Ethical challenges and multidisciplinary approaches in end-of-life oncology care: Insights from the 2025 AIOM Ethics Days

End-of-life care in oncology represents a complex and multidimensional challenge that requires ethical awareness, effective communication, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Drawing from the discussions and data presented during the 2025 AIOM Ethics Days, this paper highlights key aspects influencing the quality and humanity of end-of-life care. Significant gaps persist in clinicians' knowledge and in the practical implementation of shared care planning, not solved by the dedicated Italian law approved in 2017 (n.219). Communication between oncologists and patients remains a critical factor in fostering informed decisions and emotional support. Awareness of prognosis and early integration of palliative care improve quality of life, yet these remain underutilized. Spiritual support and organizational innovation are increasingly recognized as essential components of comprehensive care. The findings highlight the importance of interprofessional dialogue, ethical reflection, and ongoing education to reduce overtreatment and professional distress. Fostering a culture of respect and shared responsibility is essential to uphold patients' dignity throughout the end-of-life process.

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Publication Details

Journal
Tumori Journal
Published
2026-04-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/03008916261431067
Primary Topic
Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues
Type
article
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article

Ethical challenges and multidisciplinary approaches in end-of-life oncology care: Insights from the 2025 AIOM Ethics Days

Massimo Di Maïo, F Perrone, Lorenzo Belluomini, V Zagonel et al.
Tumori Journal
Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues
article

Ethical challenges and multidisciplinary approaches in end-of-life oncology care: Insights from the 2025 AIOM Ethics Days

Massimo Di Maïo, F Perrone, Lorenzo Belluomini, V Zagonel, Angela Toss
article en

Abstract

End-of-life care in oncology represents a complex and multidimensional challenge that requires ethical awareness, effective communication, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Drawing from the discussions and data presented during the 2025 AIOM Ethics Days, this paper highlights key aspects influencing the quality and humanity of end-of-life care. Significant gaps persist in clinicians' knowledge and in the practical implementation of shared care planning, not solved by the dedicated Italian law approved in 2017 (n.219). Communication between oncologists and patients remains a critical factor in fostering informed decisions and emotional support. Awareness of prognosis and early integration of palliative care improve quality of life, yet these remain underutilized. Spiritual support and organizational innovation are increasingly recognized as essential components of comprehensive care. The findings highlight the importance of interprofessional dialogue, ethical reflection, and ongoing education to reduce overtreatment and professional distress. Fostering a culture of respect and shared responsibility is essential to uphold patients' dignity throughout the end-of-life process.

Tumori Journal
University of Verona (IT), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (IT), Azienda Ospedaliera Citta' della Salute e della Scienza di Torino (IT), Azienda Unita' Sanitaria Locale Di Modena (IT), Fondazione Ricerca Molinette (IT), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena (IT), Istituto Oncologico Veneto (IT), Associazione Italiana Di Oncologia Medica (IT), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale" (IT)
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues
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