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Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42(04): 514-530
DOI: 10.1055/a-1946-5592
Review Article

Early Implementation of Palliative and Supportive Care in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cameron Gofton
1   Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia
2   Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
,
Meera Agar
3   Department of Palliative Care, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
,
Jacob George
2   Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
4   Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Camperdown and Darlington Campus, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract

Early palliative and supportive care referral is the standard of care for many malignancies. This paradigm results in improvements in patients' symptoms and quality of life and decreases the costs of medical care and unnecessary procedures. Leading oncology guidelines have recommended the integration of early referral to palliative and supportive services to care pathways for advanced malignancies. Currently, early referral to palliative care within the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) population is not utilized, with gastroenterology guidelines recommending referral of patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage D to these services. This review addresses this topic through analysis of the existing data within the oncology field as well as literature surrounding palliative care intervention in HCC. Early palliative and supportive care in HCC and its impact on patients, caregivers, and health services allow clinicians and researchers to identify management options that improve outcomes within existing service provisions.

Keywords

hepatocellular carcinoma - palliative care - palliative and supportive care - implementation


Publication History

Accepted Manuscript online:
17 September 2022

Article published online:
18 October 2022

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