Integrative Oncology for Biochemical Recurrence of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Mind-body therapies, including mindfulness, yoga, and cognitive behavioral therapy, have demonstrated benefits in reducing anxiety, distress, and fear of recurrence. Exercise and acupuncture improve vitality, mood, and sleep. Nutritional strategies-particularly anti-inflammatory diets, vitamin D sufficiency, and omega-3 fatty acid intake-promote resilience and overall health. Natural compounds such as green tea, medicinal mushrooms, modified citrus pectin, melatonin, and AHCC show immune-modulating or anti-tumor effects in preclinical or early clinical studies. Among repurposed non-oncologic drugs, metformin provides the strongest rationale, especially for women with type 2 diabetes. Although ovarian cancer-specific trials are limited, IO approaches are safe, feasible, and evidence-informed. They address psychosocial distress, improve quality of life, and may influence disease biology, offering meaningful options for women under surveillance during biochemical recurrence.
Authors
- Tara Berman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5165-0570)
- Emad Matanes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6990-9592)
- Moshe Frenkel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0245-0764)
- Chen Ben David (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8633-9467)
Institutions
- Harvard University (US)
- Rambam Health Care Campus (IL)
- Lemuel Shattuck Hospital (US)
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (US)
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Current Oncology Reports
- Published
- 2026-02-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-026-01762-x
- Primary Topic
- Cancer, Stress, Anesthesia, and Immune Response
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00