What Is Integrative Oncology? The Riordan Clinic Approach

"You can have two people with the same diagnosis and completely different plans." —Dr. Stacy Dunn

World Health Day is a reminder to step back and look at the full picture of health beyond a diagnosis.

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Michelle Niesley sits down with Dr. Stacy Dunn to talk about integrative oncology and how it’s practiced at Riordan Clinic.

If you’ve ever wondered what integrative oncology actually means, this conversation gives a clear look at how it works in a clinical setting. Integrative oncology is an approach to cancer care that works alongside conventional treatment. It uses lab testing, clinical insight, and supportive therapies to help guide care, with a focus on coordination, safety, and understanding what may be contributing to each individual case.

Dr. Dunn walks through how testing is used to guide decisions. Nutrient levels, inflammation, blood sugar regulation, immune function, and toxic burden are all considered. These results help guide where to focus next. Two people with the same diagnosis may move forward with very different plans based on what their bodies are showing.

They also talk about the foundation—nutrition, sleep, and stress—and how those patterns can affect how someone feels day to day.

You’ll hear how therapies like intravenous vitamin C are used as part of an individualized approach, along with why supplement quality and sourcing matter. The conversation also covers common questions, including how to navigate conversations with oncologists and how to sort through different options without feeling overwhelmed.

👉 Learn more about integrative oncology at Riordan Clinic

✨ Riordan Clinic is also celebrating 50 years of care at the upcoming Pearls & Purpose Gala. This evening brings together community, research, and the future of care. Reserve your seat!

Episode links and resources

Explore integrative services at Riordan Clinic

Become a Riordan Clinic co-learner

Learn more about Dr. Stacy Dunn

Learn more about Dr. Michelle Niesley

Reserve your seat at the Pearls & Purpose Gala

Watch more Real Health Podcast episodes

Episode chapters

00:00 Introduction + podcast disclaimer

00:39 Welcome to the Real Health Podcast

01:01 What is integrative oncology

02:30 Why Riordan expanded into oncology care

05:10 Looking beyond a diagnosis

08:45 Two patients, two different approaches

12:20 The role of testing and personalization

16:05 Supporting the whole person during treatment

20:10 Navigating conventional + integrative care together

24:30 Common misconceptions about integrative oncology

28:40 What patients and caregivers are really asking

33:15 A more complete picture of care

37:50 Final thoughts + what this means for patients

Disclaimer

The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

Topics we explore in this episode include:

integrative oncology, what is integrative oncology, integrative cancer care, individualized cancer care, functional medicine approach to cancer, intravenous vitamin C, nutrition and cancer care, inflammation and cancer, immune function, blood sugar regulation, toxic burden, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast