{"id":25482,"date":"2024-08-30T11:38:59","date_gmt":"2024-08-30T15:38:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?p=25482"},"modified":"2025-04-28T11:35:31","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T15:35:31","slug":"asco-palliative-care-guidelines-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/blog\/asco-palliative-care-guidelines-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Early Palliative Care Recommended for Mesothelioma Patients &#038; Their Caregivers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Palliative care refers to any medical care or therapy that treats a patient&#8217;s symptoms and aims to improve quality of life. For patients diagnosed with <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a>, palliative care can help with anything from pain to difficulty eating or breathing.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The ASCO panel found palliative care <strong>should be a fundamental part of cancer treatment,<\/strong> implemented early and tailored to each patient. Introducing <a href=\"\/treatment\/palliative\/\">palliative care<\/a> early can significantly:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enhance quality of life<\/li>\n<li>Reduce psychological distress<\/li>\n<li>Provide essential support to caregivers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Learn more about palliative care and its potential impact on mesothelioma patients and their caregivers.<\/p>\n<h2>Updates to the ASCO Palliative Care Guidelines<\/h2>\n<p>In 2016, ASCO primarily recommended palliative care for late-stage cancer patients within the first 8 weeks of diagnosis in addition to <a href=\"\/treatment\/\">standard treatment<\/a>. By May 2024, ASCO expanded its guidelines to include all patients and caregivers.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cPatients and caregivers should be able to request palliative care<strong> at any stage, with any <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/\">prognosis<\/a><\/strong>, based on their needs,\u201d the ASCO experts stated.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>ASCO\u2019s palliative treatment guidelines now recommend that:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Patients with advanced cancer are referred to <strong>specialty palliative care services<\/strong> to manage symptoms that affect their quality of life<\/li>\n<li>Patients take advantage of interdisciplinary palliative care teams that have the ability to provide <strong>both in-person and virtual care<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Any members of the cancer treatment team <strong>may refer caregivers to palliative care providers<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These updated guidelines highlight the growing role of palliative care in extending length and quality of life.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Not sure where to start with managing your symptoms?<\/strong> Contact our team today to connect with skilled mesothelioma specialists in your area.<\/p>\n<h2>Early Palliative Care<\/h2>\n<p>The 2024 ASCO guidelines emphasize that early referral to palliative care leads to better patient outcomes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The reported benefits included:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Better management of physical, social, and spiritual distress<\/li>\n<li>Higher likelihood of discussing or documenting end-of-life preferences<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/blog\/improving-mesothelioma-quality-life\/\">Improved quality of life,<\/a> overall mood, symptom control, and patient satisfaction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cWe\u2019ve found that early palliative care involvement is <strong>linked to patients having a better quality of life<\/strong> \u2014 period, full stop.\u201d<br \/>\n\u2013 Dr. Jacob Strand, palliative care specialist at Mayo Clinic<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>Specialty Palliative Care<\/h2>\n<p>The ASCO panel found that specialty palliative care provided by interdisciplinary teams \u2014 as opposed to primary care overseen by general oncologists \u2014 can significantly improve quality of life.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Examples of specialty palliative care include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Coordinating with other care providers<\/li>\n<li>Managing <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/symptoms\/\">physical symptoms<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Offering psychological and spiritual support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2>Interdisciplinary Teams<\/h2>\n<p>The updated ASCO guidelines emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary teams in providing effective palliative care.<\/p>\n<p><strong>These teams typically include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Doctors<\/li>\n<li>Nurses<\/li>\n<li>Psychologists<\/li>\n<li>Social workers<\/li>\n<li>Spiritual advisors<\/li>\n<li>Other providers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each team member can help address the wide range of needs patients and caregivers may have, including physical symptoms, <a href=\"\/resources\/emotional-support\/\">emotional support<\/a>, and spiritual care.<\/p>\n<p>The collaborative approach ensures that <strong>all aspects of a person&#8217;s well-being are considered<\/strong> and managed throughout their cancer journey.<\/p>\n<h2>Telehealth Palliative Care Found Just as Effective<\/h2>\n<p>The ASCO recommendations also recognize the increasing importance of telehealth in delivering palliative care. Telehealth allows patients to access palliative care services and <a href=\"\/resources\/support-groups\/\">support groups<\/a> remotely.<\/p>\n<div class=\"did-you-know icon-bell\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.did-you-know{background:#F3F2F0;border-radius:10px;margin:40px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 80px;position:relative}.did-you-know:before{position:absolute;left:20px;top:20px;width:45px;height:45px;background:#0FAEBF;border-radius:50px;color:#fff;text-align:center;line-height:45px;font-size:27px}.did-you-know .heading{font-size:24px;color:#100134;padding:10px 0;display:block;margin:0 0 5px}.did-you-know h2,.did-you-know .h2,.did-you-know h3,.did-you-know .h3{font-size:24px;line-height:1.14}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.did-you-know{padding:25px 25px 25px 90px}.did-you-know:before{left:25px;top:25px}.did-you-know .heading{padding:8px 0}.did-you-know h2,.did-you-know .h2,.did-you-know h3,.did-you-know .h3{font-size:24px;line-height:1.14}}<\/style><strong class=\"heading\">Did You Know?<\/strong><p>In a recent study, ASCO found that virtual palliative care was <strong>just as effective as in-person care<\/strong> for advanced lung cancer patients.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cPatients 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,\u201d explained one palliative care specialist. <strong>\u201cIt also allows them to participate at times when they feel their worst.\u201d<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>This flexibility is especially valuable for patients with advanced cancer who may have limited mobility or energy.<\/p>\n<h2>Supporting Caregivers With Palliative Care<\/h2>\n<p>Caring for someone battling an aggressive cancer can be overwhelming, especially when it&#8217;s a loved one. Studies have shown that palliative care offers significant benefits not only to patients but to their <a href=\"\/resources\/caregivers\/\">caregivers<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEarly palliative care involvement may benefit caregivers of patients with advanced cancer<strong> emotionally and psychologically<\/strong>,\u201d the ASCO panel stated.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Palliative support can help reduce:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Caregiver burden<\/li>\n<li>Depression<\/li>\n<li>Psychological distress<\/li>\n<li>Stress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>ASCO strongly recommends that caregivers be referred to palliative care groups soon after the patient\u2019s diagnosis or at the start of treatment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Struggling to manage the demands of caregiving?<\/strong> Download our <a href=\"\/caregivers-guide\/\">Free Self-Care Guide for Caregivers<\/a> for tips to improve your well-being.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"18718\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque outline image-left has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"outline\">.widget_oscar-vque.outline{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.outline:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.outline>a{border:1px solid #E6E7EC;padding:20px;box-shadow:0 20px 20px rgba(34,34,34,0.03);border-radius:10px;color:#383441;display:block;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.outline img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:180px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline .vque-content{color:#383441;font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.subheading{color:#100134;display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.heading{color:#100134;font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 20px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.outline ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;color:#fff;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:3px;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.button.arrow{width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a{position:relative;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #fff 100%)}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.outline{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.outline>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.outline>a>div{display:block;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:flex-end;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.outline>a>div>div{width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.outline>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 13px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0;color:#383441}}<\/style><a href=\"\/caregivers-guide\/\" title=\"Free Self-Care for Caregivers Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Free Self-Care for Caregivers Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/caregivers-ipad-1.png\"><div><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"95\" height=\"144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/caregivers-ipad-1.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Caregivers support guide\" \/><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Free Self-Care for Caregivers Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Daily self-care checklist<\/li>\n<li>Tips to prevent burnout<\/li>\n<li>Support group resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button yellow arrow\" title=\"Download Your Self-Care Guide\">Download Your Self-Care Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Get Mesothelioma Support at Every Step<\/h2>\n<p>For over 25 years, Mesothelioma Hope has helped cancer patients, their caregivers, and family members get the support they need.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Our team of Patient Advocates are available to:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Help you access mesothelioma palliative care<\/li>\n<li>Match you with local <a href=\"\/treatment\/doctors\/\">cancer specialists<\/a><\/li>\n<li>See if you qualify for financial compensation<\/li>\n<li>Walk through what to expect during treatment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/jenna-tozzi-small.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;The Patient Advocacy team is<strong> an extra layer of ongoing support<\/strong> throughout a mesothelioma journey. We want everyone to be armed with the resources necessary to overcome challenges related to a cancer diagnosis.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Jenna Tozzi, RN, Chief Patient Care Advisor for Mesothelioma Hope<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/about\/contact\/\">Contact our Patient Advocates<\/a> now for <strong>free mesothelioma support.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Palliative care refers to any medical care or therapy that treats a patient&#8217;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&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":25483,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25482","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mesothelioma-treatment"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25482","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25482"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25482\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25483"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25482"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25482"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25482"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}