About the webinar:

Chemotherapy for cancer is an important part of the standard of care. Efficacy is high in cancers such as testicular and acute leukemia, but low in many cancers such as pancreatic and glioblastoma.  Few chemo drugs are selective against cancer cells, and even those that are more focused on rapidly dividing cells have adverse effects on normal cells that cycle rapidly, such as the lining of the gut, and bone marrow. Patients facing chemotherapy often have to endure adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, critical anemias, clotting disorders, fatigue, neuropathies, and brain fog.  While anti-nausea drugs and steroids mitigate the worst acute effects, there is a need for other effective sustainable interventions. The general policy of oncologists and oncology pharmacists is to recommend against any form of supplements or “alternative” medicines.  The primary rule is no antioxidants and is applied arbitrarily. At best, most are told to avoid anything other than their prescriptions for the duration of therapy. There is a considerable body of evidence to support the adjunctive use of natural medicines and dietetics for improved quality of life in chemo patients.

By the end of this lecture, the clinician will be able to:

•    Distinguish his role in the care of patients undergoing the standard of care therapies of medical oncology
•    Discern classes of chemo drugs and common adverse effects
•    Prescribe antioxidants, botanicals, nutraceuticals and other naturopathic interventions for chemo AEs
•    Have a fullsome awareness of interactions, cautions and contra-indications of natural agents during chemotherapy

Speaker:

Neil McKinney, ND (non-practicing)

Dr McKinney holds a BSc in biosciences from Simon Fraser University, studied kinesiology at the University of Waterloo, and earned his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1985. Dr McKinney also completed three years of Traditional Chinese Medicine training at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. His background includes several years of experience in cancer research, particularly in the areas of novel radiation therapies and radiosensitizing drugs. A recognized leader in the profession, he served in regulatory roles including as Registrar of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC), and has received multiple awards for his contributions in advancing the scope and standards of naturopathic medicine. Dr McKinney is the founder of both the BC Naturopathic Association and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. He is a former Professor of Naturopathic Oncology and the author of six textbooks on the subject. He continues to mentor and lecture to naturopathic doctors around the world, contributing to professional publications and public education. Now retired from decades of clinical practice with a focus on integrative oncology, Dr McKinney remains actively engaged in cancer research, professional education, and publishing.