Palliative care refers to any medical care or therapy that treats a patient’s symptoms and aims to improve quality of life. For patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, palliative care can help with anything from pain to difficulty eating or breathing.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recently assembled a panel of experts to thoroughly review over 50 studies on palliative care published between 2015 and 2023.
The ASCO panel found palliative care should be a fundamental part of cancer treatment, implemented early and tailored to each patient. Introducing palliative care early can significantly:
- Enhance quality of life
- Reduce psychological distress
- Provide essential support to caregivers
Learn more about palliative care and its potential impact on mesothelioma patients and their caregivers.
Updates to the ASCO Palliative Care Guidelines
In 2016, ASCO primarily recommended palliative care for late-stage cancer patients within the first 8 weeks of diagnosis in addition to standard treatment. By May 2024, ASCO expanded its guidelines to include all patients and caregivers.
“Patients and caregivers should be able to request palliative care at any stage, with any prognosis, based on their needs,” the ASCO experts stated.
ASCO’s palliative treatment guidelines now recommend that:
- Patients with advanced cancer are referred to specialty palliative care services to manage symptoms that affect their quality of life
- Patients take advantage of interdisciplinary palliative care teams that have the ability to provide both in-person and virtual care
- Any members of the cancer treatment team may refer caregivers to palliative care providers
These updated guidelines highlight the growing role of palliative care in extending length and quality of life.
Not sure where to start with managing your symptoms? Contact our team today to connect with skilled mesothelioma specialists in your area.
Early Palliative Care
The 2024 ASCO guidelines emphasize that early referral to palliative care leads to better patient outcomes.
The reported benefits included:
- Better management of physical, social, and spiritual distress
- Higher likelihood of discussing or documenting end-of-life preferences
- Improved quality of life, overall mood, symptom control, and patient satisfaction
“We’ve found that early palliative care involvement is linked to patients having a better quality of life — period, full stop.”
– Dr. Jacob Strand, palliative care specialist at Mayo Clinic
Specialty Palliative Care
The ASCO panel found that specialty palliative care provided by interdisciplinary teams — as opposed to primary care overseen by general oncologists — can significantly improve quality of life.
Examples of specialty palliative care include:
- Coordinating with other care providers
- Managing physical symptoms
- Offering psychological and spiritual support
This type of specialized care is crucial not only for patients but also for caregivers who encounter challenges while trying to support a loved one with cancer.
Interdisciplinary Teams
The updated ASCO guidelines emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary teams in providing effective palliative care.
These teams typically include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Psychologists
- Social workers
- Spiritual advisors
- Other providers
Each team member can help address the wide range of needs patients and caregivers may have, including physical symptoms, emotional support, and spiritual care.
The collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of a person’s well-being are considered and managed throughout their cancer journey.
Telehealth Palliative Care Found Just as Effective
The ASCO recommendations also recognize the increasing importance of telehealth in delivering palliative care. Telehealth allows patients to access palliative care services and support groups remotely.
In a recent study, ASCO found that virtual palliative care was just as effective as in-person care for advanced lung cancer patients.
“Patients can be at home in their pajamas, and their caregivers or anyone else across the country can sit in on that appointment to act as support,” explained one palliative care specialist. “It also allows them to participate at times when they feel their worst.”
This flexibility is especially valuable for patients with advanced cancer who may have limited mobility or energy.
Supporting Caregivers With Palliative Care
Caring for someone battling an aggressive cancer can be overwhelming, especially when it’s a loved one. Studies have shown that palliative care offers significant benefits not only to patients but to their caregivers as well.
“Early palliative care involvement may benefit caregivers of patients with advanced cancer emotionally and psychologically,” the ASCO panel stated.
Palliative support can help reduce:
- Caregiver burden
- Depression
- Psychological distress
- Stress
ASCO strongly recommends that caregivers be referred to palliative care groups soon after the patient’s diagnosis or at the start of treatment.
Struggling to manage the demands of caregiving? Download our Free Self-Care Guide for Caregivers for tips to improve your well-being.
Get Mesothelioma Support at Every Step
For over 20 years, Mesothelioma Hope has helped cancer patients, their caregivers, and family members get the support they need.
Our team of Patient Advocates are available to:
- Help you access mesothelioma palliative care
- Match you with local cancer specialists
- See if you qualify for financial compensation
- Walk through what to expect during treatment
“The Patient Advocacy team is an extra layer of ongoing support throughout a mesothelioma journey. We want everyone to be armed with the resources necessary to overcome challenges related to a cancer diagnosis.”
Contact our Patient Advocates now for free mesothelioma support.
