Challenges in lung cancer approaches: from the clinical issues to the novel therapies

Background: Lung cancer is currently one of the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide. Distress symptoms related to the primary disease or in combination with disease progression have challenges faced by the patients, family, and their multidisciplinary team. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the benefits of an integrated palliative care approach for lung cancer patients at the time of diagnosis and to analyze the main symptoms and its treatment. Methods: We performed an integrative review of the databases ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, CINAHL and Academic Search Complete using the keywords “lung cancer”, “palliative care”, “approaches” and “therapies”. The research and documentation were carried in accordance with the guideline PRISMA 2009. Results: Among 164 articles found in the searched databases, only 33 were selected due to their suitability and relevance to the subject with respect to the inclusion criteria defined. The evidence showed that early inclusion of palliative or supportive care could originate a satisfactory resolution of most of the symptoms and promote quality of life for the patients and their families. Conclusion: Early palliative care led to significant improvements in the patient’s quality of life and mood. The focus on care was the management of symptoms and the well-being of the patients be in a hospital or in a home setting.