A new study from University Hospitals Connor Whole Health reports that an insurance-supported integrative oncology program resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in cancer-related symptoms such as pain, stress, anxiety, depression, nausea, and fatigue, according to findings published on July 11. The research highlights a scalable model with potential for delivering future integrative therapies within routine oncology care. The results were recently published in JCO Oncology Practice.
The study evaluated the first 16 months of the Connor Whole Health Integrative Oncology Symptom Management Clinic. Between June 2023 and September 2024, the clinic delivered 1,924 integrative oncology treatments to 291 patients using a hybrid model that combined insurance-billed physician visits and massage with low-cost group acupuncture sessions. Additional philanthropic support was used for non-billable services.
Dr. Wolf currently serves as Medical Director of Acupuncture at UH Connor Whole Health and is board-certified in acupuncture, Asian herbal medicine, and lifestyle medicine.
The study demonstrated significant clinical benefits for patients: single treatments led to reductions in moderate-to-severe symptoms including pain (–2.08), stress (–2.70), anxiety (–2.28), depression (–2.54), nausea (–3.61), and fatigue (–1.42). Patient satisfaction remained high throughout the program; 87.1% strongly agreed they were satisfied with services provided, while more than 85% said they would refer others or felt supported by symptom management offerings. Demand increased over time, with weekly visit volumes often exceeding 40 encounters per week and peaking at 57 following the introduction of group acupuncture and individualized reiki.
The CWHIO clinic was led by an integrative oncologist embedded within University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center network; treatment plans aligned with American Society of Clinical Oncology and National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for integrative therapies such as acupuncture and massage for pain management as well as anxiety, depression, or fatigue relief.
"A whole health approach to cancer care – one that integrates evidence-based lifestyle and supportive therapies – is well supported by the scientific literature. This study highlights strong patient interest in these services while underscoring persistent system-level barriers that continue to limit access," said Kristi Artz, MD, MS, FACLM, CCMS.
