The impact of early integrated palliative care on symptom burden and quality of life in patients with advanced breast cancer

Patients with advanced breast cancer endure a high symptom burden and impaired quality of life. This study evaluated the impact of Early Integrated Palliative Care (EIPC) on these outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study analyzed patients with advanced breast cancer treated between November 2018 and December 2021. Patients were categorized into an EIPC group or a usual care group based on the care model received. Symptom burden (SDS) and sleep quality (PSQI) were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks. Quality of life (FACT-B), hope (HHI), and anxiety/depression (HADS) were evaluated at baseline and 24 weeks. End-of-life chemotherapy rates were recorded. RESULTS: Of 200 included patients, 88 received EIPC, and 112 received usual care. The EIPC group demonstrated significantly lower SDS scores from week 6 onward (24 weeks: 27.57 vs. 29.71, P = 0.002) and lower PSQI scores (24 weeks: 7.21 vs. 8.19, P = 0.002). At 24 weeks, the EIPC group had significantly higher FACT-B scores in physical, social/family, emotional, and functional well-being domains (all P