Swarnakar R, Yadav SL. Integration of rehabilitation and palliative care in cancer management: A futuristic model. World J Clin Cases 2025; 13(12): 102326 [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i12.102326]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Raktim Swarnakar, MD, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India. raktimswarnakar@hotmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Rehabilitation
Article-Type of This Article
Minireviews
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Clin Cases. Apr 26, 2025; 13(12): 102326 Published online Apr 26, 2025. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i12.102326
Integration of rehabilitation and palliative care in cancer management: A futuristic model
Raktim Swarnakar, Shiv Lal Yadav
Raktim Swarnakar, Shiv Lal Yadav, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, Delhi, India
Author contributions: Swarnakar R contributed to conception and design; Swarnakar R and Yadav SL contributed to literature search and writing.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Raktim Swarnakar, MD, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India. raktimswarnakar@hotmail.com
Received: October 14, 2024 Revised: December 5, 2024 Accepted: December 16, 2024 Published online: April 26, 2025 Processing time: 84 Days and 14.3 Hours
Abstract
It explores the integration of rehabilitation and palliative care in cancer management, advocating for a holistic approach that addresses the diverse needs of patients throughout their treatment journey. Traditional cancer care often prioritizes curative interventions at the expense of overall well-being, leading to a fragmented experience for patients. By combining rehabilitation-focused on restoring function and improving physical health-with palliative care-emphasizing symptom management and quality of life-healthcare providers can create a comprehensive support system. The essay highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, as well as the need for education and training to implement this integrated model effectively. Additionally, it addresses potential barriers such as funding limitations and institutional resistance. Ultimately, the integration of these two disciplines represents a critical evolution in cancer care, enhancing patient outcomes and ensuring that individuals receive compassionate, patient-centered support throughout their journey.
Core Tip: Integrating rehabilitation and palliative care in cancer management is essential for providing holistic support to patients. This approach addresses both physical and emotional needs, improving overall quality of life. Effective interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals is crucial for developing personalized care plans. Training and education are necessary to empower providers to advocate for comprehensive care. Additionally, overcoming barriers such as funding limitations and institutional resistance is vital for implementing this integrated model. Ultimately, prioritizing the whole person in cancer care enhances patient outcomes and ensures compassionate support throughout the treatment journey.
