This opening panel brings together perspectives from oncology, surgery and nursing to explore why integrative and lifestyle approaches matter in contemporary cancer care, and how they can be meaningfully incorporated alongside conventional treatment to support patients more holistically.

A multidisciplinary discussion exploring how pharmacists and oncologists can collaborate to safely integrate evidence-based nutraceuticals, repurposed medicines, and supplements into cancer care and the real-world barriers that still exist.

Dr Moshe Frenkel will highlight strategies to reduce treatment-related side effects and improve quality of life through evidence-based complementary therapies alongside conventional care.

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome in which conventional management often focuses on symptomatic relief and caloric supplementation, yet outcomes remain poor and mortality high. Increasing evidence highlights the need for a more comprehensive, personalised strategy that integrates medical, nutritional, metabolic and supportive approaches.

The gut microbiome plays a key role in immune regulation, metabolism and cellular repair, with disruption linked to inflammatory and metabolic pathways involved in cancer. In this session, Dr Monisha Bhanote explores the evolving science of the gut dysbiosis–cancer connection and how microbial signals influence cancer risk, treatment response and patient outcomes.

Circadian disruption and impaired bioenergetics are increasingly recognised as contributors to cancer risk, treatment tolerance and survivorship outcomes. This session translates sleep and circadian science into integrative oncology practice, presenting a pragmatic framework that includes light hygiene, chrono-behavioural care, metabolic optimisation and targeted photobiomodulation alongside conventional treatment.

This session explores emerging and patient-driven strategies for managing Stage 4 disease, highlighting innovative therapeutic approaches, integrative treatment models, and real-world patient insights.  Mark Taylor will discuss how novel, evidence-informed interventions and personalised care pathways are reshaping outcomes and quality of life for advanced-stage patients.

Dr Patrick Hanaway will discuss how integrating physical, emotional and spiritual health can enhance resilience, quality of life and treatment outcomes. The talk will highlight practical approaches to embedding compassionate, patient-centred care alongside conventional oncology.