A comprehensive review of European clinical practice guidelines on psychological and cognitive assessment and support for cancer patients and their families
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: PURPOSE: Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide and, consequently, awareness of the psychological and cognitive challenges faced by patients and their families increases. To address these needs, psycho-oncological Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and recommendations have been progressively developed. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of existing European CPGs and recommendations regarding psychological and cognitive assessment and support for cancer patients and their families. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on PsycINFO, Scopus, and Medline (PubMed interface), supplemented by a secondary search strategy. Only CPGs published in the last 15 years were considered. Data extraction focused on guideline characteristics, target population, symptoms addressed, assessment tools, recommended interventions, and quality appraisal. RESULTS: After the screening phase, 38 publications were included. An increase in the publication of psycho-oncological guidelines emerges across European countries and the rise of a multidisciplinary approach. Most CPGs address adult cancer patients and prioritise distress, anxiety, and depression. Common screening tools are the Distress Thermometer and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Concerning interventions, psychosocial support and counselling are the most recommended forms of support, while digital and family-centred interventions are scarcely mentioned. Looking at the level of evidence and strength of recommendations, heterogeneity was observed across CPGs. CONCLUSION: The rise of CPGs represents an effort to integrate psycho-oncological assistance into cancer care in Europe, but gaps in inclusivity, protocols, and implementation remain. Future guidelines should address underserved groups, enhance methodological quality of the CPGs, and include digital and family-centred interventions to improve equitable access and holistic care.
Source: Supportive Care in Cancer
Authors: Ilaria Durosini, Dario Monzani, Veronica Coppini, Asia Grigis, Giorgia Mulè, Maria Vittoria Ferrari, Chiara Bovolenta, Elisabeth Andritsch, Clemens Farkas, Marcel Meyerheim, Laura Ciria-Suarez, Birute Brasiuniene, Andreas Charalambous, Lotte van der Weijst, Nikolina Dodlek, Luigi Grassi, Norbert Graf, Melissa Heifez, Cristian Ochoa Arnedo, Mieke Van Hemelrijck, Mareike Rutenkröger, Isabelle Scholl, Francesca Magnoni, Marie Lange, Gabriella Pravettoni
Institutions: University of Milan, European Institute of Oncology, University of Palermo, Medical University of Graz, Klinik für Psychosomatik, Saarland University, Bellvitge University Hospital, Institut d'Investigació Biomédica de Bellvitge, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Vilnius University, Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos, University of Turku, Cyprus University of Technology, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, University of Ferrara, Universitat de Barcelona, King's College London, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Inserm, Centre François Baclesse, Cancers et Préventions
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,690
Award: G86686070
OpenAlex ID: W7221817751