounding the concept of brain death, reviewing historical definitions, legal standards, published case reports, and ethical questions regarding informed consent and organ donation. Is brain death...
Root-Cause Diabetes Prevention: A Naturopathic Approach to Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Health
Jack Duke, ND Type 2 diabetes develops over years of progressive metabolic dysfunction. This article reviews the pathophysiology of insulin resistance, highlights strategies for early detection, and presents practice-based outcomes from a 12-week naturopathic...
Mental Time Reversal Breathing, Perception Biology, and Telomere-Regulated Longevity: An Integrative Neuro-Endo-Immunologic Framework
Majid Michael Sababi, ND, DC, MS, MD*, MUAc, ABDA This article explores how rhythmic breathing, mental time-reversal visualization, and psychoneuroimmunology may influence autonomic regulation, stress physiology, and telomere biology to support healthy aging...
CIRS, Water-Damaged Buildings, and Parkinson’s Disease: An Underrecognized Environmental Driver of Neurodegeneration
Eric Dorninger, ND, Lac Emerging evidence suggests that Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) caused by exposure to water-damaged buildings may contribute to neuroinflammation, Parkinsonian symptoms, and potentially modifiable pathways of...
Five Days of Oral Essential Oils Produced Symptom Relief Equal to Ten Days of Penicillin V
Physicians assessed that 58 of 67 patients on oral essential oil capsules had avoided antibiotics, and 89 percent of those patients would use the capsules again for their next sore throat. Patients with acute sore throat obtained symptom relief from five days...
Brain Death Reconsidered Brain Death Reconsidered: Examining the Medical, Legal, and Ethical Debate Over Organ Donation
Heidi Klessig MD This commentary explores ongoing debates surrounding the concept of brain death, reviewing historical definitions, legal standards, published case reports, and ethical questions regarding informed consent and organ donation. Is brain death...
Root-Cause Diabetes Prevention: A Naturopathic Approach to Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Health
Jack Duke, ND Type 2 diabetes develops over years of progressive metabolic dysfunction. This article reviews the pathophysiology of insulin resistance, highlights strategies for early detection, and presents practice-based outcomes from a 12-week naturopathic...
Mental Time Reversal Breathing, Perception Biology, and Telomere-Regulated Longevity: An Integrative Neuro-Endo-Immunologic Framework
Majid Michael Sababi, ND, DC, MS, MD*, MUAc, ABDA This article explores how rhythmic breathing, mental time-reversal visualization, and psychoneuroimmunology may influence autonomic regulation, stress physiology, and telomere biology to support healthy aging...
CIRS, Water-Damaged Buildings, and Parkinson’s Disease: An Underrecognized Environmental Driver of Neurodegeneration
Eric Dorninger, ND, Lac Emerging evidence suggests that Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) caused by exposure to water-damaged buildings may contribute to neuroinflammation, Parkinsonian symptoms, and potentially modifiable pathways of...
Five Days of Oral Essential Oils Produced Symptom Relief Equal to Ten Days of Penicillin V
Physicians assessed that 58 of 67 patients on oral essential oil capsules had avoided antibiotics, and 89 percent of those patients would use the capsules again for their next sore throat. Patients with acute sore throat obtained symptom relief from five days...
Naturopathic Medical Education: A Comprehensive Curriculum
Colleen Huber, NMD April 9 2026 The following is a comparison of my conventional medical education and subsequent naturopathic medical education. I wrote this in 2015, and now update it in April 2026, only with updated curriculum links and screenshots from the various...
The Secret History Of Western Medicine & Big Pharma – W/ Advocate Razi Ann Berry
On the Shannon Joy radio show, Razi traced the history of medical education and the naturopathic medicine profession, and she examined the recent veto of the Florida naturopathic licensure bill, CS/SB 688. She explained how the Flexner Report and the funding...
The Missing Question: How Occupational Heavy Metal Exposure Contributed to Severe Testosterone Deficiency in a Young Male
Glenn B. Gero, ND, DSc, M.E.S., R.H. (AHG), EndoANP Kareem Kandil, MD, ND A case study demonstrating how a simple occupational history uncovered chronic heavy metal exposure as a likely contributor to severe hypogonadism, highlighting the critical role of...
Reduction of Thyroid Antibodies with Tirzepatide in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: A Metabolic-Immune Case Report
Dr. Valerie Gettings, NMD A case report exploring how low-dose tirzepatide improved insulin resistance, thyroid function, and thyroid autoantibody levels in a patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, highlighting the emerging role of metabolic therapies in...
16-Hydroxyestrone, Enterohepatic Recirculation, and Dysmenorrhea: Personalizing Hormone Care Through Estrogen Metabolite Testing
Dr. Liz Bartman, ND A case-based exploration of how urinary estrogen metabolites can reveal hidden patterns of estrogen recirculation, gut-liver dysfunction, and hormone clearance that contribute to menstrual pain and heavy bleeding. This case report examines a...
Custom Publishing
Quantum Fields and Frequency Medicine
Quantum Fields and Frequency Medicine A Conversation with Philipp Samor von Holtzendorff Fehling on Remote Quantum Technology and Human Performance Interest in frequency medicine and subtle energy technologies continues to grow within integrative and naturopathic...
Increased Intracellular NAD+ Levels via Oral Supplementation With a Novel Liposomal Delivery Method: A Non-Randomized Crossover Study
Blair E, Miller A, McDonald R. Introduction: NAD+ is a critical coenzyme for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and sirtuin activity, with levels known to decline with age. While oral NAD+ supplementation is proposed for healthy aging benefits, its efficacy in...
IS TYLENOL SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
Understanding Risk Factors, Not Causation Learn how much Tylenol pregnant women can safely take, what risk factors matter, and why glutathione status—not acetaminophen itself—determines safety during pregnancy. IN THIS ARTICLE • Key Takeaways: Tylenol Safety...
Featured News
The 2026 AzureWellness Summit
Building a Community of Practitioners to Inspire Healthier Families June 22–26 Five Day Virtual Event of Education, Insight, and Whole-Person Wellness AzureWell is pleased to announce the Azure Wellness Summit, a free five-day virtual event taking place June...
NWHSU Launches New Doctor of Clinical Nutrition in Functional & Integrative Nutrition
Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) is proud to announce the launch of its new Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) in Functional and Integrative Nutrition– a practice-focused doctoral degree designed for nutrition and healthcare professionals ready to...
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