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Palliative Care in Low and Middle-Income Countries to Reduce Cancer Suffering: A Systematic Review.
Shrikant Atreya1, Mebin Mathew2, Vijay Shree Dhyani3
1Department of Palliative Care and Psycho-Oncology (S.A.), Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata, India.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|November 30, 2025
Summary
Palliative care in low- and middle-income countries improves patient outcomes and reduces costs. Further integration is needed to align with international indicators and alleviate cancer suffering.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Rising cancer incidence in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) leads to advanced diagnoses and high mortality.
- Palliative care offers a solution to alleviate suffering, enhance quality of life, and reduce healthcare costs in LMICs.
- This review explores palliative care development in LMICs and its impact on cancer patient suffering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the development of palliative care in low- and middle-income settings.
- To assess the contribution of palliative care to mitigating cancer-related human suffering.
Main Methods:
- A best-fit framework synthesis approach was used, systematically searching seven databases.
- Qualitative synthesis of data from 81 studies using a framework based on WHO and Integrated Palliative Care Oncology Practice Model indicators.
- Registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024511158).
Main Results:
- Multidisciplinary team interventions with a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual approach improved patient outcomes.
- Palliative care reduced hospital stays, unnecessary end-of-life treatments, and facilitated home deaths.
- Community-based palliative care empowered patients and families, lowered costs, and relied on public health systems and NGO support.
Conclusions:
- Progress in LMIC palliative care integration exists but lacks alignment with international indicators.
- Strengthening patient-family partnerships, shared decision-making, and patient advocacy are crucial for alleviating cancer suffering.
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