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What Is Integrative Oncology?
Integrative oncology is an evidence-based approach to cancer care that combines the best of conventional medicine — surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy — with carefully selected complementary therapies. The goal is not to replace proven treatments, but to enhance their effectiveness, reduce side effects, improve quality of life, and support the body’s own capacity to fight disease.
At St. George Hospital (Klinik St. Georg) in Bad Aibling, Germany, integrative oncology is not a department or an add-on — it is the foundation of everything we do. Since our founding in 1987 by Prof. Dr. Friedrich Douwes, we have pioneered the integration of hyperthermia, immune-supportive therapies, detoxification, and metabolic optimization alongside conventional oncology protocols. Today, under Dr. Julian Douwes, we continue this mission for patients from more than 90 countries.
The Evidence Base for Integrative Oncology
Integrative oncology has evolved from a fringe concept to a recognized discipline within mainstream cancer medicine. Major cancer centers worldwide — including MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) — now incorporate integrative approaches.
Key Evidence
- Hyperthermia: Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that adding hyperthermia to chemotherapy or radiation significantly improves response rates in cervical cancer, soft tissue sarcomas, and bladder cancer (Issels et al., 2010).
- Mistletoe therapy: The largest body of evidence for any complementary cancer therapy in Europe, with meta-analyses showing improved quality of life and, in some studies, improved survival.
- High-dose vitamin C: Phase I/II clinical trials demonstrate safety and potential synergy with conventional chemotherapy.
- Mind-body interventions: Robust evidence supports meditation, yoga, and psycho-oncological support for reducing anxiety, depression, and improving treatment adherence.
- Exercise oncology: Strong evidence that structured exercise during and after cancer treatment improves outcomes across virtually all cancer types.
The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) has published clinical practice guidelines endorsed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), providing evidence-based recommendations for integrating complementary therapies into cancer care (Lyman et al., 2018).
How Integrative Oncology Complements Conventional Treatment
A common misconception is that integrative oncology means choosing between conventional and alternative medicine. In reality, the integrative approach strengthens conventional treatment:
Before Conventional Treatment
- Optimization: Improving nutritional status, organ function, and immune competence before surgery or chemotherapy.
- Prehabilitation: Physical conditioning to improve surgical outcomes and recovery.
- Stress reduction: Addressing anxiety and psychological preparedness.
During Conventional Treatment
- Side effect management: Using acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced nausea, mistletoe therapy for fatigue, and targeted supplementation to protect organs from drug toxicity.
- Treatment sensitization: Hyperthermia makes cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiation.
- Immune support: Maintaining immune function during immunosuppressive treatments.
After Conventional Treatment
- Recovery support: Accelerating healing from surgery, rebuilding strength after chemotherapy.
- Recurrence prevention: Metabolic optimization, immune surveillance support, and lifestyle modification to reduce recurrence risk.
- Long-term wellness: Addressing the chronic effects of cancer treatment, including fatigue, cognitive changes, and emotional well-being.
Our Approach at St. George Hospital
Our integrative oncology program is built on four pillars:
1. Advanced Conventional Oncology
We do not shy away from conventional tools when they are indicated. Our physicians are trained oncologists who prescribe chemotherapy, coordinate with radiation centers, and work with surgeons. The difference is that we view these as components of a larger strategy, not the entirety of treatment.
2. Hyperthermia — Our Cornerstone Therapy
Hyperthermia — the controlled application of heat to tumor tissue — is one of our most important and well-researched modalities. We offer:
- Whole-body hyperthermia: Fever-range (38.5–40.5°C) and extreme (up to 42°C) protocols.
- Local/regional hyperthermia: Focused deep heating of specific tumor regions.
- Prostate-specific hyperthermia: Transurethral application for prostate tumors.
3. Immune-Supportive Therapies
The immune system is the body’s primary defense against cancer. Our immune support protocols include:
- High-dose vitamin C infusions
- Mistletoe therapy (Iscador, Helixor)
- Ozone autohemotherapy
- Thymus peptides
- Selenium and zinc supplementation
- NAD+ infusions for cellular energy support
4. Metabolic and Detoxification Support
Cancer thrives in specific metabolic environments. We work to shift the body’s internal terrain through:
- Anti-inflammatory nutritional protocols
- Liver and kidney support during detoxification
- Apheresis for targeted blood filtration
- Micronutrient optimization based on comprehensive laboratory analysis
Key Therapies in Our Integrative Oncology Program
Hyperthermia
Our most-requested therapy. Hyperthermia exploits the fact that cancer cells are more heat-sensitive than normal cells. When combined with chemotherapy or radiation, heat amplifies their effects — a principle confirmed in multiple randomized trials.
Low-Dose Chemotherapy (IPT)
Using insulin to enhance chemotherapy uptake by cancer cells, allowing us to use 10–25% of conventional doses. This dramatically reduces side effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Mistletoe Therapy
The most widely used complementary cancer therapy in German-speaking countries, supported by decades of clinical experience and a growing body of clinical trial evidence.
High-Dose Vitamin C
At pharmacological doses (25–100 grams IV), vitamin C acts as a pro-oxidant selectively toxic to cancer cells while supporting immune function.
Ozone Therapy
Improves tissue oxygenation, stimulates immune function, and creates an environment less favorable for cancer growth.
Who Benefits from Integrative Oncology?
Our integrative approach serves patients across the spectrum of cancer care:
- Newly diagnosed patients seeking to optimize their treatment strategy from the outset.
- Patients undergoing conventional treatment who want to reduce side effects and enhance effectiveness.
- Patients with advanced or metastatic disease looking for additional options beyond standard protocols.
- Post-treatment patients focused on recovery, recurrence prevention, and long-term health.
- Patients who have exhausted conventional options and are seeking evidence-based alternatives.
The International Patient Experience
As a hospital that has treated patients from over 90 countries, we understand the unique needs of international patients:
- Multilingual staff: Communication in English, German, Russian, Arabic, and other languages.
- Comprehensive packages: Treatment plans that account for the logistics of traveling for medical care.
- Remote coordination: Pre-arrival consultations and post-departure follow-up with home physicians.
- Accommodation: Our 70-bed hospital offers comfortable inpatient stays, with additional hotel options nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is integrative oncology safe alongside conventional cancer treatment?
When supervised by trained integrative oncologists — as at St. George Hospital — yes. Our physicians are fully aware of potential interactions between complementary therapies and conventional drugs. We coordinate closely with patients’ home oncologists to ensure safety. Certain supplements are paused during specific chemotherapy cycles to avoid interference, while others are specifically timed to enhance conventional treatment effects.
Does insurance cover integrative oncology?
Coverage varies significantly by country, insurer, and specific treatment. In Germany, private insurance (PKV) frequently covers many integrative oncology therapies. For international patients, we provide detailed medical documentation to support reimbursement claims. Our patient coordination team can provide specific guidance for your situation.
How long does a typical integrative oncology treatment program last?
Initial treatment programs typically range from 2–4 weeks. Some patients return for follow-up courses. The duration depends on cancer type, stage, treatment goals, and how the patient responds. Dr. Julian Douwes and the medical team develop individualized timelines during the initial consultation.
Can I pursue integrative oncology if my home oncologist is skeptical?
Many of our patients’ home oncologists are initially cautious about integrative approaches — and we respect that. We provide comprehensive medical reports, cite the relevant evidence, and offer direct physician-to-physician communication. In our experience, most referring oncologists become supportive once they see the clinical rationale and the results their patients achieve.
Begin Your Integrative Oncology Journey
Whether you are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, or seeking options after conventional therapy, St. George Hospital offers a comprehensive, evidence-based integrative oncology program tailored to your individual needs.
St. George Hospital (Klinik St. Georg)
Rosenheimer Str. 6–8, 83043 Bad Aibling, Germany
Phone: +49 (0)8061 398-0
Email: info@clinicum-stgeorg.de
Request a consultation — Our team is ready to discuss your case in confidence.
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