[Evidence, research methodology and quality criteria in integrative oncology: fundamentals, consensus and perspectives].

Abstract

Introduction: Integrative oncology (IO) combines conventional cancer medicine with evidence-based complementary procedures, thereby placing special demands on the concept of evidence, research methodology, and the evaluation of care quality. This article highlights key theoretical, methodological, and practical principles. The classic concept of evidence is examined in detail through the three pillars of evidence-based medicine. Complementary research designs such as mixed methods, pragmatic studies, whole-systems approaches, and preference-based designs, are discussed as they offer new perspectives for generating valid and patient-centered evidence. In addition, regulation and practice-oriented quality criteria are presented as well as the current consensus process within the newly founded "Swiss Network for Integrative Oncology" (SNIO), which defines common standards, training structures, and research strategies. These efforts lay the foundation for the ongoing development of the field - toward an IO that is safe, effective, and truly patient-centered.