Grant Number:	1R13CA254452-01 Interpret this number
Primary Investigator:	Paller, Channing
Organization:	Johns Hopkins University
Project Title:	The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) 17th International Conference, "the Science of Living Well with Cancer"
Fiscal Year:	2020

The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) defines Integrative Oncology (IO) as “a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care using mind/body practices, natural products, and lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. IO aims to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants in their treatment”. The SIO 17th International Conference, "The Science of Living Well with Cancer,” will encourage scientific and clinical collaboration across global and professional boundaries to advance knowledge, therapies, and care delivery. SIO2020 will disseminate important findings from IO research that may transform cancer care through innovative and effective interventions, enabling people to better manage their cancer- related symptoms and side-effects, improve quality of life and live well at all stages of disease. SIO2020 will be in Baltimore, MD, October 16-18 2020, co-hosted by the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. Four invited keynotes highlight the conference theme of living well with cancer: 1) Dr. Jeffrey White, director of the NCI Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) on current and future priorities and plans for investment in research on the science of living well with cancer; 2) Dr. Mary Armanios on the intersection of aging and cancer and will illuminate the interplay of telomere length and tumor growth to provide the biological context for understanding the role of integrative therapies 3) Dr. Bonnie Kaplan on the role of nutrition and micronutrients on mental health and resilience in cancer and other populations, and; 4) Dr. Otis Brawly on the growing body of evidence showing that sociological and demographic disparities, rather than race-related biological differences, largely explain cancer inequalities, directly leading to impaired quality of life in minority groups. The conference will also include invited plenary panels focusing on the current state of IO science for: 1) integrative therapies for living well with advanced cancer, 2) complementary therapies for older cancer patients and 3) IO for adolescents and young adults. Members will submit abstracts for peer-reviewed selection for workshops, poster sessions, oral paper sessions and symposia. We anticipate attendance of over 400 participants from around the world. The conference's specific aims are to: 1) create an international forum in which researchers, clinicians, trainees, and patient advocates can discuss the current evidence for the interplay of integrative oncology research and clinical application to enhance their understanding of the advantages and challenges of the field; 2) foster critical dialogue and collaboration opportunities among researchers, health professionals, and patient advocates to strengthen the translational potential and clinical relevance of future research in integrative oncology; and 3) support the training of early investigators and patient advocates to interpret, develop, disseminate, and implement evidence-based integrative oncology research.





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