Can TCM be part of cancer care?

In cancer centres around the world, care has traditionally focused on methods of treatment that directly target the cancer such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. But patients often experience side effects both during and sometimes after treatment that require long-term care. 

What is the best way to care for cancer—is it not by treating the disease and also helping patients regain strength in body, mind, and spirit? 

At the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), this holistic approach to cancer care is gaining momentum. Dr Gary Deng, Director of Integrative Medicine at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), USA, recently delivered the plenary lecture at the NCCS Integrative Oncology Symposium. His work has inspired Clinical Assistant Professor Rose Fok, who leads the survivorship clinic at NCCS, to formally integrate this philosophy into patient care here. 

The philosophy of Integrative Medicine

Dr Gary Deng, a leader in integrative medicine, delivering the plenary lecture at the NCCS Integrative Oncology Symposium in February 2025.

“Integrative medicine is about treating the whole person, not just the disease. Cancer does not exist in isolation—it exists within a person, in an ecosystem of health and well-being,” said Dr Deng.

Dr Deng and his team who run the Integrative Medicine Service at MSKCC examine how lifestyle, mental health, and non-drug therapies can complement cancer treatment. The Service offers a range of wellness services, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies such as acupuncture and herbal supplements, as well as mind-body practices to help reduce anxiety and stress. Patients also receive lifestyle guidance on diet, exercise, sleep, and social well-being. The approach has gained popularity among both patients and oncologists. 

“Patients tell their oncologists that they feel better because of the support we provide. Oncologists, want their patients to feel better, so they in turn begin referring more patients to us,” said Dr Deng.

Bringing Integrative Oncology to NCCS

Clin Asst Prof Rose Fok, Consultant in the Division of Medical Oncology at NCCS, has seen first-hand the long-term concerns of cancer survivors. As cancer treatments become more effective, an increasing number of patients are focusing not just on survival but also on their quality of life after treatment. 

Clin Asst Prof Rose Fok, who leads the survivorship clinic at NCCS, is driving the move to formalise integrative oncology services at NCCS.

During Clin Asst Prof Fok’s Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Fellowship training at MSKCC last year, she observed the consultations at Dr Deng’s clinic and felt the care model could be adapted to benefit patients at NCCS. 

“Once patients are cancer-free, we need to shift our perspective, from focusing only on cancer treatment to helping them embrace wellness,” said Clin Asst Prof Fok. 

These considerations were at the back of her mind when consulting with patients. 

“Patients often ask I have been on so many drugs for so long —what else can I do to help myself?’” 

NCCS’ vision for integrative oncology

The demand for complementary therapies at NCCS is not new. The Department of Psychosocial Oncology already offers counselling, support groups, and art therapy, while a Traditional Medicine Information Service helps oncologists navigate patient inquiries about possible interactions that may occur when taking TCM during cancer treatment. Additionally, an on-site rehabilitation gym – run in partnership with the Singapore Cancer Society – helps cancer survivors regain their strength and resume daily activities after treatment. 

While NCCS provides comprehensive and complex Western medical care, there is no formal referral avenue to wellness interventions such as TCM services within the centre due to regulatory constraints. The move to develop an integrative oncology service aims to bridge this gap. 

“Patients are already exploring alternative therapies such as TCM on their own. Our goal is to help them by providing safe, evidence-based options within a trusted medical framework,” shared Clin Asst Prof Fok.

Clin Asst Prof Fok, Clinical Assistant Professor Ryan Tan and Clinical Assistant Mothi Babu Ramalingam from the NCCS survivorship clinic, along with Clinical Assistant Professor Shirlynn Ho, Head of the Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, have applied for regulatory approval to pilot an Integrative Oncology programme at NCCS, under the Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) regulatory sandbox framework. 

NCCS led a roundtable discussion on advancing integrative care in Singapore at the Integrative Oncology Symposium in February 2025 with representatives from Singapore General Hospital, National University Cancer Institute Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, University of California Irvine, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.