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Palliative Care in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: Multidisciplinary Management and End-of-Life Decision-Making.
Vanessa Duarte Branco1, Catarina Dias2, Inês Rento3
1Oncology, Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental (ULS Lisboa Ocidental), Hospital de São Francisco Xavier, Lisboa, PRT.
Cureus
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Early palliative care is crucial for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, improving symptom management and quality of life. Integrating palliative care proactively enhances patient goals and decision-making for advanced HNC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Medicine
- Cancer Care
Background:
- Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are complex malignancies with significant morbidity.
- Many HNC patients present with advanced or incurable disease, necessitating early palliative care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review HNC epidemiology, symptom burden, and palliative care best practices.
- To highlight strategies for symptom management, communication, and end-of-life decisions in advanced HNC.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of current literature and clinical guidelines (NCCN, ASCO, UK Guidelines).
- Emphasis on early palliative care integration and multidisciplinary management.
Main Results:
- HNC patients experience severe symptoms like pain, dysphagia, and distress.
- Early palliative care improves symptom control, quality of life, and treatment goal alignment.
- Multidisciplinary teams are essential for comprehensive patient support.
Conclusions:
- Proactive, multidisciplinary palliative care is vital for advanced HNC patients.
- Standardized care pathways and evidence evaluation are needed to optimize outcomes.
- Effective palliative care balances disease treatment with patient-centered goals.
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