Jann Arends, Tora Solheim

Translating guidelines on supportive (and palliative) care into clinical practice along disease stages

Presentation Roadmap/ Summary

After presentation of the landscape of guidelines, following a selected patient case the occurring problems, options, diagnostic procedures and treatment steps are discussed according the course and stage of the disease. Guideline recommendations are highlighted aimed at specific situations. The presentation will focus on a multimodal treatment approach and on the necessity for close communication among cooperating health care providers.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to:

1. Name the major and most recent clinical practice guidelines on cancer cachexia
2. Recognize the basic pattern of adjusting supportive and palliative care individually
3. Name the essential members of a cancer cachexia treatment team

Key Takeaways/ Fast Facts

• Guidelines by ESPEN (2017) and ESMO (expected 2019) recommend concisely on assessing and treating cancer cachexia
• Cachexia care is based on screening, assessment and individualized multi-targeted treatment
• Cachexia care requires a vibrantly communicating team approach to provide optimal care       

Key references

1. Arends J et al. Nutrition in cancer patients. Clin Nutr 2017