What is the primary goal of palliative care in oncology?

The primary goal of palliative care in oncology is to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress associated with serious illnesses, including cancer. It is an integral part of cancer treatment that can be provided alongside curative therapies or as the main focus of care when curative treatment is no longer an option.

This approach emphasizes understanding the patient's experience, providing emotional and spiritual support, and enhancing the overall well-being of the individual and their family. By addressing issues such as pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and interpersonal challenges, palliative care aims to improve the patient's quality of life, regardless of the stage of the disease or the need for other treatments.

In contrast, the other options are not aligned with the core objective of palliative care. For example, curing cancer, providing chemotherapy, or facilitating clinical trials focus more on disease management and treatment rather than the holistic support of symptom relief and quality of life enhancement that palliative care emphasizes.