Improving the Integration between Palliative Radiotherapy and Supportive Care: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Palliative Care
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Palliative radiotherapy (PRT) is crucial for managing cancer-related symptoms.
• Barriers exist in PRT delivery, impacting patient support and care quality.
• Existing evidence on innovative PRT organizational models and training is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review available information on enhancing PRT quality.
• To summarize strategies including training, new pathways, and organizational models.
• To highlight the benefits of integrating PRT with supportive and palliative therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on PRT integration and organizational models.
• Analysis of evidence regarding training for supportive/palliative care specialists and radiation oncologists.
• Examination of proposed solutions like dedicated PRT pathways and multidisciplinary teams.

Main Results:

• Studies on PRT integration often have low evidence levels (retrospective analyses).
• All reviewed reports indicate uniform advantages from integrating PRT with supportive therapies.
• Radiation oncologists need enhanced palliative care education and to actively manage symptoms and participate in palliative care teams.

Conclusions:

• Improved education in palliative care for radiation oncologists is essential.
• Training radiation oncology residents in comprehensive palliative care is critical.
• Implementing formal teaching, interactive methods, and palliative care service attendance is recommended for radiotherapy education.