Supportive Cancer Care
An Introduction to Supportive Cancer Care
Supportive care is an important area within cancer, aiming to improve the quality of life of patients by treating or preventing symptoms and side effects caused by treatment, whilst providing psychological and social support. Along with advancing treatments to address side effects such as nausea and vomiting, research into complementary and alternative therapies such as yoga and mindfulness is in progress.
Browse our selection of video highlights and short articles from the conference hub, providing insights into the latest updates from major conferences and a selection of peer-reviewed articles from the journal portfolio.
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With the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2026 fast approaching, attention is turning to Madrid, where the meeting is held from 23–27th October. Whether you are joining onsite or via the virtual platform, the three Presidential Symposia are the sessions not to miss. This year they carry 12 late-breaking abstracts (LBAs) spanning melanoma, lung, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, gynecological and rare cancers. With close to 300 scientific and educational sessions to choose from, we know the programme can feel overwhelming. So we have put together a quick guide to the headline sessions: when and where they run, who is presenting, and links to explore each one in the programme planner, so you can decide which to prioritize.
The microbiome has moved rapidly from an emerging area of cancer research towards a potential component of precision oncology. Yet despite compelling biological and observational evidence, important questions remain over how this knowledge should be translated safely into patient care.
As EORTC enters a new chapter under the Presidency of Professor Benjamin Besse (Gustave Roussy Institute and Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France), the organization is looking to accelerate academic research while keeping patients and scientific independence at its core. In this detailed and in-depth Q&A, Prof Besse shares his priorities for EORTC, from supporting the next generation of investigators and broadening clinical trial populations, to giving greater weight to quality of life and patient perspectives. He also considers how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, could reshape the way cancer research is conducted.
From AI and real-time toxicity monitoring to exercise and behavioural interventions, Prof Joanne Bowen explores the innovations reshaping supportive cancer care and outlines MASCC’s priorities for translating emerging evidence into meaningful improvements for patients.
Ahead of European Cancer Nursing Day 2026 (ECND26), Stavroula Chante (Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust) discusses the growing importance of cancer nurses in survivorship care, personalised medicine and multidisciplinary oncology teams. Speaking about this year’s theme, 'Supporting Life Beyond Cancer', she highlights the increasing demands facing the oncology nursing workforce across Europe, the need for greater recognition and investment, and why supporting nurses is essential to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
The 38th Annual Congress of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) in Barcelona brought together over 9,400 participants, marking a major milestone. The meeting highlighted major advances in oncologic imaging and theranostics, with a strong emphasis on precision medicine and combination treatment strategies. Across plenary sessions, debates, and late-breaking discussions, the meeting underscored how nuclear medicine is increasingly central to cancer diagnosis, treatment selection, and therapeutic delivery.
See who the oncology community selected as the rising stars of 2026!
In this Future Leaders interview, Dr Haywood discusses the mentors who shaped her career, the value of combining clinical care with research, and why collaboration and mentorship are essential for the next generation of oncologists.
In this Future Leaders interview, Dr Soniya Dulal discusses the global mentors who shaped her career, the importance of building sustainable oncology systems in Nepal and how precision medicine, palliative care and international collaboration can improve patient outcomes in resource-limited settings.
February has already been very busy across regulation, clinical research and community awareness - and we're only half way through! See below a round-up of the main breakthroughs and what to look out for during the rest of the month. ...
Have you ever considered what advocacy truly means? What it represents for you, your patients, and your colleagues? We’re confident that you already act as an advocate, but can you identify yourself as one? Let’s explore together! ...
Cancer nursing is central to delivering complex, evidence-based cancer care across Europe. To meet evolving needs, the EONS Education Working Group develops frameworks, training, networks, and safety initiatives. These efforts advance professional growth, strengthen education, and shape the future of cancer nursing—ultimately improving outcomes for patients and families.
In this episode of Visionary Voices, we welcome Associate Professor Grace Vincent from CQUniversity’s Appleton Institute. A leading expert on sleep and shift work, Grace explores how disrupted rest impacts physician health in both the short and long term, safety and performance. We also discuss what this means for patient outcomes and share practical strategies to manage sleep loss.
Maya Davies, winner of the 2025 MASCC Young Investigator Award, is uncovering how cancer treatments disrupt the brain in childhood cancer patients. Her research highlights the role of the gut microbiota, blood-brain barrier, and inflammation in treatment-related toxicity, paving the way for more personalised and biologically informed supportive oncology.
In an evolving cancer landscape, cancer nurses are innovative leaders in cancer research. Their unique position at the intersection of clinical care and patient advocacy equips them to drive meaningful advancements in many critical areas, particularly symptom science.
Celia Díez de los Ríos de la Serna, MASCC 2025 President Training Fellow, advocates for integrating compassionate patient care with evidence-based science. She emphasizes survivorship research, equitable access, and multidisciplinary collaboration, envisioning a future where supportive oncology is valued as much as disease-focused treatment, improving both patient outcomes and quality of life.
Dr Darren Haywood, UTS cancer survivorship researcher and recipient of the 2025 MASCC Emerging Investigator Award, discusses the future of supportive oncology. He shares insights on survivorship care, cancer-related cognitive impairment, and why multidisciplinary collaboration is key to improving quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer.
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