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Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Early Detection and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors
Published on: February 16, 2024
Early integration of palliative care into oncology: evidence, challenges and barriers
Wanqing Iris Zhi1, Thomas J Smith2
1Department of Medicine and Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA.
Abstract:
Palliative care has proven to be an important component during the care of seriously ill oncology patients. In the past decade, early integration of both specialties demonstrated benefits in improving patient symptoms and pain, facilitating advance directive planning and reducing medical cost. Newer evidence also suggests it can prolong life. Several different integration models have been studied and all appear to work. Yet, palliative care is underused, and there are still many challenges and barriers preventing us from delivering the best care to our patients. In this review, we will summarize the available data from multiple randomized clinical trials, encountered challenges, and potential strategies to overcome them.
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