Palliative Care, Survivorship, and Quality of Life in Cancer
Session Overview
Palliative care, survivorship, and quality-of-life science represent the essential human dimensions of oncology, addressing the symptoms, psychological distress, and functional impacts that define the patient experience of cancer. This field has evolved from an end-of-life focus to a fundamental model of care integrated from diagnosis, aiming to improve outcomes, enhance coping, and align treatment with patient values throughout the cancer journey. This session brings together palliative care specialists, psycho-oncologists, survivorship researchers, and patient advocates to examine evidence-based strategies for holistic cancer care.
Why This Session Matters Now
Robust evidence demonstrates that the early integration of palliative care improves quality of life, reduces depressive symptoms, may prolong survival, and promotes value-concordant care. Concurrently, the growing population of cancer survivors faces unique long-term physical, psychological, and socioeconomic challenges. This session addresses the critical imperative to standardize the systematic assessment and management of patient-reported symptoms and concerns as a core clinical competency in oncology, ensuring that survival gains are matched by gains in well-being.
Key Scientific and Clinical Themes
Early Integration of Palliative Care in Oncology
Examination of the models, timing, and evidence for integrating specialist palliative care alongside standard oncology treatment, and strategies for implementing this standard in diverse healthcare settings.
Symptom Management and Supportive Cancer Care
Focus on the pathophysiology and advanced management of complex cancer-related symptoms, including pain, nausea, fatigue, cachexia, and dyspnea, through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Psychosocial Oncology and Mental Health
Analysis of the prevalence and treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related distress in patients and caregivers, and the implementation of evidence-based psychotherapeutic, psychopharmacologic, and supportive care interventions.
Cancer Survivorship and Long-Term Outcomes
Discussion of the surveillance for and management of late effects of cancer treatment, care planning for the post-treatment phase, and interventions to address issues related to fertility, sexual health, cognitive function, and financial toxicity.
Quality-of-Life Measurement and Patient-Reported Outcomes
Exploration of the development, validation, and clinical application of PRO measures to screen for symptoms, monitor treatment impact, inform clinical decisions, and evaluate the quality of care in research and practice.
End-of-Life Care, Ethics, and Shared Decision-Making
Critical appraisal of communication skills for discussing prognosis and goals of care, ethical frameworks for navigating complex decisions near the end of life, and models for delivering high-quality hospice and terminal care.
Nature of Research in This Field
Research in this domain is characterized by patient-centered outcomes, mixed-methods approaches, and a strong emphasis on translating evidence into clinical practice guidelines. The literature features a substantial body of review articles synthesizing best practices across multiple symptoms and disciplines. A growing number of well-designed RCTs provide a strong evidence base for specific interventions, particularly around early integration and symptom clusters. The field prioritizes research that gives voice to the patient experience.
Who Should Attend
This session is designed for:
- Palliative care specialists, psycho-oncologists, and supportive care clinicians
- Medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists
- Oncology nurses, social workers, and rehabilitation specialists
- Survivorship researchers and health services investigators
- Patient advocates and representatives involved in care design and research
Session Perspective
The quality of a patient’s life during and after cancer treatment is as vital as the quantity of survival. This session provides a platform to assert that excellence in cancer care is defined not only by tumor response but by the expert management of its human consequences. By integrating the science of symptom control, psychological support, and communication with the practicalities of clinical implementation, the discussion aims to champion a model of oncology where palliative, supportive, and survivorship principles are seamlessly woven into the fabric of care for every patient, at every stage.
If your research aligns with this session, we invite you to submit an abstract for consideration.
