Is There a Role for Palliative Services and Supportive Care in Managing Advanced Penile Cancer?

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Palliative Care
• Penile Cancer Management

Background:

• Penile squamous cell carcinoma presents significant psychosocial and physical burdens.
• Existing literature highlights the benefits of palliative care for advanced cancers.
• A gap exists in understanding palliative care integration for penile cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the benefits of palliative care for advanced penile cancer.
• To describe the need for a palliative approach in this patient population.
• To propose strategies for oncology nurses to improve palliative care access and delivery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of randomized trials and systematic reviews on palliative care benefits.
• Analysis of cohort studies detailing the disease burden of penile cancer.
• Synthesis of findings to inform nursing practice.

Main Results:

• Palliative care offers substantial benefits for patients with advanced penile cancer.
• Oncology nurses can identify and address patient/caregiver distress and unmet needs.
• Person-centered palliative care improves quality of life by addressing the whole person.

Conclusions:

• Oncology nurses play a vital role in advocating for and delivering palliative care.
• Integrating palliative care throughout all phases of penile cancer treatment is essential.
• Improved access to primary and specialty palliative care enhances patient outcomes.