Published on: February 14, 2012

Here is a clear recommendation from the American Society of Clinical Oncology:

“…substantial evidence demonstrates that palliative care—when combined with standard cancer care or as the main focus of care—leads to better patient and caregiver outcomes”

This provisional clinical opinion is based on seven randomised controlled studies.

The article emphasizes that palliative care should not be misconstrued as only “end of life care”.

“It is the Panel’s expert consensus that combined standard oncology care and palliative care should be considered early in the course of illness for any patient with metastatic cancer and/or high symptom burden.”

• Read in full: American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion: The Integration of Palliative Care into Standard Oncology Care