Eran Ben-Arye

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology | technion · Family medicine

Study Objective The study examined a training program for integrative medicine (IM) providers, teaching clinical skills for treating acute stress disorder (ASD). Methods A 10‐h online training program, designed by IM and mental health professionals, was attended by a group of 32 IM providers working in supportive and palliative oncology care. Pre‐...

In this narrative essay, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner describes the challenge of treating three survivors of a terror attack, all of whom were presenting various symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD). Working in new and exceptionally demanding circumstances – with thousands of people injured in an extensive and direct terror...

Objectives The use of herbal medicine is widespread among oncology patients, with potentially negative interactions with anticancer drugs. This study identified herbal products being used among a cohort of oncology patients, assessing the risk for an herb-drug interaction. Methods Herbal medicine use was examined among 42 oncology patients, identi...

Purpose of Review Communicating effectively with patients having a traditional, alternative or complementary medicine-related health-belief model is challenging in today’s cross-cultural society. This narrative review explores the integrative medicine setting of care, focusing on insights from the integrative oncology daily practice, while addressi...

Background Acutherapy is an important integrative therapy in oncology settings as an adjunctive management option for cancer-related adverse effects. However, barriers to utilization of acupuncture in minority populations have been reported. This study sought to assess factors that impact completion of a recommended acutherapy regimen in a racially...

Objective Examining an intra-operative acupuncture/acupressure setting, with real-time “fine-tuning” in response to alarming events (AEvs) during gynecological oncology surgery. Methods Narratives of acupuncturists providing intraoperative acupuncture during gynecological oncology surgery were qualitatively analyzed. These described real time “fin...

Purpose of the review Children and adolescents with cancer, along with their parents and other informal caregivers, often report using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during active oncology and hemato-oncology treatment. Some adopt an “alternative” approach to conventional medical care, which often entails the use of these practices wi...

Objectives The study examines perspectives of patients in home hospice care; their informal caregivers; palliative health-care providers (HCPs); and family physicians, all regarding patients’ unmet needs and quality of life (QoL)-related concerns. Methods Participants from all 4 groups were approached within 2 months after the patient’s admission...

Background Up-to-date recommendations for the safe practice of acupuncture in integrative oncology are overdue with new cancer treatments and an increase in survivors with late effects of disease; 17 years have elapsed since Filshie and Hester’s 2006 guidelines. During 2022/2023 an expert panel assembled to produce updated recommendations aiming to...

Trust is a central theme in the communication between patients and oncology healthcare practitioners, especially for those patients who are using traditional, alternative, or complementary medicine. These patients are often reluctant to disclose the use of these practices, increasing the gap in communication with their healthcare practitioners, esp...

Cancer-related pain (C-RP) is a prevalent and debilitating concern among patients with cancer, with conventional treatments limited in their ability to provide adequate relief, and by the adverse effects associated with their use. Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) modalities have been shown to be potentially effective and safe for the tr...

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most prevalent hematologic malignancy, and its incidence has been increasing enormously in recent years. The prognosis of MM has changed radically with the introduction of new drugs that have improved life expectancy; recurrences are a common occurrence during the course of the disease and are characterized by an...

Objective To explore responses from primary care physicians (PCPs) from an integrative physician (IP) consultation and recommended integrative oncology (IO) treatment program. Methods Chemotherapy-treated patients were referred by their oncology healthcare professional to an IP, a physician dually trained in complementary medicine and supportive c...

PurposeIntegrative oncology (IO) provides complementary and integrative medicine within conventional supportive and palliative cancer care. The present study set out to identify barriers to attending an integrative physician (IP) consultation, provided without charge within an IO treatment program.Study methodsElectronic files of adult oncology pat...

Objective: To explore responses from primary care physicians(PCPs) from an integrative physician (IP) consultation and recommended integrative oncology (IO) treatment program. Methods: Chemotherapy-treated patients were referred by their oncology healthcare professional to an IP, a physician dually-trained in complementary medicine and supportive c...

Context and objectives The present study examined the impact of intraoperative acupuncture on anesthesia-related parameters in patients undergoing gynecological oncology surgery. Methods Participants underwent preoperative integrative oncology (IO) touch/relaxation treatments, followed by intraoperative acupuncture (Group A); preoperative IO treat...

Objective Nurses are increasingly becoming involved in integrative oncology (IO) programs. This study examined the additive effect of nurse-provided guidance for self-administered IO therapies on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life (QoL).Methods The study was randomized and controlled, enrolling patients undergoing active oncology treatment...

Purpose of Review Integrative oncology (IO) services provide a wide range of complementary medicine therapies, many of which can augment the beneficial effects of conventional supportive and palliative care for patients with ovarian cancer. This study aims to assess the current state of integrative oncology research in ovarian cancer care. Recent...

Context and objectives The present study examined the perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs) in designing a multi-disciplinary model of supportive cancer care for the relief of dermatology-related symptoms caused by monoclonal antibody therapies. Methods The study employed a mixed research methodology, with qualitative research embedded withi...

Objectives Integrative oncology (IO) is increasingly being incorporated in supportive and palliative cancer care. This study examined an IO-palliative care training programme for nurses from community and hospital settings. Methods A 120-hour course, attended by 24 palliative care nurses without IO training, included precourse/postcourse questionn...

Background In this study, the impact of a multimodal integrative oncology pre‐ and intraoperative intervention on pain and anxiety among patients undergoing gynecological oncology surgery was explored. Methods Study participants were randomized to three groups: Group A received preoperative touch/relaxation techniques, followed by intraoperative a...

Objective To compare the effectiveness of acupuncture alone or with additional integrative oncology modalities for taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy-related symptoms in patients with gynecological and breast cancer. Methods The study was a prospective evaluation of patients undergoing twice-weekly treatments with either acupuncture alone (singl...

Objective: Frontline healthcare providers (HCPs) working in COVID-19 hospital departments need to deal with considerable physical and emotional stress on a daily basis. We conducted a pilot study to examine changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in frontline COVID-19 personnel following an integrative medicine (IM) intervention. Methods: HCPs w...

This narrative describes an innovative program using integrative medicine therapies to improve the well-being of patients and providers in a hospital’s COVID-19 departments.

Purpose: The aim of this joint guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and other health care providers on integrative approaches to managing pain in patients with cancer. Methods: The Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO convened an expert panel of integrative oncology, medical oncology, radiation onc...

Background To explore the impact of acupuncture with other complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) modalities on chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and quality of life (QoL) in oncology patients. Methods In this prospective, pragmatic, and patient‐preference study, patients with CIPN were treated with acupuncture and CIM therap...

Objective The present study aimed to explore attitudes of medical students following a course in integrative medicine (IM) focused on palliative and supportive cancer. Method Attitudes to IM among pre-clerkship medical students were assessed following a 3-day required course, which included interviews with international experts in IM and “hands-on...

Objective Integrative oncology (IO) has been shown to improve quality-of-life (QoL) and increase adherence to planned chemotherapy regimens. This study examined the impact of a patient-tailored IO program on adherence to chemotherapy among patients with advanced gynecological cancer. Methods This prospective non-randomized, pragmatic, preference s...

Context and objectives: Nurses are increasingly becoming involved in integrative oncology (IO) programs. This study examined the additive effect of nurse-provided guidance for self-administered IO therapies on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life (QoL). Methods: The study was randomized and controlled, enrolling patients undergoing active onc...

Objective To assess the impact of a multidisciplinary complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) intervention on physical and emotional concerns among front-line COVID-19 healthcare providers (HCPs). Methods A multimodality CIM treatment intervention was provided by integrative practitioners to HCPs in three isolated COVID-19 departments. HCPs’...

Objectives The research addressing physical and emotional exhaustion among healthcare providers (HCPs) in COVID-19 departments is limited. We examined the impact of integrative medicine (IM) intervention for HCPs working in isolated COVID-19 in-patient departments, addressing concerns and well-being. Methods HCPs working in 3 isolated COVID-19 in-...

Context and objectives: The present study examined the perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs) in designing a multi-disciplinary model of supportive cancer care for the relief of dermatology-related symptoms caused by immunotherapy. Methods: This qualitative study identified patients undergoing oncology therapy with MoAB, anti-HER2 and anti-PD-...

Context and objectives: The present study examined the perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs) in designing a multi-disciplinary model of supportive cancer care for the relief of dermatology-related symptoms caused by immunotherapy. Methods: This qualitative study identified patients undergoing oncology therapy with MoAB, anti-HER2 and anti-PD-...

Objective The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Online Task Force was created in response to the challenges facing continuity of integrative oncology care resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Task Force set out to guide integrative oncology practitioners in providing effective and safe online consultations and treatments for quality-of-li...

Objective To examine the impact of an integrative medicine (IM) course on self-perceived IM-related communication and research skills. Methods A 3-day mandatory "hybrid" (online and in-person) IM course was held within COVID-19 restrictions for 161 pre-clerkship medical students, with workshops facilitated by mentor healthcare professionals (IM an...

Objective Integrative oncology (IO) has been shown to improve quality-of-life (QoL) and increase adherence to planned chemotherapy regimens. This study examined the impact of a patient-tailored IO program on adherence to chemotherapy among patients with advanced gynecological cancer. Methods This prospective pragmatic study examined patients with...

Patients with cancer frequently suffer from symptoms related to their disease or its treatment. Many seek out non-conventional medical treatments, often in an alternative setting and with an expectation that ‘natural’ remedies are both safe and effective in providing a ‘cure’ for their disease. While some non-conventional therapies can alleviate sy...

Pain is a common and often debilitating symptom in both oncology and non-cancer settings, with conventional medical treatments often limited by adverse effects. Integrative medicine provides non-conventional therapies in a conventional setting, offering an additional option for the treatment of symptoms, including pain. Clinical research supports m...

Study objective There is a need to explore how patient-tailored integrative oncology (IO) programs reduce emotional distress. This study set out to bridge the IO research gap between non-specific, quality of life-related and specific emotional-related concerns in chemotherapy-treated patients. Methods This pragmatic, prospective and preference-con...

Context and objectives The present study examined the impact of an integrative oncology treatment program in the relief of pain in patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or palliative care. Methods In this pragmatic prospective controlled study, patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or palliative care were referred by their oncology healthcare provid...

Objective We examined the qualitative impact of an online integrative oncology (IO) treatment program, designed in response to the restrictions created by the current COVID-19 pandemic.Methods Patients undergoing chemotherapy were seen by an integrative physician (IP), together co-designing an IO treatment program of ≥ 6 weekly treatments to allevi...

Many oncology centers provide integrative oncology (IO) care, many within palliative care settings. The primary study objective was to examine the impact of IO-palliative patient-tailored program on quality of life (QoL) among patients with advanced cancer. In this pragmatic prospective controlled study, patients with advanced cancer undergoing che...

Background We examine the impact of a 5-day online elective course in integrative medicine (IM) taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic, attended by 18 medical students from two faculties of medicine in Israel. Methods The course curriculum addressed effectiveness and safety of IM practices highlighting supportive and palliative care, demonstrat...

Objectives There is limited research addressing physical and emotional exhaustion among healthcare providers (HCPs) in COVID-19 departments. We examined the impact of an integrative medicine (IM) intervention for HCPs working in isolated COVID-19 in-patient departments, addressing concerns and wellbeing. Methods HCPs working in 3 isolated COVID-19...

Objective Integrative oncology (IO) is increasingly becoming part of palliative cancer care. This study examined the correlation between an IO treatment program and rates of survival among patients with advanced gynecological cancer.Methods Patients were referred by their oncology healthcare professionals to an integrative physician (IP) for consul...

Integrative physicians (IPs) working in supportive and palliative care are often consulted about the use of herbal medicine for disease-related outcomes. We examined 150 electronic files of oncology patients referred to an IP consultation for demographic and cancer-related data; use of herbal medicine for disease-related outcomes; and narratives of...

Objective We aim to characterize the patient population that exhibits reluctance to undergo complementary medicine (CM) treatments in a hospital setting. Methods we conducted a cross-sectional prospective study among patients prior to hospitalization using structured questionnairesin a single center in Israel. Participants were asked to rate their...

Oncology patients frequently use herbal and other forms of complementary medicine, often without the knowledge of oncologists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals responsible for their care. Oncology healthcare professionals may lack the knowledge needed to guide their patients on the safe and effective use of herbal medicinal products,...

Context and Objectives Manual and movement therapies (MMTs) play a central role in the integrative oncology setting, significantly improving patients' quality of life (QOL). Despite research supporting the effectiveness and safety of these modalities, most oncology healthcare providers (HCPs) lack any MMT training. In this study we examine the impa...

Objective: To examine the association between physical activity and the reported use of complementary medicine by patients with breast and gynecological cancer referred or self-referred to a complementary/integrative medicine (CIM) consultation within a palliative care context. Methods: Retrospective observational study analyzing the medical files...

Purpose of Review Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication of cancer treatment, with conventional treatment limited in its ability for prevention or treatment of symptoms. This review addresses the research assessing the effectiveness and safety of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) in preventing and trea...

Purpose In the context of whole medical systems (WMSs), external applications are manual treatments that stem from complementary medicine and are performed by practitioners, nurses and caregivers through the application of interpersonal touch. These applications work via physiological, psychological and social processes and are intended for holisti...

Objectives To assess consumption of dietary and herbal supplements (DHS) among patients in internal medicine departments and determine whether such use is documented in their medical files. Methods 267 patients from three internal medicine departments of an academic medical center in Haifa, Israel were assessed prospectively with questionnaires ab...

Background: Whole medicine and health systems like traditional and complementary medicine systems (T&CM) are part of healthcare around the world. One key feature of T&CM is its focus on patient-centered and multimodal care and the integration of intercultural perspectives in a wide range of settings. It may contribute to good health and well being...

Background Although staff spiritual care provision plays a key role in patient-centered care, there is insufficient information on international variance in attitudes toward spiritual care and its actual provision. Methods A cross-sectional survey of the attitudes of Middle Eastern oncology physicians and nurses toward eight examples of staff prov...

Incorrect family name of Layth Mula-Hussian.

Background: Many hospitalized older adults experience delirium, but treatment options are limited. Acupuncture has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce agitation in dementia. We hypothesize that acupuncture, when compared with a sham intervention, will reduce the duration and severity of delirium, normalize delirium biomarkers, and i...

Introduction: Perioperative symptoms such as pain, nausea and anxiety are often inadequately treated. We conducted a pragmatic trial to evaluate the impact of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments on these symptoms, within the framework of a general surgery department that integrates CAM. Methods: Patients ≥ 18 years referred t...

Objective To assess the impact of integrative medicine (IM) on cancer-related fatigue in patients undergoing chemotherapy for early and advanced breast and gynecological (ovarian, endometrial, and cervical) cancer. Methods Patients reporting significant levels of fatigue (on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), European Organization for Re...

Introduction: Communication is an essential component of patient care, and although medical schools provide training on this topic, patients and physicians alike express the need to improve their communication skills. An international medical student collaboration explored whether complementary medicine (CM) has the ability to further enhance patie...

Objective When patients feel spiritually supported by staff, we find increased use of hospice and reduced use of aggressive treatments at end of life, yet substantial barriers to staff spiritual care provision still exist. We aimed to study these barriers in a new cultural context and analyzed a new subgroup with “unrealized potential” for improved...

Context and objectives: To examine the impact of a complementary/integrative medicine (CIM) program on quality of life (QoL)-related concerns among patients scheduled for chemotherapy for breast and gynecologic cancer. Methods: Chemotherapy-naïve patients were referred by their oncology healthcare professional to an integrative oncology program,...

Background: Integrative oncology provides a broad spectrum of complementary medicine therapies, many of which can augment the effects of supportive and palliative care for patients with gynecologic cancer. Methods: The present review will focus on the findings of the research on the role of integrative medicine, within the challenges they face d...

Objectives: This study evaluated the change in the concerns, wellbeing, and lifestyle behaviors of informal caregivers of people with cancer attending Penny Brohn UK's Living Well Course (LWC), a self-management education intervention. Design: A pre-postcourse design collected self-reported quantitative and qualitative data from informal caregiv...

Background Postoperative pain is common in patients hospitalized in surgical departments, yet it is currently not sufficiently controlled by analgesics. Acupuncture, a complementary medical practice, has been evaluated for its benefits in postoperative pain with heterogeneous results. We tested the feasibility of a controlled study comparing the po...

Objective: Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) is acknowledged in more and more oncology-care centers as part of supportive and palliative cancer care. However, only limited research is available on medical training of CIM practitioners regarding end-of-life (EOL) care. In this study, we assess the impact of multi-disciplinary EOL trainin...

Bar-Sela G1, Schultz MJ1, Elshamy K2, Rassouli M3, Ben-Arye E4, Doumit M5, Gafer N6, Albashayreh A7, Ghrayeb I8, Turker I9, Ozalp G9, Kav S10, Fahmi R11, Nestoros S12, Ghali H13, Mula-Hussain L14, Shazar I15, Obeidat R16, Punjwani R17, Khleif M18, Can G19, Tuncel G9, Charalambous H20, Faraj S13, Keoppi N21, Al-Jadiry M13, Postovsky S22, Al-Omari M2...

Objective: Inadequate treatment of pain in patients undergoing surgery is associated with unsatisfactory perioperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the role of reflexology in addition to standard analgesic treatment in postoperative pain management. Design: This was a prospective, unblinded pragmatic controlled trial. Setting/...

Objectives This paper sought to explore risk/safety considerations associated with the integration of a complementary medicine (CM) service within a public academic medical centre in Israel. Methods We reviewed various sources pertaining to the CM service (interviews with CM staff, patients' electronic charts, service guidelines, correspondence wi...

Purpose: Integrative oncology (IO) services provide complementary/integrative medicine (CIM) therapies to patients as part of their supportive cancer care. In this study, we examine and compare the structural, operational, financial and academic/research-related aspects of IO services in Israeli oncology centers. Methods: The medical directors o...

Complementary/integrative medicine (CIM) has been shown to play an important role in supportive cancer care, relieving symptoms and improving quality of life among oncology patients. Communication between CIM practitioners and oncology healthcare professionals has been researched in depth, while little attention has been paid to the interaction bet...

Context Chemotherapy-induced taste disorder (CITD) is a common adverse effect among patients with cancer, with no effective known treatment. Objectives Exploring the impact of a patient-tailored complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) treatment program on CITD-related severity. Design Prospective study on patients’ chart. Setting Integrativ...

Objective: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of cancer treatment impairing quality of life and function. This study explored the impact of a complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) program on taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN). Materials and methods: Taxane-treated female patients with breast and gynecological cancer r...

Introduction: Hospitalized individuals often experience intense feelings of anxiety. Medical staff can reduce patient distress by employing appropriate communication techniques that establish rapport and emphasize positive affirmations. Orderlies transport patients throughout the hospital to consultations and various procedures that are often the s...

Background The integration of manual therapies, including reflexology, into conventional care settings is growing extensively. Patients’ beliefs, attitudes and expectations toward these therapies interact with their outcomes, but currently there are no validated tools to evaluate these factors. We aimed to design and to validate such a tool specifi...