The 200+ attendees of the 5th annual Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians conference were presented with diverse content and experienced professional camaraderie during the event. An interesting mix of immunology, integrative research, and practical clinical information was dispensed throughout the conference held February 26–28, 2016, at the Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. There were 15.5 continuing education credits available to participants.
The OncANP is a recognized affiliate of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and is responsible for the certification of naturopathic physicians in naturopathic oncology. Its mission is to advance the philosophy, science, and practice of naturopathic oncology.
At this year’s conference, National Institutes of Health (NIH) researcher Polly Matzinger, PhD, delivered a fascinating talk on “the danger model of immunity and its implications for autoimmune disease.” There were presentations on breast, pancreatic, and pediatric cancers. Monica Guzman, PhD, assistant professor of pharmacology in medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine; Leanna Standish, PhD, ND, FABNO, professor at Bastyr University and the University of Washington; and Bernard Fox, PhD, chief of molecular and tumor immunology, Providence Cancer Center, presented updates on the latest research in oncology.
Fox described how the promise of immunology is likely to transform cancer care and was even so bold as to use the word “cure.” In addition to discussing vaccines and promising new immunological drugs, Fox touched on the role the microbiome plays in cancer treatment.
Natural Medicine Journal’s Editor-in-Chief, Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO, provided an overview of some of the newer oncology drugs now being used. Kaczor joined Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, OncANP president, to end the conference with a discussion of 2015 published research highlights.
Other topics addressed included stem cells, interpreting research, whole-body hyperthermia, lymphedema, mistletoe extract, and essential oils. Natural Medicine Journal editor Jacob Schor, ND, FABNO, provided an entertaining presentation on how to talk to patients about complex oncology targets of action.
Looking forward to next year’s conference, OncANP Executive Director Corey Murphy said, “We will continue our trend of holding our annual conference in Arizona but we have not yet decided on the final location for next year’s event. More details will be coming soon.”
