RT Book, Section A1 Ploesser, Markus A2 Quang, Tony S. A2 Taft, Michelle S. A2 Beriwal, Sushil SR Print(0) ID 1191392751 T1 Integrative Oncology T2 Understanding the Principles and Practice of Legal Oncology YR 2022 FD 2022 PB McGraw Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781260474077 LK hemonc.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1191392751 RD 2024/11/01 AB In discussing the legal issues pertaining to integrative and alternative healing methods in oncology, with a focus on the liability concerns of medical practitioners in this field, there are a number of matters to consider. First, the nature of alternative therapies used in oncologic treatment must be considered, with particular reference to the reasons for which cancer patients choose them and how they are used and whether these therapies are combined with conventional cancer treatments or used on their own. These alternative treatments must also be investigated; there are specific claimed benefits for each treatment, and these have been medically proven to a greater or lesser degree. In particular, it is necessary to distinguish alternative treatments from experimental treatments and to discuss the legislation pertaining to the provision of these on the market, as well as the potential medical liability of treating physicians. The reasons motivating cancer patients to choose to be treated with these alternative treatments will also be discussed, including discussion of whether treating oncologists oversee the administration of these treatments or whether patients choose to undergo alternative treatment without the endorsement of their treating physician. In addition to these issues, there are also concerns pertaining to consent that must be considered. These matters are complicated and interlinked, and ultimately, the primary aim of oncologists is to treat their patients to the best of their ability and comply with the law. Thus, this chapter seeks to clarify the aforementioned issues.