Early and simultaneous palliative care in cancer patients: an overview

The timing of access to palliative care is still a debated topic. We aim to investigate recent evidence on early and simultaneous palliative care to better understand what the most appropriate timing for integration and its impact on the quality of life of cancer patients and their carers might be.

This is an overview of systematic reviews published between November 2020 and February 2024. Three search strings were launched on the PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases. Results were screened according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement.

A total of 17/1052 articles were selected. The following categories emerged and were described: need to define a timing for integration; definition of specific criteria for referral; access to palliative care; benefits of early and simultaneous palliative care; needs of patients and carers and their preferences. No specific timing for referral to palliative care emerged: one article suggested within 8 weeks of diagnosis, while another identified multiple time points. The term "supportive care" appears to facilitate early referral to palliative care services.

There is ample evidence that early and simultaneous access to palliative care ensures a better care pathway. Although it is not possible to standardise referral times, communication between professionals, patients and carers, shared and advance care planning are key elements in the identification of palliative care needs and their early integration. Much research is still needed to ensure equitable and appropriate access to palliative care.