Beyond Cure in Advanced Cancer: Preserving Function, Dignity, and Participation Through Palliative Rehabilitation

Advances in oncology have extended survival for many individuals with cancer; however, a substantial proportion now live with advanced or incurable disease for prolonged periods. In this context, goals of care shift from cure to comfort, autonomy, and quality of life. Despite this, cancer care systems often remain disease-centered and symptom-focused, with less attention to functional ability and participation. This Special Report argues that preservation of function should be recognized as a central goal of advanced cancer care, as function directly supports dignity, autonomy, and participation. When functional decline is unaddressed, symptom control alone is insufficient to prevent dependence, caregiver burden, and social withdrawal. Palliative rehabilitation aligns rehabilitation principles with palliative care by optimizing function and participation within progressive illness. Interventions such as activity modification, energy conservation, assistive devices, environmental adaptation, and caregiver education enable continued engagement in meaningful activities. Despite growing recognition of supportive care needs, palliative rehabilitation remains inconsistently integrated into cancer services. Strengthening its integration into clinical pathways and health systems is essential for delivering holistic, person-centered care in advanced cancer.