[Palliative medicine and integrative medicine as complementary approaches in uro-oncological care]

Uro-oncological diseases have negative long-term consequences for physical, functional, psychological, and socioeconomic well-being. A common focus of palliative and integrative medicine is improving quality of life by alleviating symptoms.

What treatment options are available for frequently occurring symptoms in uro-oncology patients?

Based on current literature and international guideline recommendations, an overview of palliative and integrative medical therapies and their significance in the management of advanced uro-oncological tumors is given.

Palliative care treatment options combined with complementary medicine can effectively contribute to symptom relief. The foundation of tumor pain therapy is medication, which can be effectively supplemented with acupuncture, for example. Medication and relaxation exercises can also have synergistic effects on sleep disorders. A multiprofessional and interdisciplinary approach is also beneficial for the treatment of anxiety and depression, combining medication, psycho-oncological support, physiotherapy, social services, nutritional therapy, mindfulness exercises, meditative movement exercises, and so on. It is important that palliative and integrative medical support be offered early in the course of the illness. This support includes not only optimizing symptom relief but also communication with patients and their families and caregivers.

Palliative medicine and integrative medicine offer the chance to improve the quality of life and symptom management in advanced uro-oncological cancer.