Early Palliative Care in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective This study aims to assess the efficacy of Early Palliative Care (EPC) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through a meta-analysis approach. Methods A computerized search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the application of EPC in advanced NSCLC. Outcome measures including Overall Survival (OS), quality of life, and psychological status were extracted and subjected to pooled analysis. Results After the computerized search, a total of 7 studies comprising 1185 participants were included, with 597 patients receiving EPC intervention and 588 patients receiving Standard Care (SC) intervention. Three studies reported OS after the intervention, demonstrating a significant improvement in OS for patients receiving EPC (pooled HR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.22, 1.98). Five studies analyzed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) scores after the intervention, revealing a significant improvement in FACT scores for patients receiving EPC (pooled SMD = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.31). No significant differences were found in anxiety and depression scores between the 2 interventions in the 5 studies. Conclusion In advanced NSCLC, EPC provides benefits in terms of increased survival rates and improved quality of life. EPC should be considered as part of multidisciplinary treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC.