INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF PALLIATIVE CARE FOR CANCER PATIENTS: CHALLENGES, ISSUES, AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS. LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Palliative care for cancer patients is a critical component of modern oncology, aimed at improving the quality of life for patients with terminal or advanced-stage cancer. It focuses on alleviating symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and psychological distress, while also providing emotional and spiritual support for both patients and their families. Over the past decades, palliative care has evolved from being a niche service to a fundamental aspect of cancer treatment, increasingly integrated into healthcare systems worldwide. Despite its importance, access to high-quality palliative care remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Many countries with developed healthcare systems have made significant strides in improving the availability and quality of palliative care services, yet challenges persist, including a shortage of trained professionals, fragmented funding, and cultural stigma surrounding death and end-of-life care. Aim. To critically analyze the international experiences in providing palliative care for cancer patients, examining the challenges, issues, and opportunities for development across different healthcare systems. Search strategy. The following approach was used for the literature review on palliative care for cancer patients. The search was conducted in major scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and others. The review included peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025, focusing on palliative care for adult cancer patients. Studies not related to palliative care or focused on pediatrics were excluded. The search involved a combination of keywords and filters by language and publication date (last 10 years). To expand the scope of sources, references cited in selected papers and data from experts were also considered. Results and conclusions. The literature review highlights that palliative care for cancer patients has evolved significantly, with various models in both developed and developing countries. Challenges such as workforce shortages, fragmented funding, late referrals, and limited access to opioids persist globally. Innovations like telemedicine and interdisciplinary care teams have shown promise in improving access and quality of care, but their implementation remains inconsistent. Developed countries have more integrated systems, while middle-income nations struggle with regulatory and resource limitations.