Symptom clusters in individuals living with advanced cancer

Abstract

Objectives: To discuss issues related to symptom clusters in patients living with advanced cancer.

Data sources: Research and review articles.

Conclusion: The importance for symptom cluster evaluation in oncology has been documented; however, there remain a number of inconsistencies in the literature as to the best way to accomplish this. Individuals living with advanced cancer are often dealing with symptoms from their disease, as well as prior and current therapies. Research related to patients receiving long-term cancer therapies and the symptom clusters experienced by this group of individuals is needed.

Implications for nursing practice: Understanding the intricacies of symptom clusters in this population is an area for future research.