Connecting (T)issues: How Research in Fascia Biology Can Impact Integrative Oncology

Posted On: October 19th, 2016

Connecting (T)issues: How Research in Fascia Biology Can Impact Integrative Oncology

Last November, the Osher Center organized the Joint Conference on Acupuncture, Oncology and Fascia in collaboration with the Society of Acupuncture Research, the Society for Integrative Oncology and the Fascia Research Society. The presentations and discussions created an inter-disciplinary dialogue between clinicians and basic scientists on both patient care and cancer biology.

The speakers took their collective thinking further by drawing up a white paper based on the outcomes of the Joint Conference, and their thoughts on areas for further research as a response to the Joint Conference. The paper was just published as a Perspective piece in Cancer Research. 

Read the Abstract here:

“Complementary and integrative treatments, such as massage, acupuncture, and yoga, are used by increasing numbers of cancer patients to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. In addition, such treatments may have other important and currently overlooked benefits by reducing tissue stiffness and improving mobility. Recent advances in cancer biology are underscoring the importance of connective tissue in the local tumor environment. Inflammation and fibrosis are well-recognized contributors to cancer, and connective tissue stiffness is emerging as a driving factor in tumor growth. Physical-based therapies have been shown to reduce connective tissue inflammation and fibrosis and thus may have direct beneficial effects on cancer spreading and metastasis. Meanwhile, there is currently little knowledge on potential risks of applying mechanical forces in the vicinity of tumors. Thus, both basic and clinical research are needed to understand the full impact of integrative oncology on cancer biology as well as whole person health.” Cancer Res; 1–4. ©2016 AACR.