Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.9
3.4
Journals
Current Oncology
Special Issues
Palliative Care in Oncology: Current Advances
share announcement

Palliative Care in Oncology: Current Advances

A special issue of Current Oncology (ISSN 1718-7729). This special issue belongs to the section "Palliative and Supportive Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 3546

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Olav F. Dajani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
Interests: pancreatic cancer; hepatobilary cancer; phase II/III trials; symptom management; cancer cachexia; patient reported outcomes; trials; palliative care; cancer; patient-centred care; patient pathway; symptom control; implementation science; integration; process evaluation; phase II/III; oncology; critical success factors; implementation; caregivers
Dr. Arne Westgaard

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
Interests: pancreatic cancer; clinical trials; pathology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Martin Kummen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Palliative Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
Interests: intestinal flora; primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC); cholestatic liver disease;  palliative medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Palliative care in oncology plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for patients facing a serious cancer diagnosis. It focuses on relieving pain and other distressing symptoms while also attending to the emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of care. Unlike curative treatments, which are designed to eradicate cancer, palliative care centers on providing comfort, promoting well-being, and supporting patients and their families throughout their cancer treatment journey.

With the increasing complexity of cancer treatment and the growing emphasis on the need for holistic care, palliative care has become an integral component of oncology. Not only does it improve the overall patient experience, it also helps manage the side effects of aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. In addition, palliative care providers work closely with oncologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure that care is tailored to the individual patient's needs and preferences.

This Special Issue focuses on the synergy between palliative care and anti-tumor treatment, and provides a scientific basis for clinical decision-making through a systematic review of the latest international research, original research, and typical cases.

Dr. Olav F. Dajani
Dr. Arne Westgaard
Dr. Martin Kummen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Current Oncology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • palliative care
  • oncology
  • cancers
  • pain
  • support
  • well-being

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 432 KB  
Article
Family Relationships as Modifiable Targets for Caregiver Quality of Life in Hospice Care: A Multicenter Study
by In Cheol Hwang, Youn Seon Choi, Hong Yup Ahn, So-Jung Park and Yoo Jeong Lee
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(5), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33050301 - 21 May 2026
Viewed by 54
Abstract
Family caregivers play a critical role in supporting patients with advanced cancer, yet their quality of life (QoL) is often adversely affected and remains insufficiently addressed in routine care. Although family relationships have been widely recognized as important in the caregiving context, their [...] Read more.
Family caregivers play a critical role in supporting patients with advanced cancer, yet their quality of life (QoL) is often adversely affected and remains insufficiently addressed in routine care. Although family relationships have been widely recognized as important in the caregiving context, their specific domains have rarely been examined in relation to caregiver outcomes. This study aimed to examine the associations between distinct domains of family relationships and caregiver QoL. A total of 170 caregivers were recruited from nine hospice units in Korea between September 2021 and March 2024. for this multicenter study. The Family Relationship Assessment Scale (FRAS) and the Korean version of the Caregiver QOL Index-Cancer (CQOLC-K) were used to assess family relationships and caregiver QoL, respectively. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between specific domains of family relationships and caregiver QoL. Family relationship domains were differentially associated with caregiver QoL. Overall family relationship scores were positively associated with QoL (β = 0.30, p = 0.004), while family conflict showed the strongest negative association (β = −1.03, p = 0.001). In contrast, family support was associated with better positive adaptation (β = 0.24, p = 0.027). The associations between family relationships and QoL were more pronounced among vulnerable caregivers, including those who were younger, unemployed, had lower social support or resilience, or were dissatisfied with care. Family relationships, particularly conflict and support, are important correlates of caregiver QoL. Incorporating the assessment of family relationship domains helps identify caregivers at increased risk and informs the development of more family-centered supportive approaches in palliative oncology care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Palliative Care in Oncology: Current Advances)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 505 KB  
Article
Improving Quality of End-of-Life Care Through the K-HOPE Consultative Palliative Care Model: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Hospital
by Yoo Jeong Lee, In Cheol Hwang, Eun Jeong Lee, Soon-Young Hwang and Youn Seon Choi
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(4), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33040213 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 648
Abstract
As population aging accelerates, the demand for high-quality end-of-life (EOL) care continues to rise. However, a substantial proportion of patients with terminal cancer still experience death in acute-care hospitals without adequate palliative care. Consultative palliative care (CPC) represents a feasible model for delivering [...] Read more.
As population aging accelerates, the demand for high-quality end-of-life (EOL) care continues to rise. However, a substantial proportion of patients with terminal cancer still experience death in acute-care hospitals without adequate palliative care. Consultative palliative care (CPC) represents a feasible model for delivering palliative care without requiring dedicated inpatient units, yet evidence evaluating its clinical impact remains limited. In this study, we developed a structured hospital-based CPC model tailored to the Korean healthcare system, the Korea Holistic Optimized Palliative care for End-of-life (K-HOPE) model, and prospectively evaluated its clinical impact. K-HOPE was delivered by an interdisciplinary CPC team in a tertiary hospital. Unmet needs were assessed using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS), and longitudinal changes were analyzed using mixed-effects models for repeated measures. Among patients who died during hospitalization, quality of death was evaluated using the Good Death Scale (GDS). A total of 84 patients with terminal cancer received K-HOPE. The total IPOS score significantly decreased over time (β = −10.4, 95% CI −12.8 to −8.0; p < 0.001), indicating reduced overall burden and unmet needs. Significant improvements were observed in psychological distress (p = 0.010) and communication and information needs (p < 0.001), whereas changes in physical symptoms and practical concerns were not statistically significant. Among 22 patients who died during hospitalization, 59.1% achieved a good quality of death (GDS ≥ 12). Longer duration of CPC involvement was significantly associated with higher quality of death and remained an independent predictor in multivariable analysis. These findings suggest that the K-HOPE CPC model improves communication and overall EOL care experiences among hospitalized patients with terminal cancer, indicating that meaningful improvements in EOL care can occur even during short periods of CPC involvement. Structured CPC integrated into routine oncology practice represents a feasible strategy for improving EOL care in tertiary hospitals, and a standardized CPC framework may enhance the consistency and reproducibility of care delivery within the Korean healthcare system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Palliative Care in Oncology: Current Advances)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 236 KB  
Article
Linking Inflammation to Reduced Food Intake in Advanced Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study
by Asta Bye, Trude Rakel Balstad, Ida Ervik Raaness, Tora Skeidsvoll Solheim, Ragnhild Habberstad, Pål Klepstad, Erik Torbjørn Løhre, Olav Faisal Dajani, Stein Kaasa, Nina Aass and Ola Magne Vagnildhaug
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(4), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33040209 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 498
Abstract
Background: Undernutrition and cachexia are common in advanced cancer and often linked to systemic inflammation. While inflammation is associated with poorer prognosis, accelerated weight loss, and reduced treatment tolerance, its direct impact on food intake remains insufficiently investigated. Aim: To examine [...] Read more.
Background: Undernutrition and cachexia are common in advanced cancer and often linked to systemic inflammation. While inflammation is associated with poorer prognosis, accelerated weight loss, and reduced treatment tolerance, its direct impact on food intake remains insufficiently investigated. Aim: To examine the association between systemic inflammation and energy and protein intake over time in patients with advanced cancer. Methods: A total of 170 patients from the Palliative Radiotherapy and Inflammation Study were included. Nutritional status was assessed using PG-SGA SF. Dietary intake was recorded using repeated 24 h recalls. Systemic inflammation was defined as CRP > 10 mg/L. Mixed linear models were applied to evaluate the association between inflammation energy and protein intake over time. Results: Systemic inflammation (CRP >10 mg/L) was present in 87 (51%) patients and associated with significantly lower energy (−3.6 kcal/kg, p = 0.04) and lower protein intake (−0.25 g/kg, p = 0.003). Patients with inflammation were more often undernourished and had shorter survival. Conclusions: Systemic inflammation is likely associated with clinically relevant reductions in energy and protein intake in advanced cancer. CRP may help identify patients for whom standard nutritional support is insufficient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Palliative Care in Oncology: Current Advances)
13 pages, 5159 KB  
Article
Efficacy of a Fully Implantable Pleural Device in the Management of Complex Pleural Effusions
by Marco Marcaccini, Simona Sobrero, Federico Vaisitti, Alessandra Russo, Stefano Rudella, Federica Mellone, Chiara Grispi, Luca Errico and Francesco Leo
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(11), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32110622 - 6 Nov 2025
Viewed by 866
Abstract
VATS talc poudrage is the standard treatment for recurrent pleural effusion, but it is not feasible when the lung does not re-expand, or for fragile patients who are unfit for general anesthesia. In these situations, indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) are a valuable option [...] Read more.
VATS talc poudrage is the standard treatment for recurrent pleural effusion, but it is not feasible when the lung does not re-expand, or for fragile patients who are unfit for general anesthesia. In these situations, indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) are a valuable option to offer long-term symptom relief and reduce hospitalization, with the only limitation being that an external portion of the device is needed in the majority of available devices. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a fully implantable pleural catheter in managing recurrent pleural effusion in patients who are unfit for traditional treatments. A retrospective, single-center analysis was conducted from April 2018 to August 2024, involving 150 patients that underwent Celsite® DRAINAPORT implantation. The study measured the percentage of procedures with complications, the type of follow up, six months survival rate, cause of death, and the number of oncological treatments administered after implantation. Results indicated a complication rate of 12%, of which most were mild and manageable. Over half of the patients were successfully managed by home nursing services. Nearly 50% of the patients survived after six months, whereas 28.7% received subsequent oncological treatments. This suggests that this type of device is a safe and effective alternative for managing recurrent pleural effusion in patients with limited treatment options. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Palliative Care in Oncology: Current Advances)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 782 KB  
Review
Resuscitation in Oncology: Limits, Ethics, Practice, and Humanity
by Lea Andjelković, Milan Krnojelac and Iztok Potočnik
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(4), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33040202 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 660
Abstract
Introduction: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most consequential decisions in clinical medicine—a pivotal moment between life and death where science, ethics, and humanity intersect. Although advances in systems of care, technology, and training have refined technique and logistics, outcomes do not [...] Read more.
Introduction: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most consequential decisions in clinical medicine—a pivotal moment between life and death where science, ethics, and humanity intersect. Although advances in systems of care, technology, and training have refined technique and logistics, outcomes do not consistently result in meaningful, neurologically intact survival. In oncology—where disease trajectories are heterogeneous, treatment burdens substantial, and organ reserve often limited—these tensions are especially pronounced. Methods and approaches: This manuscript examines resuscitation as a medical, ethical, and human process, with explicit focus on patients with cancer. We review contemporary strategies for early recognition of deterioration (MEWS, NEWS, MET activation), team preparedness through Immediate Life Support (ILS), and structured decision-making at the boundaries of resuscitation. We also address communication with patients and families, the legal framework of Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders, and the distinctions among treatment forgoing, palliative sedation, and euthanasia, emphasising oncology-specific considerations such as metastatic burden, treatment intent (curative vs. palliative), performance status, and organ reserve. Results and discussion: The overall effectiveness of resuscitation remains modest (approximately 5–20% survival), highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention. In cancer care, the limits of resuscitation are both clinical and ethical, requiring proportionality between the likely benefit and the risks of prolonging suffering, careful attention to prognosis and expected neurological outcomes, and rigorous alignment with goals of care. Early and ongoing involvement of palliative services, along with robust long-term care pathways, provides humane, value-concordant alternatives for patients with advanced disease. Psychotherapists and chaplains play integral roles in supporting families and clinical staff. Structured post-event debriefing and system-level safeguards are essential to mitigate burnout and moral distress within oncology teams. Initiating or discontinuing resuscitation in oncology requires expertise, empathy, and moral clarity. Dignity-preserving care depends on aligning interventions with patient values and realistic clinical endpoints. Acceptance of the natural course of dying represents an important component of responsible and patient-centred medical care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Palliative Care in Oncology: Current Advances)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop