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Updated ASCO Guideline on Integrating Palliative Care

J Clin Oncol; ePub 2016 Oct 28; Ferrell, et al

Publish date:: November 29, 2016

ASCO has updated its guideline on integrating palliative care into standard oncology care. The guideline draws on evidence from 9 randomized trials, 1 quasiexperimental trial, and 5 secondary analyses from randomized trials. Among the recommendations:

Inpatients and outpatients with advanced cancer should receive dedicated palliative care services, early in the disease course, concurrent with active treatment.
Referral of patients to interdisciplinary palliative care teams is optimal, and services may complement existing programs.
Providers may refer family and friend caregivers of patients with early or advanced cancer to palliative care services.

Citation:

Ferrell B, Temel J, Temin S, et al. Integration of palliative care into standard oncology care: American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline update. [Published online ahead of print October 28, 2016]. J Clin Oncol. doi:10.1200/JCO.2016.70.1474.

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