Early palliative care has been shown to improve the survival of advanced lung cancer patients. However, most of the clinical studies were performed in the era when systemic treatment options for this disease were limited. Currently, many effective treatment options are available, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy. These novel agents improve the treatment outcomes while having less toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapy. Moreover, medical oncologists are now trained to provide palliative care for patients. This study was designed to demonstrate whether early palliative care provided by the palliative care specialist still improves the quality of life or survival of advanced lung cancer patients compared to standard care provided by the medical oncologist.
Age at least 18 years old
Pathologically confirmed advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Plan to receive systemic treatment for lung cancer within three weeks
ECOG performance status 0-2 with estimated life expectancy > 24 weeks
Had received systemic treatment for advanced lung cancer before
Parallel
Early palliative care integration
Other interventionThe patients will attend palliative care clinic once a month during the first three months together with routine oncology clinic visits
Standard systemic treatment for advanced lung cancer
DrugStandard systemic treatment for advanced lung cancer
Quality of life score (FACT-L Total Score)
The patients were asked to assess their Health-related Quality Of Life (HRQoL) using FACT-L (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Lung) questionnaire. The score ranges from 0-136 with higher score indicating better HRQoL.
Change in quality of life (FACT-L Total Scores)
The patients were asked to assess their Health-related Quality Of Life (HRQoL) using FACT-L (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Lung) questionnaire. The score ranges from 0-136 with higher score indicating better HRQoL. Change in FACT-L Total Scores defined as the difference between FACT-L Total Score at a specified time point minus baseline FACT-L Total Score.
Change in mental health score (PHQ-9)
The patients were asked to assess their depression levels using a Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). The score ranges from 0-27 with 0 indicating no depression and 27 indicating severe depression.
Change in pain score
The patients were asked to assess their pain using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The score ranges from 0-10 with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating worst pain imaginable.
One-year survival rate
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