Commentary: Integrating Palliative Care Into Routine Head and Neck Cancer Care
The authors of an invited commentary published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery emphasize the importance of early integration of palliative care into routine treatment for patients with advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) to address complex physical and psychosocial needs. It discusses a study by van den Besselaar et al., which showcases a multidisciplinary palliative care model at Erasmus MC that assigns specialized oncology nurses to enhance support for HNC patients. The authors of the commentary note that though the model is commendable, it underscores the need for earlier palliative care interventions, better resource allocation, and innovative care pathways, including hybrid and stepped approaches, to address the significant physical and psychosocial burdens associated with advanced HNC.