Supportive Care: The "Keystone" of Modern Oncology Practice

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Supportive Care
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Supportive care is defined by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) as the prevention and management of adverse effects from cancer and its treatment.
• It encompasses physical and psychological symptom management throughout the cancer journey, from diagnosis to post-treatment.
• Key aims include enhancing rehabilitation, secondary cancer prevention, survivorship, and end-of-life care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of modern supportive care in cancer.
• To discuss its definition, relationship with palliative care, and various models of care.
• To examine the evidence for its benefits on morbidity, quality of life, and mortality, alongside health economic advantages.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current evidence on supportive care in oncology.
• Discussion of multidisciplinary service elements and care models.
• Analysis of challenges in implementing optimal supportive care.

Main Results:

• Supportive care is integral to cancer management, addressing diverse patient needs across the continuum of care.
• Evidence supports its positive impact on patient outcomes, including reduced morbidity and improved quality of life.
• Multidisciplinary involvement is a core element of effective supportive care services.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing supportive care is crucial for improving the overall cancer patient experience and outcomes.
• Addressing current and future challenges is essential for equitable access to high-quality supportive care.
• Supportive care offers significant health economic benefits, underscoring its value in oncology.