# Implications of Palliative Care Screening in Outpatient Comprehensive Cancer Genome Profiling Tests

## TL;DR

This study shows that many cancer patients undergoing genetic testing experience distress, highlighting the need for better access to palliative care.

## Contribution

The study identifies a gap in palliative care access for patients undergoing cancer genome profiling.

## Key findings

- 16% of patients had physical symptoms ≥3/5, but only 5 visited palliative care.
- 28% of patients had psychological symptoms ≥6/10, but only 8 visited palliative care.
- CGP outpatient clinics could serve as a platform to connect patients with palliative care.

## Abstract

Many patients with cancer experience physical and/or psychological distress when undergoing Comprehensive Cancer Genome Profiling (CGP) after being diagnosed with cancer. However, not all of these patients necessarily visit palliative care clinics. This study aimed to clarify the extent to which patients who underwent the CGP test experience physical and emotional distress.

The “Ease of Living Questionnaire” was administered to 75 patients who visited our CGP outpatient clinic between November 2022 and July 2023, and patient backgrounds were investigated.

Of the 75 patients, 8 (16%) had physical symptoms graded as ≥3/5, and five had visited a palliative care outpatient clinic. On the other hand, 14 patients (28%) had psychological symptoms graded as ≥6/10, but only eight visited the palliative care outpatient clinic.

Several patients who underwent CGP examinations at our hospital experienced physical and psychological distress, suggesting a strong need for palliative care. However, the number of patients who undergo interventions by palliative care physicians is not necessarily high. It is important to take advantage of the fact that CGP outpatient clinics provide sufficient time for healthcare professionals to meet with patients and their families, as well as to seek to connect patients in need of palliative care with appropriate palliative care CGP outpatient clinics in the future.