Facing a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and each person’s journey is deeply personal. Integrative oncology offers a whole-person approach that brings together conventional medical treatments—such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery—with natural, evidence-informed therapies to support your health, reduce side effects, and enhance quality of life throughout your care.
Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that aligns with your treatment goals and values. Integrative therapies are designed to complement—not replace—your oncology treatments. They focus on helping your body tolerate therapy, recover more easily, and maintain strength and resilience during every stage of care.
As your Naturopathic Doctor, my role is to:
Carefully monitor for any potential interactions between supplements, foods, and medications so your treatments remain safe and effective. Help reduce side effects and support the body’s ability to tolerate therapy, allowing you to stay on track with your treatment plan. Offer natural, evidence-based recommendations that work alongside your oncology care. Support your nutrition, energy, and overall health during and after treatment.
Supportive Therapies
Some of the supportive therapies that may be included in an integrative cancer care plan are:
Diet Support: Maintaining a healthy weight during cancer treatment is an important part of supporting your overall well being. Unintentional weight loss and muscle loss, known as cachexia, are common in cancer and can affect your immune system, recovery, and overall well-being. Focusing on balanced nutrition and preserving muscle mass can help you feel stronger, maintain energy for daily activities, and support your body throughout treatment. Even small improvements in diet and protein intake can make a meaningful difference in your health and resilience.
Nutraceutical Support: Nutraceuticals can help reduce side effects, improve treatment tolerance, and enhance the effectiveness of conventional therapies. While often considered “natural,” these supplements are still powerful medicines and must be used carefully. The timing, type, quality, and dosage of nutraceuticals vary depending on the type of cancer, your stage of chemotherapy or radiation, and your individual needs. Nature is powerful, and close monitoring is essential to ensure these supplements do not interact with your conventional treatments.
Intravenous IV therapy
• High-Dose Vitamin C (IVC) Therapy: Intravenous vitamin C (IVC) allows for much higher levels of vitamin C in the bloodstream than can be achieved through diet or oral supplements alone. In integrative oncology, IVC is often used alongside conventional treatments to help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and ease common side effects related to chemotherapy and radiation.
• Mistletoe Therapy: Used in Germany as an integrative cancer care for over a century, mistletoe extract has been studied for its potential to improve tolerance to chemotherapy and radiation, enhance energy, and support overall quality of life. It is typically given through injection or intravenously and is individualized based on each person’s treatment plan.
• DCA (Dichloroacetate) Therapy: Dichloroacetate (DCA), is considered an “off-label” metabolic therapy that may affect how cancer cells generate energy. By inhibiting an enzyme called pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), DCA can help shift energy production in cancer cells toward a more normal metabolism, which may promote cancer cell death while supporting healthy cellular function.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
• Preparation: Please complete the Cancer Care intake form and submit all relevant lab work, pathology reports, oncologist visit notes (if available) and imaging at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. This allows Dr. Stewart time to review your medical history, treatment types (e.g., chemotherapy), and your goals.
• Bring a companion: Your visit is 60 minutes long and information-rich. Bringing a friend or loved one can help you process and remember the information shared.
• During the visit: Dr. Stewart will provide information about integrative care options, discuss your specific symptoms or concerns, and answer your questions.
• Personalized plan: Together, we will formulate a plan tailored to your individual goals, needs, and preferences.
• Return Visit Frequency: During active treatment, close monitoring is essential. Visits may occur as frequently as 1–2 times per week for IV therapy, or every 2–3 weeks for follow- up to assess symptoms and adjust your plan as needed. Symptoms and treatment responses can change quickly, so certain therapies may be started or paused based on lab results and how you are feeling.
If you or a loved one is seeking an integrative approach to your cancer journey, you can book an initial consultation with Dr. Kyla Stewart ND. Integrative cancer care is here to support you at every stage—whether you’re currently in treatment, in remission, or looking to prevent cancer and maintain your long-term health.
Complementary visits are available for anyone with questions about integrative cancer care or who would like to meet Dr. Stewart in person. Please note that these visits are for informational purposes only and no medical advice will be provided.
I look forward to meeting you - Dr. Kyla Stewart ND
