Welcome

Supportive care in cancer is an emerging initiative involving a multidisciplinary team that provides support for patients across the entire spectrum of the disease, including strategies for treatment adherence and managing adverse effects. In this Learning Zone, explore:

• The critical role of supportive care in cancer management and how to implement this into clinical practice
• Videos featuring experts Dr Matti Aapro and Dr Gary Lyman, who discuss supportive care and side effect management
• Guideline recommendations for managing side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies

Supportive care in oncology includes management of physical and psychological symptoms and side effects across the continuum of the cancer experience from diagnosis through treatment to post-treatment care

The continuous development of new cancer therapies combined with population growth and ageing, has created a need to more clearly define and integrate supportive care for people with cancer across the entire spectrum of the disease. Supportive care in cancer involves the prevention and management of the adverse side effects of cancer and its treatment, necessitating involvement and integration of various clinical specialties in the form of a multidisciplinary team.

Meet the experts

Dr Matti Aapro

Dr Matti Aapro is member of the Board of Directors of the Genolier Cancer Center, Genolier, Switzerland and President (2020-2021) of the European Cancer Organisation.

Dr Gary Lyman

Dr Gary Lyman is Professor of Public Health Sciences and Clinical Research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, and serves as a senior lead for health care quality and policy within the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR).