Purpose of review: Despite recent advances in the care of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), significant morbidity and mortality remains. Symptoms caused by the cancer and its treatments can be profoundly debilitating. Palliative care aims to reduce this burden. In this review, we discuss the definition, purpose, benefits, and optimal timing of palliative care in advanced NSCLC.
Recent findings: Several studies evaluating the value of early palliative care for patients with advanced NSCLC and other advanced malignancies have identified benefits for patients, caregivers, and health systems. For patients with advanced NSCLC, introduction of palliative care early in the disease course improves quality of life and even overall survival. Early institution of palliative care should become standard of care for patients with advanced NSCLC.
Keywords: Advanced non-small cell lung cancer; Caregiver; Palliation; Palliative care; Quality of life; Symptom management.