At UCI Health, we know you battle cancer on multiple fronts — physical, mental and spiritual. 

That’s why, in partnership with the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, our Integrative Oncology program provides whole-person, supportive care while you undergo cancer treatment.

Our approach to integrative oncology

At UCI Health, our goal is to help you achieve the best outcomes by improving your physical, mental and spiritual well-being. 

We connect you with our Integrative Health team at the start of treatment and serve as your care companion throughout your treatment journey.

Holistic therapies

We focus on improving your health during cancer treatment with gentle, non-drug therapies. 

We help you: 

• Optimize nutrition 
• Optimize exercise
• Manage pain 
• Manage stress
• Manage your sleep
• Manage your social environment

You will experience fewer side effects and better quality of life. You'll also be more likely to complete your full course of treatment for maximum benefit. 

You'll work with your physician to create a personalized care plan alongside your cancer treatment. 

Why choose UCI Health for integrative oncology?

Innovative research and clinical trials

We’re part of the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Orange County, the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

We offer access to innovative clinical trials, giving you access to the latest treatments and therapies before they are available to the general public.

Pioneering integrative therapies

The Integrative Oncology Program is led by Gary E. Deng, MD, PhD, at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, in partnership with the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute.

Deng is an internationally recognized pioneer in integrative oncology. He provides exceptional clinical expertise to help you recover quicker and achieve better health after cancer treatment.

Deng also conducts practice-changing research that will shape the future of complementary and alternative cancer interventions.

Focusing on your quality of life

Your quality of life is our top priority throughout cancer treatment. Our highly specialized team of supportive care specialists help address your physical, social and emotional needs. 

You’ll have access to dietitians, financial counselors, social workers, sexual medicine specialists and others in addition to our integrative medicine specialists.

The Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute

Part of UCI Health and a partner with the Integrative Oncology program, the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute combines conventional Western medicine with holistic therapies.

Using evidence-based scientific research and education, we attend to your body, mind, spirit and community.

Treatments

The Integrative Oncology program offers hospitalized cancer patients acupuncture and massage therapy to alleviate pain and discomfort.

If you receive outpatient care, treatments include:

• Mindfulness training for stress management
• Nutrition counseling tailored to your needs and stage of cancer treatment
• Sleep training to improve your energy levels and cognitive function
• Biofeedback for reducing certain symptoms
• Yoga for physical and mental strength
• Tai chi for agility, balance and a calmer mind