Global perspectives on MASCC clinical practice guidelines: awareness, implementation and insights to inform future updates
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: PURPOSE: The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) is internationally recognized for developing evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for managing cancer or treatment-related toxicities, but their uptake remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate global awareness, utilization, and perceptions of MASCC CPGs, to inform strategies to enhance future updates and promote their implementation. METHODS: An international online survey was distributed via the MASCC platform between February and March 2025 to healthcare professionals specialized in supportive care in cancer. The survey included both closed- and open-ended questions addressing awareness, usage, perceived strengths and limitations, implementation challenges, and suggestions for improvement. RESULTS: A total of 423 responses were received, 264 (63%) from MASCC members. Participants represented all world regions, with 271 (65%) having 11-20 or more years of clinical experience. Overall, 302 (78%) reported routinely using MASCC CPGs in the management of cancer or treatment-related toxicities. Even among non-members, MASCC CPGs were cited as the most frequently used guidelines compared with other sources. The mucositis and antiemetics CPGs were the most recognized and applied. Key facilitators included the guidelines' strong evidence and multidisciplinary development. Reported barriers included limited availability or high cost of recommended interventions. Respondents suggested improvements related to the timing of updates, dissemination strategies, and the inclusion of patient-facing guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: MASCC CPGs are widely recognized and valued globally, yet implementation remains variable. Targeted efforts to address resource constraints and enhance dissemination may strengthen their global awareness and implementation.
Source: Supportive Care in Cancer
Authors: Ragda Abdalla-Aslan, Paola Alberti, Nicole Blijlevens, Pierluigi Bonomo, Joanne Bowen, Julia S. Bruno, Raymond J. Chan, Yin Ting Cheung, Andrew Davies, Mellar Davis, Sharon Elad, Joel Epstein, Darren Fernandes, Jason L. Freedman, Nicolas H. Hart, Hirotoshi Iihara, Michael Jefford, Daniel Peter Johnstone, Amber S. Kleckner, Bogda Koczwara, Grigorios Kotronoulas, Emma Munro, Barbara Murphy, Midori Nakagaki, Enrique Soto-Perez-de-Celis, Stephen Sonis, Nikolaos Tsoukalas, Anna Ugalde, Corina van den Hurk, Hannah Rose Wardill, Paolo Bossi
Institutions: Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Rambam Health Care Campus, University of Milano-Bicocca, Radboud University Medical Center, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Adelaide University, The University of Adelaide, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Flinders University, Caring Futures Institute, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Trinity College Dublin, Levine Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medicine, University of Rochester, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, City Of Hope National Medical Center, City of Hope, University of Nottingham, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, University of Technology Sydney, Gifu University Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Maryland, Baltimore, UNSW Sydney, University of Glasgow, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, University of Colorado Anschutz, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, NIMTS Hospital, Henry Dunant Hospital, Deakin University, Catharina Ziekenhuis, Santeon (Netherlands), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Humanitas University, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,690
OpenAlex ID: W7225275070