As part of OncoDaily’s special virtual coverage of the 22nd International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO), we are pleased to present an exclusive conversation with Dr. Ting Bao, one of the most influential voices in integrative oncology today.
The Society for Integrative Oncology continues to serve as a global leader in advancing evidence‑based, patient‑centered cancer care. Its 22nd International Conference brought together clinicians, researchers, and educators from around the world to share new research, clinical innovations, and collaborative approaches that are shaping the future of integrative oncology. OncoDaily’s virtual coverage highlights these voices and brings them to a wider global audience.
A Leader in Integrative Oncology
Dr. Ting Bao is the Co‑Director of the Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute. She is a board‑certified breast medical oncologist, medical acupuncturist, and integrative medicine physician whose work has helped define how integrative oncology is practiced across major cancer centers.
Within SIO, Dr. Ting Bao has played a central role in advancing both education and research. She is the immediate past co‑chair of the Education Committee and currently serves as co‑chair of the Research Committee. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the scientific foundation of integrative oncology while ensuring that patient needs remain at the center of care.
Highlights from the Conversation
In this interview, Dr. Ting Bao reflects on what made the 22nd SIO Conference particularly meaningful. She speaks about the energy of the global community, the depth of scientific exchange, and the growing recognition of integrative oncology within mainstream cancer care.
Education remains a major focus for Dr. Ting Bao, who emphasizes the importance of equipping oncology professionals with the knowledge and confidence to integrate supportive therapies safely and effectively. She discusses the learning goals she hoped attendees would take from the conference and the broader need for consistent, evidence‑based training across institutions.
As integrative oncology continues to evolve, Dr. Ting Bao highlights areas where she sees the most rapid growth — from acupuncture and yoga to mind‑body practices that address both physical and emotional well‑being. She also reflects on the challenge of balancing scientific evidence with patient preferences and cultural perspectives when developing clinical guidelines.
Research remains a driving force in her work. Dr. Ting Bao outlines the next priorities for the field, including the need for more diverse clinical trials, standardized protocols, and deeper collaboration across institutions and countries. She notes that SIO’s global community is uniquely positioned to advance this work.
The conversation also touches on the personal side of her career. Dr. Ting Bao shares what continues to inspire her year after year — the resilience of patients, the importance of compassionate care, and the ongoing pursuit of better supportive therapies.